Josh Elledge - Chief Executive Angel
Throwing parties for the holidays is a long-honored tradition. Unfortunately, being elaborate can creep in as well. The tendency is to make it bigger, better and more fabulous than the last one. This causes holiday dread like none other. But relief is in sight! The trend now is to make smaller, warmer and more casual get-togethers. People are looking for a relaxing break from the holiday pace with good friends and great food.
Yours can be the party all remember if you follow some simple guidelines.
(1) Homemade offerings lend warmth and love like store-bought just can't match. Plus, a little goes a long way. Here's a suggestion: Buy large croissants, some turkey and/or ham and cheese and build sandwiches. By cutting them in half, you can double your portions, while maintaining good sandwich size. A tray of 24 halves made yourself costs around $10. Made by a deli? Upwards of $30. Offer a selection of mayos and mustards, with optional lettuce and tomato slices.
(2) Think small portions. People love to enjoy a tasting of numerous items. Just like cutting the sandwiches in half, you can make pinwheels for delicious small bites. Easier to prepare than they look, all you need is extra large tortillas, flavored cream cheese, some deli-sliced ham and/or turkey, good cheese, leaf lettuce and tomato. (Of course, the veggies are optional.) Spread the cream cheese on the tortillas, layer the ingredients, roll tight, hold with toothpicks and slice into delicious pinwheels. A tray of 100 pinwheels made yourself costs around $20. Made by a deli? Upwards of $80.
(3) Fruit is often a welcome alternative to heavy, sugary holiday treats. Making a fruit basket is a beautiful way to display pleasing selections and it can double as a focal point or centerpiece, removing the need to have flowers or another decoration that adds expense to the party.
An important part of a nice display is to buy fruit that will not brown when exposed to the air. Using a container such as a large decorative pot or vase, place a head of lettuce (cut to fit) inside. Then use bamboo skewers to string cut fruit, such as pineapple, honeydew, strawberries, grapes, and cantaloupe. Then push the skewers into the lettuce. To make attractive shapes, use cookie cutters on pineapple and melon. Or employ a wave or crinkle cutting knife. A large basket, holding over 100 skewers made yourself, costs around $20. Made by a specialty company? Upwards of $80.
Here is a photo of one we made for a party once:
Of course, there are dozens more examples of inexpensive, yet delectable offerings you can pair for the perfect meal. Dare to stray from traditional holiday fare. Guests are sure to enjoy the change of tastes and textures.
