• FREE Printables
  • Shopping & Gift Guides
  • Privacy Policy & Disclosure
  • Media Kit
  • Advertise/PR
  • Contact Me!
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

The Everyday Home

  • My Home Tours
  • Flip House Tours
  • DIY
  • Crafts
  • Recipes
  • Health/Beauty
  • Essential Oils
  • Cleaning/Organizing
  • Travel

By Barb 16 Comments

Easy Christmas Entertaining Ideas

Filed Under: Budget-Friendly, Christmas, Christmas Recipes, Everyday DIY, Everyday Living, Everyday Recipes, Ideas and Recipes, Tips for Simpler Living Tagged With: Budget-Friendly, Christmas, Christmas Food Gifts, Everyday DIY, Everyday Living, Everyday Recipes, Ideas and Recipes, Tips for Simpler Living

Pin212
Share70
Tweet
Share1
282 Shares

#ad I have received products from Matthews 1812 House in return for a review, but all recipes and opinions are my own.

The season of sharing…

I love to entertain and have friends over.

But I will admit, we don’t do it often enough.

We always seem to have a reason why not.

Not enough time.

The house isn’t clean.

Too tired to cook.

This year, we made the effort to have more friends

and family over for smaller occasions.

I call it “Entertaining with Ease.”

I am sharing one of my

Easy Christmas Entertaining Ideas…

a 10-Minute Mini Buffet. 

Easy 10-Minute Christmas Buffet | The Everyday Home | www.everydayhomeblog.com

SnowflakeBar

I am participating in the

Celebrations of Home Monthly Blog Hop.

This month, naturally, is all about Christmas.

Celebrations Christmas Dec

Please make sure you follow to the end as I will

be sharing links to all of the blogs participating this month.

SnowflakeBar

Our walls are decked and our stockings are hung…

so now we can relax and have friends and family over

to enjoy the season with.

Merry Christmas Tag | The Everyday Home | www.everydayhomeblog.com

Easy Christmas Entertaining Ideas | The Everyday Home

We used to have one large Christmas party each year.

I would cook and prepare for days and days, stressing

myself out to no end.

Finally after a few years, we decided it was too much and to

be honest – it just wasn’t that fun.

Mini Christmas Buffet in Minutes | The Everyday Home | www.everydayhomeblog.com

Easy Christmas Entertaining Ideas | The Everyday Home

So we divided the guest list, lightened the menu…and

made our parties smaller and more intimate.

Also, I am not ashamed to say – I prepare only a

few of the items on the menu myself.

Pancetta Wrapped Mozzarella | The Everyday Home | www.everydayhomeblog.com

Easy Christmas Entertaining Ideas | The Everyday Home

Even the ones I do prepare are simple and easy.

Like Pancetta-Wrapped Mozzarella.

I always try to have at least two savory and two sweet dishes.

Olive and Pancetta Cheese Ball | The Everyday Home | www.everydayhomeblog.com

Easy Christmas Entertaining Ideas | The Everyday Home

I will share my recipe for my Tapenade Olive Cheese Ball

later this week.  I am serving it with these fabulous

Rosemary-Olive Oil Savories from Matthews 1812 House.

Marinated Mozzarella Balls | The Everyday Home | www.everydayhomeblog.com

Easy Christmas Entertaining Ideas | The Everyday Home

As with most things, display can make a dish.

These Marinated Mozzarella Balls I picked up at the deli

look more festive laying on a bed of fresh rosemary. 

Fruitcake Bites | The Everyday Home | www.everydayhomeblog.com

Easy Christmas Entertaining Ideas | The Everyday Home

I know “fruitcake” isn’t a favorite with everyone, but I just

need to tell you that these mini Fruitcake Bites from

Matthews 1812 House will totally change your mind.

They are filled with lovely dried fruits which have been

marinated in brandy.  I love that they are bite-sized

and best of all, not messy.

Finally – the piece de resistance ….

Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Tart | Matthews 1812 House | www.everydayhomeblog.com

This sumptuous and mouth-watering

Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Tart from Matthews 1812 House.

Yes.  It is as yummy as it looks. 

Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Tart | Matthews 1812 House | The Everyday Home Blog | www.everydayhomeblog.com

“..laced with Kentucky bourbon, topped with a layer

of pecans and finished with caramel bourbon sauce.”

It was all we could do to wait for the party and not cut into

it as soon as it arrived at our door.

😀

Christmas Entertaining with Ease | The Everyday Home | www.everydayhomeblog.com

I always offer an assortment of red and white wines…

Wine with Christmas Glasses | The Everyday Home | www.everydayhomeblog.com– as well as, some non-alcoholic beverages, too.

I used one of the centerpieces that sits on

our kitchen island for Christmas… 

a rosemary topiary planted in a white, ironstone tureen.

The base is surrounded by festive balls

and bells and lots of snow. 

Buffet Plates | The Everyday Home | www.everydayhomeblog.com

To keep things easy, I pulled out some of my vintage

pink and white salad plates.  These can be easily washed

and placed back in the hutch.  They go beautifully

with the traditional plaid napkins.

Easy Christmas Mini Buffet | The Everyday Home | www.everydayhomeblog.com

And that’s it.  

Nothing extremely fancy.

Light the candles, turn on the music, open the wine to breath.

Our friends were happy to see us and we them. 

It didn’t matter that I had not worked in the kitchen

preparing homemade dishes all day.  All that mattered was

we were able to spend time together – enjoying the Christmas

season, and remembering what the important things in life are.

Merry Christmas Tag | The Everyday Home | www.everydayhomeblog.com

It’s Christmas.

Take time to enjoy the season a little more.

Thank you for letting me share some of my

Easy Christmas Entertaining Ideas with you.

Perfect for “Busy Girls” like you!

xxoo, Barb

SnowflakeBar

Did you happen to catch these other easy other “Busy Girls”

Christmas ideas from The Everyday Home last week?

Busy Girls Projects for Christmas

Chocolate Covered Peppermint Oreos |  Easy DIY 3-Step Wreath

 DIY {Be Merry} Plate 

SnowflakeBar

Thank you to Matthews 1812 House for sharing some

of  their fabulous gourmet items with me.

Please make sure you pay a visit to

download (1)

“We offer handmade specialty treats made in small batches with high quality

ingredients. We are proud to be family owned and operated since 1979.

You’ll taste the quality in every bite.”

Lemon Rum Sunshine Cake | Matthews 1812 House

Lemon Rum Sunshine Cake

I love that this is a small, family run and owned business

for 35 years, started in the kitchen of an 1812 Farmhouse in

Cornwall, Connecticut.   You will love their selection of

 gourmet foods – both sweet and savory – for any

holiday or occasion. 

They make “Busy Girls Entertaining” even easier. 

Find them on:

Facebook | Pinterest

Matthews 1812 House is offering The Everyday Home

fans a $50 Gift Certificate to help you with your

Christmas Entertaining needs.

Simply enter to win in the Rafflecopter below.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

SnowflakeBar

 

Do you follow me on Pinterest?

I would love it if you would share these images on your

on your Social Media sites…

{simply scroll over the top left corner and click on the social media icon of your choosing}

Entertaining with Ease Christmas Buffet | The Everyday Home | www.everydayhomeblog.com

Easy 10-Minute Christmas Buffet | The Everyday Home | www.everydayhomeblog.com

SnowflakeBar

Now, please make sure you visit all of these ladies

and see what they are sharing for the

Celebrations of Home: Christmas Blog Hop

Celebrations Christmas Dec

 

An InLinkz Link-up


 

Thank you for spending a few

minutes of your day here with me. 

 

You can follow along with

The Everyday Home here….

PINTEREST      FACEBOOK

TWITTER      INSTAGRAM

GOOGLE +     HOMETALK

BLOGLOVIN‘

 

xxoo, Barb

Here are some of the Link Parties I may be sharing this post with.  

You can find more parties on my Linky Party Page.

 

« Share It One More Time Link Party #11
All Thru the House Christmas Tour of Homes »

Comments

  1. Patty Soriano says

    December 13, 2015 at 8:54 PM

    Wow, that chocolate bourbon pecan torte would have to be on the list ! A glorious giveaway, thank you !!

    View Comment
    Reply
  2. Walking on Sunshine Recipes says

    December 14, 2015 at 3:17 AM

    What a beautiful post. Love all the ideas you shared…especially the mozzarella balls! Going to use that one this year!

    View Comment
    Reply
  3. Richella Parham says

    December 14, 2015 at 1:16 PM

    Your spread looks beautiful. . . and I love the idea of a few high-quality prepared items. I LOVE to make Christmas goodies, but you’re right–sometimes making all the goodies makes the hostess too tired to enjoy the party! Thanks for the introduction to Matthews 1812 House–I’ll check them out!

    View Comment
    Reply
  4. Richella Parham says

    December 14, 2015 at 1:21 PM

    I forgot to say what I’d get if I won. . . I might have to try that Bourbon Pecan torte–but I’m also a sucker for marzipan, so I might go with those marzipan chocolates!

    View Comment
    Reply
  5. Lory at Designthusiasm says

    December 14, 2015 at 2:06 PM

    Gorgeous post! Not sure what looks more delish – the photos or the sumptuous goodies in them! I’m going to go with the pecan tart, because… y’know… bourbon… 😉

    View Comment
    Reply
  6. Tammy says

    December 14, 2015 at 2:16 PM

    Wow everything looks so delicious!!! I am coming to your house for Christmas!

    View Comment
    Reply
  7. Janet (Shabbyfufu) says

    December 14, 2015 at 3:15 PM

    Everything looks wonderful Barb…especially that tart 🙂

    View Comment
    Reply
  8. Linda says

    December 14, 2015 at 5:39 PM

    What a beautiful blog! Everything looks wonderful! I agree with you about the large Christmas gatherings each year — that sounds like me. Your idea of doing a few small ones sounds great.

    View Comment
    Reply
  9. Cathy says

    December 14, 2015 at 5:58 PM

    I am with you on this Barb – small intimate groups with little preparation. However everything looks like you spent hours on it – such a delicious looking and sounding buffet. I would love to try those mini fruitcakes. Thank you for introducing us to Matthews 1812 House. Cathy

    View Comment
    Reply
  10. Confessions of a Plate Addict says

    December 14, 2015 at 8:12 PM

    Everything looks so yummy and so festive, Barb! I am with you on diving right into that cake! Have a great week!…hugs…Debbie

    View Comment
    Reply
  11. Barbara says

    December 14, 2015 at 9:23 PM

    That looks like a fabulous menu for a festive party – I, too, make several cheese balls at Christmas, as well as cookies and fudge. A crockpot full of meatballs is easy as are little biscuit covered mini cocktail franks or sausages. No point in spending the whole day or evening in the kitchen. I sometimes wrap an asparagus spear in thinly sliced ham and serve cold.

    Thanks for sharing all your ideas and your beautiful home.

    View Comment
    Reply
  12. Vanessa says

    December 14, 2015 at 11:13 PM

    The apple crumble torte looks amazing. I can’t make up my mind, there is so many things that look awesome

    View Comment
    Reply
  13. Sally says

    December 15, 2015 at 12:09 AM

    The food looks wonderful! Yum, I wish I could have some of the cake!

    View Comment
    Reply
  14. Vickie says

    December 18, 2015 at 2:40 AM

    The chocolate bourbon pecan tart..oh my.
    The butter cookies look lovely too.

    View Comment
    Reply
  15. Lana Wells says

    November 28, 2017 at 11:49 AM

    Beautiful table & delicious food makes for a wonderful party. I love cheese balls! Anxious to entertain using all your ideas & recipes.

    View Comment
    Reply
  16. michele says

    November 28, 2017 at 6:45 PM

    great ideas for get togethers at the holidays…thanks

    View Comment
    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Search All Posts

Hi There, I’m Barb

Hi Y'all! I can't tell you how happy I am that you stopped by here at The Everyday Home. I am so excited to share some of my favorite LIfestyle posts with you. So grab some sweet tea and sit a spell... READ MORE

View My Blog Posts

Writing WP Posts with Optimized SEO

Simplified SEO for Bloggers!

Does SEO totally confuse you? I have simplified basic SEO into 7-easy steps! Click the above image to purchase. Only $4.99

10 Fabulous Farmhouse Tables

10 Fabulous Farmhouse Tables

10 Ways to “Hotel-ify” Your Guest Room

10 Ways to “Hotel-ify” Your Guest Room

My MOST POPULAR Winter Project Ever!

My MOST POPULAR Winter Project Ever!

FREE Printable & 4 Winter Projects

FREE Printable & 4 Winter Projects

Must Have Winter Home Decor

Must Have Winter Home Decor

BEST EVER {Easy} Chunky Chicken Noodle Soup

BEST EVER {Easy} Chunky Chicken Noodle Soup

DIY Icy Winter Branches & Arrangement

DIY Icy Winter Branches & Arrangement

A Farmhouse Winter

A Farmhouse Winter

Facebook

My Home

 My Home

Amazon

Follow @TheEverydayHome
Instagram

15 MUST HAVE Pantry Organizing Ideas

15 MUST HAVE Pantry Organizing Ideas

Categories

Recent Posts

  • Where to Begin Again?
  • Happy August!!!! Free Calendar Printable
  • How to Plan a Cruise
  • Natural Hormone Support Class
  • Share It One More Time Inspiration Party #110

Popular Projects

Popular Projects

Links

Links

Archives

  • April 2020
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • February 2011
  • January 2011
  • December 2010
  • November 2010
  • October 2010
  • September 2010
  • February 2010
  • January 2010
  • December 2009
  • October 2009
  • September 2009
  • August 2009
  • June 2009
  • May 2009
  • April 2009
  • March 2009
  • February 2009
  • January 2009
  • December 2008
  • November 2008

Archives

Merry Christmas 2017

Christmas Dining Room

DIY Be Merry Plate

Breakfast Room Christmas Vignette

Tartan Plaid and Berry Christmas Mantel

Christmas Vignette Farmhouse Style

This is what I have been sharing on Instagram. Follow The Everyday Home if you don’t already.

Copyright @2017 © 2022 The Everyday Home · Blog Header Designed by The Everyday Home