Easy Ideas for Last-Minute Entertaining

When the weather gets colder and days get shorter, I’m all about the warm and fuzzy feelings I get from quality time spent with friends. From decorating cookies to binge-watching Christmas specials — I’ll find almost any excuse for an impromptu party. To make sure I’m ready to host at a moment’s notice, I’ve compiled a quick list of no-fuss favorites.

When the weather gets colder and days get shorter, I’m all about the warm and fuzzy feelings I get from quality time spent with friends. From decorating cookies to binge-watching Christmas specials — I’ll find almost any excuse for an impromptu party.

To make sure I’m ready to host at a moment’s notice, I’ve compiled a quick list of no-fuss favorites.

Mons Truffle Camembert – French affineur Hervé Mons fills his classic camembert cheese with a decadent creamy French truffle center.Principe Prosciutto – Air-dried with the cool breezes from the foothills of the Alps, this prosciutto is smooth on the palate with a delicate sweet taste and leanness. Made only with pork and sea salt, the package contains extremely thin, easy to separate slices. Excellent paired with hard cheeses, melons and red wine. Found in the specialty department.

Changing Seas Smoked Salmon in our seafood department – this melt-in-your-mouth smoked salmon is sustainably raised in pure Arctic waters according to Whole Foods Market’s leading farmed seafood standards opens in a new tab. It’s a fast, no-cook option for holiday entertaining that’s still elegant and extremely versatile. The silky texture and lightly sweet flavor work for classic canapés opens in a new tab or creative pairings like salmon-wrapped mango bites with arugula and basil — a new take on prosciutto and melon.

Sriracha Chicken Wontons in our prepared foods department — Sriracha chicken whole grain crispy wontons featuring cream cheese and Global Animal Partnership 5-Step™ Animal Welfare Rated white meat chicken – just reheat and serve. Made with Whole Foods Market exclusive non-GMO Ninja Squirrel Sriracha created by our global chef Derek Sarno. BONUS: Save some time, and order online to pick up in-store at shop.wholefoodsmarket.com opens in a new tab.Hilary’s Eat Well Vegan Holiday Stuffing – This tasty vegan holiday stuffing is the only ready-to-bake stuffing on market, and it’s gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free and soy-free, so you can make sure everyone can join in the feast.

Roasted Holiday Turkey Breast, Leg of Lamb or Pork Loin Meal for Four – Reserving a holiday meal with all of the traditional trimmings is just a click away. Visit shop.wholefoodsmarket.com opens in a new tab to order as many as necessary to satisfy your guest list.

Spiral-sliced Ham is ready to heat and serve to a crowd of hungry guests — easy! It delivers the flavor you’re craving without synthetic nitrates or nitrites. From pigs raised on family farms, fed an all vegetarian diet and are raised with no antibiotics ever, and no added hormones.Macbubl – The latest generation of macaron, this irresistible bubble of a crunchy almond cookie is topped with smooth chocolate ganache, enrobed in rich dark chocolate. 

Ciao Bella Gelatos – Rich, creamy gelatos in exclusive holiday flavors that include Pumpkin Sea Salt Caramel and Mistletoe Mint Chocolate.

Greyston Bakery Cookie Tin – Made in Yonkers, NY, this tin of bite-sized buttery cookie thins pack a medley of holiday flavors like sugar, chocolate chip, ginger and chocolate. The purchase of these cookies is doubly sweet – the bakery provides employment to those with no prior job history or skills opens in a new tab, many of which have previously been homeless or incarcerated, and they donate a portion of the sales of each tin sold to Whole Planet Foundation opens in a new tab.Whole Trade® Guarantee Mixed Bouquet – The bright flowers used in these arrangements were grown with a commitment to ethical trade, the environment and the highest quality, so you’ll be giving a gift that lasts longer than its bloom. Plus, a percentage of every sale goes to Whole Planet Foundation opens in a new tab to fund poverty alleviation.

Keep in mind availability and prices can vary by store.  One thing is certain, we’re sure to have something wonderful for your holiday get-together. Our Team Members are happy to help you find just the right thing.

What are some of your holiday entertaining go-tos? Tell me in the comments below.

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