Guide for the Happiest Holiday Ever

Whether you’re hosting family dinners, the neighborhood Christmas celebration, or  a New Year’s Eve bash – Heartland Foods has some stress free tips for Holiday entertaining that are sure to help this Holiday Season. 

DECK THE HALLS WITH HOLLY

From the tree to the mantel, simple ways to make home feel festive.

A TABLE FOR GATHERING

Whether it’s for 2 or for 10, make your holiday table special.

SEASON'S FEASTINGS

A holiday dinner menu to dazzle your guests.

Deck The Halls With Holly

Ask For Help 

Once friends and family hear that you’re hosting a holiday party, chances are they’ll shortly begin asking how they can help. Accept your aunt’s gracious offer to bring her “Famous Sticky Toffee Pudding” and your best friend’s suggestion that she arrive early to help you set up. Being open to an extra pair of hands will help you relax and enjoy the party much more.

Festive Florals

Deck the halls with seasonal florals! Simple Ilex Berry Stems add a pop of festive crimson and charm. You use them to liven up your tablescape or even add a pop of feel-good beauty small spaces. Of course, the quintessential Christmas flowering plant, Poinsettias are perfect for decorating your entryways, adding a touch of the holiday spirit to your space.

Merry Minimalist

Sticking to a minimalist color palette of neutral shades and natural greenery, but then go a little over-the-top using them throughout the house creates a softer, cozy atmosphere. Place garlands and wreaths around the front door, a statement-making sculptural garland on the mantle, wreaths on the windows in the dining room, and even a pretty evergreen swag in the kitchen. Adding candles around the house adds a warmth and ambiance to make guests feel cozy. (Caution: don’t over do-it with the scented candles.)

A Table For Gathering

Utilize What You Already Have in Your House

Before you spend hundreds on groceries and party supplies, take a look at what you might already have in your pantry, cabinets, and storage spaces. Mix and match your tableware to create an eclectic, elegant look. Use those table linens your mother insisted on giving you and you tucked away on the shelf in the closet.

Embrace Elegant Hygge

Pronounced “hoo-gug”, hygge is a Danish word that can be best described as enjoying life’s simple pleasures. The Danish believe in clearing the clutter and creating a minimalist tablescape with touches of soft fabrics, natural elements and the soft glow of candles. Birch candle holders with various length tapered candles, branches of fresh pine in a pitcher and stacks of bowls & dishes along with napkins that you planning on using are all you need to bring the coziness of the hygge lifestyle to your dinner table.

White Christmas

If you’re not waking up to snow on Christmas morning this year, why not keep the dream alive indoors. A winter white table gets a little interest and festive flair from touches of gold flatware and candle holders, pinecones and a runner of greenery (with a little more woven into the place setting just because). How’s the song go again? I’m dreaming of a white Christmas…

Season’s Feastings

Cheery Cocktails: Christmas Cranberry Sangria  

Have a tray of bubbly champagne (or sparkling white grape juice) on an entryway table to hand to guests as soon as they step in the door. It will immediately set them at ease. Instead of stocking the bar having a simple bottle of wine or a pre-made punch will take the pressure off the guests having to play bartender. Our Christmas Cranberry Sangria is a blend of sweetened ruby-red cranberries, Brut Champagne and refreshing citrus that is sure to be a holiday hit. The best part – you can make it a day ahead to make your life that much easier, and just add the Champagne right before serving.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups frozen or fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 (750-ml.) bottle of Sol De Espana Sangria, chilled
  • ¼ cup (2 oz.) Cointreau
  • 1 large navel orange, thinly sliced
  • 1 (750-ml.) bottle brut Champagne, chilled

Directions: