The holidays are officially on the horizon, and Cathy’s Kitchen is getting ready for a season of gathering, grazing, and making memories! This week, I’m sharing a little inspiration to help you entertain with less stress and enjoy more of the moments that matter.

🧀 Bite 1: Product of the Week

My Charcuterie Class — This Sunday!

This week, my Product of the Week isn’t something that comes in a box. It’s a seat at my table!

Sunday, November 8 at 1:00 PM
1123 Clevenger Rd

The holidays are here, and between the parties, family stopping by, and those “Can you bring an appetizer?” texts, it’s easy to feel the pressure.

That’s why I’m teaching my Charcuterie Class now! I want you walking into the holidays with one easy, beautiful, no-stress appetizer you know how to make—something that makes everyone say, “Wow, you made this?!” while you stay relaxed and enjoy your own party.

In class, you’ll learn how to build a beautiful board from start to finish, with no crazy ingredients or complicated steps. We’ll use some of my favorite Tastefully Simple anchors:

And yes, you’ll get to taste everything! 😉

Spots are limited! Bring a friend—it’s more fun that way!

💡 Bite 2: Kitchen Hack of the Week

Start a “Board Night” Tradition

Here’s the hack behind the class: You don’t need a new recipe every time you host. You need one easy tradition you can repeat.

Pick a night—tree-trimming night, the Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve Eve, or the night your cousins roll into town—and make it Board Night. Same night every year, no cooking, and everybody grazes!

The 10-Minute Holiday Board

1. Start with an anchor. Put one star on the board first. The Rustic Cranberry Cheese Log looks gorgeous and festive. Champagne Jelly and Blueberry Bliss add sweet and tangy flavors with almost no effort.
2. Add something to scoop and spread. Bountiful Beer Bread is your secret weapon. Bake it ahead, slice it, and tuck it onto the board.
3. Add salty, sweet, and crunchy. Think nuts, a little chocolate, pretzels, or crackers.
4. Add color. Grapes, berries, or a few rosemary sprigs make it feel festive.
5. Fill the gaps. Tuck small bites into empty spaces so the board looks abundant.
6. Let the kids build mini boards. They love it, and it keeps little hands busy while you visit.

Nobody is stuck in the kitchen, the dishes are minimal, and everyone ends up around the same table. That’s the point: skip the perfect holiday and make a repeatable one.

❤️ Bite 3: Around Cathy’s Kitchen

It’s Not One Day. It’s the Joy of the Season.

I love this time of year—and I mean the whole season, not just one day on the calendar.

It’s the season of coming together and thinking about other people. I get to visit craft and vendor events, meet wonderful folks, and catch up with extended family over good food.

And at our house, we decorate inside and out like we live at the North Pole! 🎄 My husband gets a glint of glee in his eye every time he comes up with a new holiday decorating idea, and I wouldn’t trade that glint for anything.

The joy of the season is the absolute best. It isn’t about doing more or having everything perfect. It’s about the people around your table. And when your why is strong enough, the how will endure.

So tell me: What’s one holiday tradition your family would never skip? Leave it in the comments or send me a message. I’d love to hear!