Hosting get togethers this season? Me too, I love having people over! Filling my home with friends and family is one of my favorite things, and this time of year I love it most of all, when the weather is cold but inside our home the fire is toasty and the treats and wine are delicious.
Sometimes we host a full dinner party, but most evenings we prefer to keep it simple, because I really enjoy being able to sit with my guests and chat, rather than spending hours preparing, servings, and cleaning up. When we want to keep it simple, but still lovely for an evening get-together, I’ve been serving a layout of BROOKSIDE Chocolate paired with Clos du Bois wines. My mother-in-law declared it “understated and very elegant”.
In particular, I was inspired by the amazing recipes I found on BROOKSIDE’s website to create a wonderful sort of party mix for guests that is definitely more sophisticated than the usual party snacks, or even a salad with BROOKSIDE chocolates. Plus, it would be a great hostess gift, bringing a basket of these wonderful chocolates and wine to a home you are visiting.
BROOKSIDE Chocolate are rich, dark chocolate with soft centers made with sweetened exotic fruit flavors. There are many ways to serve them, whether on their own (they pair perfectly with Clos du Bois wines) or as an ingredient in a recipe. If you’d like to keep a gathering simple, some wine with friends, BROOKSIDE Dark Chocolate Pomegranate Flavor and Clos du Bois Pinot Noir is particularly wonderful.
Clos du Bois wines blend fine French winemaking techniques with the best Sonoma grapes, and the result is a range of wines that are appreciated by both wine critics and wine lovers. We recently had a party and offered both Clos du Bois Pinot Noir and Clos du Bois Merlot (paired with BROOKSIDE Dark Chocolate Acai & Blueberry Flavors), and are guests loved the way the flavors mingled together and enhanced each other. Sometimes the simplest evenings are the finest.
Win a BROOKSIDE Chocolate Gift Basket
Share a tip with me for entertaining guests for the holiday season for a chance to win a basket of BROOKSIDE Chocolate and Wine Accessories (Brookside Chocolates, Red and white wine goblets, Wine bottle caps and a Winged corkscrew). US only, 21+. Prize will be shipped to winner by sponsor.
You can find BROOKSIDE on facebook, twitter and their website for updates and more (and check out those amazing recipes while you are there):
Compensation was provided by BROOKSIDE Chocolate via MomTrends Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions of Brookside or Momtrends Media.
My tip would be to ask your guest if they have any food allergies during invite conversation. At the party, make noticeable and fun food signs at each dish.
My best tip would be to go potluck! No one minds bringing a little something to contribute. And it really takes a load off a hostesses shoulders!
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My entertaining tip is to tell people to bring along one thing with them so that you don’t have to make everything by yourself.
when entertaining guests,i bake in advance and freeze as much as possible,that way I’m not spending the day of the event in the kitchen
Don’t be afraid to buy food from the store. Just because you don’t make it doesn’t mean it can’t be special. Transfer the food to festive bowls and platters. Use a fun tablecloth and throw in some candles with greenery or arrange some colorful Christmas tree decorations in the center of the table. Don’t forget to have some festive music playing too.
My tip for entertaining would be to prep as much stuff as you can days before, so your not stressed, you can do so much cutting and store things is ziploc bags and tupperware for easy access of things prior to an event, plus that give you more time to be the hostess of the mostess!!
I prioritize, plan, prepare, and pray. The salad looks delicious and the prize sounds great! Thanks for the giveaway.
My entertaining tip would be to have varieties of food options and a perfect wine pairing so the guests will be able to try everything.
Have everyone bring a dish or drinks so you know everyone will have something they like, it makes sure there’s more than enough for everyone. If you have guests that you know or might have allergies, have cards next to the food with the ingredients or bring a label off the packaging so guests know what they are eating.
I always check to my sure my guests don’t have dietary restrictions or allergies. I like to have a variety of foods for all my guests.
I like to get my parties catered to avoid stress on me and make sure my guest have a good time.
This all looks great!