Hostess Jo

On to New Years...

HostessJo.com has New Years cups and napkins ON SALE!  Check them out!

 

Last Minute Simple Centerpiece

Here is a last minute easy centerpiece idea.  Use candle sticks you already have and jazz up some Christmas balls with glitter glue letters.  For a longer table just use a longer word!  Grab some festive fabric as a table runner and you are all set!

 

I wish all of you very happy holidays!  I hope you enjoy all of your family, friends and food during this special time of year!  See you soon!

(photo from bhg.com)

Easy Holiday Appetizer

I saw this recipe on my Wheat Thins box and I'm going to add it to our menu for Christmas Eve.  I love broccoli!  This sounded delicious and most importantly-easy!

Zesty Hot Holiday Broccoli Dip

 

Prep Time:
10 min

Total Time:
40 min

Makes:
about 3 cups dip or 25 servings, about 2 Tbsp. dip and 16 crackers each

 

 

1 cup MIRACLE WHIP Light Dressing

1 pkg.  (10 oz.) frozen chopped broccoli, thawed, well drained

1 jar (2 oz.) diced pimientos, drained

1/2 cup  KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese

1 cup KRAFT 2% Milk Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, divided

  WHEAT THINS Reduced Fat Baked Snack Crackers

HEAT oven to 350°F. Combine first 4 ingredients and 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese.

SPREAD into 1-qt. baking dish or 9-inch pie plate.

BAKE 20 to 25 min. or until heated through. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese; bake 5 min. or until cheese is melted. Serve with crackers.

(photo from kraftfoods.com)

Christmas Eve Menu

I am cooking a Christmas Eve lunch this year and I think I have selected the menu.  We are having ham, potato salad, homemade mac and cheese, green beans, black eyed peas and cornbread (my husband is a pro at this).  I've been looking for a mac and cheese recipe and I think I've found one on KraftFoods.com.  Thought I'd share it with you...

Down Home Mac and Cheese

 

Prep Time:
20 min

Total Time:
40 min

Makes:
5 servings, 1 cup each

 

What You Need

 

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine, divided

1/4 cup  flour

1 cup milk

1/2 lb.  (8 oz.) VELVEETA Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked, drained

1/2 cup  KRAFT Shredded Cheddar Cheese

6 RITZ Crackers, crushed

 

 

Make It 

HEAT oven to 350°F. Melt 3 Tbsp. butter in medium saucepan on medium heat. Whisk in flour; cook 2 min., stirring constantly. Gradually stir in milk; cook until mixture boils and thickens, stirring constantly. Add VELVEETA; cook 3 min. or until melted, stirring frequently. Stir in macaroni.

SPOON into 2-qt. casserole sprayed with cooking spray; sprinkle with Cheddar. Melt remaining butter; toss with cracker crumbs. Sprinkle over casserole.

BAKE 20 min. or until heated through.

(picture from kraftfoods.com)

 

SALE

HostessJo.com has most everything "Holiday" on sale 40%  OFF today through December 31!  Hurry, there are limited quantities!

Poinsettias As Cut Flowers?

I never knew that you could use Poinsettias as cut flowers.  Thanks to SouthernLiving.com, now I do!  They recommend searing the ends of your stems with a flame to prevent drooping.  Poinsettias contain a sap and the searing prevents this sap from dripping out.  Here are their detailed instructions. 

Here are some great ideas for displaying your cut Poinsettias:

This first one is my favorite!  I love how they used the bright green colors for a twist on the traditional red and green.  These could also be used for your New Year's party decorations.

 

The traditional red is also beautiful.  I love the frosted and clear decorations.

 

This idea is great because you can use containers you probably already have like a trifle dish and candle holder.

 

(all photos from southernliving.com)

A Holiday "Kraft by Kara"

Kara has taken her creativity to the next level with her new Christmas ornaments.  What a fantastic unique gift these would make!  Or a meaningful keepsake for yourself and family.  And they are only $10 a piece.  You can look at all her Krafts here!

 

Before...

Thought I would share with you some photos of our Christmas decorations this year.  We have a natural/rustic theme with pinecones, acorns, berries and greenery.  The butterflies are new this year.  I will keep the same theme for next year just change up the colors. 

 

 

 

15 Wines Under $15

 

Over at thenest.com they are featuring 15 wines under $15 from The Wine Trials.  Tasters drank 6000 glasses of wine and found that several of the best were under $15!  Check it out, I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

Cheers!

Off the Subject

I have been trying to decide about this duvet from Pottery Barn for over a month.  I love Birch trees, but I'm wondering is this taking it too far?  I love to decorate everywhere in the house except the bedroom.  I have the hardest time making decisions for the bedroom.  I thought I'd leave this one up to you!

 

My furniture and walls match this room pictured.  I would have to add a punch of color somewhere.  I was also wondering if in the summer I would want something more "summery"?  Hmmmm....