Holiday Entertaining 2023

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LNP | LANCASTER, PA

NOVEMBER 26, 2023

HOW TO HOST A HOLIDAY PARTY WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK MADDY PONTZ

FOR LNP | LANCASTERONLINE

Be intentional

There’s something in the air this time of year that makes many of us want to don our most festive sweaters or an outfit decked out in sequins. We look forward to eating our favorite holiday feasts and drinking special libations. We plan to give one another thoughtful gifts and cards. Most of all, we hope to gather with our loved ones.

While throwing a grand holiday soirée can sometimes run up a grand price tag to match, with the help of local event experts, planning a festive party does not necessarily mean exceeding your budget. With a few creative tips, you can host a lively and memorable gathering this holiday season — without an exorbitant expense.

Steve Sanchez, president of The JDK Group, a catering and events company serving Central Pennsylvania, recommends considering the purpose of your holiday event before making any logistical decisions — and then building your theme around that core purpose.

Brooke Maier, floral and event design coordinator of The JDK Group, refers to this as, “being intentional with the event.”

“What are your guests looking for? Not only what do you — as the host — want to achieve, but what are your guests wanting to do?” Maier says. “What is the highlight and what is the reason for gathering?”

“You definitely want to think about

your guests, in the sense of comfort, fun, to make sure things aren’t boring, to make sure there’s adequate food,” says Taylor Landis, owner of Spruce Weddings and Events, an event planning company serving Lancaster County and other areas. “You want to start with a vision. You definitely want to get all of your priorities aligned, and then make a plan based on those priorities.”

Landis recommends designing your event vision around your guests and their interests. Then head to Pinterest, which she calls, “a great spot to get a lot of inspo.” (A few themes Landis recommends to get you started: winter wonderland, silver and gold, ugly sweater.)

Spending time thinking about and being intentional with your purpose can help drive your decision-making, allowGETTYIMAGES

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ing you to prioritize what matters most and save money on the elements that are not as important to your event goals.

Get creative with food, drink “Spend your money on food,” Landis advises. “There are ways to save on food, but you don’t want bad food. Because a party with bad food isn’t fun.”

“If you want that evening feel/fancier party, instead of having a full buffet or sit-down meal, you can go for really heavy hors d’oeuvres and desserts,” Landis says, recommending that this type of party begins later in the evening and that it’s noted on your invitation that dinner will not be served.

Landis also recommends hosting a brunch or lunch as a cost-saving option, or even an “old school” potluck.

No matter what catering option you choose, have fun with your presentation.

“The way that you present the food is just as important as how it tastes,” Sanchez says.

“With the items you’re providing foodwise or beverage-wise, maybe you’re being a little more cost-effective, but you can really have the visual impact of the presentation,” Maier says. “That’s really going to be a long-term impression on the guests.”

Sanchez suggests shopping at your local craft or dollar store for festive serving items like platters, dishes and serveware — and thinking small for a big impact.

“When you want to get that ‘wow’ factor, (serve) anything miniature. People just love things in a ‘mini’ format,” Sanchez says. “When you’re looking at serving salads, maybe you make the salad in a big bowl, and then you go to your local craft store or dollar store and you get miniature plastic serving bowls … and you put them on a platter so that people can grab and go.”

Sanchez continues, “For snacks, put the nuts and olives all in one little container … Even something like a brown paper box or cup, and make individual charcuterie with a garnish, like rosemary or a fig.”

This time of year, comfort food is always a crowd-pleaser.

Sanchez recommends options like a mashed potato or macaroni and cheese bar for a popular food option that won’t break the bank. Provide a traditional base — like plain mac and cheese or potatoes — as well as a number of toppings that guests can add themselves, like bacon, tomato, broccoli and more.

For a unique option, hosts could also provide a butter display alongside sweet potatoes or mashed potatoes, Sanchez recommends, featuring a number of compound butters in different flavors,

like garlic-herb, chili-lime, cinnamonsugar, cranberry-orange and more.

“That’s a really cool thing that you can do and it’s actually pretty inexpensive,” Sanchez says.

Or how about a holiday dinner in a jar?

“A cool (dish) that we’ve seen is a play on a holiday turkey in a jar,” Sanchez says. “You have sliced turkey, shredded turkey or chopped ham, and you create almost like a walking taco kind of display. You take a mason jar and you layer mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, turkey and a little topping … The presentation alone gets that really fun ‘wow’... You’re looking at (ingredients) that are pretty cost effective, but it presents pretty cool.”

To cut costs on drinks, consider serving beer, wine and a signature cocktail, instead of a full bar.

“You can always do a special cocktail or two, and you can make those really festive,” Landis suggests. “Maybe you do a cosmopolitan because it’s a nice pinkyred color which is festive, or maybe you bring out espresso martinis in the later evening and dress it up to make it festive with miniature candy canes. Then you have that liquor option, but you’re still saving money and not having to buy a

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million different handles (of liquor) ... It just adds to your decor and your theme.”

them to your table really does make a big difference in your tablescape.”

Forage or shop secondhand

Plan festive activities

Maier recommends saving money on your decor by shopping secondhand or vintage when possible.

“A lot of people are gravitating towards that classic or traditional (aesthetic) ... the holidays always give that sentimental feeling,” Maier says. “So leaning into that and decorating in that sense, going to those secondhand shops (can help you save money).”

Maier recommends looking for items like taper candles, table runners and other items to “jazz up those tablescapes.”

For fresh decor or florals that can be incorporated into your holiday decorating, Maier recommends turning to the great outdoors.

“Right in your backyard, there are evergreens everywhere in Pennsylvania.

So foraging for those products makes a big difference on those tables,” Maier says. “Be intentional about those things that you’re pulling out of your backyard.

As long as it’s something hearty like an evergreen or magnolia or something like that, clipping those down and adding

“If you’re trying to be budget-conscious, you’re probably going to want to stay away from your typical dance party where there’s a band and a DJ,” Landis recommends. “If you’re trying to stay away from that expense of hiring entertainment, then I would (suggest) bringing in holiday party games, like throwing plastic ornaments through a wreath … or having cotton balls as pretend snowballs and seeing how many you can move from one bowl to another.”

She recommends searching the internet for additional festive activity and game ideas.

Remember the reason “Honestly, the people are what make (an event) the most memorable,” Landis says. “If you’re having a party, yeah, we talk about food and drink, and that you don’t want people to be bored, but if you’re connecting with the people that are there, then that’s what makes it memorable for me.”

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NOVEMBER 26, 2023

8 CENTERPIECE IDEAS FOR YOUR HOLIDAY TABLE METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

ers in vibrant holiday hues. Cut the stems and place them in an unusual display container, such as holiday themed mugs or a punch bowl.

The holiday season is a great time to make any home more merry and bright.

Most people give the main living areas of a home the most decorating attention. However, when it comes to holiday hosting, attention also should be given to the dining table. Premade centerpieces are undeniably attractive, but adding a homespun touch can be a fun creative pursuit. Explore these eight simple ideas to dress up your holiday table.

1. Frosted pine cones: Take advantage of a crisp winter’s day to gather pine cones and, if possible, a few evergreen boughs. Give the pine cones a touch of winter whimsy with a little faux snow in a can or white paint. Nestle the boughs and pine cones into a wide-mouthed vase or bowl in the center of the table.

Individual pine cones can later be turned into place cards for seating guests.

2. Holiday thanks: Cut strips of paper roughly 6 inches in length from various colored pieces of paper to match the holiday theme. When guests arrive, ask

5. Glass baubles: Who says ornaments should be exclusive to the tree? A crystal or glass cake stand can be transformed into an icy delight when topped with silver and clear glass ornaments.

6. Birch wood: The crisp white coloring of birch bark is right at home with holiday decor. Go stark with pieces of the cut wood in varying heights intermingled with white candles that mimic the shapes and scale of the wood.

GETTY IMAGES

them to write a favorite holiday memory or two, or what they’re thankful for.

Twirl the paper strips around a pencil to curl them, and then place the curlicues into a decorative bowl in the center of the table. Later, the host or hostess can read some of the sentiments.

3. Magical forest: Use green and silver conical party hats to turn a table or sideboard into a veritable evergreen forest. Arrange them on a blanket of faux snow or white confetti.

4. Freshly cut: Select attractive flow-

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7. Fruit and vegetables: If the race is on for a fast centerpiece, look no further than the kitchen. Lemons, artichokes, pears or pomegranates look festive in a bowl with greenery and baby’s breath.

8. Cornucopia: The horn of plenty can be customized to any holiday. Purchase a horn in wicker or woven grapevine and fill with flowers, fruit and greenery.

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15 WAYS TO ENTERTAIN Give the Gift of Adventure!

FRIENDS AND FAMILY IN LANCASTER COUNTY MARGARET GATES MGATES@LNPNEWS.COM

Holiday entertaining is more than simply hosting a party or cooking an elaborate meal for family and friends.

Whether you have guests visiting from out of town or you’re looking to spend quality time with family, there’s plenty to see and do this season in Lancaster County.

From music and history to shopping and adventure, here are some options that are sure to entertain everyone on your list.

1. Tuba Christmas 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1 Ewell Plaza Local and regional tuba players gather for a spirited brass performance of holiday favorites. visitlancastercity.com 2. Christmas in Lititz Springs Park 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1 Lititz Springs Park Enjoy holiday performances, carol

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NOVEMBER 26, 2023

Happy Holidays to A�!

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singing, the lighting of the community Christmas tree, and maybe even a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. lititzspringspark.org 3. 55th Marietta Candlelight Tour of Homes 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3 Marietta

5. Holiday Arts Market 5-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8 Ewell Plaza Shop for one-of-a-kind gifts amid twinkling lights and holiday music as local artisans showcase their work in this inaugural outdoor market. visitlancastercity.com

Tour eight private homes and several public buildings decorated for visitors.

Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 the day of the tour. Purchase tickets in advance at mariettarestoration.org or on tour day at Donegal Intermediate School, 1177 River Road; Old Town Hall Museum, 3 W. Walnut St.; or First National Escape Bank, 100 W. Market St. Free parking and shuttle bus service will be available. mariettarestoration.org

6. Annual Christmas Carol Sing 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 9 Lititz Moravian Square

4. Menorah lighting 5:30-6:30 p.m. Dec. 7-14 (4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8) Penn Square

7. Christmas Candlelight Tour 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 8-9 Lititz Historical Foundation 137-145 E. Main St., Lititz

The Jewish Community Alliance of Lancaster will gather in Penn Square to ceremonially light the public menorah during Hanukkah. visitlancastercity.com

Take a guided tour of the 1792 Johannes Mueller House and learn the story of Mueller and his family as well as the history and customs of the early Moravian community of Lititz in the 18th cen-

The Lititz Moravian Trombone Choir will provide accompaniment as the community sings holiday favorites, hosted by the Lititz Historical Foundation and Lititz Moravian Archives. Admission is free, and song sheets are provided. lititzhistoricalfoundation.com

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tury. Tours depart every 15 minutes. Admission is $8. Tickets can be purchased online by day and time at lititzhistoricalfoundation.com. lititzhistoricalfoundation.com 8. Live Nativity Dec. 8-9, 15-16 Woodcrest Retreat 225 Woodcrest Road, Ephrata Walk with biblical characters along candlelit wooded trails, interact with shepherds and merchants, and discover the story of Christmas. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 4-16 and free for children 3 and under. For more details or to reserve a time slot, visit woodcrestretreat.org/events/journey. woodcrestretreat.org 9. Christkindlmarkt 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10 Lancaster Liederkranz 722 S. Chiques Road, Manheim Shop at a traditional outdoor German Christmas market in the Lancaster Liederkranz Pavilion. The market will include gifts from over 30 local vendors, traditional German food and drink, German beer and hot mulled spiced

wine, children’s crafts, musical performances, a bonfire and a Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Admission and offsite shuttle parking is free. Onsite parking is $10. lancasterliederkranz.com 10. Christmas at the Cloister 6:30 and 8 p.m. Dec. 11-12 Ephrata Cloister, 632 W. Main St., Ephrata Spend some time in quiet reflection in the historic 1741 Meetinghouse during this program of seasonal readings and carols featuring the Ephrata Cloister Chorus. For more information, visit ephratacloister.org or call 717-733-6600.

Advance tickets are required due to limited seating. Tickets: $7. ephratacloister.org 11. Ride the rails with Santa Through Dec. 22 Strasburg Rail Road 301 Gap Road, Strasburg Hop aboard Strasburg Rail Road’s “Night Before Christmas Train.” A costumed reader will read the Clement C. Moore classic. Feel free to wear your PJs. There are also opportunities to travel

aboard Santa’s trolley, express coach and dining car. Ticket prices vary. strasburgrailroad.com 12. AMT 2023 Christmas Show Through Dec. 30 American Music Theatre 2425 Lincoln Highway East AMT’s new original show, “The First Noel,” features live performances of favorite sacred and seasonal Christmas songs. Tickets are $25 for children, $39 for members and $49 for adults. amtshows.com

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14. A Christmas Carol: The Musical Through Dec. 30 Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre 510 Centerville Road Based on the holiday classic, grumpy miser Ebenezer Scrooge discovers the true spirit of the holidays with help from Tiny Tim and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. Adult tickets are $55 for show only, $72-$80 for dinner and show. Child and student tickets also available. dutchapple.com

13. Yuletide at Wheatland 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Saturday Through Dec. 30 230 N. President Ave.

15. Amish Christmas Cookie Tour 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays Through Dec. 30 Amish Farm & House 2395 Covered Bridge Drive, Lancaster

Take a guided history and holidaythemed tour through the floors of the decorated mansion that was once the home of former President James Buchanan. See the holiday season as it was experienced by Buchanan’s niece and nephew, Harriet Lane and James Buchanan Henry, in the early days of the Industrial Revolution. Admission is $17 for adults and $8 for children. lancasterhistory.org

Board a bus for a guided tour of stops at three Amish homes to sample Christmas cookies, learn about Amish Christmas traditions, and take home some cookies and recipes. Tickets are $54.95 for ages 12 and over, $38.95 for ages 3-11, and $11.95 for toddlers 2 and under. amishfarmandhouse.com/christmascookie-tour

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