Finding time to entertain is often the hardest part of the holidays. But maybe it could be easier than what you have done in the past. Maybe you could offer your friends the opportunity to come over, relax, enjoy a bit of dessert and conversation without wearing you and everyone else out....I don't know about you, but I like that idea a lot! Take a look here!
Plus they all made with basic ingredients found in most pantries, including yours. If you are worried that they might not be fancy enough for guests? Stop worrying! The desserts will be just fine because you made them. And quite honestly as much as you want delicious treats to offer (and these are, I promise!), they are coming to visit with you and anyone else that has also dropped by.
One of the great secrets of catering is that the food served doesn't taste wonderful because it is out of the ordinary. No the reason it tastes wonderful is that someone cooked it for you. Nothing says you care like a food offering, made by you. It stands to reason then, that nothing says Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays like a Dessert and Coffee Open House!
Let's get started, shall we?
Start with those recipes that need a rest, before serving...
On the day before, start with the recipes that actually improve with 24-hours aging or standing time. Cheesecakes will cut easier, after 24 hours as well as a loaf of quick bread. And anything with spice is better the next day so the flavors can marry together in the baked and ready to serve item. Making these three suggestions perfect, for the day before...
This Brown Sugar Sour Cream Banana Bread turns out cake soft and the caramel under-tones are delicious! Bake, cool slightly, turn out to cool completely, then wrap and let it rest until the next day before slicing. This banana bread is so good, it needs no glaze or topping of any kind...
The Perfect Cheesecake is just that! You can bake at 350 degrees for a standard cheesecake texture or at 200 degrees overnight (yes, don't be alarmed, it turns out so delicious) for a creamy, silky cheesecake that is sure to please your guests.
Snickerdoodles are a holiday favorite. But this pan of Sugar and Spice Snickerdoodle Bars stirs up quickly and bakes unattended while you tend to other chores. Once removed from the oven, let them cool completely, and cut into bars. Cover the pan and let them rest for 24-hours. Then all you have to do the day of your open house is place them on a platter.
These final two suggestions can be done the following day!
And then on the day of your open house, the following two desserts will leave you plenty of time to get the house ready for company, but not be so much work (or make too much kitchen mess) that you will not be able to enjoy your own gathering.
Easy to Make Toffee is just that easy! It is the first candy recipe that I ever tried, and it doesn't even need a candy thermometer. I would like to recommend two batches and that way those who fall in love with this candy treat can also take a piece home. Make it first thing in the morning, then break it into pieces to place on a serving tray.
This warm and fragrant Slow Cooker Apple Crisps will be just right to round out your selection of desserts! Offer a bowl of chipped cream if desired, but it is quite lovely on its own. Once the apples and topping go into the slow cooker you are free to get everything else done and ready for when your guests begin stopping by.
And how about something savory, also?
I like having options for those who do not have a sweet tooth, something easy to make. Just like the desserts you will be making for your guests. With that being said, I usually offer a cheese plate with three or four different kinds of sliced cheese and a basket of crackers. Fortunately the cheese and crackers do not take much time to arrange, along with a small bowl of mixed nuts. Plus both of these options are much easier than a vegetable plate with dip, unless you purchase one ready to go. But cheese and nuts are always a hit!
The only thing left is to set up the coffee and then you are ready to enjoy your own open house! With this easy to manage outline, you too, can have a great time with family and friends, and enjoy the fun!
You may also enjoy: 
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Yum, cheesecake!! Thanks so much for linking up at A Themed Linkup 87 for All Things Christmas. Pinned and/or shared!
ReplyDeleteDee, thanks so for hosting!
DeleteSo many delicious goodies thanks for sharing plan on trying some soon
ReplyDeleteCome see us at http://shopannies.blogspot.com
Thank you Annie! Have a great week ahead.
DeleteGreat ideas here, Melynda! I think when I resume entertaining, I'm going to be doing more of this "without wearing you out" sort of thing! #FullPlateThursday
ReplyDeleteThank you Jean, I know some are not back to having visitors, but I still wanted to offer a solution for entertaining. There is nothing better than time with friends. Thanks for your kind words, and thanks for stopping by, I appreciate it.
DeleteMelynda, I'm so sorry I addressed you by the wrong name in the post I left for you. My apologies. This was my first visit here and I mistakenly took the name from another commenter's post.
ReplyDeleteThe name error is never a problem, I have been called many things through the years! I will confess right now, I did not publish your first comment as I felt the spirit of the information in this post was lost. And while we all have the same privilege in holding and sharing our opinions, I also felt that the other commenter directly express my intent for posting suggestions on how to host an open house without too much stress. For those that choose. I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Wonderful and Happy New Year. Thank you for taking the time to comment, I appreciate it very much.
DeleteGreat idea for a gathering. Featuring when my link party opens. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteCarol, thank you so much! Have a great week ahead.
DeleteOh, my, goodness - this is my kind of party :) I would want a taste of each dessert. Thanks for sharing, and I'm looking forward to another year of delish foodie inspiration when the FWF party starts up again this Friday, January 7th.
ReplyDeleteHope to see you there!
Happy New Year!
Rachelle
Thank you for your kind words, and thanks for hosting! I will be there to share.
DeleteThese recipes look delicious - saved a couple of them to try. I can hardly wait until we're living in a place where we can host open houses again. Visiting from ST&F today
ReplyDeleteKym, thank you so much! May those days come quickly for you!
DeleteOh, my days! I'm all over this open house. What a lovely idea and so many yummy things to try.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely week ahead Melynda. :)
Jayne, thank you very much!
Delete