• Home
  • About
  • As Seen On
  • PR | AD
  • Working Together
  • Event Calendar
    • MamaChallenge.com Calendar
    • Submit Your Event
  • Contact

mamachallenge | Real Solutions for Real Parents | Dallas Blog

Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

  • Featured on TV
  • For Moms
  • Food
  • Parenting
  • DFW
  • Travel
  • Tech
  • Health
  • Style
  • Giveaways

5 Tips For the Best Holiday Party #CottonelleHoliday

Yum

December 9, 2013 By Autumn Rose Reo 3 Comments

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™ and Cottonelle, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #CottonelleHoliday http://cmp.ly/3/8vNxcO.

While the holidays are meant to be a time to spend with your family and friends, most of us (including me) work so hard to host the best get-togethers that we end up not enjoying anything (or anyone) at all! This holiday season make it a goal to throw a great party that’s not only easy, but is as entertaining for you as it is them by using my five simple Party-Perfect tips! 

1. Create a Theme That Ties it Together. 
From the moment you decide to throw a party, you should work around a theme. 

Not only do your guests have an expectation of your party plan, but it makes your planning MUCH easier. From the invitation, music, food, and decor, a theme gives you a base to plan your party. However, don’t think you have to use your theme for every detail. And a theme doesn’t have to be complicated either; it could be as simple as blue and silver colors or Peppermint stripes. And remember, not everything has to be as perfect as that pin you put on your Pinterest board, but just enough to give you a little something to remember you (and your party) by! 

To get your started, I’ve included a Pinterest board full of fun holiday themes to inspire you and to get the juices flowing!

Follow Autumn Reo {mamachallenge.com}’s board HOLIDAYS: Ideas on Pinterest. 

2. Set the Mood with Music. 
Let your Siri or your computer do the work with either a preprogrammed music list or an online music service. 

The music is important as it sets the tone for your party, but if you are playing DJ all night, it interrupts the mood and keeps you from your guests. I like the 60/40 rule when it comes to holiday parties with 60% of your all-time favorites (and appropriate) with a mix of 40% of holiday hits (you don’t want your party to sound like a discount store) for a personal touch. 


However, technology has made it even easier with online services like Pandora. Just type in whatever musician you would want to play at your party if money was no option (Harry Connick, Jr. anyone?) and then Pandora spits out a channel with a playlist that includes Harry, Buble and other similar artists with no repeats. (Just make sure to pay the $4.99 monthly fee to ditch the ads so you don’t have a commercial break during your big bubbly toast! You can always cancel it. ) 

3. Presentation Goes a Long Way with Party Food. 
Food is often a favorite part of a party, but you don’t have to spend three days cooking to present a good spread. Just buy cute platters, muffin papers or small cups and voila, you have an instant presentation even Food Network will be proud of.

  • Order a few of your favorite things from your favorite eatery. Hit up your restaurant, grocery store or deli and have them whip up small versions to plate up at home. Zoe’s Kitchen, Eatzi’s and Olive Garden have several options available for order or even drop in!  
  • Make it a fun food event with a taco or ice cream bar. You only have one big ingredient and then everyone can make their plate exactly the way they want it! 
  • Consider a potluck and ask your guests to bring their favorite dish! Using electronic invitation program Evite or even just a personal Facebook Event Page allows you to post what you are bringing so you don’t have to worry about having duplicate dishes!) 
  • Go frozen! Make it easy by going to your local market or Super Target for all the baked apps you can find (everyone loves those quiches, puff pastry and flautas), throw them on a baking sheet and then 10 minutes later you have party food – now all you need to do is plate it pretty! 

4. Create a Cocktail, not a Bar. 
Being hospitable doesn’t make that you have to have tons of options available at your party. And like music, if you attempt to play bartender at your party mixing up everyone’s preferred cocktail, never get out of the kitchen (and go broke in the process). Mix up one signature cocktail for the party that maybe has a fun name that relates to your theme or has a festival feel and call it done. Then just have water, ginger ale and maybe coffee available for guests.  They don’t call it signature for nothin’ – one cocktail can really make your party memorable. 

However, you could always make it BYOB and tell your guests to bring a bottle of wine. That way you have wine available for guests as soon as the first one shows up at the door. Just make sure to have a few extra bottles on hand for that guest that “forgets” their offering. Nothing is worse than a party that runs out of refreshments just when the party gets going. 

5.  Prettify the Potty! (Cottonelle Photo)
Yes, you heard me. When you invite 20+ friends over and then serve several servings of apps and drinks, it’s inevitable you also should plan for a least 1-3 trips per guest to the bathroom. That’s why this room should be included in the party plan just as much as what you are going to feed them! 

I like to make my bathroom clean and welcoming with a nice-smelling burning candle, a fresh decorative hand towel (or dry cloths) and stocked with lots of toilet paper. There’s nothing more embarrassing than to run out of TP while you are a guest at someone’s house, so have a few rolls of Triple Roll of Cottonelle (I bought my mine at one of my favorite shopping spots, Target) readily available in the bathroom. That way you don’t have to taken from the fun to go to get another roll (and it still fits on your stand TP holder.) 


And with Cottonelle’s Triple Roll, your toilet paper will last three times as long as that other stuff and the quality is much better, too! If you know everyone is going to have an experience in your bathroom, wouldn’t you want it to be the best one? 

Lucky for you, Cottonelle is helping you spread the cheer (and not the germs) this season with a special offer only from Target. 
[Click the box below to print off your own coupon!]

Buy Cottonelle Triple Roll 12 pack or larger and get a FREE box of Kleenex 
(while supplies last.)
Now it’s time to get the party started! 


More from mamachallenge.com

  • Bring Joy to the Holiday Table with Christmas Eve Lasagna {Recipe}Bring Joy to the Holiday Table with Christmas Eve Lasagna {Recipe}
  • DIY Healthy “Drive-Thru” Makes Breakfast Delightful with Jimmy Dean Delights {Free Printable}DIY Healthy “Drive-Thru” Makes Breakfast Delightful with Jimmy Dean Delights {Free Printable}
  • Girls Just Wanna Have Fun: 80s Night Pizza PartyGirls Just Wanna Have Fun: 80s Night Pizza Party
  • Birthday Party Hosting ToolkitBirthday Party Hosting Toolkit
  • Make the Holidays Count with Help from Market Street Make the Holidays Count with Help from Market Street
  • Why You Need the Adobe Creative Cloud Photography PlanWhy You Need the Adobe Creative Cloud Photography Plan

Filed Under: Christmas and NYE, Event, Party, Sponsored

Parenting is hard. Who couldn't use a little help? You've come to the right place. Sign up for our e-newsletter and don't miss anything. Join mamachallenge on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram where we get through it together!
Autumn Rose Reo

About Autumn Rose Reo

Texas blogger, TV contributor, PR pro, and mother of two (including a son with a Congenital Heart Defect) , Autumn Rose Reo is always on the search for REAL SOLUTIONS for REAL PARENTS that REALLY WORK. From parenthood, things to do, reviews, style, recipes and more, she’s always cookin’ up something fun, resourceful and good to know! She’s frequently featured on TV sharing her solutions and in her spare time, she’s helping others promote their business with her own PR shop, The Reo Agency See what she’s burning, party she is planning, or what challenge she is taking on today.

Comments

  1. AvatarJessica says

    December 9, 2013 at 9:26 am

    Great Ideas! Love the Peppermint Poinsettia and thanks for the coupon!

    Reply
  2. AvatarKrystal Hurst says

    December 9, 2013 at 4:13 pm

    Thanks for the coupon!

    Reply
  3. AvatarHeather says

    December 9, 2013 at 9:58 pm

    That peppermint poinsetta drink looks so yummy!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Meet this Mama: Autumn Rose Reo

Autumn Rose ReoGet REAL Solutions for REAL Parents that Work! From recipes, things to do, parenting tips (and fails) and how to cope with everything in between, she'll share all the best ways to take on your (mama) challenges... https://www.mamachallenge.com/about/

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Best Wine is Clean-Crafted: Directly Delivered

Save on Fun All Year Long! Code: MAMACHALLENGE

Best Slow Cooker Recipes for Back to School

Go: Biggest Baby Shower Ever

SHOP MAMACHALLENGE!


More TV Segments Not To Miss

Hostess with the Mostest: Macaroni and Cheese Bar

Hostess with the Mostest: Macaroni and Cheese Bar

Fresh Start on Laundry: Managing the Load

Fresh Start on Laundry: Managing the Load

How to Tye Dye with Food Coloring

How to Tye Dye with Food Coloring

You’ll LOVE This!

logo
Food Advertisements by
MamaChallenge.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

Pictures Say a 1000 Words

Fancy Schmancy. This month’s @torchystacos Taco Fancy Schmancy.

This month’s @torchystacos Taco of the Month is this beut: she’s full of eggs, smoked salmon, pickled onions, capers, chopped dill, and the herb cream cheese. And yes she’s fancy but oh so good and worth the splurge.

Paired with a side of queso and change out the chips for chicharrones with that white queso (and maybe a Paloma), and you’re golden. 

#torchytacos #salmon #tacos #paloma #fancy #torchys #dryjanuary #dill #salmon #dfweats #dallaseats
Who doesn’t like chocolate? But what if it’s Who doesn’t like chocolate?

But what if it’s truffles made with avocados past their prime? 🤢? Don’t knock it until you try it #recipeontheblog

Today on @wfaagmt I shared how to make the most of those leftovers and old vegetables and fruits! The kitchen smells so good with an apple tarte tartin, truffles, potato chips, broth, banana bread, and this cilantro green sauce! ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Taken from @beardfoundation:

INGREDIENTS

1⁄4 cup red wine vinegar or freshly squeezed lemon juice
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1⁄2 cup fresh cilantro stems (from 1 bunch of cilantro)
1⁄2 cup olive oil or neutral oil, such as organic canola or grapeseed
1⁄2 tsp ground cumin

DIRECTIONS

In a blender or the mixing cup of a small food processor or immersion blender, combine the vinegar and a pinch of salt and pepper. Swirl a few times to dissolve the salt. Add the stems, olive oil, and cumin — puree. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

#wfaa #tv #recipe #goodmorningtexas #chocolatetruffles #dfwinfluencer #dallasblogger #eatwell #dfw #momblogger #healthylifestyle #wholefoodmethod
Kept and Queso may sound a lot alike, but I don’ Kept and Queso may sound a lot alike, but I don’t think that’s the way it work...🌯

Today was a busy one: getting ready for the week and getting prepped for a tv segment (tomorrow on @wfaagmt, so I had to call in for reinforcements. While I may be on the no-carb wagon, the rest of the fam wanted something different -  fresh, full of flavor and delivered fast...enter @savageburritos!

Made from the @unclejuliosmexican family, this ghost kitchen delivery service offers specialty burritos, bowls, salads, the holy trinity (queso, chips and salsa) and even dessert - all to your door! 

Find ‘em online and find out why you’ll go savage for more! And thanks @savageburritos for such great service! 

#savageburritos #savageburrito #unclejulios #texmex #dfweats #mamachallenge #dallasfood #dallasmoms #dallasinfluencer #dfwblogger
Nothing like trying to eat healthier and your kid Nothing like trying to eat healthier and your kid surprises you with an over-the-top hot cocoa in bed.

...But at least she put it in my @shopcarrieelle mugs.

I’m wondering if this was my first teat of 2021.
Hoping to make 2021 a lot brighter. ✨ Happy New Hoping to make 2021 a lot brighter. ✨

Happy New Year’s Y’all!

#ArlingtonTexas #ArlingtonTx #dfw #nye #lonestarnye
Consider 2021 the light at the end of the tunnel. Consider 2021 the light at the end of the tunnel.

We’ve been working to squeeze in all the celebrations this week before it’s time to work out all the tears, wine and carbs 2020 brought. 🍷 🥖 😭 

What’s your NYE plan? And most of all what’s your last cheat meal? 

#dfw #nye #newyears #covidchristmas2020 #dallasinfluencer #dfwblogger
The 80s are coming back in full force...but does m The 80s are coming back in full force...but does my visor match my mask? 😱

Actually my #OOTD is part of our equipment to take down aliens in London circa 1984 at @electricgamebox, the new immersive gaming experience @grandscapetx. Opening December 24, it’s the perfect way to spend some family time TOGETHER, hear a bada$@ soundtrack (hello, 80s!?!) and burn calories (don’t worry about those extra cookies!)

Before you go: 

🕹Have a team name ready

🕹Wear tennis shoes, no hats or hair bands, and comfortable clothes. 

🕹There’s a locker to put your bag in if you need to drop it off!

🕹Safety is #1: Masks are a must, no contact and you’re the only ones in your game room! 

🕹The experience is an hour so be ready to move bc you will! 

Swipe to see our score and family photo (emailed to you after your experience!)

Thanks for some pre-Christmas fun Electric Gamebox! (Partner)

#dallas #dfw #dfwinfluencer #dallasblogger #dallasmoms #dallastexas #electricgamebox #covidchristmas #2020 #openingsoon
❄️ I’m dreaming of a White Christmas... We ❄️ I’m dreaming of a White Christmas...

We normally head to the mountains at Christmas time, but this year we’re just happy to celebrate Christmas healthy and together with lots of wonderful trips around home including to the @gaylordtexan. So we broke from our matching plaid instead with this mom/daughter snowflake set from @shinestythreads. Most their stuff is exactly what you need to dominate the Christmas sweater game, our little bit of cheesy (cue “Let it Go...”) but came out too sweet not to share. (When they’re this age, you take it when you get it!)

Shinesty is the resource for all the holidays apparel and even does free returns! Save their page for when you need to be the talk of the party (online and in person.) 

🎄And for details about the @gaylordtexan Lonestar Christmas like this week’s Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Brunch, head to the blog (and remember the code REO gets you a discount on some of your activities!)

#shinesty #snow #dfw AD #gaylordchristmas #gaylordtexan #visitgrapevine #dallastexas #dfwinfluencer #dallasbloggers #matchingoutfits #snowdfw #somuchchristmas
One other thing came out of #2020 besides drive-th One other thing came out of #2020 besides drive-thru margaritas...I had time to enjoy wrapping my gifts! 

While we had a minor Santa disaster yesterday, I devised a mom save and moved on to the wrapping paper! I even made my Christmas tags with my @Cricut to match my white & silver snow theme! 

Do you theme your wrapping? What was this year?

You finally can get yours or stock up on accessories now at 50% off now with this link or download the LIKEtoKNOW.it shopping app to shop this pic via screenshot. http://liketk.it/34fvi #liketkit @liketoknow.it 
 #StayHomeWithLTK #LTKhome @liketoknow.it.family @liketoknow.it.home
...Hold your horses! 🐴✨🎄 I love celebrati ...Hold your horses! 🐴✨🎄

I love celebrating our holiday traditions, but this year we made a new one! I’ve always wanted to see Christmas lights by carriage ride and this year we made it happen by surprising the girls! 

We spent the night looking at beautiful houses, drinking hot chocolate under the blankets and hearing some of the best commentary from the girls!

🐴 There are several different carriage ride companies (we used Whitehaven Carriages) that drive through Deerfield and Highland Park with multiple types of carriages (there’s even a Cinderella) for varying prices starting around $175+. 

🐴While rides reserve quickly, you might be able to find some after the holidays! If not, put this in the calendar for next year because it’s a must do!

(I’ve shared some of it on Instastories!)

#dfw #highlandpark #dallasbloggers  #christmasdecor #horses #chriatmaslights #dallas #dfwevents #dallasinfluencer #dfwinfluencer #christmastradition
Just ONE more day! The countdown to Christmas may Just ONE more day!

The countdown to Christmas may be a week away, but @thecroods New Age is available by demand tomorrow! 

The kids have been so excited about this debut and have decorated for the occasion with their goodies from @dreamworks! 🎁 (Partner)

#CROODSNEWAGE #dreamworks #thecroods #giftideas #dfwinfluencers #dallassocialinfluencers #movie #fandango #momlife #sloth
🎶I’m dreaming of a white Christmas...🎶 . 🎶I’m dreaming of a white Christmas...🎶 

...to drink that is, The Dude style. Picking up last minute gifts, I took a brief break at @lockwooddistillingco. They have a great holiday cocktail list and if you’re lucky, you’ll find some awesome gift baskets under their Biggie & Snoop Christmas tree will make everyone happy for Christmas (twofer!)

Whatever you do, don’t leave without a bottle of the Bourbon Creme or Cinnamon Rum to make it through the holidays (who needs eggnog when you can drink this?)

#lockwooddistillingco #biglebowski #dfw #richardsontx #dallastx #holidaydrinks #dallasinfluencer #dfwblogger #whitechristmas #giftidea #biggie #snoop
#MomTruth: What are you buying and wrapping yourse #MomTruth: What are you buying and wrapping yourself to put under the tree and saying it’s from the kids? 🌲 

For me it was this crossbody from @bestofsevenshop. I love a beautiful big handbag (hello @louisvuitton!), but lately I’ve kept it to the essentials as we enjoyed all the holiday events safely, but I still wanted it to be cute! 

Best of Seven style is classic: full of pockets and zippers as well different styles that let you interchange colors to make it your own! “Keeping it your own” is their mission by celebrating diversity:
🌈 races
🌈religion
🌈genders
🌈sexual orientation
🌈Abilities and disabilities
🌈Ages

And you know I love a monogram! 

Today’s the last day to get 30% off and still get it personalized! Get the link in my profile!

#bestofseven #diversity #giftideas #dallasblogger #style #holidays #grinch #rainbow #dfwinfluencers #dallasmoms #covidchristmas
SO.MUCH.CHRISTMAS. 🎄🎁🎅🏼 It’s incred SO.MUCH.CHRISTMAS. 🎄🎁🎅🏼

It’s incredible how much you can do in 24 hours and how many photos you can take - 422 to be exact.

Have you been so busy you haven’t had time to do the Christmas stuff? Get in all the holiday fun with our guide to SO MUCH Christmas at the Gaylord Texan @gaylordtexan.

We even share how to save some money (use the code REO!)

Link to the guide is in the profile and #ontheblog.

#gaylordtexan #ChristmasatGaylordTexan #ilovechristmasmoviesWB #SoMuchChristmas #gaylordchristmas #dfw #visitgrapevine #christmas #dfwinfluencers #dallasinfluencer #travelblogger #traveltex #grapevinetx
Are you making a different kind of O Face because Are you making a different kind of O Face because your not sure if that box is gonna make it? O-NO! 😱

Deadlines start today fast and being in those long lines might be the worst part of Christmas. However, I shared some tips  on @wfaagmt on how you can avoid feeling like a Grinch when it comes to shipping. 🙌🏻

Here are some tips you might not know before you get in line: 

🎁 The big three all have pick up at your house, by going online and scheduling for pick up @ups, @usps.official and @fedex.

Did you know that several stores actually have shipping inside? 
🎁Some Ace Hardware stores @acehardware and local Eliott’s Hardware
🎁 @Staples - they have all the supplies for you to box it up (and I have a coupon in my Instastories!)
🎁 CVS ships UPS
🎁 Heading to those third party parcel stores can definitely save you some time.

Ship to Store is a huge way to get the item delivered quicker to you or to have sent. 
🎁 Get your @amazon sent to an Amazon Locker  or @wholefoods for shipping and pick up! 
🎁 @target - drive through pick up with the App 
🎁 @Walmart - just launched a new service called Walmart+ which is like Amazon Prime where you can get it. (Try it free now!) 

Last-minute shipping?
🎁 While you might not want to pay for those last-minute shipping services, if you use @rakuten you can save money on your purchase so then it still can be affordable for your budget. (I have already racked up a $600 cash back check just for using Rakuten - head to my profile to get a link to get $20 back when you use it! (It’s FREE!) 

@wfaagmt @wfaa #dfw #shipping #holiday #savemoney #dfwinfluencers #dallasinfluencers #dallas #giftideas #mamachallenge #giftguide #covidchristmas
Follow on Instagram
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

Error: API requests are being delayed for this account. New posts will not be retrieved.

Log in as an administrator and view the Instagram Feed settings page for more details.

Pin This!

Visit Mama Challenge's profile on Pinterest.

Follow Along!

Tweets by @mamachallenge

Copyright MamaChallenge.com © 2021 · Hosting Provided by Servously · Privacy Policy