Make It, Take It
Oreo Truffles
- 1 (16 ounce) package OREO Chocolate Sandwich Cookies, divided
- 1 (8 ounce) package PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
- 2 (8 ounce) packages BAKER’S Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate, melted
- Crush 9 of the cookies to fine crumbs in food processor; reserve for later use. (Cookies can also be finely crushed in a resealable plastic bag using a rolling pin.) Crush remaining 36 cookies to fine crumbs; place in medium bowl. Add cream cheese; mix until well blended. Roll cookie mixture into 42 balls, about 1-inch in diameter.
- Dip balls in chocolate; place on wax paper-covered baking sheet. (Any leftover chocolate can be stored at room temperature for another use.) Sprinkle with reserved cookie crumbs.
- Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour. Store leftover truffles, covered, in refrigerator.
Gift A Day
Backup Gifts For Unexpected Guests
Give the hostess of any party something they will really enjoy this holiday season. Some of these potential gift ideas can be very useful for any celebration, while others can simply help the hostess relax and unwind after the party is over.
- Personalized Monogramed Scented Soaps
- Taylors of Harrogate Classic Tea Variety Box, 48 Count
- Coffee Sampler
- Oggi Pro Stainless-Steel 10-Piece Cocktail Shaker and Bar Tool Set
- Cork Trivet
- Mingling Plates
- Bloody Mary Gift Basket
Holiday Tipping Guide
| Person | Suggested Tip or Gift Value |
| Animal Trainer | Cost of 1 session |
| Au Pair | 1-2 week’s pay and a small gift from your kids |
| Babysitter | Average day/evening pay for regular sitters and a small gift from your kids |
| Barber | Cost of 1 session |
| Bartender | $20-$40 for someone you see regularly |
| Building Porter/Janitor | $25-$100 depending on involvement |
| Building Superintendent | $25-$100 depending on involvement |
| Cleaning Company | Cost of 1 session or a small gift, if you see the same people regularly |
| Cobbler | Don’t tip |
| Coffee Shop Barista | $10-$20 for someone you see regularly |
| Contractor | Don’t tip |
| Country Club Staff | $50 for someone you see regularly |
| Day Care Staff | $25 to $50 for each staff member and a small gift from your kids |
| Dentist | Don’t tip |
| Doctor | Don’t tip |
| Dog Walker | Cost of 1 session or 1 week’s pay |
| Doorman | $25-$100 depending on involvement |
| Driver / Limo Service | $20-$50 or more if it’s a regular driver |
| Dry Cleaning Delivery | $10-$20 |
| Elevator Operator | $10-$40 depending on involvement |
| Errand Runner | $10-$40 for someone you hire regularly |
| Food Delivery Person | $10-$30 for someone you see regularly |
| Garbage Collector | $20-$30 |
| Gas Station Attendant | $10-$20 for someone you see regularly |
| Groomer | Cost of 1 session |
| Hairdresser or Colorist | Cost of 1 session |
| Handyman | $15-$50 |
| Housekeeper | Cost of 1 session or a small gift for infrequent service |
| Kennel Staff | $10 to $20 for each staff member or food for the group |
| Kids’ Activities Instructor | Small gift from your kids |
| Kids’ Coach (Athletics) | Small gift from your kids |
| Landscaper | Cost of 1 session or $20-$50 for infrequent service |
| Live-in Help (housekeeper, senior care aide, nanny, chef, etc.) | 1-2 week’s pay |
| Massage Therapist | Cost of 1 session |
| Mother’s Helper | Average day’s pay for regular helper and a small gift from your kids |
| Nail Salon | Cost of 1 session |
| Nanny | 1-2 week’s pay and a gift from your kids |
| Newspaper Carrier | $10-$20 |
| Nurse (in-home nurse, private nurse) | $25-$100 depending on involvement |
| Nursing Home or Assisted Living Community Staff | $10 to $20 for each staff member or food for the group |
| Package Delivery Person | FedEx: non-cash gifts worth under $75; UPS: encourages small gifts rather than cash |
| Parking Garage Attendant | $10-$20 for someone you see regularly |
| Personal Assistant | Small gift and a holiday bonus based on performance |
| Personal Chef | 1-2 week’s pay or cost of one session, depending on frequency |
| Personal Trainer | Cost of 1 session |
| Pet Day Care Staff | $10 to $20 for each staff member or food for the group |
| Pet Sitter | Cost of 1 session |
| Physical Therapist | Don’t tip |
| Pool Cleaner | Cost of 1 session |
| Postal Worker | Food, perishable group gifts or a non-cash gift worth less than $20 |
| School Bus Driver | $10-$20 |
| Senior Care Aide | $25-$100, depending on frequency |
| Snow Remover/Shoveler | Cost of 1 session |
| Tailor | Don’t tip |
| Teacher | Small gift from your kids |
| Teacher’s Aide/Assistant | Small gift from your kids |
| Tutor | Cost of 1 session and small gift from your child, depending on frequency |
| Veterinarian | Don’t tip |
| Waiter / Waitress | $20-$40 for someone you see regularly |
| Zumba/Fitness Instructor | Cost of 1 session or a small gift |
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I would love to hear “I’m the Happiest Christmas Tree” by Nat King Cole. This song reminds me of my precious daddy who passed away in 2005. He loved this Christmas album and we played it all day long on Christmas Day !