Ideas for holiday entertaining

CHICOPEE, Mass. (Mass Appeal) -  From the menu to the presentation, we've got ideas to help bring your holiday party to the next level. 

Danielle Salvetti, from BJ'S Wholesale Club joined us with ideas.

Suggested Meats: (choose as many meat options as you would like)
Beef Top Sirloin Strip Roast
Swordfish Steaks, defrosted
U.S. Pork Tenderloin
Boneless Leg of American Lamb
Berkley & Jensen® Jumbo Shrimp, defrosted
Perdue Fit & Easy Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast

Suggested Veggies:
Mini Bell Peppers
Jalapeño Peppers
Red or Sweet Onions
Peeled, Diced Butternut Squash
Sweet Potatoes
Splendido Tomatoes
Eggplant
Pineapple Chunks
Baby Bella Mushrooms
White Mushrooms

Suggested Flavorings:
Earth’s PrideTM Organics California Garlic & Sea Salt and All Purpose Seasoning
Schlotterbeck + Foss Sweet Bourbon Sauce
Victoria Gourmet Smoky Paprika Chipotle and Toasted Sesame Ginger

You’ll also need:
Bamboo Skewers, soaked in water
Extra Virgin Olive Oil


Assembly Directions & Tips:

• Peel and trim meats and veggies as required and cut into 2″ cubes to ensure even cooking. (TIP: practice food safety; use a separate knife and cutting board for meats and vegetables.)
   
• Shake on the rub or seasoning, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Then, assemble your skewers. For sauces, assemble skewers and brush on sauce just before cooking.
   
• Think about cooking times as well as flavor when choosing ingredients to combine on skewers. Quick-cooking tomatoes and mushrooms are perfect companions for seafood.
   
• Cook skewers over medium flame for 5 to 8 minutes, using a large spatula or flat tongs to turn halfway through the cooking time. Remove from grill when meat is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
   
• Too cold outside to grill? Arrange skewers on an oiled broiling pan and “grill” under broiler, turning halfway through cooking time.

 
Creating the Natural Centerpiece
White roses, 20 ct.
Ocean Spray whole cranberries, 2-lb. bag
Square-shaped vases, 1 large and 1 small
Wire-edged premium ribbon, green
Floral foam