I love entertaining especially during the holiday season! There's something about having friends and family over that just makes my day and puts me into the holiday spirit; but I have to admit, entertaining can be stressful at times. Not only do I have the kids underfoot, but I also have to worry about what I'm going to feed my guests when they arrive while ensuring that my party goes flawlessly and I don’t spend the whole party in the kitchen!. After many years of entertaining, I have learned a thing or two along with the way. In partnership with Alouette Cheese, I want to share my four easy ways that you too can entertain virtually stress-free this holiday season – it's not as difficult as you'd think!
1. Choose quick and easy ingredients that do the work for you
Let’s face it, the holidays are a busy time and you won’t be able to spend the full day in the kitchen. Also, you won’t want to be stuck in the kitchen the whole time of your holiday party. So don’t! Purchase ingredients that do most of the work for you. I love that Alouette Garlic & Herbs Soft Spreadable Cheese comes in a tub that looks just like a white ramekin. Also, the cheese itself has a gorgeous sprinkling of herbs on top that gives the impression that you slaved away on a cheese spread for your guests. In reality, all you have to do is pick it up at your local grocery store and pop off the top! Put it out with some fresh veggies and chunks of bread for a quick and easy appetizer and you’re done!
2. Serve tried and true recipes or ones you can't get wrong
Now is not the time to try a new recipe that you've found on Pinterest or that you've seen your favorite chef prepare on your favorite food channel. Stick with tried and true recipes that you've prepared numerous times, and that you know your guests will love. One such appetizer recipe that my family and I have been serving for many years is our creamy stuffed celery sticks. It's always a hit, and you truly can't go wrong with this recipe. Not just because it's simple to create, but its also delicious too! For this recipe we used Alouette Garlic & Herbs Soft Spreadable Cheese. The Garlic and Herbs in Alouette's Garlic & Herbs Soft Spreadable Cheese gives it that added oomph, and I also add some chopped chives and paprika on the top for that festive holiday feel. However, you can totally make it your own, by adding bacon etc. Be sure to save some for your guests because once you take a bite, you're not going to want to stop.
3. Make a shopping list and check it twice
Just like Santa makes his list and checks it twice, you should also do the same thing so that you can make certain that you'll have everything that you require for the big day. The grocery stores are treacherous enough without having to pack up the kids and go multiple times during the holiday season because you forgot certain ingredients. Begin with your recipes and add all the ingredients to your list. Don’t forget about spices or staple ingredients you might think you have, but might be running low on! Then, follow up with your decorations and party essentials.
4. Enlist help
Get everyone involved! While you can consider hiring help, sometimes all you need to do is ask family and friends and you'll be surprised at how many of them will get involved. And don't forget the kids. You can even offer an incentive. The first to show up at your door will receive a gift. Create a gift basket and fill it with Alouette Garlic & Herbs Soft Spreadable Cheese, they'll appreciate it!
With a little bit of planning, you too can entertain stress-free this holiday season!
Have you tried Alouette Garlic & Herbs Soft Spreadable Cheese yet?
We love this cheese spread and I always have some on hand in my house, because you never know when you will be hosting friends or family. Plus, this is the perfect cheese spread to serve. So, couldn't agree with you more about this! :)
ReplyDeleteI have never tried this cheese but it is totally something I would try. I am always looking for ways to make hosting easier.
ReplyDeleteI needed this post in my life, haha. Also this cheese is my favorite! goat cheese is so delicious and perfect for any holiday recipe!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds great! I can see this for recipes like the fish one you shared and also as an ingredient in appetizers and dips! Yum!
ReplyDeleteThese are great tips. I usually like trying out new recipes for the holidays so I always give them a test run before I need it.
ReplyDeleteI would like to try this cheese. I like all kinds of cheese and this looks really good!
ReplyDeleteThe cheese looks great as a dip. I like your ideas for avoiding stress during the holidays. Avoiding new recipes is a great idea because you don't want to experiment now.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I've ever heard of Alouette cheeses before. They sound delicious. These are great ways to enjoy a stress-fee holiday!
ReplyDeleteThis is my favorite cheese spread! It is not Christmas without this and crackers.
ReplyDeleteThese tips are really useful. I need to start enlisting more help. I can be a bit of a micro-manager.
ReplyDeleteI do enjoy a good cheese spread. Plus if it has garlic I'm in. We love to host a New Year eve party every year so will be picking this up.
ReplyDeleteI have not tried this soft spreadable cheese yet, but you know I am going to have to now. I am a cheese addict, and this sounds super yummy!
ReplyDeleteI must get this Alouette soft cheese spread. It would be perfect with crackers! Great for entertaining or just for movie nights and game days with the family. Thanks for the review of the product. I will add this to my grocery list.
ReplyDeleteThere's nothing like making easy recipes to lessen the stress during the Holidays! I can never survive without making different lists for different things! Especially this season. I'd love to try that spreadable cheese, you can use it on a lot of recipes!
ReplyDeleteSticking with recipes you know and love is always a good idea when it comes to holiday cooking. I need to try this Alouette soft cheese spread.
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried this cheese yet, but it looks amazing! It will be perfect for the holidays while we are entertaining. I have to grab some.
ReplyDeleteThese are great tips for hosting, I love trying new recipes but never during the holidays, they need a few test rounds first before I will make them on a holiday. We don't have that specific brand of Cheese but something similar that I have used in the past and loved.
ReplyDeleteI haven't had that cheese in such a long time! Yum! Great tips for stress free event
ReplyDeleteI've not tried it but I bet it's delicious on a toasted bagel!
ReplyDeleteOh I love this cheese! It's the perfect addition to a holiday appetizer table!
ReplyDeleteStaying stress free is huge to me being productive. I find myself taking plenty of breaks during the day.
ReplyDeleteThese are some awesome suggestions. I know some people who could really learn from this.
ReplyDeleteI would try this cheese. I love spreads for holiday parties and always looking for new additions as cheese is always a huge hit for picking!
ReplyDeleteI love this post, the ideas shared are so helpful. I have tried this cheese but it looks amazing and sure tastes amazing too
ReplyDeleteI love this cheese. I buy it all the time for my parties cause it is so easy to prep and everyone loves it.
ReplyDeleteThis cheese spread looks so good! I am hosting a Christmas eve party and something like this would be PERFECT to set out as an appetizer for everyone!
ReplyDeleteThis cheese spread sounds so yummy! I love all the ways you were able to use it too! I am all for anything that will make the holidays easier because holy stress season.
ReplyDeleteI love cheese spreads. I definitely would love to try this brand. This makes for perfect entertaining for the Holidays. It would definitely be a big hit in my home.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny, I think the only time I have the Aoulette cheese is during the holidays. I do love a simple cracker topped with herb cheese. It's just so good and a great go to appetizer.
ReplyDeletemmmmm cheese.
ReplyDeleteThis is the first time I've seen this brand but I am a huge cheese fan. My son also loves garlic spreadable cheese. Might be time to search this product out!
These are exactly the tips I follow for a great party. I just don't want the stress.
ReplyDeleteI love this Cheese spread. It is one of my favorite appetizers and I love when I see it out at parties.
ReplyDeleteThis looks wonderful! I love cheese spread with crackers and sometimes on busy work days it's my go to lunch!
ReplyDeleteWe tried this recently for the first time, and you're right- it is SO good! I will know be adding this to my shopping cart -- this will be great to use for our Christmas dinner!
ReplyDeleteI certainly have! My dad serves it every Christmas with special crackers. In that respect, I agree with your tips a lot. We have over 20 people for Christmas itself!
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