These Are The Perfect Holiday Food and Cocktail Pairings To Serve At Parties

Do a Quick Clutter Sweep

You don’t need to deep-clean — just focus on visible clutter. Clear off countertops, coffee tables, and entryways. Short on time? Just toss items into a basket and tuck them away in a closet.

Light a Candle Or Diffuse A Favorite Scent

Set the mood with a seasonal or favorite scent, like vanilla, amber, or something citrusy. It instantly makes your space feel warm and inviting. I like to put one in the guest bathroom too for a little surprise.

Have a little time? You can also simmer citrus and your favorite herbs on the stove.

You’ll Need:

• Citrus slices like oranges, lemons, or limes
• A few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
• 1–2 cinnamon sticks or whole cloves
• A splash of vanilla extract

Steps:

1. Slice your citrus thinly. Try a mix of orange and lemon for a bright, balanced scent.
2. Fill a pot with water, about ¾ full.
3. Add your ingredients to the water.
4. Bring to a simmer over low heat. As the mixture warms, the scent will start to fill your space. (Keep an eye on the water level, and add more as it evaporates.)

Prep the Bathroom

Nothing makes guests feel more "ick" than a dirty or messy bathroom so prioritize this space. Wipe down the sink and toilet, put out a fresh hand towel, and make sure there’s enough toilet paper.

Set the Mood with Music or Lighting

I make sure to switch off all the overheads (not a fan of this harsh lighting) and turn on table lamps for a cozy vibe. Then cue up a Spotify "dinner party" playlist that matches the energy — something mellow and upbeat is usually a safe bet.

Add Thoughtful Touches

A long-distance friend of mine would always leave me a basket of toiletries for my overnight stays and it's something I always remember fondly. On their bedside table, you can leave them a pitcher of water, their favorite snacks, flowers or herbs, and/or a book or magazine. Little details make people feel instantly loved.

Take the Garbage Out

Nothing ruins the party vibe like a smelly garbage can. Empty it before anyone arrives, and consider adding a fresh liner with a drop of essential oil or baking soda to keep things smelling fresh and clean.

Cadbury Creme Eggs Rocky Road Bar

This rocky road-inspired candy bar made with creme eggs is as colorful, gooey, chocolatey, and creamy as they come. (via Brit + Co)

Easter Chocolate Bark

You can use any Easter candy you want to create this treat. Just make sure it's chocolate on chocolate on chocolate. (via Brit + Co)

Peeps S'mores

Turn regular ol' s'mores into brightly-colored dessert sandwiches with chocolate-dipped graham crackers, and a pastel gooey marshmallow center – no campfire necessary. (via Brit + Co)

Caramel Candy-Apple Nachos

Who needs chips and queso when you have leftover Easter candy recipes that include apples, caramel, and Heath bars? Pile on a crumbled Heath Bar and some walnuts over the top of these dessert nachos and instantly ease that sweet tooth. (via Brit + Co)

Cadbury Cocktail

After all the Easter festivities, you deserve a drink. This is the perfect libation that uses leftover Easter candy: a smooth and sweet combination of vanilla vodka, milk of your choice, and the best part of a Cadbury Egg (the insides, obviously)! (via Brit + Co)

Cadbury Creme Egg Pop Tarts

Creations like these pastries make for the best leftover Easter candy recipes. Stuff these pastry pockets full of Cadbury eggs, and boom, you've got dessert. (via Brit + Co)

Giant Cadbury Creme Egg Cheesecake Dip

This decadent entertaining dessert would also be excellent for an Easter brunch! (via Brit + Co)

Candylicious Junkyard Cookies

This cookie recipe is all about cleaning out your candy jar. Sure, it calls for specific candies like M&M's and Kit Kat bars, but you can throw in whatever chocolate-based candy you have on hand. Trust us: your cookie will come out equally delicious. (via A Zesty Bite)

BRACH's Jelly Bean Pancakes

Ingredients:

• 1 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 1⁄2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 1 1⁄4 cups milk
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 cups BRACH’S® Classic Jelly Beans plus 1⁄2 cup as toppings
• Whipped cream, for topping

1. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar.
2. Make a well in the center and pour in the milk, egg and melted butter; mix until smooth.
3. Mix in BRACH’S® Classic Jelly Beans.
4. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat.
5. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1⁄4 cup for each pancake. Flip and brown on both sides.
6. Once cooked through, remove from griddle. Let cool. Top with whipped cream and extra BRACH’S®Jelly Beans and enjoy!

(via BRACH's)

Jelly Bean Donuts

Finally, a socially-acceptable way to eat jelly beans for breakfast! If you don't have a donut pan handy, that's okay. You can also make jelly bean muffins! (via Melanie Makes)

Chocolate Cadbury Egg Cookies

Chocolate lovers will go wild for these Easter-y cookies. For starters, the cookie base is chocolate. What's even better is the Cadbury eggs are five times as big as chocolate chips. That's more chocolate per inch of cookie! (via Tastes Better from Scratch)

Candy Bar Pie

Put your leftover pie crust and leftover Easter candy to good use with this pie. Sure, this is more like a giant cookie in the shape of a pie, but we're still in heaven. (via Crazy for Crust)

Marbled Jelly Bean Bark

Why should peppermint bark get all the glory? Jelly beans liven up white chocolate bark with spring colors in this delish treat. Bonus: this leftover Easter candy recipe only requires *three* ingredients. (via A Pumpkin & A Princess)

Bunny Chow

Dress up puppy chow for some bunny in your life. Though this recipe needs only four ingredients, feel free to add more candy or your favorite nuts to this sweet, crunchy snack mix. (via Something Swanky)

Peeps Candy Bars

It's a fact: food becomes irresistible when it's brightly colored and pretty — also if it's topped with sugar coated marshmallows! Okay, so that might not be a statistic yet, but based on these Peeps candy bars, we can vouch for it. (via The Domestic Rebel)

Peanut Butter Chocolate Nests

This leftover Easter candy dessert is a work of art, both in your mouth and to the naked eye. It's an adorable bird's nest that you can eat! Chocolate, peanut butter, and pretzels are a dream team that don't get enough credit. (via Dessert Now Dinner Later)

Chocolate Peanut Butter Peeps Skillet S'mores

Need s'more s'mores? We got you with this gooey, chocolatey, peanut buttery dip, topped with golden brown leftover Peeps. Grab a graham cracker, and dig in. (via How Sweet Eats)

Leftover Candy Stuffed Brownies

This delicious brownie recipe is filled with all your favorite Easter candy (or whatever candy you happen to have on hand). Swap out butter for coconut oil for a slightly healthier twist. By that logic, we'll have two, please. (via Leelalicious)

Cadbury Brownie Bites

You could always hide your leftover Easter candy, or you can just hide them inside these delicious brownie bites! (via Deliciously Sprinkled)

BRACH's Jelly Bean Cinnabunnies

Ingredients:

• BRACH’S® Classic Jelly Beans
• Store-bought jumbo-size cinnamon rolls
• White frosting

Directions:

1. Unwrap the first layer of dough from the outside of each cinnamon roll. Remove and set aside.
2. Place the dough that is still rolled on your baking sheet, widely spaced; these will be your bunny heads.
3. Tear the removed outer layers into two smaller pieces, about 2.5” each.
4. Loosely fold each 2.5” piece in half and pinch the ends together to form the bunny’s ears.
5. Take two folded pieces and lightly press the bases together onto a roll to form the full bunny.
6. Bake according to package instructions. Decorate with frosting and jelly beans once cooled!

(via BRACH's)

Spring Krispie Cake With M&M's and Candy Drizzle

This Rice Krispies cake doubles as a colorful center piece for your Easter table spread. Melt down some Peeps and mix with the famed cereal. If you're using Peeps of varying colors, melt each color down separately, and mix cereal in portions for a tie-dye effect. (via Delightful E Made)

Easter Candy Popcorn

Put a spin on sweet and salty popcorn with a butter marshmallow sauce. It's like a more indulgent version of kettle corn that coats your popcorn in a sticky, sweet, and buttery sauce. Add Easter M&M's and candy-coated chocolate eggs to make this the perfect post-Easter snack! (via Two Sisters Crafting)

Leftover Easter Candy Mug Cake

This single serving of cake is just the emergency sweet treat you keep on-hand when you need a little “me time." Just toss in a handful of Easter M&M's into a mug along with flour, milk, and baking powder. Voila! Your sweet tooth is satisfied in under five minutes using ingredients you already had in your pantry. (via Kirbie's Cravings)

Chocolate Peanut Butter Kit Kat Crunch Bars

This leftover Easter candy recipe looks too good to be true! We love these crunchy homemade candy bars topped with our favorite twin chocolate wafer bars. (via Averie Cooks)

Twix Cheesecake Bars

Creamy cheesecake + crunchy Twix Bars = the ultimate Easter dessert. Drizzle the top with chocolate and caramel right before serving to complete this masterpiece. (via Domestic Superhero)

Easter Cookie Cake

If you grew up loving cookie cakes, you'll love using your leftover Easter candy to make your own homemade version! You'll love the warm and tantalizing taste of peanut butter, but it's the mini chocolate eggs that really make this recipe shine. (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

1. Swap Sour Cream for Greek Yogurt

Get that creamy tang without the extra fat. Greek yogurt is packed with protein, lower in calories, and often contains probiotics, which are great for your gut health. Greek yogurt is delicious in dips, dressings, or even dolloped on tacos or (my favorite) grilled salmon.

2. Use Olive Oil Instead of Butter

For sautéing or drizzling, EVOO adds heart-healthy fats and antioxidants. It’s a flavorful upgrade that also supports better cholesterol levels than butter. Just make sure to cook it at a lower heat, under 430 degrees is recommended.

3. Choose Whole Grains Over Refined

Trade white rice or pasta for brown rice, quinoa, or whole wheat pasta. Whole grains are higher in fiber — and the secret to a healthy Mediterraneandiet — keeping you fuller longer and supporting digestive health. Cauliflower rice and spaghetti squash are also healthy alternatives to white rice and pasta and you get the added bonus of an extra veggie in your meal.

4. Swap Mayo for Avocado

Avocados, an excellent source of healthy unsaturated fats, make a great swap for traditional mayo in baking and preparing your favorite sandwich. Avocado oil mayo is also a healthy alternative and you'll taste nearly no difference.

5. Add Veggies to Everything

I shred cauliflower or carrots into my daughter's pancakes to give an extra nutrient boost. Sneak in shredded zucchini, spinach, or cauliflower rice into sauces, casseroles, or even baked goods. Swap hearty mushrooms, beets or eggplant for burgers too. It’s a simple way to eat more fiber and vitamins without changing the dish, or taste, too much.