It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

I mean, isn’t it?

Well, sometimes, it can get out of hand. With feuding relatives, inflated expectations, persnickety houseguests and a myriad of other intangibles, holiday time can be … not so nice. So let’s you and I make a pact to be the ones to rein it in when it gets hairy. Deal?

Think – MERRY instead of HAIRY.

In my house, everything begins and ends with food. So a delicious meal actually solves a lot of problems.

Is your 13-year-old nephew looking bored because his mom told him this is a “no-phone zone?” Teach him how to season a steak!

It’s a fun little activity that will serve him well in his later years. And it’ll get him up off the couch and DOING something. Hey, he’ll be spending special time with you so the day won’t be a total loss. Score!

These holiday meals can be a wonderful time of bonding and sharing. So make sure to serve something special that everyone will love.

We all just scarfed down a smoked turkey over Thanksgiving. So why not try a prime rib roast this time?

It’s so tender and juicy and the aroma coming from the oven makes for some wonderful memories.

Keep an eye on the seating chart at this spectacular meal, though. And create a scenario where the meal can be successful – if you know what I mean.

YOU know who shouldn’t be sitting next to whom. So make sure you control that. Then, everyone can focus on the amazing food and not Cousin Phil’s annoying knee clicking.

There’s bound to be more time for complimenting the chef that way. See? We all can win!

Be mindful of all the landmines that are inevitably there when a large group of varied personalities gets together and keep the focus on the food – and ALL will be merry and bright.

Happy holidays!

Wow, wow, wow! It’s Christmas week! Can you believe it?

How did we get here? It seems like it was just summer and now it’s holiday time. The older I get, the faster time seems to fly. But I’m so happy to have arrived at this wonderful time of year.

It kind of sneaks up on us sometimes, though. And then we head into full-on panic mode. The gifts! The preparation! The food menu! The guest accommodations!

It can get overwhelming. But let’s solve one issue at a time – gifts.

Still need items for loved ones or co-workers? You’re not alone. So many of us can’t make time for shopping until this week. And that’s okay!

Don’t sweat it. You still have a multitude of options.

If you’re looking to spend a bit more on special people or work colleagues (you know, to make a good impression) I’ve got some great ideas.

Gourmet gifts are my go-to. And there are some beautiful choices under $200. Check it out!

1. Filet Mignon. Steaks are always a treat, and these delicious and tender filets are the real deal.
2. Prime Rib. Give them something that is visually pleasing as well as absolutely tasty. Prime rib just says, “CLASS.”
3. Steak and Lobster Tails. This combo is truly elegant and makes such a great statement. I mean, it’s lobster!

And don’t forget, you can always gift them a gift card of any amount and let them choose their own gourmet gifts. That’s ALWAYS a winner.

If you wait until the VERY last minute, there’s even an e-gift certificate that you can purchase and send via e-mail immediately. See? There’s always a solution.

Check that off your list.

And now that you’ve solved that issue, I hope your holidays are spent enjoying the people you love while enjoying some delicious food.

Christmas gifts are on people’s minds. It IS next week, after all.

Time to get cracking (I’m speaking to myself, of course) and finish up those last few items on your list.

Holiday gifting can be stressful. Take it from me. I know. But it absolutely doesn’t have to be.

Here are my Top 12 Gift Tips to help you (and me) make what could be a stressful time – joyful.

1. Give Christmas steaks! It’s an easy gift that will impress your recipient and pretty much make you look like a hero. No one returns these babies.
2. Don’t agonize so much over each selection. Choose something for each person and move on. The more you waffle, the more time you waste.
3. In the same vein as #2, go with your gut. If you see something and it screams, “Uncle Joe!” – get it. Boom. Done.
4. Wrapping matters. Sometimes a beautifully packaged gift supersedes even what’s inside. And for those gifts you’re unsure about it could be the saving grace. So do it up right.
5. Purchase back ups/extras. There’s always someone we forgot.
6. Consider giving consumables – gourmet food, wine, etc. Who says your gift has to be something they can put on a shelf? Consumables are experiences to me – and that’s all the rage now.
7. Try to personalize your gifts a little. If Dorothy eats like a bird, don’t gift her a huge Porterhouse.
8. Don’t expect anything in return. You may not get anything in return. And that will be okay.
9. Remember why you’re getting together with these people to exchange gifts. It’s supposed to be peaceful and lovely. Not jerky, jealous and judgmental. (I’m not speaking from experience or anything.)
10. Don’t try to outdo everyone else. Make a gift budget and stick to it.
11. Be gracious when you receive a gift. Let the other person experience the joy of giving YOU something.
12. Focus on others. Share their joy and spread your own. ‘Tis the season!