Party Panache, A Merry Little Simple Christmas!
Posted by the Painted Apron on December 18, 2013 · 15 Comments

Usually I do Christmas Eve and my SIL does Thanksgiving, but she just moved and is in a mess so I’m doing both this year…Traditionally we have a fancy meal at the table and last year the kiddos were so good…
I did put an Elf on the Shelf on their table to remind them Santa was watching
3 new babies last spring means that between our family and hers we have 10 grandchildren 6 and under, and all are walking or crawling… CC is the youngest and she is about to master the crawling thing, she is ready to go!
We had a wild and crazy Thanksgiving and only 5 of the children were here, so we’ve axed the sit down dinner for a while because after all, who would be sitting down?
I am keeping everything simple~no new or complicated recipes, just easy peasy finger food, vintage recipes, blasts from the past…things that can be made ahead and frozen or put together in minutes…everything bite sized and nothing too messy!
Asparagus Party Sandwiches make these ahead and freeze~ I am doing this today.
Apricot Pineapple Gorgonzola Cheese Spread , goes together in minutes
Christmas Chex Mix [see recipe below] made yesterday and put away in a tightly sealed tupperware container
Grinch Poppers from Stockpiling Moms easy to assemble morning of, kids could even help~
Teriyaki Tenderloin Skewers~ marinate beef or pork tenderloin for 2-3 days ahead of time and then grill the day of…this gives the men something to do! Cut the meat into bite sized pieces and serve on a cocktail pick or a mini bun
Puff Pastry Bites this can be made day of in a few minutes or made ahead, baked and reheated before serving
Peppermint Snowballs make up to one week ahead and refrigerate in sealed container
Raspberry White Chocolate Angel Wings make 1-2 days ahead and store in sealed container or ziplocks
Mini Pecan Pies make ahead and freeze
CHRISTMAS CHEX MIX for a printable version click here
1/2 box each Rice Chex and Corn Chex
1/2 jar honey roasted Planters peanuts [use Planter’s, don’t substitute!!]
1 can cashews
1/2 bag Bugles, regular flavor
red and green peanut M&Ms
OO, about 1/4 cup
seasoned salt
Worcestershire, about 10 long dashes
Spread rimmed cookie sheet or broiler pan with cereals. Top with peanuts and sprinkle seasoned salt lightly overall. Put about 1/4 cup OO in measuring cup and add about 10 really healthy dashes of Worcestershire. Mix well and pour over cereal and nuts. Stir gently until mix is coated. If it seems too dry mix a little more oil and Worcestershire together and add until mixture seems well coated but not too wet. Bake at 275 for 15 minutes, stir well and return to oven for 15 more minutes. If you are making a really big batch in a deeper pan, increase times to 18-20 min. After baking immediately spread mix on paper towel lined counter until cool. Toss in M&Ms. I used about 1/2 a large bag. Store in a large tupperware container or ziplock bag.
Thanks so much for visiting! Remember to try and keep it simple this year!
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I will be joining these fabulous parties and blogs
Filed under easy peasy, party panache, recipe box, the organized life · Tagged with christmas eve menu, do ahead recipes, easy Christmas bites, keeping Christmas simple, siimple Christmas appetizers
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Sounds like you have everything well under control Jenna and I’m sure everyone will have a blast-enjoy:@)
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Carol & the reindeers are happy to see CC 👼
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Fabulous party panache Jenna. You always have great ideas!
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Well your childrens table couldn’t be any cuter…either could your elves♥ Merry Christmas to YOU!
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The grands are adorable. I love the idea of having the names on the table. Your menu sounds awesome. What time do we eat?
🎅🎅🎅
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Jenna, I love the children’s table, it is really a fabulous mix of color, textures, and all things Christmas. I am sure all of the little ones will be having a great time. Have a very merry Christmas!
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Jenna, I love those adorable Grinch Poppers and your Merry Menu sounds perfect! We prefer grazing to a sit down meal 🙂
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Oh my goodness! I LOVE your style of doing things! I’m following on Bloglovin – right now I’m in the midst of the Christmas-crazies but when things settle down I’m coming back to catch up with you. You’re a wonderful grandma! I’m trying for that status too!
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Jenna, great post, as usual! Especially the photo of CC! Our precious little angel! Your menu looks so festive and delicious! Merry Christmas to you and your sweet family!
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Your eats look fabulous, and the kids look so cute at the table. Great idea to put an Elf on the Shelf on the table…What luck though that you have the kids there to celebrate! Want to try the puff pastry goodies…
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Thanks Joni!
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That is so cute! I love that you kept it simple without complicated recipes!
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You are getting good use from your little people table. I tried copying your idea of putting the young ones at their own table Thanksgiving, and guess what, they wanted up in someone’s lap. I think coming to your house any holiday would be a treat.
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