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If you’re tired of serving the same old dishes, listening to the same tired holiday music, and settling
down to watch the same old flicks (if you have to watch It’s a Wonderful Life one more time, you swear
you’re going to lose it), then perhaps it’s time to spice up your traditional holiday party. You don’t have
to go so far as to hire a professional party planner to deck your halls and bring in a five-star chef, but
you definitely need to make some changes to the agenda if you want do something new and exciting
this year. So here are just a few great ideas to get your holiday party started and ensure that you’re the
toast of the town come New Year.
1. Food. While the whole clan might be expecting turkey, ham, or roast beef as the main dish,
along with seasonal sides like mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and other calorie-laden
classics, you can do your part this year to stick to your diet with foods that are both healthy and
delicious (not to mention different). Actually, the turkey isn’t a bad idea…it’s the healthiest of
the holiday meats. But if you want to try something different, how about a roasted leg of lamb
marinated in tawny port (served with creamy organic squash soup and an arugula salad with
walnuts and dried cranberries)? Or if you’re just throwing a cocktail party, try some exotic hors
d’oeuvres with fresh ingredients.
2. Drinks. If you happen to be one of many trying to stick to a diet this holiday season, you’re
in luck when it comes to the sauce, because Skinny Girl has more than just margaritas. The
Skinny Girl Brand has a couple of new cocktails in the lineup, including Sangria and a White
Cranberry Cosmo that’s under 100 calories per serving. Of course, if you’re not dieting you
can go all out with some amazing seasonal drink recipes. Peppermint cocoa, mulled wine, and
hot buttered rum are traditional, but if you want to get fancy try making pomegranate Bellinis,
white chocolate eggnog, or hot cranberry cider (with your choice of rum, bourbon, or brandy).
3. Theme. Okay, so the obvious theme here is “the holidays”. But you could take it in a different
direction this year by displaying hallmarks of holidays around the globe to cater to your diverse
crowd of friends. Or you might attempt a “winter wonderland” theme with snowflakes, glitter,
and everything in various shades of white. You could even go with an “old-fashioned holiday”
feel with antique ornaments and rustic elements.
4. Décor. If you’re not really keen to go with a theme, then spice up your space with white
icicle lights and a few chic hurricane glass vases filled with ornaments. Or if you want a more
traditional look, use pinecones and branches tied with raffia or twine to create centerpieces and
mantle displays.
5. Entertainment. While some hosts can afford to hire fire dancers Las Vegas or theatrical players
in New York, the majority of parties this holiday season are bound to be a bit tamer (and less
expensive). But you still want to entertain your guests. So instead of playing holiday music, set
up a karaoke machine complete with holiday tunes. Or put together a holiday-themed version
of charades to get everyone having fun in the spirit of the season.
These are great ideas to hold onto for next year!
bellinis for the holidays sound fun and festive
Well those are great suggestions!