NAJM: How I Host Edition

 

Hi Friends!  Today I am joining the lovely ladies over at NAJM for their fun linkup.  This month we are talking "How I Host." If you have been following along for awhile then you know this is one of my favorite past times!

 

Linking up HERE and sharing "How I Host"

 

 

I LOVE Lists

I start with a guest list

Then I make a grocery list

and sometimes I write out a menu for myself so I don't forget to make a specific dish.

 

This was our 2020 Thanksgiving Menu

 

 

Appetizers and Cocktails

 

Mimi's Stuffed Mushrooms

 

Pumpkin Hard Cider Dip with Wheat Crackers and French Bread.  Find it HERE

 Cambria Pinot Noir, Caramel Apple Martinis, Hot Buttered Rum and Sparkling Cider for the Kiddos

 

 

 

Main Dinner

 

Roasted Turkey ( I baste our turkey with a mixture I simmer on the stove- 1 stick of butter, 1 cup of orange juice and 1 cup of honey- makes it so so moist and delish!)

Mashed Potato Bread Stuffing Find it HERE

 

 

Cranberry Nut Stuffing

French Pork Stuffing

Mashed Potatoes

Green Beans with Bacon and Shallots Find it HERE

 

 

Squash Souffle

Sweet Potato and Marshmallow Casserole

Corn Casserole

Peas

Onions with Cream Sauce

Dinner Rolls 

 

 

Dessert

 

Apple Pie

Blueberry Pie

Cranberry Pie

Apple Sauce Jumbles (Recipe coming tomorrow for my blogging friends who requested it!)

Hot Buttered Rum 

 

 

 

 

I then decide on a format.  Sometimes the event/gathering is larger and warrants a buffet style setup.  Other times, it is a smaller gathering and a sit down affair is on tap.  When it is a sit down, I will sometimes make name tags because I get crazy like that ;)

 

 

 

I love themes.  Sometimes I will have a theme- I used to have themes for the kids' bday parties but as they get older, I am not as intense with the themes as I used to be

 

(Diana- Age 5- Under The Sea Themed Party)

 

 

I watch the weather and plan accordingly.  In the spring and summer if weather cooperates, then I will host our event outside by the pool/on the deck/inside our screen porch.  

 

 

In the Fall and Winter months, you will find most of my gathering indoors where we can stay warm and enjoy the decor of the season.

 

 

 

Lastly, what I found over the years, is if I can prepare dishes in advance then I will.  I will typically make one dish per night after work.  That way, the day of the event/holiday, I am not overwhelmed and not under pressure to make a million things.  It has helped keep stress in check and ensure that we have enough food!

 

 

Love reading your tips-great topic ladies!