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10 great hostess gifts that aren’t wine

10 great hostess gifts that aren't wine

Anyone can run to a nearby liquor store and pick up a bottle of wine, but your hostess will be much more impressed with your thoughtfulness if you opt for something else. Whether it’s something they share that evening with guests, or something they save for themselves, these gifts will be greatly appreciated. Soyil Natural Soy Wax Candles (Starting at $14, everybodyshops.com) Show your smart and savvy hostess you appreciate her hospitality with a dye-free, natural soy wax, small batch candle. Seasonal fragrances can help her warm her home with a welcoming scent, plus, soy won’t mark up walls with that nasty black soot. Wine Glass Mahogany Appetizer plates ($19.99, everybodyshops.com) You can bet your host won’t be able to wait to break these out for guests to use atop their wine glasses as they graze all of the amazing food at the party. Each set includes four plates, and…

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24 restaurants open on Christmas Day 2019

Restaurants open on Christmas Day 2019

After a whole holiday season of cooking and hosting, you just might be too tired to cook and host by the time Christmas Day arrives. From intimate feasts to more elaborate buffets, there’s surely somewhere on this list that can match whatever type of celebration you like. It’s still early, so many restaurants haven’t announced their official 2019 Christmas or holiday menus yet, so check back as we update with more restaurants and more details. And remember to call and confirm your local restaurant’s holiday hours before heading out. Often time, hours can vary by franchise location. Restaurants open on Christmas 2019: Benihana Throw tradition out the window, and head to Benihana where you can catch shrimp in your mouth and watch your meal cooked right in front of you. Select locations will be open on Christmas Day, so be sure to call ahead. Boston Market Who better to bake and…

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Starbucks releases 2019 holiday cups

Starbucks releases 2019 holiday cups

And the holiday season has officially begun. Starbucks announced the much-anticipated return of its annual holiday cups, just days after Dunkin’ came out with its new decked-out designs. The new designs feature a modern block letters, polka dots and pops of holiday colors. Coffee lovers across the U.S. and Canada can kick off the holiday season beginning Nov. 7 with the four brand-new designs: Polka Dots, which is basically a traditional red cup dotted with green circles; Merry Dance, has red and green letters spelling out ‘MERRY COFFEE’ overlaying a white cup; Merry Stripes uses a dark green cup and features small white lettering spelling out ‘MERRY COFFEE’, and Candy Cane Stripe is adorned with red and white stripes and large, green letters spelling out ‘STARBUCKS.’ According to the official press release, they’re meant to “evoke mini moments of joy for our customers and partners — it’s fun, festive, and…

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Dunkin’ unveils holiday menu for 2019, including return of Peppermint Mocha

Dunkin' unveils holiday menu for 2019, including return of Peppermint Mocha

Pumpkins still adorn our porches, but already we’re thinking about the winter holidays and the next crop of seasonally-flavored drinks we’ll soon sip. Starbucks hasn’t announced cold-weather menu yet, but at Dunkin’ the holidays have officially arrived. On Friday, Dunkin’ announced its new seasonal lineup, which includes a return of the beloved Peppermint Mocha, beginning on Nov. 5 if you order though Dunkin’s On-the-Go Mobile Ordering app only. If you’re not a super fan touting Dunkin’s mobile app, then you’ll have to wait for the Peppermint Mocha and the rest of Dunkin’s holiday drinks for one more day. Beginning Nov. 6, customers can try two new flavors (for a limited time) as well: Gingerbread S’mores and Winter White Chocolate. Both flavors can be made into nearly any drink you would like including hot, cold, or frozen coffee, espresso drinks (like cappuccino or macchiato), and frozen chocolate. Make your own Winter…

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Crave-Worthy Recipes

Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins

Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins_3

No tricks here! These Rice Krispie pumpkins are the easiest treat on the block. Make them for Halloween or for Thanksgiving, and they’ll be just as festive. If you’ve ever made Rice Krispie Treats before, you know your hands can get pretty messy. That marshmallow mixture can stick to your fingers and become really frustrating — but don’t fret! I’ve figured out how to rolls the balls without making a mess. Also try these Mummy Rice Krispie Treats for Halloween. The trick? Spray your hands with nonstick cooking spray, like Pam. I’ve tried all sorts of methods, including butter, but nothing works better than Pam. Just trust me on this. Spray your palms with a healthy coating and rub them together like you would to put on lotion. This way, you get the oil around the sides of your fingers and in all of the little corners that marshmallow could…

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Seasonal

How to host a stress-free Thanksgiving feast

How to host a stress-free Thanksgiving feast

Whether you’re a first time host or a seasoned veteran, whipping up a Thanksgiving dinner is no easy task. Add in a bit of forgetfulness, a touch of poor planning, and some overly eager houseguests, and you could quickly find yourself in the middle of a full-blown holiday disaster. But don’t fret! A little preparation and a few reminders, and you can be on your way to a totally stress-free Turkey Day. Here are 10 tips for a stress-free Thanksgiving: 1. Planning is the name of the game The best way to reduce stress on Thanksgiving Day is to have a plan made well in advance (we suggest preparing at least two weeks in advance). That includes knowing how many people you’re cooking for, writing a grocery shopping list (don’t forget the wine!), and a schedule of how you’ll actually manage your time on the big day. 2. plan out…

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Crave-Worthy Recipes

Classic pumpkin roll recipe

Classic pumpkin roll recipe_3

Pumpkin rolls are a classic fall dessert that everyone goes crazy for. This homemade pumpkin roll recipe will give you the most deliciously moist spongey spiced pumpkin cake with dreamy cream cheese filling rolled up inside. These rolls might look difficult, but don’t let that perfect swirl intimidate you. It’s actually quite simple! Just follow these easy directions and you’ll master this must-make dessert in no time. Classic Pumpkin Roll Ingredients For the pumpkin cake: 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 1 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp baking soda 2 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp ground cloves 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg 1/4 tsp ground ginger 1/4 tsp ground allspice 1/4 tsp salt 3 eggs, room temperature 2/3 cup pumpkin puree (I like to use Libby’s) 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 cup sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar For the cream cheese frosting: 6 ounces cream cheese, room temperature…

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25 restaurants open on Thanksgiving 2019

Restaurants_open_on_thanksgiving_2019_pexels

It might be the season for roast turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce, but if preparing all of that sounds more distressing than it does a blessing, you might just want to eat out. Thankfully, lots of restaurants are staying open on Thanksgiving so you’ll have your choice of places to dine. Just be sure to call ahead (and make a reservation when possible!), as some locations may have altered hours. Put the “Happy” back in “Thanksgiving” and get to any one of these restaurants on November 28 (or considering picking up a side or two for take-out to save time at home): Applebee’s All Applebee’s locations will be open on Thanksgiving Eve, and lots will be open on Thanksgiving Day, too. Be sure to call ahead if Applebee’s is your choice. Bahama Breeze If drinking a Mai Tai with your turkey sounds more your speed, enjoy Thanksgiving at…

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Seasonal

20 sweet ways to use up leftover Halloween candy

20 sweet ways to use up leftover Halloween candy

Extra large haul this year? Fewer trick-or-treaters than you expected? Whatever the reason, come November 1 you may be left with a lot more candy that you counted on. Here are 20 ideas for what to do with all that candy: Donate it Get it out of the house. 1. Make care packages for grandparents or great grandparents If older relatives don’t have heaps of leftover Halloween candy of their own, send them a care package with some candy, a card, and add a printed picture of the kids (or your pets) in costumes. They would surely appreciate your thoughtfulness. 2. Donate it to the troops Soldiers’ Angels Treats for Troops will send it to deployed troops around the world or distribute it to veterans in VA Hospitals across the country. Operation Shoebox will pack up your candy and ship it to troops overseas. And Operation Gratitude will send it to…

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Crave-Worthy Recipes

Pumpkin pie with a pecan sandy crust

pumpkin pie with pecan sandy crust

How do you make a Thanksgiving classic pumpkin pie even better? Replace your basic pie crust with this delicious pecan sandy cookie crust instead! Pecan candies bring a delicious buttery, nutty goodness to everyone’s all-time favorite holiday pie. The unexpected twist adds some mild fun without upsetting the pumpkin pie purists. Note: Process cookies in a food processor or place cookies in a  zip-top bag and crush with a heavy rolling pin.  Pumpkin pie with a pecan sandy crust For the crust:  2 cups pecan shortbread cookie crumbs (about 1 package of Keeblers Pecan Sandies or 20 cookies) 5 tbsp melted butter 1/4 tsp salt For the pie: 3/4 cup sugar 2 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp ground cloves 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp ground ginger 2 large eggs 1 can (15 ounce) pure pumpkin puree (Libby’s 100% pure pumpkin is my favorite) 1 can (12 fl. ounce) Evaporated Milk…

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