. . . because they’ll be thanking YOU for not filling them up on heavy carbs or greasy food before the BIG turkey feast.

As a hostess, I like to set our small [healthy & gluten-free] bites for my guests. That way they’re not starving or drunk [more likely] before dinner’s served.

With healthy appetizers, people are less likely to over eat at dinner. Speaking of over-eating. . .

Thanksgiving is in 17 days.  Whats even more “oh s***!”, I’ll be in Hawaii in 12 days!! But that’s an excited, “oh s***!” Family duties. It’s rough.

Here are some light appetizers to serve your guests while they watch football, distract you in the kitchen or graciously keep granny company.

Eatch-YO veggies, yo!

Sorry, the .05% gangsta in me slipped out.

These make me happy. If you’re gluten-free, you know how good a veggie tray looks.

This is an example of a vegetable plate that is super DUPER easy. Really, the only think you have to cut up are the cucumbers and maybe the baby bell peppers. That’s IT. Get creative with it, maybe add in jicama, broccoli, celery, etc.

*gluten-free *dairy-free *nut-free

Hellooooo. Who doesn’t LOVE sweet potato fries? OK fine, I’m sure there’s a few of you crazies out there.  It’s okay. I don’t like regular potatoes, which probably makes me more of a crazy.

Place a few small fry-filled jars around the table, or kitchen counter. These will likely be the first to go, so I recommend you double the batch…

Here’s the recipe for the Baked Sweet Potato Fries.This seasoning is also a good one.

*gluten-free *dairy-free *nut-free

Quinoa.  Stuffed. Cucumbers.

soooo good, I could just stuff my face.  and you know that’s exactly what  I did once I got my shot.

Again, super easy & the best part – you won’t be unbuttoning your pants BEFORE you sit down for dinner. Your guests will thank you for this one too.

Here’s the recipe for the Quinoa and Vegetable Salad. With a melon baller, carefully scoop out the insides. It will look like a cucumber bowl. Fill each cucumber with approx. 1-2 tablespoons of the quinoa salad.

You can stuff these cucumber bowls with any quinoa mix – try this, this or this.

*gluten-free *dairy-free *nut-free

If you remember, last month this talented group of ladies shared their Halloween Inspirations – I mean,  how could you forget THIS?? So awesome how many of you did this. High five you.

Soooo we’re back and sharing everything from food to entertainment to etiquette and more – all related to Thanksgiving!

We’ll be having a [Twitter] Party this Thursday, Nov. 10th @ 8pm EST and YOUR invited – Follow the hashtag #HolidayHQ

Check back because we’ll be sharing [& tweeting] more holiday-ish goods again in December.

More Halloween inspiration from the Holiday HQ contributors:

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