Simple Christmas Entertaining Tips

The holidays are filled with lots of friends and family gatherings!  Our family loves to entertain so I’m always looking for ways to simplify our Christmas gatherings.  There are so many things you can do to add a personal touch without spending a lot of time on them.

Here are some of my frazzle free entertaining tips.

Simple Christmas Entertaining Tips

1. Don’t bake if you can buy it.  In the picture above you see a delicious Oreo cookie pie.  It’s straight out of the box! But I added this lovely red pie plate I got at JCPenney for a personal touch. You can also do this with cookies and simply place them in the oven or microwave just before serving them so they are warm. JCPenney’s holiday collections will fit both your lifestyle and your wallet.

2. Use scents to create a welcoming ambience.

3. I can’t always clean the whole house before our guest arrive so I quickly sweep across the main areas where our guest will be.

4. If you didn’t have a chance to go out and shop for drinks just add a sprig of mint or lemon and cucumber slices to your water.  It makes for a simple but special drink.

5. I like to play soft music in the background to set the mood.

6. Involve your kids and make it a family affair. They can  help you set the ambiance by making paper snowflakes. Have them help decorate those store bought cookies. Or keep them entertained while you’re busy getting ready get them to make Christmas cards for your guest.

7. Fun napkins always add a punch!

8. And speaking of punch a good punch drink is always a crowd pleaser.  The punch doesn’t have to be a grand affair. Just add a fruity juice to sprite and sorbet and you’re set.

9. You don’t have to serve dinner to entertain a group. Pick a time before or after dinner so people don’t expect a meal.  You can have tea, dessert or an afternoon snack. You can set up easy appetizers like lil’ smokies in the crockpot.  Or a yummy cranberry cream cheese dip. This is delicious and super easy just place some cream cheese in a bowl and top with cranberry sauce and if you want a kick to it add a jar of salsa or chipotle adobe.

10. Remember nature and candles when decorating. Pinecones, pine branches from your Christmas tree, mints or cranberries won’t break your budget.  In a bowl place some pine branches with cranberries and have your tea lights float in it.  Or cluster a bunch of candles and spread some pine cones around at the bottom.

These tips will help you enjoy a stunning and stress free gathering!

What are some of the things you do to to help with simple christmas entertaining tips?

JCPenney has something for everyone on your gift list this holiday season with exclusive brands such as JCPenney Home, Liz Claiborne, Arizona, A.N.A., Worthington, as well as your favorite national brands. And if you’re needing to pick up some great and inexpensive gift items JCPenney has some great deals.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of JCPenney. The opinions and text are all mine.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of JCPenney. The opinions and text are all mine.