When it comes to the holidays, there are a few things that I like to have on hand at all times. This post is all about my collection of holiday staples and how I use them.
1. A backup stash of gifts. Have you ever been caught off-guard when someone drops off a gift and you have nothing to give in return? That’s the worst feeling! I took a page out of my mother’s playbook and created a gift stash. Gifts don’t have to be expensive. Taking the time to put together a thoughtful pairing makes all the difference. Homegoods and Marshalls are great places to find many of the gift ideas below.
A FEW GIFT IDEAS
- cocktail shakers with fun cocktail napkins
- a bottle of wine in a burlap bag tied with a festive ribbon and an ornament
- kitchen towel with a bottle of your favorite dish soap or counter spray
- my personal favorite is a candle (this is a favorite) with this candle accessory set
2. Prosecco. I like to keep a bottle of Prosecco in the wine fridge at all times, especially during the holidays.
Always keep champagne in the fridge for a special occasion. Sometimes, the special occasion is that there is champagne in the fridge.
3. Cheese board essentials. Cheese boards are always a crowd-pleaser. Having a few key ingredients on hand can be a lifesaver. In my cheese boards, I like to include two types of crackers (we like these), three kinds of cheese, 2-3 meats, and an assortment of fruit. I also like to add nuts and condiments. In the board above I used olive tapenade, fig preserves, and marinated mushrooms. I usually grab a few sprigs from the herb garden for garnish. Cheese boards can easily be assembled on a plate or cutting board, but I like to use a tray with high sides so that I can really fill up every space. Parchment paper sheets are nice to have on hand to line the tray.
4. Guest slippers and robes. On my list of staples to add this year are guest robes and slippers. It’s those extra details that make guests feel special.
