Easy Entertaining Products, Tips and Shortcuts for the Holidays

This is the time of year we we always have people drop in for some holiday cheer. Some events are more formal than others. I always keep some standard items on hand, just in case I need to throw together an hors d’oeuvre tray or cocktail snacks.

Where to Shop?

Typically, I would love to have the time and energy to make everything from scratch, but realistically that’s not always the case. This year, I capitalize on all the wonderful things available at Costco for our entertaining needs.  With a little imagination you can take ordinary items and turn them into something special with these entertaining shortcuts.

Here are a few of their products that are my favorite to use. Prices, products and vendors will vary depending on areas of the country. Even if you don’t have a Costco nearby, I am hoping you can find the same or similar items at your grocery store.

Charcuterie Tray Items

For a charcuterie tray, a mixture of cured meats, cheeses, fruits, vegetables, and items I use to fill the empty spaces~~olives, nuts, and berries can be purchased in one grocery run. The key to a pretty charcuterie tray is different items, textures, flavors and colors.

Many of these items are already sliced or in individual sizes, which is a real time saver.

These spiral minis are so delicious. You can add a slice of pickle or wrap them with a chive blade to customize the look.

This cheese pack comes with 4 different kinds of cheeses and is already pre-sliced.

Boursin cheese (with 3 different flavors) is not only yummy but I like the size for tucking into my board.

Perfect for the holidays, this attractive goat cheese log is filled with seasonal flavors-cinnamon and cranberries. Another good cheese to just unpack and put out. It is best at room temperature.

Assembling and Making the Food Pretty

Everyone loves Brie and this size is rather affordable ~~it is 5″ in diameter and perfect for baking. Place the wheel on an oven-safe serving dish, bake at 350 degrees for 5-7 minutes (longer if you want it softer or runny).

Any leftover cranberry sauce from Thanksgiving? Pour some over the top; add walnuts if you’d like or some orange zest. Viola! You have a holiday themed Brie in under 15 minutes! Sour cherry or fig jam will work equally as well. Garnish with a few sprigs of rosemary and your Brie looks like it is from an expensive caterer.

Though I am not very fond of pre-packaged vegetable trays (especially the dip in the middle), they do come in handy when you need a healthy appetizer for your guests. However, you can use your magic to make this plain Jane tray into something much more appealing.

Use the vegetables to create a Christmas tree or holiday themed tray.

How cute is this Santa from the Kitchen Counter Chronicles?

If you have a holiday cookie-cutter, it works well on single slices of cheese for your cheese/meat board.

All the store bought ingredients can be easily assembled on a large tray, making it enticing for those to help themselves. Small glass bowls with nuts and olives are scattered throughout.

Warm Dip

Fresh crab is a special treat that can be served many ways. This one from Phillips is the best I have found so far. My favorite warm crab dip recipe is from Serious Eats and can be found here. This one is creamy and rich and who doesn’t love buttered bread crumbs on top. Nothing like having something hot and bubbly to dip your cracker or bread into on a chilly winter night.

Here are two delicious pre-made dips that can be served hot or cold. Some presentation ideas~ Buy a large round of sourdough bread and cut out the interior. Take that portion of the bread and make bitesized pieces. Fill the interior of the bread bowl with the Spinach Artichoke Parmesan dip and serve with the bread pieces.

Or serve this dip cold along side of your vegetable tray. Both are very tasty.

What to Serve for Dessert?

Costco’s selection of fresh berries is rather good. I like to serve berries vs. cut fruit to minimize the prep work.

For a dessert tray, you can’t beat these mini cream puffs. The extras can go into the freezer to nibble on later. That can be a good and bad thing!

Every Christmas, my dear friend, Linda would make the most delicious macarons. I swear they were better than the ones I’ve tasted in Paris. However, she abandoned me to get married and move to the east coast so now I buy these. They do well in a pinch.

The key to making a warm and welcoming spread for you family and guests is to be creative in the presentation. If the food looks enticing, then you know it will taste good. Serve cookies and fruit on pedestal plates with ornaments and greens.

Flowers

And don’t forget the flowers! You do not have to spend a bundle on making your appetizer table look festive and appealing. Red and white carnations from your local grocery store are generally priced fairly and add that punch of color to your table.

Add a few evergreens and pinecones and you have a winter centerpiece.

You don’t need to be a fabulous cook to make the food for your guests extra special. So many delicious items are readily available. The internet has so many images and ideas on how to serve your food in an appealing and attractive way.

I hope you have enjoyed these products, tips and shortcuts. With the holidays being so busy, it’s nice to have ways to entertain efficiently and effectively. Please share any of your holiday entertaining tips and tricks!

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