The Simple Solutions Diva has an answer to an age old question:
How do you get your plate back from a holiday party?
The simple answer? Don’t ask for it back — Create a Season of Giving Plate!
The concept is: you share the plate, along with the food you bring to a party. Then the host is free to use it when THEY go to a holiday party, and the plate moves from home to home throughout the holidays!
The instructions are easy: It is as simple as buying a pretty plate from the Dollar Tree Store, writing a nice verse (for suggestion, see below) on the plate in permanent marker, baking it at 350 degrees for approximately 30 mins. This baking process will set the permanent marker so it won’t wash off.
You can write whatever you would like, but if you are in need of something, try this:
Season Of Giving
In this Season Of Giving, we share so much joy,
& plates full of cookies for all to enjoy!
This plate is for giving, not keeping for one.
So pass this plate on to others, and share all the fun!
It is a beautiful way to share the love this holiday season!
Season Of Giving Plate from SimpleSolutionsDiva.com.
I was amazed at how simple this recipe is! My friends at The Spice & Tea Exchange gave me this recipe – they are a wonderful source for rich spices and flavored teas! If you ever have a chance to go to their store in St. Augustine, FL, it is a treat for your senses! The smells of the spices, the beautiful jars of spices and specialty teas – Wonderful!
The basic recipe is as follows:
Chocolate Truffles
Ingredients:
1 Cup heavy whipping cream
11 oz. Bittersweet chocolate or semi sweet chocolate (I used bittersweet for a dark, rich flavor)
1-2 Tablespoons favorite liqueur (My suggestions: brandy, rum, spiced rum, Chambord, Kahlua or other favorite.)
Place the chocolate in a medium heat-proof bowl. Scald the cream in a small saucepan, pour over the chocolate, and let stand for 5 minutes.
Whisk gently until fully incorporated, add the liqueur and stir until smooth.
Place in fridge until it has hardened. Scoop out about 1 tsp of the cold ganache and roll it into a truffle. Roll in favorite sugars or spices, then chill until firm. Serve at room temperature.
To see the original recipe from The Spice & Tea Exchange, click here.
Spiced Chocolate Truffle (left) and Candy Cane Truffle (right).
What do you do when your turkey gravy is too thin, too thick or just plain pale? Some simple tips from the Diva! These tips also work with other gravies, too!)
Holiday Time means festive décor – including setting the perfect table for the holiday! But don’t spend upwards of $75-$100 per place setting! Check out your local Dollar Tree, THE holiday headquarters for affordable decorations, and get some holiday inspiration! And since everything at Dollar Tree is just $1.00, you can create some beautiful tablescapes without ruining your holiday budget!
Traditional
Traditional Centerpiece Using Dollar Tree Items.
Here is a traditional look using Dollar Tree items, including a gold charger plate, gold-rimmed plate, bowl, coffee cup, and wine glass. Traditional stainless steel flatware and a red table runner finish off the look. Plus I’ve created a simple centerpiece (see below) using three glass candle holders, fresh cranberries and hydrangeas. I’ve used a pinecone ornament as a place card holder. This cost only $15.00 for everything (not including the flowers and cranberries!) from Dollar Tree!
Traditional Centerpiece Using Dollar Tree Glass Candleholders.
Whimsical
Whimsical Holiday Setting Using Dollar Tree Items.
This snowflake setting is so cute! A blue placemat layered with snowflake placemat sets the theme. Add a snowflake plate and matching coffee mug, a simple red wine glass. A funky red floral Christmas clip/decoration creates a napkin ring. Stainless steel flatware with a hammered look completes the festive place setting. In addition, I created the centerpiece (see below) from floral stems, containers, candy canes and holiday ornaments. Including the centerpiece, this cost a total of $24.00.
Whimsical Centerpiece Using Materials All From Dollar Tree!
Contemporary
Contemporary Holiday Setting Using Dollar Tree Items.
I LOVE this simple contemporary look! I’ve used a cool plastic tray as a charger to create the contemporary look, plus a crisp white plate and sleek stainless steel flatware. I’ve taken the martini glass and filled it with pompoms, plus topped it all off with the cute present place card holder (which is just a Christmas ornament). In addition, I have created a contemporary centerpiece (see below) using glass vases, votive candle holders, more pompoms, and mirrored candle holders. Total cost, including the centerpiece: $21.00.
Contemporary Centerpiece Using Glass Votives, Glass Vases, and Votives From Dollar Tree.
Stepping It Up For Christmas
While I was shopping at Dollar Tree, I overheard one woman say, “Dollar Tree really has stepped up their Christmas selection!” — and they have! They have stockings, plus everything you could want to stuff in those stockings, like candies, toys and more, gift wrap, boxes and bags. Serving pieces and holiday decorations for the home!
With everything in the store just $1.00, Dollar Tree will help keep a little jingle in your wallet this holiday season! Visit ileavehappy.com for more holiday inspiration!
Thank you to Dollar Tree for sponsoring this project, and to WTLV-TV’s First Coast Living for inviting me on to share these Holiday ideas!
