The champagne has been popped. The decorations are waiting to be stored away. The leftovers are finally gone. This can only mean one thing: January, and the official end of the holiday season. After spending November and December on overdrive, it’s only natural to feel a bit of the post-holiday blahs during these first few weeks of the New Year.

We get it! So we’ve assembled a collection of seven sweet treats to ease us into 2020 in a delicious way. Of course, picking our favorites is a near-impossible feat—we love everything which comes out of our pastry kitchen! So the seven we have here are just a sampling…a tasty reminder that a lovely bite can always put a smile on your face.

• Hazelnut Mousse Cake: Classic. Beautiful. Need we say more?

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The holiday season bustles with festivities, joy, and the promise of a new year. Family and friends gather to share food, gratitude, and plans for the future. At Catering my Michaels, we have our own big news to share over popping champagne and holiday meals.

New To Us On January 1, 2020

We are THRILLED to announce the newest exclusive venue to our Catering by Michaels portfolio: The Highland Park Country Club! Steeped in a rich and storied history, The Highland Park Country Club’s reputation for excellence dates back to its opening in 1969. As a private country club, it hosted some of the best events on the North Shore. In fact, our Executive Vice President, David Sandler, and our Senior Event Coordinator, Michelle Grossman, both hosted their Bar & Bat Mitzvah celebrations at the Highland Park Country Club!

An Eye Toward The Future

The Highland Park Country Club sits on property which used to be a 98-acre golf course and is now owned by the Park District of Highland Park. The grounds are undergoing a comprehensive renovation to transform this former golf course into an inviting, natural oasis filled with trees, ponds, and meandering walking paths. We can’t wait to host ceremonies and outdoor events with this gorgeous backdrop of nature.

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For many people, nothing beats spending New Year’s Eve at home. The calm of knowing you won’t miss a table at your favorite restaurant or have to make compromises because things don’t go as planned is an appealing way to usher in the new year.

Whether you chill out on the couch all night or have some friends and family over, these tips will help ensure a great night:

Avoid FOMO

FOMO is the fear of missing out on something legendary which might happen…and you won’t be there to witness it. Being anxious that you’re missing out on something big somewhere else (fireworks, anyone?) isn’t the best way to spend your time.

The goal is to enjoy your space, with your couch and with your friends. Don’t be all over social media viewing everyone’s posts or glancing longingly out the window — unless you have a great view.

If you think you might miss something important, then perhaps you should go out. Who knows, you might actually have fun!

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Christmas in Chicago is certainly something to be excited about! The city offers something for everyone looking to enjoy and spread the cheer. This happy holiday mood starts at Thanksgiving and lasts all through New Year’s Eve.

You will definitely find seasonal fun in the many magical traditions; from the displays, to the ceremonies, and the food (ah, yes, the food!). If you’re torn when it comes to deciding on things to do with your loved ones celebrating Christmas in Chicago this year, get inspired by these activities to provide a memorable holiday experience.

#1: Attend top Christmas shows and concerts

Is there a better way to spread the cheer than to sing along to Christmas carols, jingle bells, and Handel? While some of the most high-profile concerts of the season don’t happen until the last day on New Year’s Eve, there’s still plenty to see during the rest of the Christmas season.

One of the most interesting shows to attend is Joffrey Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”. Showing at the beautiful Auditorium Theater, from November 30 to December 29, The Nutcracker is an annual holiday ballet that pays homage to the city and its inhabitants. It has been showing since 1987!

Additionally, Mannheim Steamroller, the top-selling holiday act of all time, continues to spread the Yuletide cheer throughout the US and luckily, they will be performing in Chicago.

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In case you didn’t notice, we’re in the thick of wedding proposal season.

With so many holidays to celebrate, this is a very family-oriented time of the year. People tend to be more whimsical and happy and couples capitalize on the opportunity to add an extra fun edge to the holiday.

And what better way to amuse the family than with a marriage announcement? However, after you say yes, a lot of wheels will start turning. To keep your sanity, order is crucial.

Lock in the big details right away

So how soon after getting engaged should you start the initial planning steps?

It depends on when you want to get married. If you’re engaged in the Fall and want to plan for a May to October wedding, you’ll need to start moving fast.

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