NESTLÉ Planning a Holiday Gathering & Giveaway

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‘Tis the season for holiday gatherings and lots of baking!!  I am definitely a social butterfly and love to host parties and gatherings of family and friends….just ask any of my family or friends.  I most recently hosted a Cookie Exchange and had a blast doing it!

When planning a holiday gatherings for family and friends, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind.  First, what type of gathering are you planning?  Will it be formal or casual?  Will it be kid-friendly or adults only?  What type of food do you want to serve (i.e. full meal, appetizers, desserts)?  Where do you want to hold the gathering (i.e. in your home or rent a space)?  Do you want there to be activities at the gathering (i.e. gift exchange, movie, games)?  Do you have all ingredients for foods you will be serving at the gathering?  Do you have all paper goods and supplies for serving food on?

If you are thinking about hosting a holiday gathering, be sure to check out NESTLÉ Family Holiday Celebrations, a special site where you can find tips, tools, and inspiration for the holidays.  You’ll find tips on how to plan holiday gatherings.

FEATURED ACTIVITY:

Homemade Holiday Napkins

WHAT YOU NEED

  • White cotton napkins
  • Crayons
  • Iron & ironing board
  • Safety scissors
  • Tape measure
  • Newspaper
  • Pillowcase

 

HOW TO DO IT

  • Decide what images you would like on the napkins. Set out holiday books, magazines and cards to look through for ideas.
  • Have your children draw their designs on a piece of paper before transferring them onto the napkins.
  • This drawing can be their template. (Print out our illustration template for additional ideas)
  • Decide where you would like the design to appear on the napkin and place the template under this area.
  • Press firmly with the crayons as you draw the image(s) onto the cloth.
  • Place a newspaper and then a pillowcase over the crayon image you have drawn.
  • Iron on the pillowcase with a hot dry iron, to fuse the crayon to the cloth.
  • Your napkins are now ready to part of the Holiday table.
TIPS

  • Wash the napkins in cold water so that the design does not fade.

 

FOLLOW UP FUN

  • Your children can make wonderful gifts for friends and family by personalizing aprons, pillowcases and guest towels.

Nestlé Family Holiday Exchange

GIVEAWAY

1 lucky reader on The Mommy-Files will win a NESTLÉ Family Holiday Brunch Package, including a brunch menu, corresponding NESTLÉ products, and a $50 VISA gift card.

WIN IT!!! (MANDATORY ENTRY)

– Tell me in a comment a tip or idea for entertaining family and friends over the holidays.

EXTRA ENTRIES:

– Follow The Mommy-Files on Twitter – 1 ENTRY
– Tweet about the giveaway – 1 ENTRY DAILY
– Become a Fan of The Mommy-Files on Facebook – 1 ENTRY
– Become a Fan of NESTLÉ Family on Facebook – 1 ENTRY
– Follow me through Google Connect (new on the right side of the blog) – 1 ENTRY
– Subscribe to my blog – 1 ENTRY
– Add my Mommy-Files button to your blog and include the URL – 1 ENTRY
– Comment on any Non-Giveaway post on The Mommy-Files – 1 ENTRY per post comment (no limit)
– Blog about this giveaway and include the URL – 5 ENTRIES

RULES:

– Contest will close at 11:59 p.m. PST on Sunday, December 19th, 2010! Any entries after this time will be deleted!
– Contest open to U.S. residents only.

I was compensated for my participation in the NESTLÉ Family Holiday Exchange and for writing this post.  The giveaway was sponsored by NESTLÉ Family (JUICY JUICE, TOLL HOUSE Morsels, CARNATION Evaporated Milk, CARNATION BREAKFAST ESSENTIALS).  All opinions expressed in this post are 100% mine.

639 thoughts on “NESTLÉ Planning a Holiday Gathering & Giveaway”

  1. Pingback: Tweets that mention NESTLÉ Planning a Holiday Gathering & Giveaway : The Mommy-Files -- Topsy.com

  2. Alicia Webster

    I like a relaxed atmosphere, so I don’t even use the word “entertain”…I put out tons of hor d’ouevres, make the dinner “buffet style” and let the guests help themselves to their own drinks. We play games and talk and play with each other’s kids. Very low-key.

    Reply
  5. Danielle

    I love to upload family photo’s to our tv for everyone to look at and also make sure there’s always food out so it doesn’t seem like dinners taking forever.

    Reply
  10. ky2here

    Do things that look elaborate but are actually simple – standing rib roast, brie in puff pastry etc…

    ky2here at msn dot com

    Reply
  13. Margaret Smith

    I try to make everything simple. I put out lots of “finger type” foods & small sandwiches, most of which I make ahead of time. I love to entertain buffet style, because that also seems to work best.
    Thanks so much.
    rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com

    Reply
  27. EMMA L HORTON

    AT OUR BIG FAMILY DINNER…WE ARE SO BUSY GETTING CAUGHT UP ON WHAT HAPPENED THAT YEAR…WE BASICIALLY ENTERTAIN OURSELVES

    Reply
  37. Cynthia R

    Each of us brings at least 3 dishes so we have a wide variety of appetizers, sides, and desserts to pick from, everything is buffet style and no one has to stress about doing all the cooking

    Reply
  49. Nicole-Lynn

    A tip for entertaining for family and friends during the holiday’s is making it easy on yourself and preparing meals that can be made ahead of time, frozen, so all you have to do is warm/bake them and serve. Sometime’s it’s also fun to do a potluck style meal so it makes it a little easier on the host/hostess 🙂

    Seasidesmitten@aol.com

    Reply
  52. Melissa R.

    The kitchen is always an area that people seem to gravitate to so I like to get people especially the kids involved with helping the prep work. I’ve noticed that people have a great time chatting and helping out. It’s not mandatory to help of course but it is surprising how many aspiring chefs there are that love to help cook. Both young and old!

    Reply
  54. Jackie

    One tip is to prepare as much of the food ahead of time as possible. Make dips that can be served cool or heated in the microwave. If you are not working in the kitchen, you’ll be better able to enjoy your guests. Thanks!
    jackievillano at gmail dot com

    Reply
  63. Amber

    My tip is to try and prepare as much stuff the day before as possible so you’re not stressed out and can enjoy the day with your guests!

    Reply
  79. Donna B.

    I take full advantage of my grocery store’s deli section! They offer wonderful cheeses, olives, and meats that I can easily turn into appetizers for a party I’ll also get some crudite, seasonal fruit and nuts from the produce section. I’ll then just do some brie wrapped in phyllo (easy!) and slice and toast up a couple of baugettes and I’m ready for a cocktail party!

    Reply
  84. Betty N

    First entry: I love to serve a Blueberry French Toast casserole for breakfast…I can fix it the night before and bake it fresh the next morning and it makes an easy breakfast with little clean up.

    Reply
  85. Jessie C.

    Everyone helps out- kids help with table setting, elder kids and adults help with cooking and baking in the kitchen.
    tcarolinep at gmail dot com

    Reply
  118. Margie

    My favorite way to entertain is to have a potluck dinner. That way no one person has too much work. You could also have a dessert get-together, with everyone bringing something. Instead of giving everyone presents, the circle dice game is fun, where everyone gets something and then the trading begins. Projects are fun at a party…making cookies as you suggested, decorating cupcakes, etc.
    If it’s a small group around the Holidays, a walk around the neighborhood to see the lights is always a fun activity.

    Reply
  129. Tamara B.

    I always go to the dollar store and buy fancy plastic plates to serve with and when things get boring I bring out the Wii game system we all have a blast together.

    Reply
  148. Steph

    My tip is to make several small appetizers for company. You will never please everybody, but havng a few things to choose from makes it a bit easier. If you are worried about a budget, go simple: Deviled Eggs, Chips and Salsa, cookies. Don’t ever stress about not pleasing your guests, you are doing it because you want to, not because you have to. Have fun!

    Reply
  154. Kimberly

    I don’t try to be a super hero; it’s ok to let everyone bring a dish. It takes some of the burden of hosting a gathering away.

    Reply
  167. Suzanne K

    My tip for entertaining for the holidays is to keep it SIMPLE! The idea is to enjoy the time with your friends and family, not kill yourself making a fancy meal! People usually offer to help, or to bring something – accept it! Sharing in the kitchen is just as fun as sharing in the living room (and everyone usually ends up in the kitchen anyway!)

    Reply
  171. randio

    We usually are so busy eating, drinking, & visiting there’s no need to entertain, but with our family a game of Charades would be a hoot! Maybe I’ll suggest that this year! LOL

    Reply
  196. Sarah Hirsch

    my tip for entertaining is to accept any offers of help that you get, that way you can be a part of the party more!

    Reply
  199. Anne

    My tip is to let your guests bring something to help out – some cookies, soda or bread brought by a guest can make it easier on you.

    Reply
  208. LAMusing

    My biggest tip – keep a sense of humor, relax a little and enjoy your friends and family. When you have a nice time it makes for a warm environment where people enjoy themselves. Tension will clear the room LOL

    Reply
  217. Russell M

    My tip is: if you and your siblings are over 35, give your parents a break and have the get-together at your house this year. Your Mom need the break, and will love you for it. Just this year…..

    Reply
  233. Kathy Rambousek

    I try to keep everything in perspective. It’s a time to focus and celebrate Jesus’ birth – not a tme to worry about stocking stuffers, how many cookies I need to bake, or should a write a note with everything Christmas card. There is so much I could do, but only so much time. I try to limit activities and spend more time with friends/family

    Reply
  246. Amanda Davis

    We rotate where we have the get togethers, and we always plan ahead that everyone brings a plate of food (Someone will bring rolls, another a pie, veggie tray, dip, etc etc) so the burden isn’t on the host of the party. And we all participate in the clean up and dishes. This makes for a stress free, guilt free, enjoyable evening for everyone involved!

    Thanks so much for the chance to win this!

    Reply
  261. katklaw777

    You do the main entree(ham, turky, roast beef) and assign sides and deserts to family and friends. Then you can enjoy the holiday too and spread out the cost.

    Reply
  265. Renee C.

    Keep it simple. In the past when I have tried to cook from complex time-consuming recipes my family has informed me that they often like the simple things more. “Don’t try to reinvent the wheel” just because its the holidays!

    Reply
  271. Lim

    Mini-meatballs. There’s always an abundance of sweet stuff this time of year, so having a slow cooker filled with savory mini-meatballs is a nice change of pace.

    Oh, and if you have a little dish set out for used toothpicks, make sure it’s clearly labeled “used”!

    Reply
  272. Lynda E.

    I always do a football open house on new year’s day – make a giant crock pot of chili, set up a bar, put out snacks and people can come and go as they please.

    Reply
  273. CMC

    Try and do as much prepping and cooking as you can ahead of time so that you can enjoy the time with your guests. (Easier said than done, I know.)

    Reply
  288. Denise B.

    When I have people over, I set up a large buffet. I spend about a week prepping things and bringing all together the day before to make it a really easy job.

    Reply
  305. julieh

    My tip for entertaining is to have a few really good appetizers for when the guests first arrive. Quality rather than quantity.

    Reply
  306. ACMommy

    Tips for entertaining: Use high quality disposable dishware for easing your hostess burden, write out the menu in detail so you can see the “big picture” and make sure it will all work, and select at least a few make-ahead recipes!

    Reply
  325. Cherie Corey

    An old standard, but worry more about spending time with Family & friends rather than cooking. So plan a buffet type set up. Pick a menu that ill let you have item prepared ahead of time. If you caan prepare something that can be frozen, so when they are put out they will stay cold longer. If you are making a punch, soak the fruits in rum and freeze. Not only will they give a lil kick, they wont dillute the punch the same as ice would.

    thanks,
    starfi5ve at aol dot com

    Reply
  326. Debbie C

    Hire a sitter for all the kids for a few hours and let them entertain and supervise the kids while the adults visit in peace for a while.

    dchrisg3 @ gmail . com

    Reply
  332. Kristi C

    I have everyone bring one side dish for holiday parties with family. I provide the ham, turkey, plates, and utensils but I expect everyone else to help out.

    Reply
  336. Martha Payne

    A tip for entertaining is to do a bit of a potluck. Tell people what you will be preparing/providing, and ask them to let you know what they will be bringing in addition. Thanks for the contest! codisweepstakes2 (@) gmail(dot)com

    Reply
  345. Marjorie Whitney

    I always have swome goodie bags prepared before anyone comes so I don’t have to spend time later getting them set as people leave.

    Reply
  348. Stephen Crane

    Make and free a few days before your party some appetizers and main dish. So all you have to do is thaw and heat up the day of.

    Reply
  350. Geoff K

    One thing we started doing a few years ago at our holiday parties is to have a big “yearbook” in which we place our favorite photos from the year and ask our friends and family members to bring copies of theirs as well, which gives us all plenty of things to talk and reminisce about. It also give us a memento to remember everyone’s milestones and life events. Thanks for the chance to enter!

    Reply
  364. Tracy Robertson

    I don’t entertain at home a lot because my apartment is so small, but when I do I like to fill it with plenty of food and a mix of all different kinds of music.

    Reply
  367. Adrienne

    Have the kids and any adults willing decorate sugar cookies to look like the christmas tree or any other objest in the house but keep an eye on the little ones to make sure their not “messing up” in order to just keep eating the cookies cause we all know the things sugared up little ones can get into.

    Reply
  369. CherylS22

    My biggest tip is that I do as much ahead of time as I can & I have foods that don’t require a lot of fussing. I like to enjoy my company, not spend all my time in the kitchen serving.
    Thanks for the giveaway…..
    Happy Holidays!

    Reply
  375. DebbyM

    I’m a big planner. I like to make most/all of the food ahead of time, and only have to bake/heat a few things when guests arrive. All of the serving dishes/utensils are all ready so all I have to do is plate things and set them out, so that I can enjoy my friends and no one is stressed out. I LOVE planning parties!

    Thanks for the great giveaways!
    Happy Holidays!

    Reply
  376. Nancy Meyer

    I like having a wide variety of drinks (both alcoholic and nonalcoholic) so everyone has some thing they like.

    nancymeyer1 at gmail dot com

    Reply
  378. Julie L

    we like to keep it simple and no fuss-sometimes we have even ordered pizza takeout…even had a potluck -its all about enjoying each other’s company
    Happy Holidays everyone
    thanks for the giveaway

    Reply
  383. Erin E

    My tip is to do your big house cleaning several days before everyone arrives. That way you can just spot clean the day of. Thank you for the lovely giveaway.
    sewmuchstuff at ymail dot com

    Reply
  394. Aisling

    I like to keep it simple and easy. I do all that I can ahead of time so when guests arrive I can concentrate on enjoying time with them. mcgillrmcgill(at)charter(dot)net

    Reply
  411. Leslie S.

    I like to have an area for the kids to do crafts in and plenty of snacks available while us gals are baking.Thanks!
    lstanziani(at)yahoo(dot)com

    Reply
  420. Jennifer R

    My tip for entertaining over the Holidays is to keep it as simple as possible with your main meals and to jazz the meals up with fun appetizers and desserts.

    Reply
  421. Natalie J. Vandenberghe

    If I’m having guests stay overnight, I like to make a breakfast casserole the day before, so all I need to do is pop it into the oven to cook.

    Reply
  427. Rosie

    Having a simple buffet with a few meat and vegetarian options really helps with a larger group of guests because they can choose what they want to eat and you won’t have to worry about creating one meal that will need to satisfy everyone’s meal preference.

    Reply
  430. Susan T

    Tip to make entertaining easier…….Paper products….I use paper plates, cups, etc. for this holiday as it gives me more time to spend with family instead of doing dishes. semtaylor(at)yahoo(dot)com

    Reply
  431. Tonya Dean

    Buy Cheap. You would be surprised at what the dollar stores have in the way of decorating. Take the time to look. It helps a lot.

    tdlsfm(at)gmail(dot)com

    Reply
  439. Mari

    I suggest serving all appetizer or finger foods. This makes it easier for people to mingle, plus less mess with the after party cleanup.

    Reply
  454. Marcia

    Kids are so over active at this time of year, so if we are expecting company I try to have a box of ‘quiet time’ books and toys; some easy craft projects too that don’t need much adult interaction.

    Reply
  455. Rhonda Mason

    My best tip is to delegate! We have 25 people here Christmas Eve and everyone chips in. You know the ones who can bake…and the ones that should bring chips, crackers and soda!! 😉
    hondaray6 at hotmail dot com

    Reply
  459. fancygrlnancy

    When it comes to entertaining friends I think the most important thing is to relax and have fun. If your having fun then others will too.

    Reply
  469. Steph

    My tip is to prepare everything ahead of time so you aren’t sitting in the kitchen the whole time. Lock the dogs in another room so the people you invited, that aren’t into pets don’t have to deal with them.

    Reply
  477. Leah Walker

    The best tip I have found for the holidays is to have a few extra gifts wrapped up for surprise guests. There is nothing more awkward or just plain sad when someone has to sit and watch others open gifts when they have none.

    lewalk(at)hotmail(dot)com

    Reply
  484. Gaines Simmons

    Family board, card games and sports. It tires out the adults and children. After dinner most every body sleeps well. I am following, liking, joining and subscribing.

    Reply
  485. Erika

    Simple is sometimes better! It’s ok to buy pre-made packaged Chex mix versus making it yourself (It’s often cheaper too!) Thanks for the chance!

    Reply
  492. Joyce Harrell

    I try to make as many dishes ahead as possible and put them in the freezer. The less time I have to spend in the kitchen, the better, when I have company. That way I can enjoy them too

    Reply
  508. annalene

    I love serving tea for the holidays, especially with holiday themed flavors like peppermint, etc (or coffee with holiday themed flavors). The guests love it!

    Reply
  513. Emma Peel

    A little tip when entertaining your friends with small children is to have everything ready to entertain them in case they get bored or start to act up or cry or whatever that they want to go home. Have things like color books, puzzles, crayons and toys handy and in a box all ready to pull out.

    Reply
  518. Becky S.

    We make sure to have plenty of disinfectant wipes around so little spills don’t turn into big stains.
    beckytag618 at gmail dot com

    Reply
  524. April

    We like to spread the celebrations out so that everyone doesn’t have to choose between one or two things to do on any particular evening. Having your holiday get together early helps everyone.

    Reply
  527. Maria P.

    We try to prepare as much in advance as possible – this includes any food that can be made ahead of time, setting the table, setting out which serving dish is for which item, etc.

    Reply
  534. MelissaO

    Old pictures…everybody loves to reminisce, especially when they’ve not seen each other in a long time.

    wolverina401 at gmail dot com

    Reply
  537. Brandy Byrne

    We like to do mini scavenger hunts. I will hide gifts around the house and then guests have to finish their food, then look under the placemat to find their first clue. It’s so fun watching them run all around looking for the next clue and eventually to the gift.

    Reply
  548. brian e.

    Thanks for the giveaway…over the Holidays we have an extended family & friends Chess & Checkers tournament for the adults & kids !

    senorpiero [at] yahoo [dot] com

    Reply
  557. Allison Greene

    Try to plan and prepare as much as you can before guests start arriving. Leaving everything til the last minute only makes for a stressful get togetherfor the host

    Reply
  560. Natalie U.

    going to the bakery and getting decorated sugar cookies that are wrapped in cellophane and putting them on each plate
    pedidentalasst at yahoo dot com

    Reply
  563. Karen

    Keep a jigsaw puzzle going on a table that is accessible by all — you’ll be surprised how many people will stop and do that as a social activity.

    Reply
  568. Barbara Long

    We entertain family by having them come over to help decorate Christmas sugar cookies. We have a bunch of different sprinkles and colored icing to choose from and make a night of it. It’s a nice way to relax for awhile and chat while doing something useful at the same time.

    longbarb1@aol.com

    Reply
  569. Auriette

    Instead of focusing on gifts and eating, have a caroling party to entertain the neighbors or visit a nursing home or hospital. You’ll have a good feeling and it won’t cost you anything and you won’t gain weight.

    Reply
  570. Priscilla

    A tip for entertaining over the holidays is to have several options in activities and foods. It’s hard to please everyone, but it’s easier when they have lots to choose from.

    priscilla(dot)a(dot)escobar(at)gmail(dot)com

    Reply
  583. Sand

    Prepare as much as possible and ask for help when needed. There are times where I don’t have time to cook and ask everyone to bring something.

    Reply
  614. R Hicks

    One tip is minimize the work especially with cooking. Don’t be shy about ordering food for the party. You can still make a few of your own dishes, but the work load will be easier

    ardy22 at earthlink dot net

    Reply
  631. Justine

    I think a good way to entertain visitors over the holidays is to rent movies or games that everyone enjoys..some games for kids and some for the entire family

    Reply

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