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EASY MEALS FOR LAST MINUTE ENTERTAINING

I'm Erika Ward

Over a decade ago, I exchanged my corporate life in building construction for an opportunity to enhance your personal home via decoration and renovation.  My mission? To help busy professionals make their homes their sanctuaries.

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The fall and winter holidays seem to be prime time for last minute entertaining. We often have family and friends who come into town and naturally head to our home for a drop-in visit. It’s always nice to welcome them with open arms and a warm meal.  

Thanksgiving Dinner Arial View It doesn’t take much to make your guests feel special. Just lay out your tablecloth, add a runner (here I used wrapping paper), plates, tableware, and glasses. In our harried everyday lives, how often do we sit down to such a beautiful setting? Stouffers-Mac-and-Cheese-8 Bring out the food and the conversation really gets going. Since I’ve been on a theme of stress-free holiday, let’s consider an easy meal for last minute entertaining or even Thanksgiving Day! Your guests will not only appreciate your effort, but with your carefully selected menu items they will also taste the love in every bite. Stouffers-Mac-and-Cheese-9aOne of my go-to favorites is Stouffer’s Macaroni and Cheese. Who doesn’t love this classic comfort food. My guests were surprised to learn that this fresh pasta dish made with real aged cheese is found on the frozen food aisle! Stouffers-Mac-and-Cheese Young or old, no matter the age, it’s the first dish plated followed by the other foods on the menu. Stouffers-Mac-and-Cheese-7My easy meal also included a rotisserie chicken from my local deli, fresh rolls, and seasoned green beans.

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Stouffers-Mac-and-Cheese-5And for dessert, I kept it even simpler! We enjoyed Nestle’s Simply Dipped Limited Edition Peppermint Drumstick Variety Pack. Well, enjoyed is really an understatement. The variety pack consists of Peppermint, Peppermint Fudge and Chocolate Peppermint. It was the perfect after dinner mint—rich, creamy, and cool. Honestly, until now I was not a fan of mint and chocolate and was surprised at how delicious the Peppermint Drumsticks are. It’s embarrassing how I am going on and on about this dessert, but you have to try them for yourself.

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Peppermint-Drumstick-after-dinner For your future easy meals, the Stouffer’s macaroni and cheese is a keeper. You can substitute the chicken for another prepared meat, add a steamed vegetable, or additional vegetables for the vegetarians at your table.   Everything here was purchased at Walmart and is easy to find in the frozen food aisles (vegetables and ice cream).Stouffers-Mac-and-Cheese-10

For more ideas on stress-free holiday entertaining and for recipes, follow the #Feast4All hashtag on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, or Twitter. 

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DESIGN OBSESSED, ATLANTA GO-TO GIRL, STYLE CHAMELEON, BEACH LOVER. 

HI,
I'M ERIKA.

Over a decade ago, I exchanged my corporate life in building construction for an opportunity to enhance your personal home via decoration and renovation. My mission? To help busy professionals make their homes their sanctuaries.

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