Are you ready for Christmas? I braved the crowds today to get a few last minute gifts, stocking stuffers and groceries! We have a huge winter storm hitting us, so I knew I had to finish so off to ALDI’s I went. ALDI has been my number 1 store to shop at for many many years now, also it is where I do about 90% of my regular grocery shopping, as they offer more than 1,400 items from panty staples, snacks, sweets, breads, produce, meats, frozen foods, health & beauty, housewares, toys and so much more. And with the holidays here they have over 100 winter seasonal items which are perfect for holiday entertaining!
You’ll find gourmet cheese and summer sausage for those meat and cheese platters, nuts, spiral ham, Butterball turkey, even beverages such as apple cider and wine. Oh and don’t forget dessert, their Belmont Petite cheesecake sampler is to die for!
Before I left home I made my entertaining shopping list as I host Christmas breakfast for 15 people. My list included everything I needed to make two extra large breakfast casseroles, orange juice, egg nog (because it is a must on Christmas) and some veggies. I must say I was thrilled to see Friendly Farms Egg Nog on sale for only $1.29, score! This is the great prices you’ll find at ALDI on all their foods, saving you money. Our Christmas breakfast is going to be so good and I’m told this year after year with the quality products I buy from the store. Nobody has ever said anything other than your breakfast casseroles rock!
Every single ingredient in the casseroles always include ALDI products:
-eggs
-milk
-gourmet thick sliced hickory smoked bacon
-Appleton Farms premium pork sausage
-sharp cheddar cheese
-hash browns shredded potatoes
-green peppers
-sweet onion
I also picked up a few things for Christmas dinner at my brothers house. Holiday entertaining this year? Here are 5 holiday entertaining tips from food stylist, Janice Stahl, on behalf of ALDI.
1.)Keep it Simple. When planning your holiday party or family dinner, don’t overthink it. Remember, “Less is More” when designing your menu and décor. If you try to do too much, you’ll end up unable to enjoy the event you’ve worked so hard to put together. Keep your shopping experience simple and stress free by shopping at ALDI. From award-winning wines and holiday baking essentials to gifts and all the trimmings for your holiday dinner, ALDI has everything you need at prices up to 50 percent* less than traditional grocers.
2.)Somewhat Homemade. Combine traditional homemade recipes with pre-made items for a holiday spread that is sure to please. Dress up your Appleton Farms Spiral Sliced ½ Ham from ALDI with an apple cider and balsamic glaze. Or, place bite size portions of L’oven Fresh Dutch Apple and Pecan Pies and Belmont Cheesecake Samplers into mini martini glasses for a chic dessert table display.
3.) Don’t Forget the Kids. If you’re expecting children at your event, prepare a couple child-friendly dishes that adults will enjoy too such as the Mini Thanksgiving Bites w/ Cranberry Glaze recipe from ALDI. They pack a great flavor in a bite-size (and kid-friendly) serving. Or, if there are picky eaters on your guest list, set up a separate table for the kids, so you don’t have to display their kid foods right next to your gourmet recipes.
4.)Small Bites. A hot trend this entertaining season is to serve small “bites” at your party. Serve homemade appetizers alongside gourmet and artisan cheeses such as the Specially Selected Brie and Specially Selected Havarti cheeses available at ALDI this holiday season
5.) Unexpected Centerpieces. To update the typical floral centerpiece on the table this year, fill a large glass vase or a few small vases with ornaments, seasonal produce or holiday candies such as the Choceur Imported Chocolate Figurines or Choceur Peppermint Sticks available at ALDI. For holiday seasonal produce, cranberries or layered red and green apples work well. ALDI carries approximately 60 varieties of fresh fruits and vegetables at the lowest prices, so you can fill even your biggest vases without overspending.
I highly recommend checking out ALDI to finish up your holiday grocery shopping. While shopping right now you’ll see festive price signs with red bows, many displays with seasonal items and everything else you need to have the perfect holiday party. They have a large range of products,with exceptional quality and helpful friendly employees. If you have never been make sure you have your quarter handy for the shopping cart (though you get this back when you return the cart) and be sure to bring your reusable shopping bags. Also don’t bring your coupons or credit card.
For more information on ALDI stores and to find a store near you visit the ALDI website.
What are you preparing for holiday meals?
Disclosure:I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for ALDI. I received a gift certificate to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item as a thank-you for participating.
I love shopping at ALDI as well, I just wish we had one closer to us, the nearest one is still about 20 miles away. I love stocking up on their thick sliced bacon like you have in this post, it’s so yummy!
Awesome tips! Especially the one about making sure you have kid friendly foods. I have been to so many parties where there was nothing but crackers and carrot sticks available. We only had one Aldi near us, but it closed recently. I am convinced it’s because they charged to use the shopping carts. Haha.
Who knew that Aldi’s had so many great things? Thanks for sharing.