The Lemonade – In case You Missed it
December 23, 2024
Good morning, friends!
Happy Monday! The holidays are officially here, and with them come all the joys (and sometimes stress) of hosting, celebrating, and preparing for the big day. Whether you’re welcoming guests into your home or just trying to make your mornings a little easier, today’s newsletter is packed with ideas to help you breeze through the season with ease and joy.
in the news
Congress avoids shut down, with a slimed down budget and no debt ceiling extension.
Over 200 injured and 5 dead after the German Christmas market attack. The attacker is in custody.
Drinking isn’t as fun for women as we get older. Here are some yummy mocktails to try.
Evicting a pair is Bald Eagles is NEVER cool!
Make Your Guests Feel at Home (So They Don’t Secretly Wish They Booked a Hotel)
Hosting family or friends? Turning your house into a cozy haven is easier than you think!
Bedding is Queen!
We’ve all stayed somewhere and woken up with a neck crick from ancient pillows or scratchy sheets. Let’s not be that host. Make sure the sheets and comforter are freshly washed (pro tip: toss in some scent boosters for a spa-like vibe). Don’t forget an extra blanket for those chilly nights—or naps. Naps are sacred.
Stock the Bathroom
Be the hero of the trip by laying out bathroom essentials:
- Soap, shampoo, and conditioner: Make sure to replenish the extra bathroom necessities. You can get full size or just stock up on the travel-sized varies.
- Toothpaste and an extra toothbrush: For the forgetful travelers among us.
- Towels: Lay them out, or tell your guests where to find them—hunting for a towel post-shower isn’t a good look.
Charger Check
I’d be swimming in nickels if I had a nickel for every time I forgot my charger while traveling. Leave an extra phone charger in the guest room—it’s the tiny gesture that gets a big thank-you.
Beverage Station
Set up a self-serve drink area:
- Coffee, tea, hot cocoa, and festive mugs, don’t forget the Sugar, honey, creamers!
- Let them know where to grab a glass for midnight water runs. It’s all about the details.
Wi-Fi Deets
Write down the Wi-Fi name and password on a cute card and leave it in their room. Avoid the dreaded “What’s your Wi-Fi again?”
Bonus Touch: Keep Things Fresh
A small plant or fresh flowers in their room? Classy. Totally optional, but such a nice touch!
Save Your Holiday Mornings
Let’s talk about breakfast casseroles. They’re easy, they feed a crowd, and they taste amazing. Assemble the night before, bake in the morning, and you’re winning. Try these crowd-pleasers:
- Classic Sausage and Egg Bake: Bread cubes or hash browns topped with breakfast sausage, shredded cheese, and beaten eggs. Bake until golden.
- Cheesy Ham and Grits: Southern comfort in every bite.
- Southwest Breakfast Casserole: Black beans, green chilies, tortilla strips, and eggs. Salsa and avocado on top = perfection.
- Breakfast Enchiladas: Because who says enchiladas are only for dinner?
- French Toast Bake: All the syrupy goodness, none of the flipping.
- Sausage Cranberry and Biscuit Bake: Sweet, savory, and perfect for the holidays.
- Amish Breakfast Casserole: Cheese overload in the best way possible.
Christmas count down!
Last-Minute Stocking Stuffers (Because Procrastination Happens)
Still scrambling for stocking stuffers? Ya, me too!
- Gift Cards: Think movie tickets, restaurants, coffee shops, or skincare.
- Lip Balm: Because winter is not kind to lips.
- Portable Charger: Save someone from low-battery panic.
- Socks: socks are always a win.
- Back Scratcher: Practical and hilarious.
- Electric Toothbrush:
- Treats: Gourmet chocolates, trail mix, or holiday treats—they never disappoint.
You’re officially ready to host, feed, and gift like a pro.
