When I think about the holidays this season, a part of me can’t help but feel a little sad that there are a lot of traditions we won’t be able to uphold and people that I won’t be able to celebrate with. I acknowledge that it really sucks, but I also know that I have a responsibility, and some control over, how enjoyable our holiday season is. And often times, when things are forced to be different, I’ve found that the changes we have made

So this season, while we won’t be heading out to large festive holiday gatherings, having my 93 year old Papa over for our Christmas Eve celebration, or taking the girls to see Santa, I have decided that the fun and excitement won’t be canceled, we will just have it come alive within our own four walls….

With that said, this past weekend I decided to put together a big ol’ charcuterie board as a pre-dinner appetizer when we had my parents over. I used this cutting board (15% off with code YAYDAY tomorrow), which was large enough to fit several different cheeses, dips, crackers, and fruits, and it was a huge hit and felt oddly festive. I think if you’re having a date night at home with your significant other or having a small gathering with family + friends it’s an easy way to make the evening feel special. I’m sharing my full ingredient list below:

CHEESE
Fine Herbs Goat Cheese (Trader Joe’s)
Double Cream Gouda (Trader Joe’s)
Brie
Creamy Toscano Cheese Soaked in Syrah (Trader Joe’s)

CRACKERS
Simple Mills Rosemary + Sea Salt
Simple Mills Pita Crackers
Simple Mills Sprouted Seed Crackers

MEATS
Prosciutto
Peppered Salami
Regular Salami

NUTS + SWEETS
Trader Joe’s Rosemary Roasted Nuts (in a green tin)
Skinny Dipped Dark Chocolate Almonds

DIPS
Fig Butter (Trader Joe’s)
Artichoke Bruschetta

FRUITS + OLIVES
Pitted Kalmata Olives
Garlic Stuffed Green Olives (Trader Joes)
Holiday Grapes
Apple Slices
Dried Apricots
Dried Cranberries
Cornichons (Trader Joe’s… the tiny pickles you see)

And since I likely won’t need a fancy dress to celebrate in this season, I decided that this sequins duster cardigan (25% off with code YAYDAY tomorrow, but it’s also available here) would be comfortable, fun, and festive to toss on over black leggings (or black joggers) + a black tee.

We also tried our hand a festive adult libation a few times, but couldn’t quite get the recipe how we wanted it… we’ll continue trying and hopefully share that soon….

And if you have any festive ways that you’ll be keeping the holidays special at home this season I’d love to hear them as well!