Hosting a Holiday Soirée

Hosting a Holiday Soirée

BY ALICIA WOOD, CREATIVE DIRECTOR, ALICIA WOOD LIFESTYLE aliciawoodlifestyle.com I alicia@aliciawoodlifestyle.com @aliciawoodlifestyle on Instagram

‘Tis the time of year when friends and family gather to celebrate the holiday season with good food, drinks, and of course, gorgeous home décor. While I love entertaining throughout the year, the Christmas season is my absolute favorite! Since the season is filled with non-stop festivities, I prefer having friends over in a way that is as stress-free as possible! One of my favorite customs is hosting a Holiday Tea. Hosting on a weekday allows your friends to stay and mingle without feeling the need to rush out the door to the next party. I also think a Holiday Tea would make a memorable mother-daughter tradition! When hosting a holiday soirée of any type, planning ahead and making a list of things to do are key. Two entertaining tips I live by are prepping food items beforehand and having a signature beverage ready when guests arrive. Remember, there is no harm in having items catered or picking them up at your favorite café. Two of my favorite local caterers are Savor Culinary Services and City Café. They often round out my entertaining menus. Proper planning

allows you to be ready and relaxed so that you can enjoy time with friends and family. In this issue, I am including a few of my favorite “make ahead” recipes. My Pomegranate Chicken Salad is not only delicious, but also perfectly dressed for the holidays. Consider making extra to have for lunch throughout the week. You will also find one of our family favorites, my Coconut Macaroons. This is a recipe we love baking together and often adapt based on the season. For Christmas, we like to dip the macaroons in chocolate and then into some crushed peppermint candies. Finally, I have included a favorite holiday beverage I serve each season: my Hot Apple Cider. Remember, the goal is for you to enjoy yourself! If you are having a good time, your guests will have a great time as well.

xo, Alicia

Pomegranate Chicken Salad

Ingredients • 1 lb. cooked chicken breasts, cut into 1⁄2″ cubes • 1 cup mayonnaise • 1 tsp. kosher salt, plus more to taste • ¼ cup whipped cream • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste • ½ cup pomegranate arils (seeds) • 4 chopped green onions • 1 loaf of bread

Instructions 1. Combine the first 5 ingredients in a bowl. 2. Spoon chicken salad on to precut bread. 3. Top with pomegranate arils and chopped green onion 4. Serve immediately or refrigerate.

Coconut Macaroons

Ingredients • 28 oz. sweetened shredded coconut (two bags) • 14 oz. sweetened condensed milk • 2 tsp. vanilla extract • 2 extra large egg whites at room temperature • ½ tsp. salt • Chocolate for melting • Peppermint candies, crushed

Instructions 1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. 2. Combine the coconut, condensed milk, and vanilla in a large bowl. 3. Whip the egg whites and salt on high speed with an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment until you have medium-firm peaks. 4. Gently fold egg whites into the coconut mixture. 5. Drop the batter onto baking sheet lined with parchment paper with either a 1¾-inch diameter cookie or ice cream scoop, or 2 tablespoons. 6. Using the back of the spoon or your fingers, make a hollow place in the center like a bird's nest. 7. Bake for 15 to 17 minutes, until golden brown. 8. Let cool. 9. Dip ½ cookie into chocolate and then into peppermint candy. 10. Enjoy!

Hot Apple Cider

Ingredients • 6 cups Apple Juice • 1 cup Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice • 1/3 cup Maple Syrup • 10 Whole Cloves • 8 Whole All Spice Berries • 2 Cinnamon Sticks

Instructions

1. Place all ingredients in a large saucepan. 2. Heat for 5 minutes on medium or until thoroughly warmed. 3. Lift out spices. 4. Ladle into mugs.

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