Every year I always want to entertain at Christmas but for
some reason or the other, never actually plan a party. Not so this year! We are
having a cocktails and hors d’oeuvres party Saturday night. Of course, I can’t
just go buy premade food and beverages and put them on the table. I’ve got to
plan and bake and plan and cook so that everything is just perfect for my
guests.
One thing to keep in mind when planning a holiday party is
that you should think about all five senses. Not only do you want your guests
to taste delicious food and see spectacular decorating, you will want them to
smell something yummy when they walk through the door. Here’s two easy ways to
do this.
Clove-Studded Oranges
I’ve been making these at Christmas time for decades and I
still enjoy the sight and smell of these easy decorations. Simply take several
oranges and poke whole cloves through the skin. Feel free to get creative with
designs. You don’t need to cover the entire skin of the orange with cloves,
either, although the more you use, the more fragrant it will be.
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| The mini carnations in the vase? My husband got them for me for our anniversary - 3 WEEKS AGO! |
In this picture, I’ve taken my oranges and put them into
three wine glasses of varying heights. They also look good grouped together in
a crystal bowl or vase or even placed in a row on a silver tray.
Simmering Spiced Apple
Cider
A traditional Christmas drink, spiced apple cider not only
tastes good, but it smells good as it simmers away. Either place all the
ingredients in a kettle on the stove or use a crock pot to keep this drink warm
until guests are ready to imbibe.
Spiced Apple Cider
1 gallon real apple cider (thick and murky, and definitely
not the powdered packets)
1 medium-sized orange, thinly sliced
2 cinnamon sticks
½ t. ground cloves
½ t. ground nutmeg
2 cups dark rum (optional)
Place all ingredients in a kettle or crock pot. Simmer over
very low heat for up to two hours.
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