Holiday Tips – Don’t Worry We’ve Got You Covered

Here’s our Holiday Cheat Sheet.

It really is the most wonderful time of the year. We’re in the thick of the holiday season. Here are my top tips for making the most of it.

Etiquette:
Host Gifts: If you are a guest in someone’s home, it’s always nice to bring the host a gift. Something like a bottle of wine, a box of chocolates or a nice potted flower arrangement (not a bouquet of flowers because then they’ll be running around trying to find a vase).

Table Manners: Remember in the movie Titanic, when Rose brought Jack to dine with her in first class? Start from the outside in! (See the 3 min. mark). It never hurts to brush up on your dinner etiquette. Especially if you’re meeting the parents for the first time or new to a group.

One of my favourites is the “B & D rule of thumb” Not sure which drink is yours? Make the OK sign with your thumbs and forefingers. The right hand becomes a ‘d’ for drink, your left a ‘b’ for bread. Never be confused again. Click here for more helpful hints.

Be Present: This is what it’s all about. Spending quality time with your family and friends.

Entertaining:
Plan For Everyone – Make sure to ask guests beforehand if they have any food restrictions. It’s very common to have a vegetarian or someone with food allergies at your table. They will surely appreciate the effort you make to include them and this will avoid embarrassment on both parts.

Celebrate At Your Own Party – I think a lot of us are guilty of doing this. You greet your guests and then go right back into the kitchen. Try and make most things ahead of time. Like our Furlani Bruschetta!  You can add finishing touches right before the guests arrive.

Give Back:
The holidays can also be a tough time of year for some people. But you can help spread some cheer.

Invite – If you know someone who is spending the holidays alone invite them to your join your celebration.

Donate – When shopping for your holiday feast buy a little extra and donate it to a local food bank. Many grocery stores have bins at the end of the checkout making it super easy to donate. Or if you don’t have time donate online.

Volunteer – If you have some extra time during the holidays, why not help the people in your community.