Thanks to the fast-approaching holiday season, many of you are preparing to entertain friends and family. Although it might seem like quite a production, preparing for the holidays doesn’t have to be extravagant. Even the simplest of decorations can be elegant when executed well.

Don’t let yourself get too stressed out and overwhelmed by the thought of welcoming guests into your home, and all the preparation that goes into entertaining them. Try to enjoy this special time of year with those closest to you.

Here are some simple tips that will help you entertain during the holidays with style.

Party Preparation

The most important factors when planning your party are these three critical elements:

• Food (the most critical, of course!)
• Drinks
• Conversation

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It should come as no surprise that fall harvest season is when you can get the best and freshest variety of fruits and vegetables. Some of the most common fruits and vegetables that come into season during the fall include beets, artichokes, pumpkins, pears, and of course… apples!

Hand-in-hand with the change of seasonal produce is a change in weather, and people love to find ways to warm up and seek comfort as the temperature drops. Fall favorite activities include hayrides and corn mazes, but not everyone has time to go out and pick apples in Chicago.

As we tend to find comfort in delicious food, a Catering by Michaels fall favorite is none other than the taffy apple. We use only the freshest apples to ensure the best tasting product over several fall-themed occasions, or to be handed out as gifts to trick or treaters and corporate clients!!

Taffy Apples: A Mouth-Watering Delicacy

First thing’s first – our taffy apples are anything but ordinary. If you love these fall delicacies as much as we do, then you’re in for a treat.

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We’re sad to see it go, but the summer is almost over. Now, it’s time for beautiful fall which will shortly lead to what’s sure to be another cold winter in Chicago. But we’re not letting inevitability get us down! Instead, we choose to focus on the fun side of fall and winter — holiday parties. But we get a lot of customers who come to us hoping to really spice things up. The fact is, most holiday parties suck. But yours doesn’t have to. Be the office hero, and give this list to your boss or whoever’s in charge of your holiday work party.

Here are 5 holiday work party ideas that don’t suck.

White Elephant Gift Exchange

The best part about white elephant gift exchanges are that nobody knows what to expect. Instead of picking something out for a specific person (who you may not know well enough to adequately gift), everyone who wants to participate brings something fun. It’s easy for anyone to participate – the budget is set at a low monetary amount across the board (usually $10-20). Brit.co put together a massive list of white elephant ideas if you’re running low and need inspiration.

Costume or Fancy Theme Party

If you work in a casual environment, it can be nice to dress up. One of our favorite tips on the holiday work party ideas that don’t suck list is encouraging people to dress up nice. Or wear costumes! Either way, it gives everyone the chance to see their coworkers in a new light. Bonus points if you get a photobooth – those pictures will get shared all over social media and hold a special place on people’s desks.

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Are you looking for a little something extra from your catering company?

We love full service events, because they give us the chance to bring new life to our catering offerings, and customize dishes based on each guest’s unique preferences

We’re talking of course about our various action stations – staffed by friendly and knowledgeable chefs trained to put a smile on your face while your dish is being prepared.

Our most requested action stations include:

• Ramen Station
• Raclette Station
• Champagne & Seafood Cart

Let’s take a look at what makes each one special.

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Now that Mother’s Day is a happy memory for 2016, it’s time to focus on the other most important person in your life – dad. After all he’s done to help shape you into the amazing person you’ve become, it’s time to celebrate him – and spoil him a little!

As everyone knows, the way to dad’s heart is through his stomach. Show him you care with a menu that reflects his manly palette.

Here’s the special menu Catering by Michaels will be serving up this Father’s Day!

Sour Cherry Old Fashioned
Whiskey, cherry liqueur, cherry syrup, sour cherry garnish.

Chipotle BBQ Shrimp Skewers wrapped in Bacon

Tenderloin Sliders
Seared tenderloin, truffle aïoli, caramelized onions, brioche bun.

Beer & Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese
Cavatappi noodles, beer & cheddar cheese sauce, panko bread crumbs, parmesan cheese.

Candy Bar Parfaits
Chocolate cremeux, salted peanut caramel, fresh whipped cream, chocolate shavings.

Prepare to be refreshed. Our sour cherry old fashioned is a fresh, summery twist on an old favorite. Dad will love it, and we’re pretty sure you’ll enjoy it, too. If only all cocktails had this much attention to detail.

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