Friends coming over? Family about to arrive? Need some quick party tips and you don’t have time to think straight? I can completely relate! There are so many things that we do to help ease our minds when it comes to holiday events and parties.
Frito-Lay wants to help ensure you never miss a beat during the holidays. With some shortcuts and quick “better for you” recipes coupled with a little flair and presentation, you’ll have your guests asking “how does she do it?”
So, we bring you the “Holiday Party in a Pinch:” A few tips to prepare both the home and the pantry so you’re always ready to be the holiday hostess:
- Ambiance is everything – Keep a playlist of festive music easily accessible or stock the stereo with CDs so it’s ready at the push of a button…literally. Add a few scented candles and presto…instant ambiance!
- Let guests add their touch – Keep a box of ornaments on hand and ask your guests to add one to the tree.
- No clean-up necessary – Stock-up on a supply of holiday-colored paper plates, napkins and utensils to lessen post-party clean-up. And if the house is tidy before you head out for the day, there’s no scrambling once they arrive!
- Stock the pantry – Have some “better for you” Frito-Lay products on hand to lessen the stress of “what to fix?” and allow for more time to visit with your guests. Frito-Lay’s Tostitos Scoops or Baked! Scoops — with a delicious dip — are true crowd-pleasers. Serve on a festive platter or dish and presto! …festive snacks ready to share!
- Entertain with ease – Always have several fun board games accessible to keep guests entertained. And a few kid-friendly movies or simple crafts will keep the little ones busy while the adults socialize.
When I received this set, I was so excited! Now, we have everything that we need, with plenty of ideas, to help with our next get together or holiday party! For even more party ideas and products, please visit www.fritolay.com
Mommy Goggles & Frito Lay like to help you prepare for your next “better-for-you” holiday party in a pinch! I am giving away one (1) gift basket assortment of Frito-Lay products, decorative serving bowl and a guide to entertaining guests during the holidays.
What you win
- Frito-Lay Party in a Pinch gift pack as seen above. (valued at approximately $40)
How to enter
- I would love to hear some of your favorite party planning tips, snacks and ideas!
Extra Entries
- Twitter the giveaway (copy & paste text below to Twitter. Leave link on comment entry)
- Blog about this giveaway (leave link on comment entry)
I just entered the Frito-Lay holiday party in a pinch Giveaway #MommyGoggles! http://tinyurl.com/y8shlu9
Details
- Winner will be chosen at Random and backed up by post content.
- Winner will be contacted via Email. If no response in 48 hours, another winner will be drawn
- For more specifics on how winners are drawn, click here
- Winners are posted here for reference
- US & Canada entries only
- Contest ends on December 29, 2009 at 11:59 pm Central Time
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About Tanya
I tweeted:
http://twitter.com/MissJo1990/status/7177242240
One of my favourite snacks to make for parties is veggie pizza squares — Pillsbury crescent roll crust topped with cream cheese and chopped veggies.
brownhairgirl7@hotmail.com
One of my best Super Bowl parties was a “make your own taco/burrito bar”. You just have to prepare all the ingredients, and let people put them together themselves! (less work
)
My favorite party planning tip is to have extra bags of potato chips and containers of dip handy in case you need more food.
i love to serve homemade salsa
Tweet
http://twitter.com/lilshuga2001/status/7174707504
Always have extra food! U never know whos going to come over!!
I tweeted this giveaway here
http://twitter.com/josephvh1982/status/7173515328
My part involves lots of food, movies, and friends.
http://twitter.com/Jammie79/status/7173415183 tweeted
We usually always have boneless chicken breasts. Dont take much to make boneless chicken nuggets for a quick yummy snack.
Appetizers as/are a meal!
I like to use the old receipes that have been handed down generation to generation.
http://twitter.com/kngmckellar/status/7172521225
tweeted
A party planning tip is to have everyone bring a dish to pass so you don’t feel overwhelmed. Make anything you can ahead of time so you can just pop it in the oven. Snack idea is have lots of chips and dip, veggies and dip, and stuff like that.
http://twitter.com/klp1965/status/7172413608
i usually order a deli platter from the supermarket and make a huge pot of chili
i always have salsa and guacamole dip in the fridge. chips and snacks, aslo.
I love making Rice Krispies treats, sooo easy to make and everyone loves them!
i’m going to throw a mocktail party in January for the new semester since we’re all under 21. For snacks, spinach & artichoke dip. Definately crackers and pepperjack cheese!
My kids love deviled eggs, easy to make and super yummy! Thanks for the contest!
I like to do a pot luck party where everyone brings a little something.
I always keep chicken wings, potato chips, dips, pop, salsa and tortilla chips and cheese and cracker on hand so if people do come over I have enough food so I don’t have to do any more shopping.
We love the scoops with cheese
we eat only frito lay products
Sausage balls and pigs in a blanket are always big snack hits at my parties.Thanks!
My favorite snack is chips and salsa!
My party planning tip must is always have a good assortmant of food and drink so your guests can choose from exactly what they like.
tweet
http://twitter.com/LKARambo/status/7150812087
We love take ‘n bake pizzas. They’re quick and easy for drop-in guests.
tweet http://twitter.com/ThriftyJinxy/status/7150127804
I always have a fun activity like a party game lined up in case the conversation gets slow.
Dilly dip last fairly well in the refrig and a a bag of carrots and other fresh veggies are easy and quick.
I love making Party pinwheels. Use some tortillas and spread with cream cheese mixed with onion soup mix. Then sprinkle on chopped veggies and other goodies such as bacon bits. Roll and wrap tightly in foil. They are ready to cut and serve in a few hours.
Make one kind of “fancy” thing and the other snacks can be pretty plain and no one will notice!
Having great food is key to a good party! It doesn’t have to be hard to prepare, but keep a good variety (you will usually have guests with a variety in tastes in food). Offer both sweet and savory dishes!
My favorite party snack is mini pizzas
Always have extra drinks in your house incase you have more then expected guests. Chips and salsa is a huge hit too.
I love having hand-smashed guacamole, salsa and tortilla chips on hand for guests.
Teeney Weenies are eassy and always go over well!
I always make sure I have some kid-friendyl (and non-messy) snacks out..chicken nuggets, goldfish cracker, etc..
Thanks for the giveaway!
I just attended a party where she had several dips made of simple blocks of cream cheese topped by specialty jellies. They were so yummy that I’m definitely trying that for my next party. Thanks.
We love snacky foods. I make homemade salsa, french onion dip and also cheese dip to go with the chips.
this would be a great gift to use for our new years eve party
My most helpful party tip?
Lots of CUTE napkins
for finger foods
that DON’T drip!
We like to have many different styles/flavors of tortilla chips and potato chips and many different dips, and sometimes tater tots as well, which are great for dipping!
We always have lots of finger foods on hand-including spinach dip, salsa and chip dip
Finger foods only, made the day before = minimal dishes!
ask everybody to bring thier favorite food
I tweeted
http://twitter.com/ShesAnAngel417/status/7136775441
One of my best tips would just be to get party trays at costco! They have such a great variety of items for most budgets and they are always top quality!
I keep it simple with chips,popcorn and nuts.
My favorite snacks for parties are easy snacking food. I love Fritos corn chips cuz they make such good scoops for all kinds of different dips!
Twitter: http://twitter.com/sjdioguardi/status/7132714508
Favorite snack is “Mexican” dip – one layer cream cheese, one layer chili (with or without beans), top layer of chip cheese dip. Nuke or oven till warmed through. Serve with tortilla chips for dipping.
we always have quick finger food on hand – cheese, crackers, chips, dip and veggies.
we make our own salsa, get the green chilis from new mwxico ( the best)
and sometimes make our own chips. but it is so much easier using frito lay products
Tweeted the giveaway: http://twitter.com/littlecomper/statuses/7131345255
Our favourite snack is brie with jalepeneo peach spread over top! It is awesome on cracker!
charmtime@gmail.com
I am the queen procrastinator. I usually do not start the cleaning and preparing for a function about 1 hour before people arrive. I guess the best tip I can give is, do not be like me. THank you
I make all the dips the night before and lay out the bowls and dishes I am going to use and the cans of food and bags of snacks out and ready to pour.
love snacks need snacks good snacks
Hot Cheese Dip is the favorite here.
I tweeted
http://twitter.com/lunaj1456/status/7127146887
I like to always have ice cream on hand, sundaes make a great party treat.
My favorite party planning tip is to do everything you can the day before. That gives you time to relax and enjoy the day of the party. Simple but fantastic tip!
My favorite snack is Tostitos withsasa – simple and delicious!
I would have a wide variety of dips and salsas plus whatever type of chip is available.
http://twitter.com/diesel51/status/7124437669
Chips and onion dip.
we prefer the frito scoops, no dripage or breakage
tweet: http://twitter.com/henglish/status/7124011918
Our favorite party snacks are tostitos dip (mayo, cream cream, sour cream, salsa, cheese and green onion layers), shrimp ring, as well as cheese and crackers.
rt
http://twitter.com/unluckymrsmom/status/7122565611
We just have family over and have pizza and pop and snacks.
I buy the pre-made footlong subs from Walmart and slice them up and place on a tray. Makes a great addition to other snacks
Do whatever you can do ahead of time! Make sure you can enjoy your party too. Stick with easy appetizers or dishes you can make ahead. If a friend volunteers to bring something, let them!
We are really laid back around here. I always keep some chips and salsa on hand. Also like the Pillsbury Savorings Bread Bowl Bites. They make for an easy appetizer for company.
I love to get the crock pot going with bbq sauce and lil’ smokies in it. It is easy and everybody seems to love them!
I like to make BBQ meatballs so easy.
We love Frito Scoops with Salsa and Chili Cheese Dip!
I love to make homemade salsa and fresh mozzarella and tomato salad. Fresh onion dip is always a favorite too!
thanks for the chance!
Oven-roased almonds are a great and healthy treat.
We like making multiple dips with chips and then all share each others items.
we love the fritos with mild dip.thanks
amy16323(at)gmail(dot)com
my daughter would just love this.
I always keep any gathering simple. I make sure any snacks are easy to eat. Have a some of variety to satisfy everyone. I have learned to make a lot of the food ahead of time to make it easier on me so I can enjoy the friends who have come over. We usually play music unless it is a football party.
We usually serve our homemade crabcakes. Hubby catches and steams the crabs then we eat some and then use the rest of the meat for crabcakes.
Our most recent go to dish for parties is bagel dip. It is sour cream, mayo, corned beef, onion and season salt.
I always have easy finger foods,veggies,chips/dip,hoagies,cheese etc….
ardelong2(at)gmail(dot)com
Tweet:
http://twitter.com/tatum810/status/7075407209
I make my Taco dip which is always a big hit..I also have Tortilla Chips, Salsa and Queso Dip..Plus the normal chips, veggies dip and cheese tray..
tatum810@yahoo.com
we love making chili cheese dip
I always try to offer a variety of food items for everyone from the youngest to the oldest.
We usually keep on hand things like Pizza rolls,bagel bites,fresh fruit,fresh vegetables,fruit dips, vegetable dips,chips and dips and many other items.
Thank you so much for the chance to win.
jweezie43[at]aol[dot]com
If you’re really pinched for a quick party meal, just buy a couple of bags of ready to go tossed salad and a good jar of dressing. Call for a few varieties of pizza and serve the salads to guests while you wait for the pizza to arrive. You can’t be Martha Stewart every time but you can give people food they like and they’ll still love you.
can’t go wrong with meatballs, a party platter and chips n dips
I always have lots of different dips and chips on hand. Always a hit! I love a good 7 layer dip in particular.
i keep frozen pizzas on hand in freezer, i stock up when they are on sale for a great deal.
Tweeted: rosannepm
I just entered the Frito-Lay holiday party in a pinch Giveaway #MommyGoggles! http://tinyurl.com/y8shlu9
I have everyting organized and ready to go in my china cabinet/buffet. Paper ware, napkins for different occasions. I keep recipes I’d like to try for the next occasion. If it doesn’t turn out I make a great artichoke dip.
I keep lots of chips and dips available for guests and I make loads of chicken egg rolls that I keep in the freezer and I fry about half an hour before guests arrive as appetizers and to keep them crunchy
We are having lots of snacks over the holidays, our favorite is Ruffles and dip and chips and salsa!
I’m making the LiL Smokies in the crock pot with grape jelly!
Making meatballs in the crockpot saves alot of time!
My hubby makes a great nacho platter. It’s finished at every party!
I always have home-made cookies and I make and freeze little pizzas. They are so easy to make and then just heat and eat.
1 pound sausage
2 pounds of velveeta
1 can of tomato paste
little rye and sour dough bread
Brown the sausage, melt the velveeta in the mircowave, add tomato paste spread on bread and either freeze or bake on 350 for 10 minutes.
I like to make homemade salsa. I make it at least a day before ane let it sit in the fridge so all the flavors meld.
I like make ahead appetizers. One of my fav. make ahead is a slice of cheese, asparagus partially cooked, and procuitto wrapped around. I also do dips, lots of diff kind of dips
rhondastruthers at yahoo dot ca
I always have plenty of frozen appetizers on hand as well as chips & dip, and chips & salsa.
tweeted http://twitter.com/clallen1971/status/6898839171 clallen at ntin dot net
i like to serve a fruit/veggie tray along with cubed cheese, meat and chips/dip. we keep our party fare simple and tasty. i like a little bit of heathly and a whole lot of crunch! thanks clallen at ntin dot net
Awesome blog and thanks for the giveaway!….I would love to win this…. =]
We just finished our Holiday Party…extended family? AWKWARD.
To liven up the scene here we found old videos of our past Christmas’s together and watched them.
Everyone loved looking at our old styles and hair from the 90′s so much everyone asked to watch it again!
I blogged your contest! http://www.cancontests.com/2009/12/contests-from-elsewhere-win-frito-lay.html Thank you!
Tweeted!
http://twitter.com/antispamgirl/statuses/6872639980 Thank you!
My favourite party snack is cheese… cream cheese dips, cheese cubes, cheese on crackers, fondue, anything with cheese!
I definitely think it’s important to plan ahead and take the time to get things done.
What a great contest – thanks for posting!
http://twitter.com/GabbyLowe/status/6869996826
tweeted
Nancy’s Appetizers are great for last minute get togethers
Make everything ahead of time and just pop everything in the oven or microwave for quick reheating. I have learned that if you are serving a meal, go light on the pre-dinner snacks or else no one has room left to eat the food.
Tweet! @JalapenoMama
http://twitter.com/JalapenoMama/status/6854409612
I keep ingredients stocked for easy dip recipes, also chips.
Salsa is good too.
My favorite is crackers with cheez whiz on top with a bit of sliced green olive.
I usually use the holidays as an opportunity (excuse?) to make far richer, calorie-intensive food than I would otherwise.
I also keep chips and dip in the house, and I also like to make my own cocktail wieners. So I keep puff pastry and cocktail franks on hand at all times.
i love to make alot of things the night before so its less stress and more time with the family
i love to make home made chees balls with crackers and easy but good finger foods so as we play cards all day we can just relax and not be in the kitchen cooking all day.
Candles make everything better – they smell great, they look great, and if you dim the lights, your house looks cleaner in candlelight!
tweeted http://twitter.com/carogonza/status/6834924262
I always try to theme my parties because it makes it easier to plan for the food and the decorations. Plus, it gets everyone involved. I also try to make foods that can last and not get ooky sitting out and always just hav e fun.
At our house we make a list and every family member has some work to contribute
to hosting the party but no one has to much to do.
Thanks for the contest. Happy holidays.
I always have extra snacks on hand so I can invite people over in a pinch.
tweet http://twitter.com/phxbne/status/6822695039
everyone loves spinach artichoke dip! and it is so easy to make!
One of my favorite appetizers are mini quiches-they come frozen and are so delicious and easy to prepare, just bake!
smchester at gmail dot com
Facebook makes sending invites a breeze as well as seeing who is planning on attending.
Do you have a fireplace? Lucky you! USE it!! Wrap slices of apples, pears and a slab of ham in tinfoil and bake them in the embers. Serve with Mulled fruit punch ( Cranberry juice, fruit punch or cherry juice heated with pumpkin pie spice or Mulling spices- 1 tablespoon for every Quart of Juice- place a cinnamon stick in each mug before serving.)
Invite guests early and plan ahead but don’t go overboard with the decorating. Keep things simple and concentrate on giving your guests good food! Chips and dip is an easy appetizer to start off the evening. I usually also have something fancy like olives, hummus, and brie cheese to offset the chips.
My best party planning tip is KISS (Keep it simple Susie). I’ve been to a few holiday parties already that were such a big production, I felt like the guests were an afterthought. Give me some Fritos (love ‘em), some dip, some sodas and maybe some wine if it is an adult party, and some good friends/family, and I’m as happy as my cat in a barrel of catnip. Thanks for the chance to win.
I like to hire a high school kid to come in for a few hours before a party to help with last-minute clean up and set up. They’re full of energy, have great ideas and appreciate the work.
I could make some great Frito Pies!
I tweeted.
http://twitter.com/cjcmommy
cjcmommy@gmail.com
The pizza rolls are always a good thing to have in the freezer and share at get togethers. The kids love them and they are not to messy.
cjcmommy@gmail.com
We love our fritos!
pigs in a blanket are always a hit here.
I try to keep everyone well fed and have guests from diffferent backgrounds to keep conversations interesting.
I like to make a hot dip with simply cream cheese, Hormel no-bean chili, and Mexican cheese shreds.
Always have chips, salsa, crackers, and cheese available for quick fixes.
Fritos with some chili and cheese maybe some onion and then lets go to town baby
tweeted= http://twitter.com/genny315/status/6779226613
I always serve 7-layer bean dip at my parties. It’s super easy to make and feeds everyone!
I love to make coconut shrimp for parites with orange-pineapple dip mmmm good.
I make an amazing 4 cheese & spinach dip that my friends go nuts over every time I serve it – it can be assembled ahead of time & is great with pita chips, crackers, or tortilla chips!
buffalo wings chips and dip with plenty of beer
Tweeted
http://twitter.com/parkerozgood/status/6776859464
jason(at)allworldautomotive(dot)com
My best party tip is to always keep a reserve of beer and wine around because even a boring party can be a good time with a few cocktails
jason(at)allworldautomotive(dot)com
Follow on Twitter and tweeted:
http://twitter.com/spitfyr323/status/6772702351
I try and get as many things cooked/prepared beforehand as possible so that I can enjoy the company of my guests and not be stuck in the kitchen.
i find when bringing food to parties people just love meat on a stick,i like making jerk chicken on a stick
I always Keep a brick of cream cheese and several gourmet jellies in the fridge for quick entertaining. Just pour some jelly over the cream cheese and serve with crackers. So easy and everyone loves it! Thanks for the tips!
Shelli @shelliclickedit on twitter
my family like fritos
I like the idea of a relaxed informal party with cassoroles, punch, chips, and brownies. Games such as Trivial Pursuit or charades are fun too. If you have warm weather, then badminton is great also. Fancy parties make me uptight. I am all about the paper plates, man!
Tweet!
http://twitter.com/simplyandreah/status/6769236358
My favorite party snack is brownies. I always keep a box on hand in case company unexpectedly pops in. Thanks!
I always have blocks of cream cheese(lite) in the fridge for making dips or the much loved block on a plate topped with salsa, shrimp cocktail or chutney served with chips or crackers, yum!
Thanks for the great giveaway!
I like to make easy to eat finger food that is colorful and fun!
I love to send my guests with a little something when they leave, so make up a big ol’ bowl of spicy Chex Mix, or Chocolatey Trail mix and have some cellophane bags on hand. Just scoop up a some and bag it up and send home with your guests. What is leftover then you send to work with the hubbie or to school with kids in lunchboxes!
Thanks
Angie
i make a good dill dip out of a boule and then you dip the bread in the dip…yummy
http://twitter.com/barginmom/status/6744273657
I always have on hand salsa and chips for that unexpected guest to arrive.
Blogged
Tweeted
My party in a pinch is chips, dip, and other convenience foods — quick and easy to make, serve, and clean up
*Thanks* for the giveaway!
I like to make Taco Bars where everyone can choose their own toppings. Thanks for the chance.
mogrill@comcast.net
like to have plenty of finger foods that are light so everyone can enjoy a drink and not get full before dinner. I enjoy cheese,pepperoni and crackers,fresh fruit and a veggie platter. I set the table with Frito Lays chips and dips also
lots of cheese and crackers
Crackers and cheese are great for guests and kids. Thanks for the contest.
ALONG WITH THE CHIPS, DIPS AND GOOD STUFF … I LIKE TO PROVIDE SOME HEALTHY FOODS…SUCH AS GRAPES, STRAWBERRIES
Festive paper plates,cups and napkins. Salsa and chips.
Follow and a tweet
http://twitter.com/velvet1116/status/6707526575
I like to have plenty of finger foods that are light so everyone can enjoy a drink and not get full before dinner. I enjoy cheese,pepperoni and crackers,fresh fruit and a veggie platter. I set the table with Frito Lays chips and dips also
All of these goodies are great for a BBQ and tailgating
Thanks
I love having good music and lots of little snacky items. I have a sweet chex mix made with coconut and corn syrup that’s super yummy, everyone loves chips with fresh salsa, fresh bruschetta… I’m getting hungry!
Thanks for the giveaway.
s.mickelson at gmail dot com
We have lots of cheese and crackers and summer sausage on hand for quick snacks
Any get togethers we have always involve kids, so I love having something fun for them…cookies or cupcakes with a couple icing choices and a few small bowls of candies or sprinkles to decorate with. They love it!
I love making Mama’s Olive Dip. Everyone just loves it. You gotta try it. I found it on Racheal Rays Site. It is so rich and creamy.
tweeted
http://twitter.com/lmurley2000/status/6701156827
my tip is i always keep my freezer full of things that can be warmed in a short time, i have 2 teenage sons and their always bringing in company with them when they come home, i keep some kind of dip or salsa and chips too. teenage boys can eat alot and it helps to keep these things on hand.
I love party food. I have to have bufallo wing dip and meatballs at a party. That’s the only time I get them.
always have tortilla chips, and canned chili for drop in guests…toss the chili in a crockpot and it looks like you worked all day on it. Salsa is affordable and handy to have on hand.
Don’t worry about party decorations, its the company that matters..if you put out the plates, bowls, and napkings in a fan thats fancy enough
love the scoops and the spicy bean dip
We always have a variety of crackers, cheese, chips, dips and fruit on hand. These will make quick snacks on a moments notice. And the extra fridge is always stocked with bottled water, sodas and beer.
Thanks for the chance to win!
I like to offer a variety of finger foods and dips. If a guest offers to bring something, by all means say yes. It will add to the variety of foods. Thanks for the review and giveaway!
We always keep extra soft drinks out in the garage, the number for the local Jet’s pizza, and a new pack of playing cards around for when we decide to have an improptu get together with friends.
Tweet:
http://twitter.com/1day1dollar/status/6694822811
I just got a new recipe for seasoned pretzels that use ranch dressing mix, cayenne pepper and lemon pepper. Really yummy!
Keep it simple. This is no time to try out complicated recipes. Stick with ones you know are easy and tasty. Also, ask others to bring along their favorites to share.
You’re always ready for a party if you keep drinks on hand along with sour cream, dry soup mix and chips.
If you want decorations, go to the dollar store…go there for candy too. We like to have cheese balls here for parties!!
tweet.
http://twitter.com/jerricapuck/status/6688060468
Party planning tip: Never lack enough snacks or good music.
Everyone bring something to snack on that way you have a nice variety of things and less running around preparing things