Seasoned Skewers Fall/Winter Entertaining Tips

• Keep on grilling! Just because summer is technically over doesn’t mean you have to put away your grill. Small roasts, hearty vegetables, apples, and pears are delicious when threaded on Seasoned Skewers and prepared on the grill.
  
• Don’t be discouraged by the shortening days – make your party warm and dramatic by placing candles or strung lights around the room or your patio. You can always warm up outdoors with an outdoor fireplace or outdoor heater.
  
• A simmering pot of cloves, allspice and cinnamon adds instant atmosphere to fall and winter entertaining.
  
• If you bring your lunch to work or school it can begin to feel like you are eating the same thing everyday. For a fun lunch twist bring pre-grilled and chilled chicken or veggie skewers to add to your favorite salad, or enjoy with a baguette and some sexy mustard or chutney.
  
• Fall and winter are a great time to decorate with something other than flowers – try making centerpieces with boughs, pressed leaves or pile up ruby red fresh apples or firm pears in shallow clear bowls or vases for naturally beautiful décor.
  
• For a festive "place card" write guests names on pomegranates, shiny red apples, or pears with a metallic pen and tie a little greenery at the stem.
  
• Crock pot creations and soups make sitting down to dinner easy amidst school activities and holiday preparations. Throw in a Seasoned Skewer to make getting great flavor even easier.
  
• Fun cocktails are a must during the holiday season. Think about giving great homemade Hot Buttered Rum mix as gifts to your friends and hosts.
  
• Entertaining at home does not have to just be a sit down dinner – heavy appetizers and cocktails is a great way to party. Prepare at least 6 – 8 different selections and allow 12 – 15 pieces or servings per person.
  
• A great-looking table doesn’t have to be all prim and proper, but it does require a few indispensibles. You will need lots of flatware, but don’t worry about it all matching. A mix-and-match look can be quite charming, especially if you use actual silver silverware.
  
• Simplicity makes a statement - For napkins, pass on super-fussy folds and wine glass tucks. I like to tie oversized, crisply starched white napkins with a big knot or fold them into a tidy, simple square set at each place.
  
• For an easy, after-dinner “something,” Put out a collection of small, mismatched liqueur glasses with an array of unusual after-dinner liqueurs. This is especially fun if you are a collector of foreign liqueurs. Or Stir up some Adult Hot Cocoa for a comforting end to a great evening. Make rich cups of cocoa, add a shot of espresso for a boost and a dash of coffee or cream liqueur. For the ultimate toppers put out vanilla whipped cream and homemade marshmallows!