Let the Festivities Continue!

Christmas is over.. wow!! That was fast!  Aren’t the holidays fun?!  All the parties, the out of town friends and family, the thoughtful gifts, the overall presence of “giving really is more than receiving”, the carols, reflecting on the “reason for the season”.  I wish it lasted a little longer, but instead of giving into the post holiday blues, remember we have another excuse to get our party on this week!  Which means another opportunity to repurpose that holiday decor. Whether you are hosting a big party or a small get together, I have put together a few fun recipes and party planning ideas.

Since the majority of us leave our Christmas decorations up until after New Year’s, the festive holiday dishes and sparkly decor can create the perfect party atmosphere just as it created the perfect ambiance for the anticipation of Chritsmas.

I have had so much fun with my 3 tier stand from Homegoods.  If you haven’t purchased one of these by now, I highly suggest it.  It provides so many uses.   I filled holiday bowls and containers with different types of candy and sprinkled the over flow on all the tiers. I used it for sweet treats, so it freed up counter space for appetizers on my kitchen island.

There are too many cute paper products in your favorite stores to not utilize them at your party.  Makes for an easier clean-up after a long and fun filled night.  Why go out and purchase more if you have some left over from Christmas?  But, don’t let me stop you from picking up some festive New Year’s plates and napkins if your heart so desires 😀 .

Crabmeat Canapes – This appetizer is a big hit among our family and friends and it’s super quick and easy.  I double the recipe (at least).

Ingredients:

1. 1  stick of butter
2. 1  6 1/2 oz. can crabmeat
3. 5 oz. jar Old English cheese
4. 1 tsp. garlic powder
5. 1 1/2 Tablespoon mayonnaise
6. 1 package of English muffins

Mix all the ingredients and spread on both halves of English muffins (not toasted).  Freeze on cookie sheet for 15 min.  Remove from freezer and cut into halves or quarters.  Push back together to take on muffin shape.  Return to freezer. When ready to use, bake at 350° for 15 – 20 min.

Recipe taken from www.allrecipes.com

Buffalo Dip – appetizer

Ingredients

1. 6 oz. Frank’s redhot
2. 2 pkgs. cream cheese
3. 8 oz. ranch dressing
4. 2 large chicken breasts ( or use canned chicken)
5. cheddar cheese

Combine all ingredients and top with cheese.  Bake 350° until bubbly (roughly 20 min.) Serve with Tostitoes.  Can be made ahead and froze, just thaw and top with cheese.

Recipe – Heather Morrical 🙂

Using your pretty wine goblets and drink glasses are not only fun to pull out for a party, but your guests will appreciate using your charming stemware as well.   Display them on a pretty tray and adorn with a little glitz.  Add some festive wine charms and make drink stirrers and garnishments readily available for your guests.  Disperse different kinds of wine and mixed drink options around.  Looks pretty and festive and your guests will feel special with options to choose from.

Classic Moscow Mule – Love the mugs 😀

Ingredients –

1. 2 oz. Quality Vodka
2. Juice of a half lime
3. 4 oz. Ginger Beer

In a glass with ice, combine vodka and juice.  Top it off with Ginger beer.  Garnish with a lime slice and mint leaves.

All those Christmas cookies you baked…?  Our family baked and decorated cookies a few different times this season, so we have plenty left over!!

They will make for extra goodies and help you get rid of them so they aren’t haunting you after the holidays 😉 .

Peanut Butter Patties – Glenn’s favorite cookie and I only make them at Christmas time.

Ingredients:

1. Ritz crackers
2. Peanut Butter
3. Almond Bark

Spread peanut butter on one side of Ritz cracker and top with another cracker to make a sandwich.  Align on wax paper.  Dip in white or milk chocolate almond bark.  Doesn’t get much easier.

You know by now I love filling glass bowls, so I utilize them to their full potential.

S’mores Pinwheels – You may have jotted this yummy sweet recipe down from Facebook already, but in case you didn’t 🙂 .

Ingredients:

1. 1/4 stick of butter
2. 10 oz. mini marshmallows
3. 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
4. 5 cups rice krispies
5. mini chocolate chips
6. 1 jar marshmallow fluff

Preheat oven to 200°

Line jelly roll pan with wax paper and grease.  Mix rice krispies and graham cracker crumbs.  Melt marshmallows and butter.  Pour onto rice krispie mixture and stir.  Pour mixture onto wax paper and spread evenly.  I recommend greasing your spatula before attempting to spread.  Empty jar of marshmallow fluff on top and spread evenly.  Sprinkle a generous amount of mini chocolate chips over the entire pan and bake for 2 min.  Chocolate chips will be melted enough to spread over marshmallow fluff.  Roll and wrap with wax paper and chill for a hour.  Slice into pinwheels.

Recipe taken from www.tiphero.com

Corn Chowder with Sausage Soup – This hearty soup will be a hit!

Ingredients: 

1. 6 cups peeled and cubed potatoes
2. 1 teaspoon salt
3. 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
4. 3 cups chicken broth
5. 1 pound pork sausage
6. 1 onion, chopped
7. 1 (15.25 ounce) can whole kernel corn
8. 1 (14.75 ounce) can creamed corn
9. 1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk

Combine potatoes, salt, marjoram, and water in a soup pot.  Boil until potatoes are just tender.  Brown sausage and onion in a skillet over medium heat.  Drain off excess fat, and add the potatoes.  Stir in cans of corn and the evaporated milk.  Heat through and serve.

Recipe taken from www.allrecipes.com

Now I know I have not provided anything spectacular, just a few fun recipes and fast and easy tips – enough to throw a fun party together last minute.  Have fun entertaining!  Let me know if you try any of these recipes and if they made it into your recipe box 😉 .   As always, thank you for visiting.

Author:  Martha Knake

Chief Editor:  Emily Schunke