Recipes and Serving Pieces for the Holidays

People seem to be preparing for the holidays this year by gift shopping and decorating earlier than ever. If the number of decorated homes on our street is any indication, it seems our community is craving and needing this holiday season. Maybe the early prep is reflection of our collective mental state and our desire to feel comforted, cozy, and… happy. Maybe commercialism has taken over.  Regardless – the holidays are clearly here (in fact, they’ve been here for weeks.)  

We’re finding with all the advanced planning we’ve done that, dare we say it -- we have extra time.  This rare feeling is allowing us space to enjoy a slower pace, but also we want to carry out traditions with excellence.  As the kids grow older, it feels like time is running out.  And since all too often we are rushed and just checking things off the list, these holidays feel like an opportunity (or maybe a necessity) to get things authentically right.  Not for the Facebook or Instagram post, but for the core memories we’re making.  

 

With the extra time and intent on doing things right, we’re planning holiday meals with more intention. (Also, not ordering pies and cakes…. This year, we’re making them!)  We are digging up family recipes that in years past felt too daunting to tackle. We’re dreaming up what the Christmas table will look like with refreshed creativity. Maybe the early birds have had it right all along. 

 

Below you’ll find our grandmother’s recipes for tomato pie, plus a few ideas for serving pieces and an inspired Christmas table-scape.  At More Than Paper, we hope you experience being in the moment and thoroughly enjoy this season. 

 

Tomato Pie Recipe

Yields: 8 servings Total time: about 1 hour 15 minutes (plus optional cooling)

 

Ingredients

For the crust (if making from scratch)

·       1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

·       1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

·       1/4 cup ice-cold water

·       1/2 teaspoon salt

·       Optional: 1 tablespoon (or 1 teaspoon) sugar if you like a slight sweetness

No shame short cut: use a prepared 9-inch pie crust.

 

For the filling

·       4–5 medium tomatoes (about 2 pounds), sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds

·       1 teaspoon salt (to draw moisture)

·       1/2 teaspoon black pepper

·       1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional); you can use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack

·       1/2 cup mayonnaise or light sour cream (for a creamy layer; you can use Greek yogurt for a lighter version)

·       2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (or 1 tablespoon dried, but fresh is best)

·       1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives or green onions (optional)

·       1/4 cup grated Parmesan or Gruyère (optional, for topping)

·       1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme

·       1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

·       2–3 tablespoons breadcrumbs (optional, for a crunchier bottom layer)

 

Instructions

1.     Prep the tomatoes: Slice tomatoes into 1/4-inch rounds. Lay slices on a layer of paper towels to drain for 10–15 minutes. Sprinkle lightly with salt and let rest to draw moisture, then blot dry.

2.     Prep the crust (if making from scratch):

3.     In a bowl, blend flour and salt. Cut in cold butter with a pastry cutter or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

4.     Drizzle in ice-cold water a tablespoon at a time, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.

5.     Gather into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

6.     Roll out on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie plate. Transfer, trim, and crimp edges. Chill for 15 minutes.

7.     Bake crust blind: line with parchment, fill with pie weights or dried beans, bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes. Remove weights and parchment, bake another 5–7 minutes until just starting to set. Let cool slightly.

 

Prepare the filling: In a bowl, mix mayonnaise (or sour cream) with basil, chives, garlic powder (if using), oregano, and pepper. Stir in half of the grated Parmesan if using. If you’re using a cheese layer, combine cheddar with a little Parmesan in another small bowl.

 

Assemble:

·       Spread a thin layer of the creamy mixture on the bottom of the baked crust.

·       Layer tomato slices in concentric circles or overlapping layers, slightly overlapping as needed. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper between layers to taste.

·       Dollop some of the remaining creamy mixture over the tomatoes and gently spread to cover (you don’t need to cover completely; it’s okay if some tomato peeks through).

·       If you want a cheese layer, sprinkle the cheddar mixture over the tomatoes.

·       Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for crunch (optional), then finish with a light dusting of Parmesan or Gruyère.

·       Top with a few small dollops of the remaining creamy mixture if desired.

Bake:

·       Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–35 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly and the crust edges are nicely browned. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil.

Rest and serve:

·       Let the pie rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps the filling set.

·       Slice pieces and place on a serving tray, if you are doing buffet style 

·       Garnish with extra fresh basil, if you like, and serve warm. 

 

 

 

Serving Pieces We Love 

 

 

We love this newer design of a personalized Christmas platter by Kelly Hughes Designs. These platters are made from Thermosaf® resin and are shatterproof, microwave safe, dishwasher safe, oven safe for warming up to 300°.  They are also BPA free, melamine free, and 100% Made in the USA. You choose the typestyle and ink color for your personalized text!  

You can also serve up your tomato pie or whatever you are cooking up in the kitchen with this personalized glass cutting board. The tempered glass not only looks great but it is heat resistant, so it may be used as a counter saver, preparing and serving food! 

 

 

Note that it also comes in a paddle shape! At $26.00, we think it’s priced exceptionally well, too. 

 

 

For the Table 

 

Our style is classic and cozy and filled with warm, white lighting. We also love a good Christmas (Tarleton) plaid! This décor find on Pinterest/Etsy (Photo credit found here: ) is part of our inspiration for decorating this season.  

 

These plates by Boatman Geller found at More Than Paper would certainly work with the décor and theme (though probably used for breakfast!)   

 

Once again, we hope that this season you truly ENJOY! Happy cooking and spending time with your family. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5 Often-Overlooked Times You Should Write a Thank You Note

5 times you should write a thank you note (but might have overlooked)

At More Than Paper, we believe that the art of a writing a thank you note is not a lost cause. Now more than ever, we need to slow down and take the time to acknowledge others for their kindness. Many people think to send a thank you note for large acts (such as when a gift is received or you were a guest), but there are plenty of times that acknowledging a smaller act of kindness goes a long way.  We’ve assembled 5 times when it’s appropriate to send a thank you note that tend to get overlooked. 
 
Volunteer Coaches 
Teachers are often celebrated during the holidays, Teacher Appreciation Week, and if they are lucky, a room parent will acknowledge their birthday. Often overlooked are our children’s coaches who are often volunteers in recreational leagues. These coaches have a tremendous impact on the trajectory of a young athlete and many character lessons are learned in sports. Coaches sacrifice evening time with their own family to hold practices, and time out of their weekend to coach at games. More than the time spent, Coaches are instrumental in your athlete’s self-esteem. They are building lifelong skills of resilience and teaching your child how to deal with defeat and how to be a gracious winner.  A coach that not only teaches them fundamental skills of the sport, but also lifts up your athlete and teaches them how to be a good winner and loser, deserves recognition in a formalized way. A thank you note is a great way to do that! 
 
How to acknowledge:  Don’t just say thanks – be specific!  Recall a couple of moments throughout the season that the Coach went above and beyond, or recount valuable skills and lessons that your child has learned. Sometimes humor is appropriate here! 
 
A Committee Member’s Contribution 
If you’re involved in volunteer work, you often run across hardworking individuals who put their heart and soul into an event or activity routinely.   Sometimes there are logical conclusions, such as an event fundraiser or an election of individuals to a Board of Directors.  During those times, take the time you need to reflect on all the people who helped make that event a success, or their commitment to the organization. Closing the gap and acknowledging the contributions of others – big and small – will go a long way to building relationships. 
 
How to acknowledge:  Talk about the impact that you witnessed the person make. Be specific about their contribution and how it contributed to the success overall or what the person means to the organization.  

Your Son or Daughter who did something RIGHT 
Sometimes parenting feels just like correcting behavior that isn’t quite right. Sit up! Use your manners! Stop picking on your brother!  Our job as parents is to point out what our kids need to do better to make them good humans. We’re guessing you also know that it is critical to tell your children what they are doing right to build their self-confidence and reinforce the behavior you want to see again.  No one likes to be told all the time that they are doing it wrong. 
 
Have you ever considered writing your son or daughter a thank you note or a written acknowledgement that you see how hard they are working? Have you recently observed something wonderful that they did? Putting your thoughts into writing, even after you may have commented, is a more formal way to express your feelings that really crystalizes in one’s memory.  The next time your child does something right, consider a quick note left on their pillow expressing how proud of them you are.  
 
How to acknowledge:  Keep it age appropriate with not only your vocabulary and sentiment, but also the length. Shorter can be sweeter for some. Only you know what will resonate with your child!  
 

Your Neighbor’s Small Act of Service 
Neighborly acts of service such as bringing you a piece of mistaken mail, bringing in a package from the rain, or moving your trash bins are very simple gestures. Do you need to acknowledge them with a thank you note? Not necessarily.  But doing so may help future goodwill and build relationships.  A small note to say hello and thank you is a touch point to create a stronger relationship and will make your neighbor feel seen and appreciated for something so small.  In a world that is so divisive and negative right now, small acts of kindness can mean so much. 
 
How to acknowledge:  Don’t just mention the tiny act of service but the bigger picture and how you appreciate being neighbors with someone like them. 
 
Your School Principal
Teachers are lucky enough to be celebrated regularly (though perhaps we could do more!) Principals and Heads of School rarely get much fanfare. They are tasked with the weight of finances, staffing and human resources, balancing education with athletics, clubs, and hearing the voices of many who often differ.  Many also must make disciplinary decisions that can be difficult. Celebrate the overall guidance and leadership that a Head of School provides. Consider sending a quick thank you note – not at the end of the school year – but perhaps at a more “random” time. If there is a milestone or achievement that is worth celebrating, that can be an appropriate time, too. In a non-self-serving way, building a relationship with your leadership can be valuable when you have concerns that you need to address.  It’s hard to listen to people that are always critical of your performance, so be sure to shed light on positive moments when you can.  It will make addressing the more contentious matters easier. 
 
How to acknowledge: Express overall gratitude and appreciation for their leadership. Recognizing a specific action is great but the overall sentiment showing approval of the direction of the school is the most critical message to convey. 

 

The stationery shown in this post can be found at More Than Paper with the following links. Shop thousands of ways to express your gratitude for moments big and small by visiting us at More Than Paper!  
 
 

Holiday Planning 2025

Old Navy launched their first holiday commercial and email and mailboxes are full of pre-holiday specials. To the consumer, the holidays have arrived.  At More Than Paper, we’ve been thinking about the winter holidays for months now. We’ve added a slew of new greeting cards, gifts, and holiday gift-giving ideas and are excited to showcase all that’s new for the holidays (you can jump to the holiday category right now by visiting our site! 
 
This year, we are vowing to slow down and enjoy the time with our children and family. It feels like it’s all going too fast! But how is Mom able to slow down and enjoy the time with her family while simultaneously being the “magic maker” (you know… the one that does all the decorating, shopping, wrapping, cookie baking, and honoring all the traditions?)  It seems like a contradiction. 
 
Let’s explore some ways to get a jump start on your holiday planning so that you can enjoy your time this season. Avoid the burn out with these simple tips and products to help you get started on the 2025 holiday season. 
 
Plan your calendar
Have the party invitations and school calendar events begun to stream in?  Start out by blocking out key dates for events that you will be attending.  Then, you can add in dates that you want to accomplish your gift shopping, baking, decorating, and other traditional events. We love a paper calendar to write it all down!  Also great to have on-hand? A festive notepad to dress up your desk and get yourself in the spirit. 

We also love these other chunky notepads: that includes 200 sheets. These are also great for gift giving as the pads come tied with a coordinating ribbon. 

Develop a budget 
We’ve said this before but will urge it again.  Make sure to set a holiday budget! List who you’re buying for and set a rough spending cap. Track all your online purchases on a spreadsheet and mark when they come in the mail. (This helps you keep track of what you have purchased and ensures you get all of your items!) Look for easy savings: early-bird sales and discount days like Black Friday deals and Cyber Monday deals.  
 
You can also brainstorm DIY gifts that add personal flair without breaking the bank. Consider thoughtful, low-effort DIY options (custom bookmarks, photo magnets, photos in a frame).  Since these items take time to produce, make sure you order ahead! Personalize these gifts with a note or write something special on a gift tag – one meaningful touch beats a pricey item. Consider investing in stationery that you could use all year-round but that works for the holidays, such as below, and handwrite personal messages of season’s greetings when you deliver cookies or a bottle of wine. 

 

Simplify meals and entertaining
Freeze a few batches of soups or casserole dishes for easy weeknights when you are at holiday concerts or events at school that you just don’t want to cook after. Making a bunch of dishes ahead and freezing will save you time and will allow you to eat healthier than if you just run through the drive thru! 
 
Deck the halls with intention
Pick one or two festive decor projects (a garland for the mantle, a centerpiece for the table, a menorah on a shelf). Declutter first, then decorate; a clean space amplifies the holiday feel.  Sometimes less is more and maybe this year, you don’t have to go ALL OUT.  Choose a couple of spaces within your house where you regularly congregate, instead of attempting to decorate the whole house, which can feel overwhelming. 
 
Nurture traditions
Lean into small rituals: a weekly holiday movie night, an ornament-making session, or a baking Saturday. Start a gratitude jar: jot one thing you’re grateful for each day. Whatever your holiday traditions are, make sure you make the time to nurture them!
 
Do you send holiday cards in the mail to your friends, family, and colleagues? Consider ordering them now in October or early November so that it’s one less thing on your list.  More Than Paper has a great selection of holiday cards and all styles from photo-mount holiday cards to digital-photo holiday cards, to letterpress, foil-stamped and digitally printed personalized greeting cards, interfaith holiday cards to boxed cards that are not personalized. We also have a selection of cards that give back to non-profits, which is a wonderful way to support causes that you care about and send some snail mail love. 
 
We love these holiday cards that are photo mount (you add your photo to the card using adhesive). These are letterpress printed and you can upgrade to double thick for a fee (make sure to weigh them at the post office to ensure you have the proper postage).  These are beautiful, keepsake cards for the stationery aficionado. 

 
Check out this charity card where you designate the charity of your choice!  With this, you can also create your own sentiment. 

 
This exquisite Hanukkah card by Crane is a piece of artwork. Available personalized and boxed:
We know that with a little advanced preparation you will find the time to slow down and enjoy the holidays. So, make the most of it this year – if it all seems like it’s going by so fast, it’s because it is! 

 

How to Plan a Family Vacation: Step by Step

Smart itinerary planning and a well-packed bag are the foundations of a smooth and memorable family vacation.If you are looking to plan a family vacation and are not sure where to start, start here. 

More Than Paper is here to share our favorite travel hacks and accessories, practical planning steps, and trusted online sources to provide you with nearly everything you need to plan a family getaway. Looking to uncover great restaurants and want to know what to pack in your suitcase? We also have you covered. 

 

How to Plan a Family Getaway

You want to take a family vacation…. Where do you start?  Luckily there are so many online resources that nowadays you can plan a family vacation entirely online.  We share many of those great resources below.  If you are just getting started, follow these basic steps:  

 

1)    Define your family’s vibe and budget.  Are you after beaches, cities, theme parks, or nature adventures? Establish a rough price range and how many days you can travel. Be careful and specific about what days you have off from work, check school calendars, and be sure to look at national calendars for holidays and events. Traveling during non-peak holidays will save you lots of money.  

2)    For a family vacation, you will want to choose your destination with kid friendliness in mind. Avoid wineries or creating an itinerary that has a lot of events 21+ or hotels that don’t allow for kids. Look for destinations with family-friendly activities. A lot of this can be done by reading reviews! 

3)    Pick travel dates and book early.  Summer is peak season for family travel; book flights and accommodations early to lock in better prices and room configurations suitable for families. Most travel is available to book a year in advance. 

4)    Secure Transportation. Decide between flying vs. driving. If driving, map out scenic stops and rest breaks. If flying on your family vacation, check family seating options and the best itineraries that work with your schedule. Sometimes you can save money by leaving very early in the morning. Only you know best if that’s something your family can handle, or if it will be a complete disaster! 

5)    Select family-friendly accommodations. Look for suites, apartment rentals, or hotels with kid pools, free breakfast, laundry facilities, and good access to the activities you want. We tend to look for rooms that have a kitchenette and separate space for adults/kids to sleep, when budget allows. If you have a AAA membership, ask about potential discounts.

6)    Plan activities with kid-friendly pacing. Mix high-energy days with slower ones; include at least one “down day” to recharge. There’s nothing wrong with a down day by the pool or beach if you are exploring a city and have a lot of museum tours or cultural events. Give yourself some grace and remember, this is a vacation. 

7)    Healthwise: it’s a good idea to confirm vaccines needed or health requirements if traveling abroad. 

8)    Consider buying travel insurance.  Travel insurance can protect you if you need to cancel due to illness, injury, or something comes up for work or school. 

 

Smart Safety Ideas for Travelers

Doing a couple of things ahead of your trip will pay off in the long run if you have an emergency, so try these simple tips before you go.  First, make copies of important documents like passports and IDs.  Bring one copy with you and leave another copy at home.  Carry the amount of cash that you estimate you will need for tips, for travel, plus extra for emergencies. When you are at your location, take a photo of your hotel placard or carry a card with your hotel name and local emergency numbers. 

   

For your daily itinerary

Each day should include: a main activity, a backup option, and a dining plan. Build in downtime for naps or rest. We recommend creating a family travel notebook or digital doc that includes flight details, hotel confirmations, emergency contacts, and a rough daily plan. 

 

Where to Find Great Travel Resources

·      TripAdvisor: Offers reviews, family-friendly hotels, and restaurant options; great for scouting activities and neighborhoods.

·      Google Travel: Itinerary ideas, flight and hotel suggestions, and user reviews; handy for quick planning and maps.

·      Booking.com and Hotels.com: Wide range of family-friendly accommodations; often shows property amenities like cribs and suites. 

·      Lonely Planet and National Geographic Travel: Trusted destination guides with practical tips and cultural context.

·      Family Vacation Critic: Specifically curated for family-friendly destinations, hotels, and activities.

·      Travel + Leisure and AFAR: Inspiration, top picks, and seasonal travel ideas with family-friendly options.

 

Travel Resources for getting there and getting around

·      Skyscanner, Kayak, and Momondo: Compare flight prices and routes; set price alerts.

·      Rome2rio: Clear, practical transport options between cities, including driving, trains, buses, and ferries.

·      Airbnb Family programs or family-friendly listings; VRBO for stand-alone homes with kitchens and multiple bedrooms.

 

Restaurants & Dining Out 

Food is an important part of travel, not just because you need to eat and will be hungry, obviously, but because experiencing local food is critical to experiencing the culture of the region you are visiting.  But you should be careful not to have any plan of where you are going to eat and just “wing-it.” Although that can be a spontaneous option, it can also lead into falling into pricey tourist traps.  Use these resources to find great restaurants: 

·      OpenTable: Easy reservations, especially for family-friendly dining with seating availability.

·      Yelp and Google Maps: Real-world reviews and local recommendations for family-friendly meals and ambiance.

·      Eater and Michelin Guide (where available): Great for selecting standout restaurants and culinary experiences.  Eater is by far our favorite source to find great restaurants that are both delicious and off the beaten path. 

·      Zomato (formerly UrbanSpoon): Helpful for quick menus and user ratings in many cities.

 

Activities

When it comes time to plan local activities and experiences, you will also want to plan ahead and make reservations and buy advanced tickets.  For day trips, tours, and family-friendly activities, use these resources Viator or GetYourGuide. Check to see if AAA has discounted tickets (if you already have a AAA membership). 

 

 

Packing 

Smart packing will make your trip great. Now that you have your itinerary and a rough guide of what you will do daily, be sure you pack accordingly.  We like to pack with cubes and small bags.   Separate items into zones like electronics, toiletries, undergarments, and outwear. Pack smaller bags into a larger one.  Some of our favorite things to pack that aren’t always considered are: 

 

·      Insulated water bottles and hydration packs like Drip Drop or Liquid IV for fast hydration on the go. We like these personalized aluminum water bottles at More Than Paper that are ideal for kids because they make it theirs! 

·      Lunch coolers to keep drinks cold on hot days. Create your own lunch cooler with these personalized, insulated and zippered lunch tote. While traveling, it can store personal items. Once you have made it to your destination, it can be used to bring snacks or keep drinks cool as you are out and about during activities. 

·      Portable handheld or rechargeable fan (which can be handy when sightseeing in heat or waiting in lines)

·      Sun protection gear such as reusable UV-protective hats, child-friendly sunscreen (reef-safe when possible), sunglasses for all ages, and a lightweight cover-up or rash guard.

·      Quick-dry microfiber towels can be easy to pack and great for beach days, pool time, or hostel stays with shared spaces.

·      Don’t forget a universal travel adapter and a compact power bank if you are traveling out of the country to keep devices charged across multiple countries; consider one with USB-C and USB-A ports.

·      Noise-canceling or comfort earbuds can be super helpful for long flights and hotel rooms with noisy neighbors.

·      Lightweight rain jackets or ponchos because summer showers are common; a compact rain layer is worth it

·      Dry bag or waterproof phone case to protect devices during beach days, boat trips, or river adventures. Also, a dry bag is great for storing wet clothes as you travel.

·      Travel-sized first-aid kit and kid-safe meds. Bandages, fever reducer, electrolyte packets, antihistamines, and seasickness tablets if needed. Consider storing any of these in these small travel cases that can be personalized with the content’s names (e.g. “medication”, “first-aid”) or your own monogram / initial.  , or  or https://www.morethanpaper.com/CBS-7019.htm

·      RFID-blocking wallet or money belt brings extra peace of mind when in crowded markets or big cities.

 

There you have it!  We hope you have enjoyed this comprehensive guide to planning and packing for the best family vacation yet.  What did we miss? Be sure to let us know in the comments or on our Facebook page.