I recently had the opportunity to chat with some fantastic lifestyle bloggers about ideas for easy and cozy entertaining at home. I just love to hear great tips from others, don't you? You can read our conversation on the McCain All Good Blog here. And if you are still looking for inspiration... here are a few more of my "dos" and "don'ts" for easy and cozy holiday entertaining.
1) Don't stress about the mess. Most people understand that a busy mom is not going to have a spotless house. If someone drops in unexpectedly, shove the toys in the playroom, dim the lights (to hide the dust), and relax.
2) Don't be afraid to take shortcuts. If you don't have time to make something fancy, grab something pre-prepared out of the freezer or the pantry.
3) Do keep it simple. You don't need to limit entertaining to elaborate meals. Simple brunches or coffee dates are fun too.
4) Do include the kids. Save on babysitters and spend time with parents and their kids. Why not set up a "movie night" for the kids while the adults have some grown up conversations?
5) Do pay attention to the details. Sometimes something simple (like milk in wine glasses or a hot chocolate bar) can add a really fun festive touch.
What are some of your ideas for easy and cozy entertaining?
♥ Gina (aka East Coast Mommy) Disclosure: I’m a contributor to the McCain All Good Blog, and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group, but (of course!) the opinions on this blog are my own.
Next week, my son is turning 8, and we are having a Harry Potter themed party for him. Today, I thought I would share the adorable invitation I created for him. Isn't it the cutest?
I wrote a Hogwarts acceptance letter, and then I printed it on some "scroll" paper I found at the Dollar Store. Then, I rolled it up, tied it with a ribbon, and attached a tag containing a picture of my son dressed as Harry Potter.
I am seriously delighted with how it turned out... and so is my son. I can't wait to share the rest of the fun party details with you.
Don't you just love a good Santa Claus parade? Me too! But like all outings with children, when it comes to a "Santa Claus Parade", a little preparation goes a long way.
Here's a checklist that is sure to help:
1) Make the kids go to the bathroom before you leave the house. - It won't guarantee that there won't be a "pee" emergency, but it will improve your chances.
2) Arrive early. - A front row seat to a parade is the best. The kids can see better, and they are more likely to get waves and high fives.
3) Bring something to sit on. - Folding chairs are comfy, but a blanket works too... and it is easier to carry.
4) Bring your letter to Santa. - Santa's elves usually collect letters at Santa Claus parades. You can address them to Santa Claus, North Pole, H0H 0H0 (and don't forget to include your return address so that he can write back).
5) Pack a bag with cookies and hot chocolate. - The hot chocolate will keep the kids warm, and the cookies will give them the energy they need to make it to the end of the parade. (If the parade is at night, pack a few glow sticks too!)
6) Dress appropriately. - Around here this means "dress really warm, and don't forget to bring your hats and mitts". We also like to wear Christmas hats or reindeer noses for a little extra fun.
7) Have a great time! - ... and don't forget to wave to Santa and his reindeer.
The moment every parent dreads... the moment you realize that your Elf on the Shelf is in the same spot in the morning that he/she was in the night before.
GOOD NEWS... you can let your kids know (and I have it on good authority from Santa) that sometimes the Elf on the Shelf returns to the same spotafter his/her long trip to the North Pole. There are times when a spot in the house is just so much fun that an Elf on the Shelf likes to spend two days in it.
So there ya go... one less thing to worry about this holiday season. :-) ♥ Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)
Remembrance Day is a special day to honour the veterans that have served our country. It is important to me that my kids understand the sacrifices that have been made by veterans on their behalf. Making a remembrance day craft is a great way to honour November 11th, and spending time crafting together provides a special opportunity to talk to kids about gratitude and remembrance.
I am in the middle of planning a Harry Potter party for my seven year old, and I thought it would be fun if all the guests had their own Harry Potter tie and glasses. Of course, I had to come up with something inexpensive, so I made mine from card stock. Cute, right?
To make the Harry Potter ties, download the template here, print it onto card stock, and have the children color the ties with crayons. Then, punch two holes in the tie, add some reinforcements, and tie on some elastic (so that the kids can easily put the ties around their necks).
To make Harry Potter glasses, download the template here, print the glasses onto card stock, and cut them out. Then, add a piece of pipe cleaner to each side.
Feel free to pin this post and share it with friends, but please don't link directly to the downloads. Thanks so much, and enjoy your Harry Potter glasses and ties!
I know there are a lot of people who are collecting Elf on the Shelf ideas, so I thought I would share a fun Elf on the Shelf idea that didn't make it to the blog last year. Our Elf on the Shelf brought my boys some special hot chocolate from the North Pole.
This hot chocolate is like a regular can of hot chocolate you can buy in the grocery store, but this one has an adorable label that shows that it is a special blend from the North Pole... and trust me... Santa knows how to make some delicious hot chocolate. You can download a copy of the label here.(Feel free to "Pin" and share this idea, but please don't link directly to the download... thank you.) Do you think your little one would enjoy warming up with this yummy treat from your Elf on the Shelf?
