Rosemary Herb Butter Rolls - Semi-Homemade

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Sometimes the easiest things to make are the biggest hits at the dinner party. This is the second year in a row that I’ve served these rolls at our family’s Christmas dinner and they disappear quickly! The best part though is that they require very little effort. I’d love to know if you make them! Send me a photo, a message, leave a comment here or connect with me on instagram @tammiweed. Happy New Year all!

Level of Difficulty: Incredibly Easy (5 steps 1. Buy frozen rolls, butter and rosemary 2. Thaw rolls 3. Bake rolls 4. Butter rolls 5. Sprinkle rosemary )

Prep Time: 5 mins of actually work for you but the rolls need 3-5 hours to thaw at room temperature.

Cook Time: 10-15 minutes for rolls to bake. Please note that cooking times vary by ovens.

Note: Keep a close watch on the rolls and take them out when they are lightly golden.

What you’ll need:

Step 1: Buy Rhodes Yeast Dinner Rolls. If you’re in Nashville, you can likely find these at Kroger, Target or Walmart. If you’re on the West Coast, Ralph’s or Target and on the East Coast, Wegman’s, Walmart or any Tops Friendly Market.

Note: Check the store locator before you go for specific locations: Click here. In the event you cannot find Rhodes Dinner rolls, you can also use this method with any frozen thaw and bake rolls or even a loaf of bread dough!

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Rhodes Dinner Rolls (regular method but refrigerator method is great too)

Step 2: Spray pan with cooking spray. Place frozen rolls on pan, and cover with plastic wrap sprayed with cooking spray to keep it from sticking to rolls while rising. Let rise 3 to 5 hours, until rolls double in size. Actual time depends on temperature of your kitchen.

Step 2a: In the 4th hour, I go rogue on Rhodes directions and remove the plastic wrap. Your rolls will be delectable.

Step 3: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Bake 12-20 minutes, until lightly golden brown. Remove rolls from pan at once and place on wire rack to cool.

Step 4: In a small glass bowl, melt butter in microwave or in stove. You can melt the butter or soften, both work. Brush your butter onto the rolls or spoon over.

Step 5: Sprinkle chopped rosemary and/or thyme or your preferred FRESH herb over the rolls.

Serve warm and enjoy. They’ll go quickly!

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5 Things Every Christmas Table Needs

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This magazine-worthy (in my humble opinion) Christmas tablescape is brought to you by yours truly and Kristine Hoskins from KCH Realty. The two of us make a pretty dynamic duo and given we’re sisters, we’ve been each other’s favorite collaborative partner on anything creative since we were old enough to make dinner while pretending we had our own cooking show!

Whether you fly solo or make setting the Christmas table a family affair, here are 5 things to remember to include as you set the scene for your best Christmas yet!

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1. Greenery

Fresh greenery brings any table to life! Kristine and I bought fresh flocked tabletop trees at the grocery store for $5.99 and placed them in prism mercury vases from West Elm.

Tip: The general rule for tablescape design is to ensure nothing obstructs a guest’s view. Thankfully, our slender, tabletop trees pass the test!

West Elm

DID YOU KNOW Home Depot allows you to sort through their Christmas tree trimmings and take home for free? Not to be outdone, Costco has gorgeous wreaths and fresh garland marked down now to $5.00! 

Go get your greenery!

2. Gold Accents

Even if you shy away from incorporating gold in your everyday decor, we suggest you embrace it at Christmastime! Gold flatware is a fun place to start but adding any golden accent you already have will help make your table merry and bright!

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3. Placecards

Placecards elevate the occasion and let guests know that you’re a thoughtful host who cares about the details. Hester & Cook is our go-to merchant for fancy paper accents that keep us inspired and impress our guests!

Hester & Cook
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4. Candles

With everything in me, I believe that candles should be part of your Christmas tablescape. I’m not quite sure where this deep conviction comes from but perhaps it has something to do with the fact that candles were invented by the Romans in 500 BC and it’s quite likely they’ve been part of every Christmas that ever was! If real flames are a problem, try flameless LED tea lights in festive votive holders.

Tip: Be sure to use unscented candles in the kitchen, on the table or anywhere near food!

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5. Ornaments

Okay, so Christmas tables don’t need ornaments but we found that our table was in need of some color. Kristine grabbed some ornaments from her tree, dropped the mic and walked away. I might be taking some creative liberty on that visual but the ornaments really did add the perfect pop of color to our table at no additional cost.

Tip: Use different sized-ornaments for contrast and composition.

There you have it, 5 simple things a proper Christmas table should never be without! Merry Christmas friends! May your table sparkle with holiday spirit!

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Roasted Vegetable Canapés - Easy and Crowd-Pleasing!

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Roasted Vegetable Canapés

Looking for a new appetizer this holiday season that is both easy to make and guests will rave about? Roasted vegetable canapés have become one of my signature appetizers and I promise you, they are a hit every single time! Filled with Boursin cheese and topped with roasted veggies, these canapés literally make the perfect bite! Any guest will be impressed and will be back for more!

Level of Difficulty: Easy (Three components 1. Pre-made shells 2. Diced veggies 3. Boursin)

Prep Time: Less than 20 minutes (dicing raw veggies and assembly once veggies are roasted)

Cook Time: 15-20 minutes for veggies to roast and 10 minutes to cook canapés. Please note that cooking times vary by ovens.

Pro: Everyone including your vegetarian friends will love!

Note: If you’re unfamiliar with Boursin, it’s a soft, creamy cheese with garlic and herbs. So good! Also, don’t worry if you’re missing a vegetable or even two, use what you have!

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Ingredients:

Athens Phyllo Shells (found in the frozen section of your local grocer)

Boursin Cheese (garlic & fine herb)

Diced Pimentos (jarred)

Fresh Veg: 1 small Purple Onion, 1 medium Zucchini, 1 medium Squash, 1 small Eggplant

Fresh Chives or Basil (optional garnish)

Salt, Pepper and Garlic Salt

Extra-virgin Olive Oil

Bring Boursin to room temperature.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Dice onion, eggplant, zucchini and squash.

Combine in a large roasting pan or baking sheet.

Drizzle with olive oil, and toss to coat; season with salt, pepper and a little garlic salt.

Roast vegetables in oven until tender and golden brown, about 20 minutes.

Remove from the oven.

Add diced pimentos (also known as roasted red peppers) to the veg mix and set aside.

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Prep

I promise, this is worth the prep and assembly. Literally, the perfect bite!

Place phyllo cups on a baking sheet.

Spoon 1 teaspoon (roughly) of Boursin cheese into each cup.

Top with a generous spoonful of roasted vegetables.

Place in preheated oven (400 degrees F), and cook until shells are light golden brown, about 8 to 10 minutes.

Garnish with fresh basil or chive.

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Serve

Warm or at room temperature and wait for the rave reviews!

If you see this post and are inspired to make these little bites of bliss, I would love to know!

Leave a comment here or reach out to me on Instagram @tammiweed.

Happy Hosting Friends!

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Tips on How to Host a Kid’s Christmas Party

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It’s The Most Wonderful Time of The Year

Feeling all the Christmas feels this year, I decided to host a Christmas party at Come Away Cabin for the little people in my life. My party short-cuts will save you time and money.

Creating a festive backdrop for photos was one of the best things I did. Ask a mom-friend already attending the party to help capture photos or source a local photographer.

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Frozen Hot Chocolate Bar

Frozen hot chocolate is easy to make but ordering a large, chocolate milkshake from your local Sonic is even easier. Less than $5.00 and no blending required!

One large milkshake served seven kids. Divide into cups with lids and store in freezer until 20 minutes prior to serving. Reddi-whip, colored sugar sprinkles and the smaller marshmallows from the grocery store were the biggest hit.

Click images for purchase links.

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Kid-Friendly Table Decor

This candy stripe paper runner from Hester & Cook was the perfect anchor for a whimsical tablescape but better than that, it made clean-up a breeze!

Hester & Cook
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Fun & Games

The kids had so much fun waiting and watching for the popcorn to pop. This vintage-inspired maker from Cuisinart adds an extra special touch to any kid’s party.

Popcorn Maker

While I appreciated having store-bought Santa cards at the party, there are plenty of printable downloads available for free on the internet including this one from Momdot: DEAR SANTA LETTER TEMPLATE.

And remember, kids create their own fun so having a kid-friendly craft planned is great but they just might have more fun watching popcorn pop or trying to guess the code to your storage closet’s keypad lock!

The Gift You Give - Thoughtful Gift Ideas For Everyone In Your Life

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Scrambling to find the perfect gift? Consider this list your complete gift-giving guide. And for the overachievers in the group, another idea or two never hurts! Check out these incredibly thoughtful gifts and share your suggestions too!

My niece Jolie and Santa. Picture perfect! Photo Credit: ryan Wilson Photography

My niece Jolie and Santa. Picture perfect! Photo Credit: ryan Wilson Photography

The gift you give your parents…

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Family Photo Shoot

Parents will forever love photos so why not coordinate a photo shoot at your next family gathering? Hire a photographer and let your family know to come dressed in their best. Photos can be expensive but they are always worth it and depending on your family dynamics, this is a gift that can go beyond your parents and be the gift you give other family members too. Source a local photographer or check out Flytographer.

Flytographer

The gift you give to a sister or best friend…

Your favorite thing

My sisters and I give each other our favorite thing of the year. Consider what your favorite thing is and give it as a gift! See some of our favorite items below!

Kristine - The Sable Wristlet Clutch from Hobo is a best seller. Kristine bought hers a few years ago and EVERYONE asks her where she got it. If you’d like 10% off your first order, sign up for their newsletter.

Tammi - Faux Leather Leggings by Spanx are a must for me, many of my friends and millions of others. The famous black leggings once sold out in 72 hours. Now, these leggings are a wardrobe staple.

Jodi - Jodi loves Evereve and bought her BFF’s these bracelets!

Click images below for purchase links.

The gift you give the man in your life…

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Original Grain Hand-Crafted Watch

Unless it counts my steps, I’m indifferent when it comes to watches. For the most part though, the men I know still love and appreciate a beautiful, traditional timepiece. Based in San Diego, Original Grain is a watch company that makes watches using reclaimed wood and steel and other unique materials like retired seats from Yankee Stadium, decommissioned military ammo crates and old Kentucky Bourbon barrels. Because each piece of wood is different, no two watches are the same. The company offers beautiful packaging, free shipping and easy returns. Oh! OG also plants a tree with every watch sold.

Original Grain Watch

The gift you give to anyone you want to spend quality time with…

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Cooking Class

At first, you might be thinking you’ll pass on the cooking class but I promise you, they are always an experience to remember and fun for couples or other family members. Not only is it a night out and interactive but you’re guaranteed a good dinner and you’ll walk away with chef recipes and a new trick or two. Depending on your partner, maybe this is the gift they give to you but either way, make sure it’s on the list! Check out Sur La Table or Airbnb Cooking for class options!

Airbnb Cooking

The gift you give to a family…

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Cuisinart Popcorn Maker

I’m a fan of giving one big gift to a family rather than several small gifts. This red popcorn machine by Cuisinart is one of my top choices. Kids love the experience of making popcorn this way and I promise you, Franklin’s Gourmet Popcorn (sold separately) is some of the best popcorn you’ll ever have! It’s made with coconut oil and non-GMO corn and grown by family-owned farms. You’ll never want to go back to your microwave popcorn again!

Cuisinart Popcorn Maker
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Costco Membership

As an Airbnb host and as someone who loves to entertain dinner guests, Costco is my happy place. The quality and value of Costco food and other items is unbeatable and if you’re unsatisfied with anything you buy, they’ll gladly return it for a full refund. Any family would be lucky to have!

Costco Membership

The gift you give to the kids in your life…

Squigz

Parent-friendly Squigz seem to be all the rage among kids this year and they’re reasonably priced at $25.95 for a starter set.

Personalized Books

Make the kids in your life the hero in their favorite story book! These personalized books make reading a more enjoyable experience for both kids and parents and are guaranteed to become something both treasure for years to come! Click the books below and use the promo code SAVE20 for 20% off at Put Me In The Story.

Genius Starter Kit by Osmo

Depending on budget, this next gift comes at a higher price so I might ask another family member to split it but these hands-on learning products from Osmo are hot kid gifts this season!

The gift you give the young adult in your life…

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Apple AirPods

Young adults are particular and almost impossible to buy for. Unless they already have them, you can’t go wrong with giving them Apple AirPods. If you have a Costco membership, the wireless headphones are on sale for $139.00 with free shipping!

Apple AirPods

The gift you give your mail carrier and other service providers…

Cash or Candy

Don’t forget about the drivers you rely on everyday. You would be surprised how few people think of them and how grateful they are when people do. Under federal regulation however, USPS mail carriers are only allowed to accept gifts of $20 or less in cash. Follow the same guideline for your trash collectors. Fed Ex drivers are allowed to receive tips up to $75.00 in cash and UPS prefers gifts for their drivers but leaves it up to the customer.

Need more ideas? 5 gift ideas that work for nearly anyone! Click here!

Easy and Impressive Roasted Chicken and Potatoes

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I make this chicken often. It’s my go-to dinner for a well-balanced meal that requires little effort, is always satisfying and will impress any guest!

Level of Difficulty: Easy

Prep Time: Less than 10 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes but please note that cooking times vary by ovens and if you use boneless chicken breasts, the chicken will cook in less time.

Ingredients:

  • Chicken Breast (bone-in chicken is more flavorful but boneless takes less time to cook).

  • Baby Potatoes - 2 pounds

  • Fresh Lemon

  • Alessi Dipping Spices

  • Garlic Salt, Sea Salt and Ground Pepper

  • Fresh Parsley (optional)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Pro Tip: To save myself from having to clean pans, I cover a baking sheet in foil or use disposable pans.

Directions:

  • Coat potatoes with olive oil. Season with Alessi Dipping Spices, sea salt and freshly ground pepper.

  • In a separate foil covered pan, place chicken and coat with olive oil. Season both sides with garlic salt, sea salt and freshly ground pepper.

  • Squeeze lemon over chicken. Adding chopped garlic and fresh parsley is optional.

  • Place both pans in pre-heated oven and cook for 40 minutes or per your oven’s cooking speed. Cooking times vary so be sure to check on it when you start to smell the garlic. If the chicken and potatoes are golden brown, remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes. NOTE: If you’re using boneless chicken, the potatoes will need more time to cook. If you’re using bone-in chicken, the potatoes and chicken should be done simultaneously.

  • Plate potatoes and pour half of the juice from the chicken over the potatoes.

  • Slice chicken and lay over potatoes.

  • Spoon remaining juice over chicken.

Hope you enjoy. Let me know if you have any questions!

Setting The Thanksgiving Table - Pottery Barn or Dollar Tree?

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Pottery Barn and Dollar Tree aren’t friends yet somehow, they’re getting along just fine at my Thanksgiving table. I break it all down below…

Linens

Tablecloth - I love a beautiful, bare wood table but for Thanksgiving and Christmas, I tend to use a neutral-colored tablecloth with a hint of sparkle. I bought this one at HomeGoods for under $20.

Table Runner - I splurged a little on this beautiful table runner from Pottery Barn but it’s so versatile, it can be used time and time again and right now, it’s on sale!

https://www.potterybarn.com/products/metallic-jute-table-runner/?pkey=s%7Cmetallic%20jute%7C20

Napkins - Black and green napkins from Hobby Lobby that also work for Christmas! $1.50!

https://www.hobbylobby.com/Christmas/Kitchen-Dining/Table-Linens-Accessories/Green-Black-Plaid-Cloth-Napkin/p/80952573

Placesetting

Plates - It’s still hard for me to believe the dinner plates I chose for my holiday table came from Dollar Tree but gold-rimmed plates for $1? You literally cannot beat it. I recommend going to the store to purchase directly but you can order online. If you go the online route, you may have to pay shipping and be required to order a quantity of 12. Even then, it’s still a steal!

https://www.dollartree.com/gold-rimmed-white-stoneware-dinner-plates-105-in/207036

Chargers - Dollar Tree scores again. It’s true, I bought these faux wood chargers at the Dollar Tree. I had to buy the case of 24 but I decided, I’ve spent way more for way less. Split the cost with a friend who shares your enthusiasm for tablescapes.

https://www.dollartree.com/gold-faux-wood-plastic-charger-plates-13-in/280601

Flatware - I borrowed my sister’s gold flatware for the photo but I highly recommend the matte champagne silverware service for 4 I found on Amazon. It costs 75% less than it would for comparable flatware. I bought it and love it!

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07T667MC7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Drinkware - Vintage colored glasses are all the rage. I found these Amethyst goblets on Amazon.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KWR9FF3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Placecard Holders - On sale at Pottery Barn!

https://www.potterybarn.com/products/gold-turkey-place-card-holder-set-of-4/?_br_psugg_q=gold+turkey

Centerpiece

Floral arrangements - Do what is easy for you! I went a little more elaborate this year but normally, I pick up roses, cut them down to size and stick them in a vase and surround it with some seeded eucalyptus.

https://www.westelm.com/products/prism-mercury-vases-d4853/?_br_psugg_q=gold+mercury+glass

Candles - Any tapers will do! I found these mercury glass-like taper candles that glow in silver and gold at World Market.

https://www.worldmarket.com/product/silver-and-gold-mercury-taper-candles-set-of-2.do?_br_psugg_q=mercury+taper+candles

Candle Holders - Two equal height metal candle holders.

I’d love to see your holiday table come together! Send me a photo by connecting with me on instagram @tammiweed. Happy Thanksgiving!

Toast Your Host - 5 Gift Ideas To Bring To Your Next Holiday Party

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Going empty-handed to a holiday party? Probably not, because well… your mom taught you better than that! This year, I’ve compiled a list of gifts that are sure to warm your host’s heart. 

Charcuterie Board

Chances are, your host loves entertaining and one of the best gifts I’ve ever received is a beautiful wood charcuterie board that I use time and time again. Recently, I was shopping at HomeGoods and found this adorable, reversible Prep/Serve board. I loved it so much, I bought the one at HomeGoods and scoured the internet for more! A good host knows, one can never have too many boards!

The Original William Sonoma Peppermint Bark

I didn’t care about Peppermint Bark until my bestie, Carmen introduced me to this divine candy and I’ve been mad at her ever since (not really)! Hold up though… Not all peppermint bark is created equal. William Sonoma has perfected this 20+ year-old recipe and it’s free of any artificial ingredients so please don’t pick it up at another local retailer and think it’s the same thing, it’s not. While this delightful confection is pricey, WS usually offers some type of discount, whether it’s free shipping or an in-store 20% coupon. Oh! And if you really want to impress your host, take advantage of the free gift wrapping service.

Olive Oil

I know wine sounds like a good idea and generally speaking, it’s the gold-standard for any host gift but people can be particular about their wine so why not bring a beautiful bottle of Olive Oil instead? If you want to be a little extra (which hosts always appreciate), bring a nice loaf of crusty bread and some dipping spices too! 

Dessert

Offering to bring dessert frees the host or hostess from having to think about one more thing. If you want to bring a dessert that pleases everyone… Nothing Bundt Cake is your golden ticket. It’s quick to order, easy to pick up, pretty to look at and some of the best cake you’ll ever have. Order a tower of Bundlets in a variety of flavors or a dozen of their Bundtinis to ensure the non-chocolate crowd is taken care of too. And because my mom is going to read this, making your own signature dessert can be just as easy and more affordable!

Coffee

I’m a little intense when it comes to my coffee bean. Okay, I might be a little intense when it comes to all things hosting but I digress! If I’m buying the coffee, Leopard Forest Coffee Company’s Farmhouse Roast is hands down one of my favorites. The South Carolina company roasts the beans two days before it ships for guaranteed freshness and the Farmhouse Blend is among their most popular with customers, coffee shops and restaurants. I order whole bean and grind it myself but the option for ground is available. Any host would be lucky to get! You can always go to your local coffee shop too! If you find yourself at Starbucks, I vote for the Blonde Roast!