Ilove simple party ideas. Every time I host an event or holiday gathering, there are certain recipes everyone asks for. And I usually say something like, “Oh, sure, I’ll get you that recipe.” Having the best intentions, of course. And then I usually forget and never send it.

Why not prepare ahead of time some really cute seasonally themed recipe cards for all of the best dishes you are serving? For Thanksgiving you could use little leaf borders on rust colored paper, and Christmas you could use holly or stars on red or green paper. Or whatever is appropriate for the event you are hosting. You could make them out of pre-printed paper or get all fancy and embellish them any way you want to.

You could make this a tradition, having themed recipe cards to hand out after parties. Ok, it could be risky or embarrassing if you are a bad cook and no one wants your recipes.

So clever to use clothes pins to clip the cards to a pretty ribbon! Or use whatever kind of clip you like! You could hang them by the door and people could take the ones they want as they leave. You could also expand this idea if you are having a potluck. You could ask guests to bring a stack of recipe cards with their dish!

The beauty of this idea? It doubles as a decoration. I’m always a fan of easy, creative and simple and this idea is one I will definitely be using.

photo: Country Living