Reflect before 2022

As the end of the year approaches, you may be suffering from the holiday season burnout.  The season can be incredibly fun but notoriously stressful at the same time. Let’s remind ourselves to take time to relax and to reflect as we enter the new year. You might be thinking, “What does this mean?” or “How can I take time to relax after months of constant stimulation?” The answer is simple: gratitude.  If we approach the new year with gratitude for all the accomplishments, hardships, and memories that we have made in 2021, we can pave the way for 2022. 

One of the best ways to reflect and practice gratitude is to write in a journal. We’ve compiled a list of journal prompts if this is new to you. 
 
Gratitude and Reflection Journal Prompts:
1.     List ten things you are grateful for going into 2022.
2.     What is something that you are proud of?
3.     Think about a time of hardship this past year. How did you handle it? Did you handle it well? How can you improve?
4.     What is something that brings you comfort in times of struggle?
5.     Describe what you are looking forward to in 2022.
6.     What are your strengths and how do you use them to better your life?
7.     Who is someone you are thankful for and what would you want to tell them?
8.     Overall, how would you rate your 2021 on a scale of 1 to 10? Explain.
9.     If you could change anything about the past year, what would it be?
10.   Describe your favorite memory of 2021.
 
Of course, you’ll need a special place to write. Though any old piece of paper will do the trick, we have a few favorites to share. Stay grateful and self-aware through journaling with the Engraved Peacock Feather Non-Personalized Notebook from Crane.  

Another way that you can show gratitude entering the upcoming year is by thanking the ones you love. Of course, there is no better way to thank your friends and family for all they have done this holiday season than by writing them a thank you note. One of our favorite styles of thank you notes is Crane’s Round Corner Thank You Card Stationery/Thank You Notes! These thank you cards are the perfect mix of elegance and class with their cream color and gold details. 

Another one of our favorite thank you notes is the Engraved Hydrangea Boxed Thank You Notes by Crane. These thank you cards depict a beautiful hydrangea and come complete with matching envelopes! For more boxed set thank you note options, visit this selection here.  And of course we offer a huge array of personalized notes which can be used for an type of correspondence as well.

Wishing you a Happy New Year from everyone at More Than Paper! May it be filled with love and gratitude. 
 

New Years Eve Recipe Tradition

Wondering what you should serve to your guests at this year’s New Year’s soiree? We have you covered! Treat your guests to some sweet and savory Turkey and Apricot Cocktail Meatballs and watch them fall absolutely in love! This is a recipe that we have been making for years. The best part is this delectable appetizer is quick and easy to make, so you can get on with your festivities faster than you planned! This dish takes around 30 minutes of active time and altogether around 60 minutes to complete.  (These are great for making ahead of time and freezing for later use!)

Turkey and Apricot Cocktail Meatballs:

Ingredients:

Before you begin cooking up your decadent Turkey and Apricot Cocktail Meatballs, you have to prepare your ingredients. Below is a concise list of all the fixins you’ll need to make this delicious appetizer. You can use a food processor to help you grate and finely chop the various ingredients!

·       1 cup coarse fresh bread crumbs – white sandwich bread is preferred

·       1/3 cup water

·       A medium carrot – make sure it’s grated!

·       A medium onion – chop it finely

·       2T  Avocado or extra virgin olive oil 

·       2 lb of ground dark meat turkey 

·       1/2  cup of dried California apricots – make sure they are finely chopped!

·       1/2  cup of chopped, flat-leaf parsley 

·       3 tablespoons of apricot preserves – these preserves should be divided

·       1 ½ tablespoon of soy sauce – this should also be divided

·       1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce 

·       2 large eggs – lightly beaten

·       1  1/4  teaspoon of salt

·       2 more teaspoons of water 

 

How to Make Turkey and Apricot Cocktail Meatballs:

After gathering all of your ingredients, make sure to follow these quick and easy steps to finish making your Turkey and Apricot Cocktail Meatballs! 

1.      Preheat the oven to 350° – make sure the rack is in the middle!

2.     Soak the breadcrumbs in water in a large bowl

3.     Cook the carrot and onion – 

a.     Cook them in oil in a large, heavy skillet on medium heat

b.     Stir ingredients occasionally until they are softened

c.     This step should take about 10 minutes overall

4.     Squeeze out any excess water from the bread and crumble 

5.     In a large bowl – 

a.    Add breadcrumbs, turkey, dried apricots, parsley, 1 tablespoon apricot preserves, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, eggs, and ¼ teaspoon salt

b.    Mix ingredients with your hands until just combined

c.    Form mixture into small meatballs and pop them on a baking dish (a glass dish actually   works best here despite our photos)!

6.   Stir together water, remaining 2 tablespoons preserves, and remaining 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce and brush over surface of meatballs.

a.    Bake until an instant-read thermometer inserted into center registers 165°F, around 30-35 minutes.

7.     Let those puppies stand for 10 minutes before serving to your hungry guests!

 

Pro Tips:

1.     Use a food processor to help with your finely chopped ingredients.

2.     Make extra sauce for later – There’s a chance you might want these as leftovers. If that’s the case, freeze them and make sure to brush the remaining sauce over the treats before reheating! 

 

 

After making your Turkey and Apricot Cocktail Meatballs, you’ll need a classy and functional way to present your masterpiece! What better way to share your delicious appetizers with your guests than on one of Boatman Geller’s Ardon Charcoal Personalized Melamine Platters? 

These adorable platters are customizable -- from all of the accent colors to the font.  
 
Another great accessory to include at your New Year’s Eve party this year are personalized cocktail napkins! We recommend a napkin that is just as classy as it is festive.  Try the Wreath Letterpress Napkins by Chatsworth!