Last year, Americans stayed home for the holidays. This year, more than 53-million people are expected to head out and spend time with friends and family. Today I shared tips on 30 affiliates nationwide for those taking on the hosting gig and setting the scene for all the fun, food, and festivities! As restrictions continue to lift, many of us feel comfortable catching up in person and I’m teaming up with a few brands to help make it a memorable season with extended family and friends.
Tip 1: Kick things off with an overflowing charcuterie board
Hosting can feel stressful at times, especially after close to two years off. That’s why I recommend planning the menu ahead of time, including main dishes, drinks, desserts, and the overall presentation. I love kicking things off with an overflowing charcuterie board filled with all my favorite things. I make sure it has a mixture of colors, textures, and flavors. That means a variety of cheeses, meats, and lots of veggies. However, I always make sure to include almonds. One of my favorites is Blue Diamond Almonds’ Wasabi & Soy Sauce. They have kick and a salty, sweet finish. I also like the Honey Roasted Almonds for a sweet flavor with a hint of salt. But, a holiday party wouldn’t be complete without eggnog. Almond Breeze Almondmilk Nog is the perfect dairy-free version of the classic holiday beverage with the same creamy taste of traditional eggnog. Everything I just talked about is available at grocery stores nationwide. You can also use Blue Diamond’s product locator tool to find a store near you.
Tip 2: Don’t forget dessert!
Of course! I’m a desserts girl. They might show up last on the menu, but they’re always top of mind. Pies are synonymous with the holiday season, whether apple, pecan, or pumpkin, and I love topping them with Reddi-wip. It’s a delicious whipped topping to have on hand for all of your favorite desserts. What you might not know is that there are a variety of options for various tastes and dietary preferences, all with the same creamy and tasty flavor. As a dietitian, I really like Reddi-wip Zero Sugar. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a keto-friendly topping or want to limit your added sugar intake. It’s made with real cream and has 0 grams of sugar per-serving. If you’re vegan or dairy-free, Reddi-wip offers two non-dairy varieties in coconut and almond. Both have that luscious creaminess without the added dairy. Oh, and one more thing that it’s good for. You can use it to cover up imperfections in your homemade pies or desserts – no one will ever know! You can find it at retailers nationwide.
Tip 3: Stop doing the dishes!
I’m going to give a tip that might shock you. Stop doing dishes! No one likes it, and it takes time away from being with your family and friends. Instead enjoy the holiday experience. This time of year is so busy and should be spent on special traditions, making new memories, and being with the ones you love. The Chinet® brand can help make cleanup easier so you can spend more time with your family. The Chinet Classic® products are made for exactly what’s on your menu—whether your main dishes, like a roast turkey, prime rib roast, or an old-fashioned ham with brown sugar and mustard glaze. The Chinet Crystal® products add a fancy touch to meals, perfect for a pork tenderloin, seared duck or scallops, or lamb with garlic and rosemary. The cups are great for that little toast with eggnog, too! The best part, The Chinet brand helps remove all the hassle of cleanup. When you’re done eating dinner or dessert, you throw everything away and have all that extra time for family fun. For more, go to mychinet.com.
