#fridaysholidayhacks

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FRIDAYS HOLIDAY HACKS // FANCY POPCORN Popcorn: It’s not just for stringing on garland. There are a million ways to gourmet up this snack. We suggest a sweet and spicy combo, like cayenne pepper and caramel (just buy caramel popcorn and sprinkle with cayenne), or drizzle a batch with a flavored butter like truffle butter. Or throw some chocolate-covered cranberries in the bowl. Get creative – it’s the holidays!

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FRIDAYS HOLIDAY HACKS // A NEW YEARS EVE CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL You made it through another year – and that’s something to celebrate. Nothing says “celebration” better than a glass of bubbly. This year, give it a twist by adding a splash of St-Germain (an elderflower liqueur), blackberries, and a rosemary sprig. Now you’re ready to usher in the New Year.

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FRIDAYS HOLIDAY HACKS // THE MOST FESTIVE UPCYCLED DRINK STIRRERS EVER Every party-thrower knows that the details make the party. So don’t overlook those drink stirrers. Make some using fun, patterned straws and unused (or used) wrapping paper. You can also write guests’ names on the paper, so that drinks won’t lose their parents.

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HOLIDAY HACKS // THE "CHEERS" TRANSLATION DICTIONARY Even if you’re not wintering in Europe, you may run into some folks who would appreciate a salutation in their native tongue. Or you can just impress some friends by saying “Cheers” in a different language.

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To flavor your snow cone, try using a cordial. You’ll get plenty of flavor, and it won’t melt the ice. Just chill the liquor first. You can also make your own simple syrup (like the name says, it’s simple) and add any holiday flavors you like. How to Make Simple Syrup Combine 2 cups of sugar with 2 cups of water and cook over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool. Keep this syrup chilled, and use it in your holiday cocktails. It lasts for a week. If you’re adding flavors such as fruit or herbs, add them in the beginning with the sugar and water. After the syrup cools, strain out the ingredients. Cordials and Liqueur Ideas Chocolate (crème de cacao) Mint (crème de menthe) Raspberry (Chambord) Orange (Curaçao) Coffee (Kahlúa) Simple Syrup Ideas Cinnamon apple (add a pinch of ground cinnamon and a tart apple) Peppermint (use a touch of peppermint extract) Orange clove (add whole cloves and some orange peel) Rosemary (add a few springs of fresh rosemary)

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FRIDAYS HOLIDAY HACKS // FIVE BEST WAYS TO SPIKE HOT CHOCOLATE Kids love hot chocolate. Adults love hot chocolate spiked with liqueur. Just a splash will elevate a steaming cup of this quintessential winter treat to a holiday-worthy cup of joy. Our favorites: Baileys Irish Cream, amaretto, Kahlúa, crème de menthe, and Grand Marnier. Just a teaspoon or so will do per mug. If you want to get extra-fancy, whip cream with flavored vodka and place a dollop on top. Serve to dinner guests with dessert, or enjoy for yourself while doing your holiday decorating.

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FRIDAYS HOLIDAY HACKS // MAXIMIZE YOUR HOLIDAY SWEATER UGLINESS Don’t just show up at that ugly-sweater party – make the “worst dressed” list. How? By embellishing your already ugly sweater with bows, lace, tinsel, string lights, ornaments, and anything else you find lying around the house or hanging from your tree. A glue gun works great for adhering more “ugly” to the sweater.

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FRIDAYS FAN HACK // SHOPPING Turns out we’re not the only Holiday Hack experts out there. One of our Give Me More Stripes members, Shelley from Asheville, North Carolina, gave us this great shopping stress saver: Take a friend with you. While one of you shops, the other stands in line, then swaps places so the other can shop. Standing-in-line-time is cut in half, and no one’s frustrated. It’s a holiday miracle. Thanks, Shelley!