Page 2 - BrockCoNewsletter-NovDec2025.indd

S sonal high ghts: STRESS FREE HOSTING

Kids often see the holiday season as a time of DON’T DO IT ALL YOURSELF. Many
food and fun. Many adults, on the other hand, hosts turn down help and take on too much.
see it as six weeks of stress. These tips can help Lighten your load by asking for specifi c help,
make hosting more enjoyable. like setting the table or serving drinks.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Before sending CLEAN SMART, NOT HARD. Don’t worry
out invitations, check with your guests about deep-cleaning your whole home. Tidy the
about their food allergies, music preferences, main areas and close the doors to messy spaces.
or whether they enjoy games. Use this CONSIDER HIRING HELP. You might be
information to plan an event they will enjoy. surprised how a ordable it is to hire a caterer

Save what you learn for next time.
or cleaner. The time and stress you save could
KEEP THE MENU SIMPLE. Guests appreciate be worth the cost.
tasty, well-prepared food more than a long list
of fancy dishes. After attending several holiday USE YOUR STRENGTHS & RESOURCES.
parties, many people would love a make-your- If you know someone with great musical taste,
own burger bar or taco station. ask them to create a playlist for the evening.
If your local bakery makes amazing desserts,
PREPARE BEFORE GUESTS ARRIVE. consider ordering from them instead of trying
Try to have food ready and the space set up in a new recipe at the last minute.
advance. This way, you can focus on spending Following these tips can help make holiday
time with your guests instead of scrambling hosting feel like a gift to both you and your guests.
during the party.
BE CLEAR ABOUT EXPECTATIONS. Source:
In your invitation, let guests know what to https://www.realsimple.com/holidays-
expect. Mention the dress code, whether a entertaining/holidays/christmas/stress-free-
gift is necessary, if shoes are to be removed, holiday-party
if children are invited, and the party hours. https://www.hgtv.com/lifestyle/entertaining/12-
More details help everyone feel comfortable. secrets-to-hosting-a-stress-free-holiday-party-pictures

p duce pick: FENNEL
Do you love licorice? Then fennel might be meats, like chicken or pork. In Italian cuisine,
the perfect vegetable for you. fennel is paired with sausage. In Indian cuisine,
Fennel comes from the Mediterranean and the seeds bring rich fl avor to curries and stews.
has been used for both cooking and healing Fennel is in season during the fall and winter,
for thousands of years. You can eat every part making it perfect for cozy, comforting
of it: the white bulb, green fronds, and even meals. It’s widely available. You can fi nd
the seeds. It adds fl avor to both sweet and fresh fennel bulbs at farmers’ markets or
savory dishes. grocery stores. Fennel seeds are easy to fi nd
in the spice section.
Nutritionally, fennel is a powerhouse. It’s

rich in vitamin C, potassium, and fi ber, With its rich history, vibrant flavor, and numerous

which support heart health and digestion. health benefits, fennel is a worthy addition to
Its antioxidants can reduce infl ammation your kitchen. Whether you’re looking for bold
and strengthen your immune system. Fennel new flavors or a natural digestive boost, this

seeds are known to ease bloating and support ancient ingredient is the way to go.
gut health. Source:
In the kitchen, fennel is a star. Raw slices https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/health-
bring a refreshing crunch to salads. Roasting benefi ts-fennel
or sautéing it brings out the natural sweetness https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/fennel-
of fennel. Plus, it pairs perfectly with roasted and-fennel-seed-benefi ts