Come December all I really want to do is lounge in my fuzzy socks, sip on tea and read. We are 3 days in and already I’ve been enjoying the fine art of doing less. We plan to travel to Los Angeles to visit my family later this month and celebrate Christmas surrounded by palm trees which I’m very excited to do, minus the hustle and bustle of cross-country travel during the busy season. I think I’m front loading the hours of quiet now and banking my cozy time because I know I’m going to have to brave the storm of anxious and impatient holiday travelers and 405 traffic (IYKYK).
Now that the Super Bowl of entertaining is over (Thanksgiving) we move into another territory which can be equally stressful for some, which is holiday entertaining. If you have kids thrown into the mix, you already know that managing calendars full of Christmas plays, teacher gifting, half-days leading up to winter break and the rest of what you’ve got going on can prove to be exhausting. If no one has reached you yet with this newsflash, let me be the first to do so.
LET YOURSELF OFF THE HOOK. Yup, I said it. This is the time to think about what will actually be remembered. You can have a cute and cozy season, simply. Yesterday, I made a huge batch of buttered popcorn and broke out the warm blankets and cuddled up with my kiddos and we watched the original Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Magic. The kids were so into it, and we got some good quality time together. Afterward, I looked up local places that had light displays and we hopped in the car and went for an impromptu ride. I turned on my favorite holiday SPOTIFY playlist and we sang in the car and looked at the twinkly lights. Simple, cost effective and magical.
In keeping with that theme this season, when we move into the area of entertaining, it can get expensive and elaborate which I’m totally down for depending on where I’m at. If I have the bandwidth, you will find me making 4-foot-long charcuterie boards, homemade bacon jam, or baby crab cakes topped with lemony creme fraiche. All delicious ideas but time consuming, lots of hands on active time and pricey.
If you haven't already noticed, my holiday theme this year is Simple Magic which is why I wanted to share these recipes with you today. If you want to go all out and do caviar bumps and prepare perfectly medium rare filet mignon sliders, do you, but I’m rolling with these recipes so my time could be spent making the memories and giving back the gift of relaxation to myself.
FOOD 4 THOUGHT
Before we get to the recipes, I’d love to share some of the things that have brought bits of inspiration to my life in recent weeks. First, if you haven’t already watched it, American Symphony on Netflix is poignant, inspiring and exceptional. I’ve been a fan of both Suleika Jaouad and Jon Batiste for their artistry for quite a long time and their love story is one for the books. If you are in the mood to have your heart and soul cracked open real quick, watch it.
I’m a podcast junkie through and through and the latest episode from The Minimalists with Leo Babauta on Possession Reduction had me deep in my thoughts. I’ve been logging off a bit more and I’ve already made a few trips to the Goodwill Donation Center. The question asked here is how can we bring meaning into everyday life with less stuff and things?
I just read Matthew McConaughey’s book Greenlights after listening to the audio book awhile back. Sheesh. Greenlights are moments when the universe gives you a confirmation or a yes, opening the path ahead. He spent most of his life journaling his adventures and this book is a reflection of all of it as he approaches 50. He’s a damn good storyteller and someone that would be on my list if I could invite anyone to a dinner party.
HOLIDAY TASTES- SIMPLE MAGIC EDITION
These recipes are simple in execution but fancy in theory which is why I love them. Bring these to the party you’re invited to or just add them to your holiday arsenal and enjoy.
Whipped Feta with Hot Honey, Pistachios, and Cranberries
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