Simplify the Holiday Season with Help from Instacart
By: Renee Whisnant, Lakewinds Co-Op
Most people think about fast, easy, affordable grocery delivery when they think about Instacart. And that’s true! But Instacart can also help you simplify your holiday preparations. From simple entertaining ideas to unique, local gifts, Instacart can help you quickly browse and order the perfect items this season — then deliver them to your door to save you time, energy and effort. Happy Holidays, indeed!
Delicious, Easy Cheese Plate
When you’re bringing an appetizer to a holiday party, the last thing you want to make is a complicated, laborious recipe. Who has time for that? You want a dish that’s easy to assemble but delicious — like a cheese plate.
Start by highlighting a local cheese, perhaps a delicious goat cheese or white cheddar. Next add something salty, such as olives, prosciutto or almonds; something sweet, such as a fig spread or some local honey; and finally something fresh, such as slices of apple or pear. Serve with your favorite cracker or thin slices of baguette for a beautiful cheese plate full of flavor.
Ingredients for Special Diets
When you have a guest who is vegan or avoiding gluten, there’s no need to worry. It’s easy to include items free of common food allergens. Find a vegan cheese substitute, gluten-free crackers, and add hummus to your platter. Most stores carry different non-dairy milks, gluten-free flour and other items to use when baking and cooking for guests with special diet needs.
The Perfect Hostess Gift
A bag of specialty chocolates makes a delicious and appreciated hostess gift. Sea salt caramels, toffee, chocolate-covered nuts and other chocolate delicacies can be quickly purchased via Instacart. For someone who’s avoiding chocolate, coffee or tea in a unique flavor is an appreciated treat for your host.
Unique Local Gifts
Look for locally made, unique items to give as gifts. The wellness, personal care or household department of your favorite Instacart store is a great place to start. Browse items such as candles, handcrafted soaps, luxurious body creams or aromatherapy diffusers. Is your gift recipient busy and feeling hectic? Choose a scent that is meditative, perhaps with lavender. Is the person feeling tired? A peppermint or citrus scent is energizing. You can personalize your present by knowing what aromatherapy would best suit its recipient.
The holidays are a wonderful time of year but can get stressful. Simplify by ordering what you need and having it delivered to your door by Instacart. From easy holiday appetizers to unique local gifts, Instacart can help you save time and simplify this holiday season.
Browse more unique, local holiday items from Lakewinds.
