You give so much to everyone else, don’t forget to pamper yourself while you have some time off this holiday season.

If you’re like me, a little red wine goes a long way toward smoothing out the kinks of the day. How about a red wine gift set – for you?

And ya gotta eat, right? Steaks are the perfect complement to that smooth red wine. Why not indulge in some American Wagyu Kobe steaks?

They’re a delicacy. Like you.

Or maybe filet mignon is more your style. Try your luck and enter this contest (http://www.andreasworldreviews.com/2014/12/christmas-wishes-kansas-city-steaks.html) and maybe you can even WIN yourself some steaks!

Even better!

This is the time to reflect on a year well lived. To me, red wine and juicy steaks are the perfect way to toast to what you’re thankful for this holiday season.

Me? Well, I’m pretty thankful for steaks and red wine.

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.

People are coming! People are coming!

Do those words strike fear in your soul?

Don’t fret. Plan!

Holiday time, while joyous, brings an enormous amount of stress. Especially if YOU are the host.

That’s why planning ahead is so important.

1. Plan a menu now, taking into account who is coming, their dietary needs and preferences, and the time you’ll have to commit to cooking.
2. Appetizers are important. I like to offer little bacon and cheddar sliders or lobster flatbread to satisfy appetites while I’m finishing up the main course. Nothing worse than grumpy, waiting guests. Plus, if for some reason a guest doesn’t dig the turkey you’re cooking there are other options to fill them up if needed.
3. Grill or broil a few steaks to have on hand. Why? See #2. There may be guests who are too shy to share their taste preferences with you. You won’t know until you see them fake-nibbling off a virtually empty plate at dinnertime. If no one partakes of the gorgeous steaks, they WILL be eaten. Think of the bazillion mealtimes ahead with overnight guests.

What are YOUR favorite plan-ahead strategies to reduce stress during the holidays?

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.

Gifts for co-workers are a tricky.

At holiday time, you’ve got to find the right gift that sends just the right message.

In my book, these are always winners:

1. Steak and wine pairings. Classy.
2. Gift-boxed steaks. Delicious! And beautifully packaged!
3. A selection of appetizers – you know, to serve at parties you’ll be invited to.

Gifts of fine foods speak volumes. They’ll appreciate your taste AND the message.

And THAT sets a nice tone for a fabulous 2015 at work!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.