Girls’ night in (aka kids’ night out)
Thanks to Duncan Hines for sponsoring my writing. There’s no limit to the baking possibilities, so grab your favorite Duncan Hines mix and Comstock or Wilderness fruit fillings and Bake On! www.duncanhines.com.
I know, I know. The holidays are super crazy and you have something scheduled almost every night until New Year’s Day. But if you don’t take some time out for yourself, you’re going to go postal come Christmas Eve. And then who’s going to wrap the presents you bought yourself so your husband would get you exactly what you wanted this year?
In order to survive the holidays, try to schedule some time for YOU…anand make it a girls’ night in so you can avoid the holiday crowds. Send the rest of the family out for the evening—preferably to buy you Christmas presents—and invite your girlfriends over for an evening of merrymaking (i.e., great food, great conversation and a really great chick flick).
Because I’m all about easy entertaining, you can always potluck it and have your girlfriends bring their favorite treats. I guarantee you’ll end up with the perfect assortment of goodies: brownies*, chips and dip, candy, Diet Coke, cupcakes and popcorn.
If you prefer to do the entertaining, keep it simple with fun finger foods. Even better…go with finger foods you can prep a day or two before. I went that route when hosting a book club gathering in my home (recipes in a future post). I put together a cheese platter (who doesn’t love cheese?),
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hot artichoke dip (who doesn’t love artichoke dip?),
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finger sandwiches (who doesn’t love a crust-free tea sandwich?),
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and desserts (who doesn’t love cupcakes and brownies?).
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The cheese platter was easy to throw together and the artichoke dip and finger sandwich fillings were ready the night before. The day of, all I had to do was cut the sandwiches, bake the dip and frost the cupcakes. This spread would be perfect for a cozy girls’ night in—just add some fun drinks (hot cocoa with whip cream and crushed candy canes, mocktails, spiced cider) and you’re all set!
If you really want a mini staycation with your girlfriends, throw in a pair of fuzzy socks for each guest and Say Anything (or Some Kind of Wonderful or Can’t Buy Me Love or Pretty in Pink or Princess Bride or all of the above) into the DVD player.
And if the kids somehow find their way home while your festivities are still underway, let them know you’ll return every last one of their gifts if they don’t go straight to bed.
Holiday stress? What holiday stress?
* Speaking of Duncan Hines, we are huge fans of their new Decadent Caramel Turtle Brownie Mix and their Premium Dark Chocolate Brownie Mix (because it fits a 9×13-inch pan). We make—and eat—them all the time. In fact, I made the aforementioned caramel turtle brownies Monday night for friends and they were gone in record time accompanied by rave reviews.
Remember to check out Duncan Hines’ website www.duncanhines.com to find some great recipes for your holiday get-together! I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective.
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This sounds like a great idea! And of course your menu is simple and perfect (don’t forget the Diet Coke!).
Allison´s deep thought ~ Check it off the list (x3)!
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Emily Reply:
December 7th, 2011 at 11:58 am
I never forget the Diet Coke! ;)
Emily´s deep thought ~ Mad Libs Monday: “Portrait of a Great-Grandma” by Kim of Today’s Creative Blog
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Yummy!! That spinach dip looks awesome.
Kristina P.´s deep thought ~ The True Meaning of Christmas Is Celebrity and Fame
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Emily Reply:
December 7th, 2011 at 12:03 pm
It is my most favorite artichoke dip. I just might share the recipe tomorrow. ;)
Emily´s deep thought ~ Girls’ night in (aka kids’ night out)
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That all looks so yummy. I think a fun night in would be way more fun than dealing with crowds. And, as always, the food you make looks divine!
Lady of Perpetual Chaos´s deep thought ~ Chaos And The Chocolate Factory
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Emily Reply:
December 7th, 2011 at 12:07 pm
Perhaps we should have a fun night in… ;)
Emily´s deep thought ~ Slow Cooker Anyday: Spaghetti & meatballs
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Sounds delicious on all levels!! : ) You should think about adding the game What’s a DAME to do?! It’s the BEST girls’ night game ever! And I should know, I created it!
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Emily Reply:
December 10th, 2011 at 12:43 pm
Sounds like the perfect game for a girls’ night in! :)
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