(NC)—The holiday season is the time of year filled with entertaining, parties and social gatherings. Whether planning a small, intimate gathering or a large family affair, it is often the host's attention to detail that impresses guests the most. Creating a festive atmosphere, planning ahead and preparing delicious dishes will ensure guests have a memorable experience. This holiday season, follow these simple tips, guaranteed to delight visitors and simplify holiday entertaining.

Create Atmosphere

• Limit the size of the gathering, consider several intimate parties rather than a large open house

• Add distinctive touches that guests will remember. Creative centre pieces, colourful drinks, special serving dishes and bright napkins will al Holiday Entertaining 101 Recipe

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Food Lover's Gift Secrets

by H Porter

Gifts for Food Lovers

Hampers are the perfect gift for people who have everything or those you are unsure about purchasing for. Rather than buying a ready made hamper personalise one for that extra special thought.

Top tips for buying a Hamper Who is the Hamper for? Male or Female is it for a Couple, what age are they Young, Middleaged or older? Organic food or normal produce, more people are moving to organic produce for less interferance and keeping farming to the more traditional methods Does the gift receiver drink? Do you want to go savoury, sweet or a mix of the two Is your hamper a christmas hamper? If yes remember most people buy christmas pudding and other traditional christmas products themselves a Food Lover's Gift Secrets Recipe

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Fun & Fruity Recipes

by Deborah Shelton

Sometimes the easiest way to get children to eat healthy is to let them have a hand in making their own snacks…and add whipped cream on top. Here are two fruity recipes that are fun and easy to make, and even more fun to eat.

Miniature Fruit Pizzas 1 package refrigerated sugar cookie dough 8 ounces softened cream cheese 1 cup confectioners' sugar Assorted fresh fruit, cut into bite size pieces, such as bananas, kiwis, oranges, blueberries, grapes, strawberries, pineapple, etc.

Directions: Cut sugar cookie dough into 1-inch slices and place on ungreased cookie sheet or pizza pan. Bake as directed, or until lightly browned around the edges. Allow the cookies to cool.

Combine cream cheese and confe Fun & Fruity Recipes Recipe

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