No Comments

 


The family Christmas party is a tradition that many do not give up, and rightly so: this is a special time to be surrounded by those you love most, chat, see those who live far away and, of course, create good memories that last forever. ever.

Planning the supper, however, is not always an easy task, as it involves a lot of organization, both to decide where the party will be held and to see what each one brings, think of games and organize the entire space.

But so that this moment is peaceful and no one is exhausted , we've separated some valuable tips on how to have an economical Christmas dinner and a peaceful party, without giving up beauty. Check out!

1. Make a guest list

Before deciding anything, you need to know who are the people who will participate in the supper. That's because, with that number in hand, it's easier to decide where the meeting will be, the amount of food and whether it will be necessary to get extra chairs.

A good tip is to use WhatsApp to your advantage and set up a group with all family members to make a single invitation and organize confirmations.

Also, when you know who is going, you can consider other details. For example, if there are children, you need to think about snacks, movies and other activities for them. Or if there is someone with a specific diet who needs recipes designed for them, etc.

2. If you are going to do a secret friend, organize it in advance

If your family is one of those who loves making secret friends, this is the time to take advantage and organize the game. Don't wait to do this at the last minute, even so as not to overwhelm anyone or get in the way financially .

Currently, organizing a secret friend is very easy and you can count on the help of technology to get everyone's name right and there are no mistakes.

3. Think about the menu with the family

One of the worst things that can happen when organizing a family Christmas is, precisely, leaving all the responsibilities to one person, especially when it comes to cooking. In addition to being unfair, this makes the celebration no longer pleasant for anyone. Before thinking about simple and economical Christmas dinner recipes, you need to have the guest list.

Therefore, the ideal is that the menu is thought of by all the guests, even to make it more economical.

For example, someone else's starters and sides, someone else's main course, someone else's desserts, and so on.

The important thing is to organize in a balanced way, both in financial and work matters.

4. Divide the tasks for each one

Again, being in charge of everything is not interesting. So how about dividing the tasks between all people?

Secret friend, buying drinks, going to the market, doing the cleaning, in short, each task can be in the hands of someone different.

5. Time is of the essence; don't procrastinate

Last minute shopping is one of the worst things you can do at the end of the year. Many people end up falling for this and, therefore, face huge queues and crowded markets, which makes them lose many hours in something that could be avoided.

Take advantage of the beginning of December or even the month of November to do your shopping. If the menu is already organized and if everyone already knows what they should do, it's worth putting your share in advance.

6. Make a list of everything you need to buy

Lists are the great allies of those who want to organize themselves in advance and save money. With everything written down, you don't fall into the risk of buying unnecessary things and, thus, you will spend only what you planned.

Therefore, before going to the market and buying everything in the market, write down all the ingredients in your recipe and, of course, do the math so that it is enough for the number of people.

7. Organize with the family to do the shopping together, wholesale

Another valuable tip to organize a family Christmas party without spending a lot is to take advantage and buy everything at once in a wholesale. As these supermarkets offer special conditions for purchases above a certain amount, it is worth gathering everything that each one needs and going to the market in one go.

But to do this it is important that everything is well organized, all guests know exactly what they are going to bring and have everything written down on a list. For this type of situation, the app we suggest is very worthwhile, because if only one person goes to the market, it will be easier to organize the money.

8. Decorate without breaking the bank

Christmas dinner decoration is something that always delights everyone, isn't it? Therefore, she is indispensable, as she is responsible for adding the touch of magic to the environment.

To make your corner more beautiful, you don't have to spend a lot of money. By the way, it is worth getting together with the family and seeing what each one can borrow to set up the decoration of the place where the party will take place.

You can make a simple arrangement for the Christmas dinner table, with old ornaments. You can also mount a light curtain on the walls to take pictures, or even on the windows.

If the plan is to save money, in addition to these tips, you can look for ideas on YouTube for easy decorations that can be made by the family itself.

With these tips on how to save money and get organized, it will be easier to think about Christmas dinner as a family. Count on everyone's union and, that way, this moment will be more pleasurable and less exhausting.

Read more »
No Comments

 


Is sustainable Christmas possible? Christmas is a symbolic date that marks a period of spiritual reflection, but also of excessive consumption . Every year, the party is marked by food waste, high generation of garbage and the purchase of many products with a reduced shelf life.

So, how about rethinking your habits and adopting a sustainable Christmas , which prioritizes conscious consumption and more ecological attitudes? This is also a way to influence your family members or people with whom you will share supper. Check out eight simple tips to have an eco-friendly Christmas , with respect for the environment!

1. Consume seasonal and local foods

Seasonal foods require fewer resources to produce compared to those of another season. They are more nutritious (as they are grown in the right climate) and come at a cheaper price, as they are in abundance at the time in question. Even better is to make a point of buying organic food .

During the Christmas period , in December, seasonal foods are usually: pineapple, plum, banana, cherry, green coconut, apricot, fig, raspberry, soursop, kiwi, pear orange, lemon, lychee, apple, mango, passion fruit , watermelon, melon, nectarine, peach, pomegranate, grape, chicory, chive, endive, fennel, grape leaf, mint, oregano, arugula, parsley, celery, zucchini, beetroot, carrot, mushroom, pepper, tomato and green bean -noodle.

Furthermore, the closer the consumption is to the place of production, the smaller the environmental footprint . By consuming products that are grown in the vicinity of residential areas, the pollution emitted by vehicles transporting goods is significantly reduced, as well as the losses resulting from the degradation of food in this process. The followers of the practice of consuming locally are called locavores.

2. Don't put lights on live trees

Just like humans, Christmas trees need to “rest” during the night. The absence of light also played a role in the evolution of these beings, as well as the seasons. In winter, for example, the leaves fall to save the tree's energy.

If it were summer all year round, the tree's life expectancy would decrease, as greater efforts would be required to maintain its plant organism. By placing lights on trees, you prevent plant “rest”.

In addition, what is more serious, is that some people nail light bulbs directly to the trunk of trees, which can prevent the transport of nutrients and be fatal for the individual plant. In that case, a tree that would live 250 years could have its life reduced to just 30 years.

Prefer to decorate concrete environment. Do it safely (thinking about you and the house) and, when choosing ornamental light bulbs for your sustainable Christmas , give preference to LED light bulbs. They consume less energy and have several color options.

Another benefit they bring is that, unlike ordinary light bulbs, there is no problem in connecting several chains of LED lights together. Burning one of them will not affect the performance of the others. But remember that, at bedtime, everything must be turned off, to avoid fires.

3. Make your own ornaments or use live fruits and plants

Christmas coincides with summer, a time when, in almost all regions, it is rainy. Therefore, it is easy to find leafy plants that grow on sidewalks and will soon be removed by the city hall, as they are considered weeds.

But what on the sidewalk looks ugly, in a well-made arrangement, can look very beautiful. Note that on the sidewalks you can find beautiful flowers such as the small purslane and dandelion (don't confuse the flower – yellow – with the seed pompom, which is white) and even foliage and small charming mosses. Some of these ruderal plants are even edible, such as dandelion and purslane, being called unconventional food plants.

In addition to this type of plant, you can use real fruits and leaves to make sustainable Christmas wreaths, wreaths and decorative items . How about using cherries, slices of dried fruit like lemon and rosemary leaves? In addition to being biodegradable, they are elegant, personalized and contain the natural scent of rosemary. Much better than the plastic alternatives that gather dust in the closet and take years to decompose after being discarded.

You can apply this when setting up your Christmas tree. Instead of buying plastic trees or cutting down real pine trees, how about putting together a sustainable option? You can make this using dried leaves, a plant from your house, recycled materials, and even old fabrics and clothes. Put your creativity into play and try to recycle and reuse as many objects as possible on your Christmas tree .

4. Need packing? So use creativity

These days there is no excuse for wrapping gifts using plastic. In place of this type of packaging, you can use cardboard bags (offered in some stores), fabrics, personalized glass jars (to be reused), newspaper, cardboard boxes, eco-bags, string, cloth ribbons and, best of all, all: packaging none. The correct packaging is essential for a sustainable Christmas !

5. Learn a vegan recipe and share it

According to the information in the summary of the IPCC report, the human population needs to adhere to a new food model. This new model suggests a reduction in the consumption of livestock products, such as beef, pork and animal milk. This change in the dietary model is economically, socially and environmentally healthy and could result in reduced risk of morbidity and mortality due to overconsumption.

Intake of animal protein (including fish) has a greater socio-environmental impact compared to a vegetarian diet and is less healthy in terms of the amount of pesticides and other harmful substances.

6. Do you go shopping? Take purse or eco bag!

When it's time to do your Christmas shopping (if you really need it), it's the same story as at the market: take your returnable bag or purse. After all, by logic, sellers will deliver their items in different packages and, at the end of the shopping, there will be no fingers to hold so many bags.

7. Share experiences, not things

It is true that it is quite cultural in our country to give objects as Christmas presents . If you think this is the best option and that it will be well used by the recipient, great. But what about when the present is a mere formality and, once opened, the person forgets it somewhere?

In this sense, it would be more worthwhile to have provided the person with a more valuable experience. A unique experience enhances enjoyment and provides memories for a lifetime.

You can offer an experience for your children by donating your time and a park, or an unusual game. Instead of buying something material to give as a Christmas present , try to offer experiences. Maybe a massage in an amazing place, a trip, a course, a show, skydiving, etc. You can buy gift certificates and let the person choose if you're not sure what they like.

8. Give a conscious gift

If at the end of the day you decided to buy things, choose eco-friendly products. If you are going to give away clothes, prefer those from slow fashion. If it's another type of gift, prefer locally produced products that value workers in the production chain, vegan and that have a lighter footprint.

Read more »
No Comments

 


 Check it out now and happy holidays!

1. Escape the traditional tree

The tree all decorated is the great symbol of Christmas, there is no doubt. But running away from traditional models, creating other styles, can be the big difference in a personalized Christmas. A great idea to have a tree with presence, even if you live in a small house, is to create your own Christmas tree on the living room wall.

To do this, just assemble the silhouette of the pine using a string, dry branches or whatever your imagination allows. Afterwards, decorate with some Christmas objects — balls, pine cones and gifts — and photos of family and friends, not forgetting the twinkle lights to give the final touch.

However, if you want to have the traditional Christmas tree, it is possible to innovate in the decoration with other ornaments, such as transparent and colored balls, mini reindeer and pine trees, simple and elaborate bows, stars of different colors and snowflakes. A personal touch can make your tree even more special, with ornaments made by you. Choose special papers and make folds and cutouts with a Christmas theme, or whatever you prefer.

Another cool idea to decorate small spaces is to bet on smaller trees spread around the house, supported by tables and even suspended. If you already have plants in your house, try decorating them with some ornaments and lots of lights. This is a practical and beautiful way to have a special decoration in every corner of your home!

2. Create original ornaments

In addition to the Christmas tree, an excellent tip to bring the magical atmosphere to your home is to create different and original ornaments for all environments. Bet on the details to make every corner shine, making your Christmas more beautiful and personalized.

For example, place a string of twinkle lights inside an iron lamp, wine bottle or clear pot to create a different and sophisticated effect in your living room. Plus, you can finish it off with a red or gold ribbon bow on the outside, to strengthen the Christmas mood.

Another tip is to personalize the gifts under the tree with paper and colored ribbons, incorporating the wrappings into the decor. You can also place small photos of the recipients on each one, as a creative way to identify each memory and also intensify the bond between you, your family and friends.

A simple and original idea is to decorate white cups and make a different arrangement that completes your home decor. You can paint them red, make a Christmas pattern, or just fill them with colorful polka dots, pine branches, and   twinkle lights .

Finally, another way to create original decorations is using washi tape. Currently, they have gained a lot of prominence in minimalist decorations with a Scandinavian touch. To put them in the Christmas mood, make Christmas designs – such as pine trees, snowflakes, reindeer, gifts and whatever your imagination allows – on paper or directly on the wall.

3. Bet on different garlands

Symbolically, wreaths bring luck and abundance for the coming year. In the decoration, they leave the environment with the atmosphere of Christmas, presenting several models for the most varied  decorative styles .

4. Choose your color palette

To create a beautiful and harmonious Christmas decoration, choose the colors you are going to use. It could be the traditional green, red and gold, which already carry all the glamor of the Christmas spirit. But, if you want to innovate, you can stick with less traditional colors, like blue and silver, for example.

Use the colors you've chosen on the tree, the decorations, and even the gifts. If the idea is to do everything at home, buy paper and spray paint with the colors of the palette, to ensure that the decor makes your home shine in harmony.

5. Use decorative candles

Just as candles can be used in other environments in the house, they are also very welcome at the supper table, and can help compose that special lighting. A very beautiful and practical idea is to turn wine glasses upside down, placing the Christmas baubles inside and finishing with the candle on top.

Also, how about using a glass vase and decorating it with small branches of rosemary or pine? Place the sprigs outside, without covering the entire container, and position the candle inside. With this, you can create combinations with vases of different shapes and sizes, to ensure a more creative and personalized Christmas decoration.

To make the table even more lively and lively, use colored candles or decorated candlesticks. Just be careful to make sure the spark plugs are securely fastened and in a secure position where no one can bump into them. Also avoid scented candles, especially on the table, as they will compete with the delicious aroma of Christmas dinner.

6. Bet on table coverings

The Christmas table is a very important part of your decoration, as it is the central focus of the night. Therefore, all details must be carefully thought out, from the tablecloth to the napkin.

If you like a more refined style, bet on white tablecloths with gold accents. In this way, the white cloth will allow you to be more daring in choosing the dishes and cutlery, while the gold one will bring more  sophistication  and can be combined with the table decorations.

Now, for a more intimate and laid-back dinner, bet on the colorful placemats decorated with a Christmas theme. To finish, make a small arrangement in the center with red roses and decorative candles, leaving the atmosphere very warm and cozy.

7. Arrange the dishes

Currently, there are several options on the market for tableware and napkins developed especially for Christmas, with different details and colors of the season. So, to make your supper even more beautiful, bet on these decorative elements,  combining their colors  and prints.

To organize them easily and elegantly, try to leave them separated at a comfortable distance, placing the napkin on top of the plate and the glasses always above and to the right, with the fork on the left and the knife on the right. Also, to bring more sophistication to dinner, place hot dishes on platters and trays, avoiding the use of pans.

Read more »
No Comments

 


Do you already know what to do for Christmas dinner? One of the most anticipated moments of the night is the release of the banquet, isn't it? Everyone keeps an eye on the tasty dishes that make up the dinner table and is dying to try all the recipes that are certainly made with great care — which makes them even more delicious.

Because of this, some traditional dishes cannot be missing from the table that day, such as:

  • chester;
  • Christmas turkey;
  • banana crumbs;
  • tend to orange sauce;
  • roast shank;
  • Greek or oven-style rice;
  • Stuffed loin;
  • Christmas sausage;
  • colorful salad;
  • lasagna;
  • assorted desserts.

All these delicious dishes cannot be missing from Christmas dinner. In order not to overload just one person to put together the entire supper, you can divide the dishes among your guests, especially if you live alone . Thus, each family can take a recipe. Also, drinks can't be missed on that date either.

That way, everyone can also take their drink of preference. Soft drinks, juice, water and wine are the main drinks that must be present on the day.

What are the simplest desserts to make for Christmas?

Pies, mousses, cakes, paves, cookies and several other delicacies gain space at Christmas dinner to make the date even sweeter and more festive. After enjoying the appetizing dishes, nothing better than a wonderful dessert to end the Christmas meal on a high note.

As eagerly awaited as savory foods, end-of-year sweets delight children and adults alike. Learn now some practical recipes.

Panetone pave with ice cream or the famous pavetone
Ingredients
  • 1 traditional or chocolate panettone;
  • 1 pot of ice cream of the flavor of your choice;
  • 1 bar (170 g) semisweet or milk chocolate;
  • 1 box of cream milk.
Method of preparation
  1. Melt the chocolate in pieces with the cream — it can be in a bain-marie or in the microwave for 1 minute at maximum power — then remove and stir with a spoon.
  2. If using the microwave, take it again for another 1 minute, remove and stir - continue this process until the ingredient is all melted.
  3. Break up the panettone and place a layer in a bowl. Moisten with the chocolate syrup.
  4. Place a layer of ice cream and alternate between panettone, chocolate and ice cream.
  5. Finish with a layer of ice cream drizzled with chocolate.
  6. Take to the freezer and leave for at least 2 hours before serving.
Christmas french toast
Ingredients
  • 400 ml of milk;
  • 2 eggs;
  • frying oil;
  • 5 stale French bread, very stiff;
  • sugar, cinnamon, grated coconut etc, for sprinkling.
Method of preparation
  1. Cut the bread into large slices.
  2. Soak bread slices in milk in a large bowl.
  3. Heat enough oil in a large skillet.
  4. When the oil is hot, take the slices of bread one by one, let the excess milk drip off, dip the slice in beaten eggs and place in the oil to fry.
  5. Turn the slices from time to time so as not to burn the bread.
  6. When you see that the slices are well browned, remove them from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate with absorbent paper to remove the excess.
  7. After drying the oil, arrange the slices in a bowl to serve.
  8. Mix sugar to taste with cinnamon powder, or sugar with grated coconut, and sprinkle over the slices.
delicious angel pudding
Ingredients
  • 1 can of condensed milk;
  • 1 can of cream milk;
  • 1 cup of hot water;
  • 1 American glass of milk;
  • 1 box of coconut marmalade;
  • grated coconut for sprinkling (optional)
Method of preparation
  1. Dissolve the marmalade in hot water.
  2. Beat the condensed milk, the cream, the milk and the dissolved maria-mole in the blender.
  3. Take it to freeze.
  4. Unmold the pudding after it has cooled down and sprinkle with grated coconut, if desired.
Read more »
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)
Powered by Blogger.