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Holiday Prep

11/16/2016

Holiday Guest Preparation

I’ll be home for Christmas… or people may be in your home for the holidays. Your schedule may be jam packed with gift shopping, events to celebrate; your home may be bursting with decorations and people anxiously awaiting food and entertainment. The holiday season can be a stressful time, but we want to help you get ahead of the game and be the best hosting as can be! Follow our guest-hosting guide to prepare your home to leave a lasting and memorable experience for your guests.

Entryway:

Hosting goes beyond a comfortable bed and hot shower, make sure all areas of your home are welcoming. Make a memorable first impression with seasonal decorations in your entryway.

Kitchen:

Leave mugs and coffee/hot chocolate products displayed on the counter for easy access in the mornings
If guests are joining you in the evening, cocktail’s to toast an exciting visit is a great way to kick off an enjoyable time.
Make note of where important items are located for easy access.
Before guest arrival, discuss favorite food items to have in stock and any possible food allergies.

Living room:

Provide extra blankets and throw pillows.
Leave instructions for remote control use.

Bedroom:

Prepare the bed with fresh linens, loads of pillows and extra blankets.
Stage a display with snacks, mints, water bottles, candle, matches, advil, magazines and any other specialty items they may enjoy.
Provide a place for your guest to unpack, leave room in the closet or dresser for personal items, hanging items and coats.
Depending on length of your guests stay, you may want to provide a laundry basket to keep the room tidy and offer laundry service before their departure.
Provide an extra lamp for reading and fan for an extra touch your guest will surely appreciate.

Bathroom:

Access to a towel hook or two.
Basket or jar to display extra necessities like an extra toothbrush, toothpaste, razor, soap, and other toiletries.
Provide a robe, fresh towels and washcloths.
A nightlight is a nice addition when guests are fatigued and need to use the facilities middle of the night.

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"Thanksgiving Recipes..."

11/1/2016

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"Thanksgiving Recipes..."

Thanksgiving day is loaded with lots of eating, conversation and, for my family, the Thanksgiving parade! Every year, there’s bound to be someone who wants to start dinner before its ready. Start your guests off with a gourmet Cheese Platter and an Apple Cider Mimosa to help ease those hungry bellies till dinnertime!

Gourmet Cheese Platter
Ingredients:
Attractive platter or tray
Variety cheeses:
- Soft (mozzarella, brie, goat cheese)
- Semi-firm (gouda, jarlserg, chedder)
- Aged (asiago, parmigiano
- Blue (gorgonzola)

Sweets:
- Fresh fruit (strawberry, figs, grapes, apples)
- Dried fruit (apricots, raisins)

Savory:
- Cold cuts (pepperoni, prosciutto, salami)
- Veggies (olives, carrots, celery)
Nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios)
Crackers and crusty bread (bagel chips, artisanal crisps)

Directions:
1. Lay all items out on the platter/tray and leave out for easy access!

Apple Cider Mimosa
Ingredients:
3oz. apple cider
3oz. champagne
Bowl of water
Brown sugar for garnish
Apple slices for garnish

Directions:
1. Dip edge of champagne flute into water, then dip wet edge into brown sugar.
2. Premixing ingredients is not required, if preferred pour 1/3 glass with apple cider then top drink off with champagne.
3. Add apple slice for garnish.
4. Enjoy!

Note: Replace champagne with ginger ale or sparkling water to make this drink appropriate for children!

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