Celebrate National Military Appreciation Month with Military Gifts from Hickory Farms

“The strength of our nation is our Army; the strength of our Army is our Soldiers; the strength of our Soldiers is our families.” – United States Army

showing appreciation for military families

Photo via Army

May is Military Appreciation Month, a month-long observance dedicated to taking time and special care to honor the brave individuals that serve our nation. As a part of Military Appreciation Month, we celebrate Military Spouse Appreciation Day on May 10^th, Armed Forces Day on May 18^th, and Memorial Day on May 30^th.

Military Appreciation Month is a wonderful opportunity to show love and support for our soldiers and give back to the very people that sacrifice so much for us. And what better way to show your love and appreciation than by sending thoughtful comfort foods that bring soldiers the love and warmth of home?

Hickory Farms would like to help spouses, family members, friends and other citizens show their love and appreciation to soldiers by offering them special military gifts that are eligible for free APO/FPO delivery. Made with delicious food products and nostalgic authenticity, these gifts are packaged with love to ensure that soldiers know just how much you care.

Spouses, family members, and friends can select Our Deluxe Signature Sausage & Cheese military gift. This gourmet food gifts features signature Hickory Farms flavors that instantly remind soldiers of their favorite family and holiday memories. To read more about the quality ingredients and tasty treats included in these gift boxes, head to the Military Gifts section of our website.

Have you ever sent Hickory Farms to a solider? How did they like it? Or, tell us about your soldier in a comment below and share how you plan to show them your love and support this month.

A Red Carpet Affair: Oscar Viewing Party Ideas

The evening of The Oscars is one of the biggest nights in Hollywood. If you didn’t receive an invite, you can still enjoy the event in your own special way by inviting some friends over and rolling out the red carpet for your very own Oscar viewing party. You can even ask guests to wear their best red carpet-worthy attire.

Set the mood for your party and exude elegance with glamorous Oscar invitations. We love the look of these gold invites in the silhouette of an award. Of course, simple invitations with a pretty script font and stars will work beautifully, too!

Photo via Paper Blog

Photo via Twig and Thistle

Make your guests feel like stars by setting up your own red carpet entrance! The look below offers some great DIY red carpet entrance ideas.

Photo via The Succulent Wife

Once your guests have walked the red carpet, greet them with an Oscar-themed buffet or tablescape. We love this gold and white color scheme featured on Glitter Guide. Even a simple snack like popcorn or gourmet nuts can be elegant when placed in a golden cone or martini glass.

Photo via The Glitter Guide

If you are planning a sit-down dinner, use this gorgeous table setting for inspiration. Complete with gold movie reels, this table is Old Hollywood Glamour at its finest!

Photo via Cheryl Style

If you’d rather spend more time decorating and less time cooking, stick to a sophisticated spread of gourmet nuts, meat, cheese, and crackers. It will keep guests satisfied so they can focus on the awards. Afterwards, you can surprise your guests with a few themed desserts, like these Oscar cookies.

Photo via Life’s a Batch

And while the main event will be watching the Academy Awards on TV, consider planning a few fun activities for your guests to enjoy before and after the Oscars or during commercial breaks.

Provide guests with voting ballots so they can choose their own Oscar winners. Then, compare everyone’s ballots with the Academy’s selections. Or, give out your own awards in categories like “Best Dressed.” You could present winners with sparkling drink tags like the ones below.

Photo via The Glitter Fanatic

Another great Oscar-themed game could be created using the soundtracks from Oscar-nominated films. Play songs and have everyone guess what film they are from.

Do you plan to host an Oscar viewing party this year? If so, share your entertaining ideas with us! For more ideas, be sure to follow Hickory Farms on Pinterest.

Decorate Tables & Spreads with Creative Food Labels

Get your guests excited about the tasty foods they are about to enjoy by including food labels in your spread or table setting. Not only do food labels show off the delicious flavors and wholesome ingredients of the dishes you are serving, but they are also a sign of a thoughtful host. Food labels make it easier for picky eaters and guests with dietary restrictions.

If you’re struggling to come up with a creative way to incorporate food labels into your tablescape, allow us to share a few of our favorite ideas for decorative food labels.

Chalkboard table runners are a fantastic way to label foods and decorate tables at the same time, as in this example from Pinterest. They are especially great for achieving a shabby-chic look. Not to mention, they make labeling simple and you can reuse them over and over.

Chalkboard table runner for food labels from Hickory Farms

Photo via Tablespoon

Here’s another spin on the idea. Instead of a table runner, paint small buckets with chalkboard paint that can be labeled and used to serve food.

Creative food label ideas from Hickory Farms

Photo via Strictly Simple Style

Little flags are also a simple and sophisticated way to label food items. All you need are tooth picks or kabob sticks and handwritten or computer-printed labels. Look how beautifully these labels work for an elegant gourmet cheese spread. For extra effect or a splash of color, use ribbon.

Photo via Seven Swans

You can also make your own food labels with simple picture frames. Depending on the stationary, font, borders, and frames you choose, you can go as casual or upscale as you want.

Unique food label ideas from Hickory Farms

Photo via Parties by Leslie and Me

This is perhaps one of the most clever ideas we’ve seen – Using a mini artists’ easel to support a label printed on cardstock. How creative!

Photo via 6th Street Design School

If you enjoy writing out the labels yourself, here’s a cute idea – consider using scrapbook supplies and pens to make the labels for your party.

Photo via Hostess with the Mostess

What types of food labels do you use for parties and gatherings with family and friends? Leave a comment below or share your most creative ideas on the Hickory Farms Facebook page.