The Painted Apron

I spent part of Sunday polishing the menu for our family Christmas Eve Lunch with Santa

If you can take some time a week or so in advance of an event, to make a master grocery list and timeline,  you will be giving yourself a present  🎁

There’s no formal dining for the adults as we are busy watching over the 11 little ones who will be corralled at the table for their lunch

They will have their own kid friendly buffet,  while in the kitchen nearby, there will be plenty of finger food for the grown-ups

The adults are going to start with a Merry Mimosa Bar

With an icy snowman watching over the bubbly, juices, fresh garnishes and Cheese Straw Stars

I streamlined the menu, adding and subtracting here and there, in most cases subbing in easier recipes

I’m going to make a bite size version of my Almond Danish

This Pear, Bacon, Fig and Bleu Cheese Flatbread, is incredibly easy to make– cut it into small squares and watch it disappear before your eyes!

Traditional sausage balls are always gobbled up, you can prepare them days ahead of time, store them in a large ziplock in the fridge, bake them before the party starts and throw them in your crockpot on warm.  You can make them the traditional way here or try this version, Sausage Hash Brown Balls

A Snow Pea Tree provides holiday flair, along with a vegetable option

Teriyaki Tenderloin is our traditional signature dish, you can make it with pork or beef tenderloin

Small pieces make great party finger food, and it’s delicious at room temperature

Marinate it 2-3 days ahead, a long marinating time is the secret here, it adds so much flavor-

Grill it before the party, then slice and serve at room temperature

Italiano Morsi, are tasty nibbles on a stick, Italian meats and cheese with pesto spread on thin bread toast

They are fast and easy to assemble and look so inviting… everything is better on a stick, right?

Top the stack with a grape tomato to make them look extra festive

I planned on making this Gingerbread Dip here but while I was checking the pantry for ingredients I found a jar of Coconut Rum Snowball Mix

Dessert’s done!

Throwing a party is hard enough without adding daunting tasks to your to do list, so take a moment and cross some things off or simplify, and put some fa la la & jingle in your step!

In case you missed it, check out yesterday’s Prosciutto & Pesto Puff Pastry Tree, for a fast and beautiful Wow appetizer!

Looks elegant, but goes together in minutes!

Merry Merry!

🎄  🎄   🎄   🎄   🎄  🎄

I will be joining these fabulous parties and blogs:

Celebrate and Decorate,  Rustic and Refined,

Between Naps on the Porch, Coastal Charm, Cooking and Crafting with J&J,  The Scoop,   A Stroll Thru Life 

Tickle My Tastebuds,  Full Plate Thursday,  Work it Wednesday

Poofing the Pillows,  Get Your DIY On,    Your Inspired Design

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