Stress-Free Holiday Party Tips

'Tis the season of parties---entertaining expert, Elizabeth Mayhew shares tips on how to make it fun, festive and easy.A great party starts with great food and cocktails. Elizabeth suggests serving a signature cocktail. A huge holiday favorite is to use for cocktils creations is Sierra Mist Cranberry Splash, It's naturally sweetened with real sugar, and it has the refreshing taste of lemon-lime soda with a festive, cranberry splash. Elizabeth suggests one mixing it with orange vodka, orange liqueur and grapefruit juice...just shake it up and you're done. Another option is an after dinner drink, warm berry cider. Just place thyme sprigs in a pot filled with Sierra Mist Cranberry Splash, heat it up to a simmer then pour it over fresh cranberries...spritz with some fresh lime and you've got an amazing dessert drink! It's great for those who want a non alcoholic option. Check out the Sierra Mist's facebook page for more recipes.Now when it comes to the food--keep it simple. Make sure you have a great food options. Elizabeth says consider a theme to make it easier. Everyone loves the Mexican restaurant experience and with the new Tostitos cantina line, you can bring the Mexican restaurant experience into your own home. The line has two delicious chip and dip pairings...thin and crispy tortilla chips with chipotle restaurant style salsa and traditional tortilla chips with roasted garlic thick and chunky salsa. Leave them alone or make delicious nacho dishes with them. They're available nationwide and they're fun and easy. They are the perfect reason to get together and party anytime and anywhere. Finally, an adorable idea for party favors and also great for your own party dcor are little beverage totes and sweaters from Lands End.. They have the cutest styles. The canvas totes are made of really strong canvas inspired by the Lands End iconic carry-all totes. Just $15 for the single, $25 for the double. Elizabeth likes to have them monogrammed...just $6 more and the hand knit organic wool sweaters are just $8. Sponsored by Sierra Mist, Tostitos, Lands End