As I write this, I’m savoring each final chew of a superbly juicy watermelon that I mixed with mint and feta for maybe the simplest salad ever. This time of 12 months in Texas, melons are out of this world, so it appears like a becoming strategy to set the scene for an article about consuming with the seasons. I discover that heading to the market understanding precisely what’s in season in August makes for the right procuring expertise.
Prior to now, I by no means understood the purpose of obsessing over seasonal produce. Let’s be sincere: given the worldwide attain of most grocery shops, you will discover nearly any widespread fruit or vegetable at any time of the 12 months as of late. Squash, tomatoes, berries, citrus, and asparagus… the checklist goes on. And, if what you’re trying to find isn’t within the produce part, likelihood is you will discover a high-quality frozen possibility.
However, because it seems, there are precise well being advantages to consuming seasonally, to not point out it additionally tastes higher at its designated time of 12 months. Now that I do know what fruit is in season in August, not solely am I having fun with completely scrumptious locally-grown components, however I get such a kick out of going to my native farmers market and selecting out the freshest seasonal produce.
Benefits of Eating In-Season Produce
So why should you put forth the extra effort to eat seasonally? Well, there are a few reasons. But let’s start with the most straightforward one: produce tastes better when it’s in season. It’s as simple as that.
If you want incredibly flavorful food, you should start with produce that’s in season and not kept frozen as it travels across continents or hemispheres.
But there are a couple of other good reasons to focus on seasonally appropriate produce. When fruits and vegetables are in season, they’re able to fully ripen and develop in the sun without any unnatural assistance. That means more flavor and higher quality. And finally, it’s important to eat produce harvested in its prime because it retains more of its inherent nutritive value.
A Really Helpful Chart
Right now, we’re in the final month of summer. There are still a good number of typical summer foods in season, but we can also expect to see some foods typically associated with fall on the shelves.
What vegetables and fruit are in season in August?
Acorn squash
apples
apricots
blueberries
butternut squash
cantaloupe
corn
cucumbers
eggplant
figs
inexperienced beans
kiwi
kohlrabi
lettuce
mangoes
okra
peaches
peppers
plums
raspberries
strawberries
summers squash
swiss chard
tomatoes
watermelon
winter squash
zucchini
That mentioned, it’s necessary to understand that seasonal produce varies based mostly in your location. As an illustration, tomatoes had been at their prime for us in Austin on the finish of June, however appear to be at their prime proper now for extra northern (and temperate) cities corresponding to New York and Oregon.
Recipes to Cook This Month
Okay, so it’s easy to know the right information, but it’s a whole different matter to actually put it into practice. So to give you a nudge, we’ve rounded up some of the tastiest recipes that use the prettiest fruits and veggies in season right now.
Scroll on, and we’d love to hear what seasonal recipes you’re cooking up this month.
How to buy strawberries
A fresh strawberry has a strong fragrant taste and vibrant color. Look for the berries that are firm to touch, medium-sized, and free of bruises.
What to cook with strawberries
Why we adore it: There’s nothing fairly like this flavorful mixture, it’s earthy, brilliant, and tangy—a complete feast for the senses. It’s a restaurant-quality recipe we will’t get sufficient of.
Hero ingredient: Creamy goat cheese enhances the wealthy flavors of this salad.
When it comes to finding what vegetables are in season in August, you might be surprised to see butternut squash on the list. Keep your eyes peeled for a squash that feels heavy for its size. You’ll want one with a fat neck and a small bulb since those yield the most meat.
What to cook with butternut squash
Why we adore it: Not solely is that this recipe out of this world tasty, nevertheless it’s excellent for these of us who detest the bodily labor of getting to peel and chop butternut squash. It’s as stunning as it’s scrumptious and simple to make.
Hero ingredient: One other August ingredient—figs!
Ideally, we’d pick our apricots right off a tree. But in lieu of that, try to find plump, firm apricots with just a little softness to them. Avoid ones that are pale orange or yellow, they should have a deep orange-gold color.
What to cook with apricots
Why we adore it: You received’t remorse turning in your oven for these recent, heat apricots. As soon as the sugars caramelize it creates a deep sweetness that’s juxtaposed completely with creamy vanilla bean mascarpone. They’re so easy and fantastically spotlight the very best of summer time produce.
Hero ingredient: Pistachios and toasted coconut give this deal with a scrumptious nutty crunch.
Be on the lookout for eggplants with smooth, shiny skin. Test for ripeness by pressing a finger lightly against the skin—if it leaves an imprint, the eggplant is ripe. Smaller eggplants tend to be sweeter, less bitter, have thinner skin, and have fewer seeds.
What to cook with eggplant
Why we adore it: It’s the right different once you’re craving the scrumptious flavors of an eggplant parmesan however wish to skip the carby filling. It additionally couldn’t be simpler to make, simply throw it on the grill and stuff with traditional Caprese fillings.
Hero ingredient: Toasted pine nuts add a tasty little bit of crunch.
Surprisingly, color is not the best indicator of ripeness when it comes to picking a mango. You’ll want to gently squeeze the mango, and pick ones that have a slight give. They become softer as they ripen and sometimes have a fruity aroma at the stem.
What to cook with mangoes
Why we adore it: Should you’re craving Thai flavors like lime, peanuts, and herbs, then try this superb soba noodle salad. You may grill up a steak and toss it into the salad or preserve it veggie and lightweight and high with a creamy avocado for a touch of richness.
Hero ingredient: Crunchy coconut takes this salad excessive.
When it comes to picking the perfect watermelon, its coloring helps to indicate how ripe it is. Pick a melon with a strong, consistent pattern. The green stripes should be a deep, dark green, and the pale stripes a ceamy, light yellow. You should also give it a bit of a thump. Tap the watermelon—if you hear a deep, hollow sound, then it indicates that it’s juicy and ripe.
What to cook with watermelon
Why we adore it: It’s a refreshing, traditional, ultra-summery salad that’s excellent for these sizzling, lengthy August evenings. The delicate style of the cucumber and creaminess of the feta enhances the salad with out overpowering these candy, light flavors.
Hero ingredient: A shallot provides a little bit of crunch, sharpness, and aroma.
You’re going to want to give your figs a whiff. Ripe figs should smell fresh, not funky or fermented. Pick soft figs but avoid any squishy ones.
What to cook with figs
Why we adore it: This salad is perfection on a plate, when you ask me! Creamy burrata and candy, pretty figs make for a easy, but extremely refined dish. Contemporary mint provides a little bit of herby brightness and ties the entire thing collectively. I’ll be consuming this one on repeat!
Hero ingredient: Candied nuts add a little bit of crunchy sweetness that may’t be overwhelmed.
Give your peach a gentle squeeze, you’ll want to feel a bit of softness. Avoid peaches that are shriveled, and make sure to sniff it to ascertain that it has a pleasant, classically peachy scent.
What to cook with peaches
Why we adore it: It doesn’t get a lot simpler (or extra delicious) than these honey-grilled peaches and cream. Camille recommends shopping for them on the firmer aspect in order that they maintain their form and don’t collapse once they hit the new grates.
Hero ingredient: Give your peaches a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to actually elevate the entire dish.
Look for a tomato that feels firm but with a slight give. It should be very aromatic near the stem and have a good hefty weight for its size. Make sure you avoid any tomatoes with blemishes, dark spots, or bruises.
What to cook with tomatoes
Why we adore it: It doesn’t get a lot better than this pitch-perfect tart. It has a base combo of cream cheese and goat cheese, so it’s ultra-creamy and tangy. It highlights the candy, sunny high quality of the tomatoes fantastically, and makes for a scrumptious summer time dish.
Hero ingredient: Every thing Bagel seasoning offers it slightly particular one thing.
Keep a watch for small, firm zucchini with bright green skin. The smaller the better since zucchini gets bitter as they grow larger.
What to cook with zucchini
Why we adore it: Should you’re a carbonara lover, then you definitely’ll positively wish to do that twist on the traditional pasta dish. It’s a creamy dream that’s packed stuffed with veggies, texture, and taste.
Hero ingredient: Frozen peas are Camille’s favourite shortcut veggie for pasta, they add coloration, vitamins, and youngsters love them.
Assess your blueberries to ensure they’re even in size, smooth, dry, plump, and firm. A reddish tint could mean they aren’t fully ripe, so make sure they’re a deep purple or nearly black shade.
What to cook with blueberries
Why we adore it: There’s no higher strategy to begin off the morning than with some scrumptious oatmeal, and this baked reicpe is straightforward, wholesome, and scrumptious. It’s principally a cross between bread pudding and banana bread—best!
Hero ingredient: Seeds and nuts assist to provide you tons of power to energy by means of the morning.
Considered one of my favourite vacation traditions arms DOWN is the annual feast we host for a similar group of associates within the week main as much as Christmas. There’s one thing about that point that feels magical. Since I’m extra enthusiastic about kicking again with my associates than standing across the range all evening, I’ve come to depend on a number of standby recipes that really feel particular sufficient for the vacations however might be made solely upfront. These are recipes that lend themselves to large-batch cooking for a crowd. Of the assorted dishes I’ve made via the years, it’s this candy and spicy braised quick rib recipe that’s grow to be a near-permanent fixture on my menu.
The tail-end of the vacation season, simply earlier than it crescendos into full-on household time, lends itself to main festivity. Yearly, all of us convey our A-game and present up able to let our hair down and pop open a bottle of bubbly. What higher means so as to add to the celebration than by cooking up an beautiful meal that serves your entire crowd?
Why I Love This Braised Quick Rib Recipe
For starters, quick ribs are a lower of meat that feels made for serving a crowd. They permit you skip the large hunk of roast on the desk. As an alternative, they’re already divided into particular person parts that may simply be scooped onto a plate, able to eat. They’re additionally luxuriously tender, with a richness that feels good for the vacations. I like to serve these straightforward quick ribs with one thing creamy on the aspect. Good choices embody mashed sweet potatoes, polenta, or cauliflower mash. Every soaks up the quick ribs’ velvety sauce. The top result’s a scrumptious, crimson wine-infused taste in each chunk.
Suggestions for Making Quick Ribs in Advance
Maybe the perfect factor about this candy and spicy braised quick rib recipe is that it may be made virtually utterly upfront. It’s at its absolute best when made the day earlier than! The flavors deepen over a number of hours. When it’s time to eat, all that’s left to do is gently rewarm them on the stovetop.
The Good Minimize for Braised Quick Ribs
I ask my butcher to chop bone-in “flanken-style” beef quick ribs into two-inch items. That means, there’s no extra butchering for me to do at residence earlier than seasoning and searing. Usually, I portion two items per individual, give or take based mostly on their urge for food. You’ll love this straightforward braised quick rib methodology that requires little greater than chopping some veggies and throwing all of it within the pot. The top result’s so flavorful, fall-off-the-bone tender, and destined to grow to be a keeper for all of your vacation gatherings.
Methods to Serve
As scrumptious as these quick ribs are straight out of the oven, it’s the chimichurri that takes them excessive. I whip up a batch of this sauce on a regular basis and hold it within the fridge for drizzling over meats, fish, and even pasta. Made with cilantro, parsley, garlic, and vinegar, it has that acidic punch that retains your complete dish from feeling heavy.
And, since we eat with our eyes first, I really like including a number of garnishes that convey coloration, taste, and freshness. Simply earlier than serving, I tear extra recent herbs excessive, then scatter on some paper-thin crimson onion and lemon zest.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (omit or use 1 tablespoon corn-starch to maintain this gluten-free)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 bottle dry crimson wine
A number of sprigs parsley and thyme, plus extra for serving
1 head of garlic, halved crosswise
2 lemons
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2cups beef broth
1/4cup coconut aminos or low-sodium soy sauce
For garnish: flat-leaf parsley, sliced crimson onion, and chimichurri sauce (recipe beneath)
For the Chimichurri Sauce:
1 bunch recent cilantro, leaves and stems
1/2 bunch recent flat-leaf parsley, leaves and stems
2 tablespoons recent oregano, leaves solely
1 teaspoon paprika
1 shallot, peeled and halved
1 garlic clove, peeled
2 tablespoons crimson wine vinegar
1/3cup extra-virgin olive oil
kosher salt and freshly floor black pepper
For the quick ribs:
Preheat oven to 350 F. Warmth oil in a big Dutch oven over medium-high. Season quick ribs with salt and pepper, then sear for about 3 minutes on either side. You could have to do that in two batches to do it in a good layer. Switch quick ribs to plate, after which pour off a lot of the fats from the Dutch oven.
Add onions, carrots, and celery to pot and prepare dinner over medium-high warmth, stirring usually, till onions are browned, about 5 minutes. Add flour and tomato paste, and stir for about 3 minutes. Stir in wine (I like to save lots of a glass for myself to sip whereas I prepare dinner!) then add quick ribs with any accrued juices. Deliver to a boil; decrease warmth to medium and simmer for about quarter-hour. Add brown sugar, beef broth, and coconut aminos to the pot, then add herbs, garlic, and the peel of one of many lemons. Stir all of it collectively and convey to a boil. Cowl the pot, then switch to oven.
Prepare dinner till quick ribs are tender, 2–2½ hours, then switch to a platter and garnish with lemon zest, crimson onion, and extra recent parsley. Season sauce to style with salt and pepper, and serve chimichurri on the aspect. Serve with one thing creamy (like mashed potatoes or polenta) and spoon the sauce over every part. Serve, eat, and, get pleasure from!
For the Chimichurri Sauce:
Mix every part in a blender. I prefer to mix simply till clean however the place you possibly can nonetheless see fairly flecks of herbs. Pour over candy potatoes, steak, rooster, fish, salad, or just about the rest you possibly can consider. It’s so good!
Let’s be actual: touring throughout the holidays is an artwork kind, and your outfit could make or break the whole expertise. Whether or not you’re squeezing into compact airplane seats, enduring lengthy automotive rides, or bumping into your highschool ex on the baggage declare, what you put on issues greater than you would possibly suppose. There’s nothing worse than being uncomfortable whereas touring… besides possibly working into everybody you already know whereas trying matted. So, this 12 months, our vacation journey outfits are the place type meets technique.
Even when it’s a must to put on your coat as a result of your suitcase is full of skincare, we’re going to make it look intentional. Learn on for the dos and don’ts of choosing vacation journey outfits, plus six inspo outfits that you would be able to simply recreate with your individual wardrobe.
Vacation Journey Outfits 101
Consolation comes first. I don’t care how cute your high-waisted denims look, a number of hours into your journey day you’ll be continuously fidgeting making each you and your neighbor uncomfortable. Go for loose-fitting, breathable items that gained’t constrict you—the tiny seats are constricting sufficient.
Lay on the layers. Suppose forward and plan for not solely your last vacation spot’s local weather, however the planes and/or vehicles which are inevitably all the time too scorching or too chilly. A white t-shirt below your sweater is your finest pal, and the additional coat can double as a neck pillow.
Protection is essential. Possibly that is the germaphobe in me, however I by no means like naked pores and skin touching the seats. Despite the fact that I instantly bathe upon reaching my vacation spot, the much less publicity, the higher.
Sacrifice type for area. Although I nonetheless all the time wish to look presentable, generally I’ve to place the occasion outfits over the journey outfit and put on all of my bulkiest objects without delay. However belief me, snapping the proper airport mirror selfie isn’t value having to verify an additional bag to your boots and trench coat.
6 Vacation Journey Outfits To Recreate This Season
Matching Sweat Set + Sneakers
This one would possibly really feel like a no brainer, however an identical sweat set is the simplest technique to be snug and look cohesive on an extended journey day. I all the time find yourself reserving tremendous early or painfully late flights, and at 4 a.m., sweats are all I can deal with since they really feel like PJs however nonetheless look cute. Pair an identical set with chunky socks and your go-to pair of sneakers for a sporty, however cozy vacation journey match.
Monitor Pants + Sweater
Monitor pants are usually not for athletes, although they do come in useful once you’re sprinting to make it to your gate in time. I really like dressing up a large leg pant with a sweater and loafers for a journey outfit that’s equally as cozy as it’s stylish. Don’t overlook a white tee beneath the sweater in case the airplane or automotive will get stuffy.
Unfastened-Becoming Denim + Crewneck
Typically, it’s finest simply to maintain it easy. You may by no means go incorrect with a comfortable pair of denims and a tee shirt for planes, trains, and vehicles. Draping a crewneck over your shoulders is without doubt one of the finest airport hacks for this outfit as a result of it provides texture to your look stylistically, and extra heat when you attain your last vacation spot. High all of it off together with your favourite baseball cap so it doesn’t get crushed in your bag (and since all of us journey on hair wash day, proper?), and also you’re able to board.
Outsized Coat + Leggings
For these of you going someplace snowy, generally the one choice for a vacation journey outfit is the most important coat you’ve got. Nevertheless, that doesn’t imply it’s a must to sacrifice your airport look. Take a web page from Courtney Develop’s e-book and pair your chunky coat with leggings and a few loafers for a contrasted impact that’s each sensible and flattering. With a coat this large and stylish, all you want beneath is an effective white tee.
Button Down + Scarf
This vacation journey outfit is the definition of considering smarter, not more durable. A button down shirt is without doubt one of the hardest issues to maintain wrinkle-free in your suitcase, so would possibly as nicely simply put on it on the airplane and save your self the difficulty. When you’re heading from hotter climate to cooler temps, a shawl is a simple styling piece that you just’ll be more than pleased to have when you lastly arrive. Bonus factors for the matching beanie!
Duster Cardigan + Cuffed Denims
A duster cardigan is the proper accent to your vacation journey outfits as a result of A) no manner is that factor becoming in your suitcase, and B) why shove a blanket in your carry-on when you possibly can put on one? Model your cozy cardigan with a worn-in pair of cuffed-jeans and also you’ll be able to step off the jet bridge and straight right into a household operate.
In the case of celebration video games, I’m a strolling contradiction. Whereas I like a great game night and suppose there’s no such factor as too many episodes of Jeopardy! that may be watched in a single night, I hesitate to leap in after I’m advised there can be video games at a vacation celebration. To not be a Scrooge (as a result of actually, I’m full of nothing however vacation spirit), I simply consider that compelled enjoyable simply isn’t all that… enjoyable. Enter: Christmas video games for adults that—belief me—will truly get the celebration began.
15 Festive Christmas Video games for Adults to Take pleasure in This Season
When the vacations come round, I’m nostalgic for the basic Christmas celebration. And as such, I’m going all in. Which means committing to Christmas cookie baking, gingerbread house making, and sure, all of the video games with pals, household, and each single final certainly one of my favourite folks. So with that in thoughts, I combed the web for all one of the best Christmas video games for adults.
With out additional ado, listed below are one of the best Christmas video games for all of the adults coming to your gathering—as a result of hey, children can’t be the one ones having enjoyable.
Christmas Charades
Whereas it could take getting a couple of of your visitors out of their consolation zone, the result’s price it. Provide you with a listing of Christmas-themed phrases, songs, phrases, or actions and write them every down on a scrap of paper. Have visitors pull the playing cards from a bowl and act it out whereas the opposite gamers attempt to guess. I’ll exit on a limb and say you’ll positively chuckle, you’ll most likely cry, and also you may even flip a couple of of your hesitant visitors into believers.
Christmas Pictionary
Whereas the idea begins the identical as charades (brainstorm a listing of Christmas-themed playing cards and inserting them in a bowl), the medium is totally different. Gamers take turns drawing what’s written on the playing cards, attempting to get others to guess what the image represents. Whilst you don’t should be an artist per se to win, it positively can’t damage. And in the event you’re not, it’ll make attempting to guess your interpretation of a fruitcake all of the extra enjoyable.
Christmas Cook dinner-Off
I’m all for letting The Nice British Bake Off encourage my extracurricular vacation enjoyable. As a result of everybody’s within the temper already to do nothing however bake till (and after) Christmas, it shouldn’t be exhausting to persuade your crew to come back over for just a little confectionery competitors. Decide a recipe and prepare to go head-to-head. When you have the area, invite your folks to bake collectively. If not, simply have everybody carry over their muffins, cookies, or no matter you’re baking up and prepare to indulge. Whereas I can’t say my creations can be worthy of a Paul Hollywood handshake, I actually wouldn’t move up the chance to pattern and decide a desk filled with treats.
Reward Wrap Problem
There are folks (my mother) who can wrap 1,000,000 stunning presents on Christmas Eve with spectacular ease. There are others (myself) who go for the easy and streamlined possibility of inserting your presents in a still-aesthetically pleasing bag. Whichever of the camps you fall into, get able to wrap your coronary heart out. Provide the containers, wrapping paper, and ribbons, and cut up up into two groups. Whoever can wrap the current the quickest wins. Bonus factors if the ultimate result’s fairly, too.
Christmas Celebration Scavenger Hunt
In the event you’re the type of host who plans out their vacation decorations months upfront, know you’re not alone. With this recreation, you may problem your self by getting just a little strategic together with your decor. Brainstorm a scavenger listing full of objects your visitors should seek out. Whoever comes again with probably the most objects checked off wins.
What’s in Your Telephone?
As a result of we by no means present up anyplace with out our telephones, all of your visitors can have all the pieces they should play this recreation. These printable game cards are full of scavenger-like clues that gamers have to go looking their telephones to seek out. Whoever ticks off probably the most containers is the winner.
Would You Slightly?
You may disregard what I wrote above—I’ve and can all the time be up for taking part in this recreation at any celebration I’m going to. It’s a quick and simple approach for visitors to get acquainted as a result of there’s actually no higher solution to break the ice. You should utilize these pre-made cards or create your individual. Distribute among the many group and get gamers to share which holiday-themed possibility they’d relatively select. Right here’s a pattern: Eggnog or Sizzling Chocolate? (I’d choose the latter.) Whereas it isn’t essentially the objective to finish up with a transparent winner, there’ll be loads of alternatives for leisure whenever you hear what folks select.
Two Truths and a Lie
It’s a go-to celebration recreation for a cause. Two Truths and a Lie is the proper mix of being easy to be taught and enjoyable to play. One particular person makes three statements whereas the opposite gamers should guess which two are true and which one’s the lie. Add in just a little Christmas taste by making the tales holiday-specific. Maybe you’ll share a couple of wild vacation dinner that by no means occurred or expose the reality concerning the strangest current you’ve ever obtained. Getting inventive together with your statements will possible bode effectively in your probabilities of profitable, however the participant with one of the best poker face will possible come out on high.
Spoon-and-Decoration Race
This recreation all the time makes me consider after I was a child and I appeared ahead to subject days with a five-year-old’s fervor. I cherished racing throughout the college garden attempting to steadiness a spoon in my mouth with an egg on high (regardless of hardly ever being profitable). Incorporate some vacation aptitude into the grown-up model and change the egg with an decoration. Arrange a course and have gamers race to the end line. Whoever’s the primary to cross with out dropping their decoration is topped the winner.
Guess That Christmas Film
Is there something higher than bonding over your favourite Christmas motion pictures? I feel not. Get able to put your visitors’ information of the classics to the check. Make up the questions forward of time and host your individual reside trivia recreation. Simply be ready for issues to get just a little heated—the competitors will make sure you get fierce with gamers’ popularity for vacation film experience on the road.
Ugly Sweater Contest
Maybe I’m within the minority of oldsters who suppose that ugly Christmas sweaters are fairly cute. No matter whether or not or not you suppose they’re cheesy or tasteful, everybody will wish to take part on the enjoyable. It’s easy: Hit up your favourite consignment retailer and don your festive discover. The uglier, the higher.
Gingerbread Home Competitors
There’s no higher solution to present your inventive facet throughout the Christmas season than by setting up your individual gingerbread home. Whereas it’s endlessly entertaining to do with children, making this an adults-only competitors means you may consider making a masterpiece. Set everybody up with a premade home for simplicity’s sake and divide decorations into bowls. Placed on a timer and construct away. On the finish, everybody can vote for his or her favourite. Facet notice: This recreation pairs completely with just a little boozy hot chocolate.
“Chubby Snowball”
You don’t want a lot to make this recreation occur at your subsequent vacation celebration. Load up on a couple of luggage of marshmallows the following time you’re on the retailer and prepare to play. Every visitor fills their mouth with as many marshmallows as they will whereas nonetheless with the ability to say, right here comes the twist, ”snowball.” After all, all the time make sure that you don’t take the competitors too far—marshmallows could be a choking hazard.
Christmas Scattergories
Ah, Scattergories. The unique, category-based, inventive considering recreation has been a favourite because the 80s. Now, it’s excessive time it bought a Christmas makeover. Print out a holiday Scattergories template. Have a timer available, purchase or DIY a 26-sided letter die, and prepare to go. Gamers have 2-3 minutes to finish the cardboard utilizing Christmas-themed phrases beginning solely with the letter that’s rolled. Actually, it’s a bit addicting, so make sure you put aside sufficient time for a minimum of a number of rounds.
Guess How Many Ornaments
Upon greeting your visitors, hand them a chunk of paper and have them write down what number of ornaments they suppose are in your tree. Towards the top of the night, announce whose guess was the closest. Their prize can merely be the proof that they’re an professional estimator—or you may choose up one thing small like a candle to congratulate your winner. Professional tip: In the event you’re enjoying this recreation, simply don’t neglect to rely the ornaments as you’re adorning your tree.