In my family, many of the prized Christmas decorations are homemade. Pieces that my great-grandmother, grandmother and mother made show up every year and just add to the festive air.

One the other constants within our family celebrations is the food. Each celebration provides a large spread. Since several of us have discovered we have food allergies, our holiday parties have become much healthier. 

4 Tips For Creating a Healthier Homemade Party

1.       Craft your menu carefully. Try adding easy healthier options like vegetable trays with hummus, seasonal fruit (mandarin oranges anyone?). Keep your appetizers in check with good for you favourites like bruchetta, salsa and whole-grain chips, and sushi. Deconstruct that creamy casserole and let your veggies stand alone with a few fresh herbs.

2.       Add an activity. Play a favourite movement-based game like Twister, take a walk before the big meal, or change your meeting location to facility a new adventure or challenge. Consider a separate space that is food-free that has games, puzzles or equipment set-up that guests can enjoy.

3.       Downsize Your Dish. Instead of full size squares or pie slices, cut them in half again for just a treat. Use smaller serving bowls as well as food plates to help your guests with portion control. One study found that people helping themselves from a large bowl served 77 percent more food than those using a medium-size bowl.

4.       Offer a Signature Drink. At my family’s Christmas party, we always create “Jingle Juice”, it’s a combination of raspberry-cranberry 100% juice with club soda. This gives your guests a low-calorie drink option, and it’s great for children too.

Enter to Win a $50 Gift Card for One of a Kind Online

We’ve also teamed up with One of a Kind Online to bring you unique, homemade gifts this holiday season. In the spirit of rustic mountain living, I put together a holiday gift guide of items that I  love. This cheesboard, trivet and salad bowl made out of Canadian wood will be featured at my table from Stinson Studios.

 
Tell us in the comment section what items you would pick from One of a Kind Online and enter to win your very own $50 gift card to make the holidays merry & bright.

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