Disclaimer: This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Sam’s Club. The opinions and text are all mine.
Entertaining during the holidays can be challenging. With busy schedules, holiday shopping, and family gatherings most of our schedules are packed this time of year.
Sometimes adding entertaining to our schedules can almost be impossible, but it doesn’t have to be. Entertaining during the holidays can be easy by keeping it simple.
One of my favorite tips for entertaining this time of year is to simply serve dessert. Everyone loves dessert. Not only that there are many desserts that are quick and easy or can be made ahead. With some simple planning it can go together in no time.
Cookies are a favorite during the holidays, but many cookies can be time consuming to make. I like to keep it simple by making the cookies ahead and freezing them or by making a quick and easy cookie like cake mix cookies. You can also simply buy some cookies and set them out on a nice holiday platter or tray.
One of the things I love about cookies is that it is easy to serve a lot of people. You can serve several different kinds and everyone just chooses what they want. They are also easy to serve. No forks or spoons needed. Just a simple plate or holiday napkin.
Candy is another favorite of mine to serve this time of year. It is easy to make ahead. I have done many holiday parties where I start making the candy four or five days in advance. I love doing this because it helps me get a lot done ahead of time and all I have to do is set it out in plates or bowls the day of the party.
And again candy doesn’t need forks, spoons, or knives. Simply set out some plates and napkins and you are good to go.
One of my favorite candies to make is some kind of candy bark. All you do is melt the chocolate and stir stuff in. I love to buy my chocolate at Sam’s Club this time of year. I can buy a large amount for a really good price. Then I have it on hand whenever I need it.
We love to make peppermint bark by melting chocolate and white chocolate and stirring in crushed candy canes or peppermint candy.
You can also melt chocolate and stir in M&M’s or other holiday candy. If you like sweet and salty add in some pretzels that have been broken into pieces.
Once you have the candy stirred in simply spread the chocolate out on a baking sheet that has been lined with a silicone mat or parchment paper. Place it in the fridge to set up and then break it into pieces to serve.
I like to make several different types of bark and place them in bowls or platters. It is so easy for people to just grab and eat.
So simple and everyone loves it!
Holiday frosting is another simple thing to do. You take a basic homemade or store bought white frosting and stir in some crushed candy canes.
You can add a little red food coloring if you want it more festive. Use the frosting for cake, cupcakes, or spread it between two cookies for a fun holiday cookie sandwich. This is really simple dessert if you use a boxed cake mix for the cake or cupcakes.
A simple trick for making brownies special is to stir in some crushed candy canes or other holiday candy. It gives the brownies a holiday twist with very little work. It works great with both homemade brownies or a brownie mix. Again it is so simple and yet so good.
And if you don’t have time to do any of that just buy the desserts. It is not all about the food. People come for the gathering. They want to spend time with family and friends. Yes, food is important, but just because you buy the food doesn’t make it less of a party.
Sam’s Club has great pies, cookies, cakes, and other desserts this time of year. Don’t be afraid to keep it simple and buy what you need. I also love the holiday paper products Sam’s Club has this time of year. I almost always buy a pack of their holiday plates, cups, and napkins to keep on hand for entertaining this time of year. It is a great price and an easy way to make sure I always have on hand what I need for easy entertaining.
Sam’s Club wants to help you “Party Like A Pro” so be sure to check out all their videos, recipes, and ideas for helping you this holiday season. And be sure to enter their sweepstakes where they are giving away some great cash and prizes!
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and D.C., 21 years or older. Ends 12/31/15. To enter and for complete details and odds, visitwww.foodnetwork.com/party.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Sam’s Club. The opinions and text are all mine.
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