I don't miss the endless rounds of holiday parties, but I do miss my bartending days!
While I wrote this article geared toward office parties, there are a lot of great recipes for any type of holiday punch.
Helpful tip for home hosts: Even if you can't afford to hire a professional bartender, it would be money well-spent to hire a local college student to be the bartender at your holiday bash if you are including mixed drinks at the bar. Be sure he's over 21, buy a jigger and require he use it to make the drinks. This isn't a high-pressure gig, he'll definitely appreciate the money and you won't have to serve the cocktails.
CHEERS!
10 Holiday Cocktails for Office Parties
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
The sounds of the season...
One of my favorite things about the Christmas holiday is the music.
I don't tune into the boring Christmas music channels - I fill my CD player with Trans Siberian Orchestra and Mannheim Steamroller or call up my Christmas Blues channel on Pandora.
AND - I have my own list of essential holiday songs that I have to hear several times every December.
Top 25 Songs for Holiday Parties
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I don't tune into the boring Christmas music channels - I fill my CD player with Trans Siberian Orchestra and Mannheim Steamroller or call up my Christmas Blues channel on Pandora.
AND - I have my own list of essential holiday songs that I have to hear several times every December.
Top 25 Songs for Holiday Parties
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Friday, November 12, 2010
Entertaining the little ones on any holiday...
My sisters-in-law are both teachers. I remember a Thanksgiving dinner - can't even remember which house it was at - at which they made a point of providing some little craft thing for the little ones to do while the grownups were visiting.
There were 8 of us grandkids when I was growing up and I remember the holiday dinners and trying to figure out how to entertain ourselves. Oh, we played and there were the inevitable turf wars as the dinners rolled from house to house. But, through my wiser eyes I can see an advantage for the harried hostess to plan ahead of Thanksgiving Day to keep the little visitors busy.
Coloring pages. What a simple yet brilliant idea. Pick one coloring page and print enough copies for each child expected to be in attendance with a few extras "just in case". Thanksgiving means time spent with family and keeping the children entertained leaves more time for the adults to visit. If it plans to be a lengthy visit, print several for each child. Give them a place to color with a huge bucket of crayons and let the fun begin.
My friend Mar has assembled a list of free coloring page resources for Thanksgiving or any holiday. You can find it here .
There were 8 of us grandkids when I was growing up and I remember the holiday dinners and trying to figure out how to entertain ourselves. Oh, we played and there were the inevitable turf wars as the dinners rolled from house to house. But, through my wiser eyes I can see an advantage for the harried hostess to plan ahead of Thanksgiving Day to keep the little visitors busy.
Coloring pages. What a simple yet brilliant idea. Pick one coloring page and print enough copies for each child expected to be in attendance with a few extras "just in case". Thanksgiving means time spent with family and keeping the children entertained leaves more time for the adults to visit. If it plans to be a lengthy visit, print several for each child. Give them a place to color with a huge bucket of crayons and let the fun begin.
My friend Mar has assembled a list of free coloring page resources for Thanksgiving or any holiday. You can find it here .
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| Yeah, I always fantasized about this Thanksgiving table, too! Courtesy equiLearn at sxc.hu |
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Veterans Day - November 11
Every year, we celebrate Veterans Day on November 11. Even if you've never had a loved one or ancestor serve in the armed forces, this is the day we all should pause to give our thanks. We owe a debt to Veterans that can never be repaid and honestly, one day isn't enough.
I'm thrilled with the Honor Flight Program to honor our World War II veterans. Recently, a group from my home county was able to take the trip to Washington DC. Sadly, we lose many of our WWII Veterans every day and without them, we will lose a piece of our history.
Take a few moments today to remember - and don't forget to thank a Veteran.
I'm thrilled with the Honor Flight Program to honor our World War II veterans. Recently, a group from my home county was able to take the trip to Washington DC. Sadly, we lose many of our WWII Veterans every day and without them, we will lose a piece of our history.
Take a few moments today to remember - and don't forget to thank a Veteran.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
What are you having for Thanksgving Dinner?
Are you a traditional must-have-turkey or do you go a little different? My Dad despises turkey but suffers through every year as long as we have ham at Christmas!
I have friends that eat pork roast or prime rib. Others eat chicken. Chicken? Well, it is still a bird and somewhat more manageable for smaller families. Stuff it, grill it, roast it, bake it, fry it. There are so many possibilities with chicken for Thanksgiving Dinner.
Here's a few more...including an aromatic and flavorful beer-butt chicken recipe!
Chicken Recipes for Thanksgiving Dinner
I have friends that eat pork roast or prime rib. Others eat chicken. Chicken? Well, it is still a bird and somewhat more manageable for smaller families. Stuff it, grill it, roast it, bake it, fry it. There are so many possibilities with chicken for Thanksgiving Dinner.
Here's a few more...including an aromatic and flavorful beer-butt chicken recipe!
Chicken Recipes for Thanksgiving Dinner
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| Yeah, this guy used one of those fancy-schmancy beer-butt chicken holders! Courtesy Paul J. Dauenhauer via Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain |
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Vietnam-themed movies for Veteran's Day
My soul mate is a Vietnam Veteran. Both of his parents served in World War II. My dad and his brother were both in the Navy in the early 60s.
Thursday November 11 is Veterans Day. Don't forget to take a few moments to thank those who gave us these wonderful freedoms.
My friend Theresa Leschman has written this article listing the best Vietnam-themed movies. This week seems like a good week to catch up with some old friends...
Top 10 Veterans Day Movies
Thursday November 11 is Veterans Day. Don't forget to take a few moments to thank those who gave us these wonderful freedoms.
My friend Theresa Leschman has written this article listing the best Vietnam-themed movies. This week seems like a good week to catch up with some old friends...
Top 10 Veterans Day Movies
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