Hosting for the holidays means being prepared for your guests with drinks and food like appetizers. Small plates and snacks are easy to prepare and serve. Think chips and dip, stuffed mushrooms, garlic bread, potato skins, and more! Appetizers are convenient and popular, whether you’re planning on a larger meal later or are simply snacking all afternoon. Some people consider appetizers as only finger food, where you don’t need a knife and a fork. But there are plenty of tasty little dishes to make that can be enjoyed in different ways.

Appetizers

Small plates and snacks like appetizers are great to start out with when hosting. They’re often served in small portions loaded with hearty flavor. It’s a way to welcome your guests and have a little bite to eat while chatting, when dinner isn’t quite ready. While just about any food can be made into an appetizer, there are a few things to keep in mind. Finger foods are often best when appetizers are served away from the table. That means bite-sized foods, dips, and anything without a knife and fork. 

Here at Tacoma Boys, charcuterie boards are easy to shop for and a favorite as an appetizer! They’re a popular snack because they’re customizable and quick to put together. At Tacoma Boys, you’ll find a wide selection of specialty cheeses and cured meats as well as nuts, jams, crackers, fruit, and more. Build your charcuterie to fit the preferences of your guest and set it out as a grazing board. Your guests can snack on it casually as a group, or you can use little plates to serve the spread.

Dip Recipes for Groups

Dip recipes are easy to enjoy when hosting or in groups. Full of flavor and just filling enough, cold or hot dips are usually quick to make and serve. Picture raw veggies with blue cheese dressing or spinach artichoke dip with tortilla chips. These types of dip recipes are usually first to go at parties and get-togethers! If you’re looking for some dip recipes to make for the holidays, consider one of these suggestions:

• Tacoma Boys’ Buffalo Chicken Dip: It’s not too late to serve this one in a pumpkin! You’ll find several different types of buffalo sauce at Tacoma Boys. Plus about 5 other ingredients, this dip is quick and easy to cook up for a hungry crowd.
• Tacoma Boys’ Irish Beer Cheese Dip: You’ll need some dark beer and a couple different kinds of cheese for this rich recipe. It’s full of flavor and goes great with fresh cut veggies and pretzels, like Dutch Country Gluten Free Soft Pretzels.
• Spinach Artichoke Dip by Natasha’s Kitchen: Try this savory, cheesy dip with Cara Mia Marinated Artichoke Hearts and serve it with Stacy’s Pita Chips. Kids and adults alike can enjoy the extra vegetables snuck in!
• White Cheddar Cranberry Dip by Little Broken: This 4 ingredient dip is a tasty twist on a classic cheese dip. Try it with Tillamook White Cheddar Cheese, Organic Valley Cream Cheese, fresh cranberries, and a Homemade Cranberry Sauce.
• 7 Layer Dip: The popular layered dip is so easy to make with a variety of ingredients of your choosing! It requires very little, if any cooking. For an example, try the dip with layers of Amy’s Organic Vegetarian Refried Beans, Smith Brothers Farm Sour Cream, fresh guacamole, Tacoma Boys Loco Cheese Dip, diced fresh tomatoes, Mrs. Renfro’s Jalapeno Peppers, and your favorite Tacoma Boys Salsa. Then dig in with Tacoma Boys Tortilla Chips!

Holiday Appetizers

Some people get real creative with holiday appetizers! You can make a variety of dishes with Thanksgiving or Christmas themes and seasonal ingredients. For example, snacks made with cranberries, turkey, and stuffing for Thanksgiving. Cranberry and brie puff pastry bites are another example of an appetizer that is so popular for the holidays! Make whatever dishes you want into holiday appetizers by just scaling down a bit: Mini quiche, bite-size meatballs, and just about any food on a mini skewer.

It can also be a good idea to ask your guests to bring appetizers if you’d like. Cooking an entire meal including appetizers and dessert can be a lot to do! And while you’re planning your holiday appetizers and meals, make sure to account for different diets. If you’re expecting guests that are vegetarian, vegan, or gluten free, it’s easy to prepare those dishes. 

Prepare For The Holiday With Tacoma Boys 

Get ready for holiday celebrations and meals with Tacoma Boys! Your local market is stocked with a variety of seasonal produce, meat, and specialty food products. To stay up to date on insider deals and specials, sign up for Tacoma Boys’ text list. Just text (253) 246-1661 to tell Paul you want to be on the list!

What better way to spend Mother’s Day than outside? By now, it’s clear that spring has arrived: Flowers are blooming, birds are chirping, and the sun is shining. This year’s Mother’s Day still might look a little different than many families are used to. So if you’re looking for something creative to do to celebrate and honor the moms in your life, consider taking things outside for a spectacular dinner in the fresh air! Al fresco dining is great for casual everyday meals, but can be made even more special for such an occasion like Mother’s Day.

Mother’s Day Is Almost Here!

This year’s Mother’s Day falls on Sunday, May 9. To make a special celebration for the mothers in your life, try planning an outdoor dinner at home! It’s a great opportunity to show them your love and appreciation. Though an at-home outdoor dinner is simple, there are some things you can do to make things extraordinary for mom.

• Set the scene! Dress up the dinner table with mom’s favorite spring flowers, like Tacoma Boys fresh bouquets, tulips, and primroses. Outdoor lights strung above the table are an easy way to elevate the atmosphere of your backyard patio setting. Consider placing lights elsewhere too. Lights can add depth to a garden when night falls, and they’re good for safety as well. Don’t worry about not having any outlets to plug lights into – solar lights are easy to get hold of these days, like these solar lights for flag poles that will help to light up your front yard flag.
• Make her favorite. Mother’s Day is certainly a great time to make mom’s favorite appetizer, dinner, or dessert. Challenge yourself to make a full multi-course meal with all of her favorite foods!
• Treat her to a tipple. Your mom works hard every day of the year to look after you, so she deserves a treat at least once a year! Look for a liquor store open in your area and buy her favourite drink, then get her to put her feet up and just relax with a wine glass in hand.
• Include friends and family. Coordinate with the rest of mom’s family or her close friends for a video call or gifts. She will appreciate the extra thought of including others.

Celebrate with Mother’s Day Activities

When planning Mother’s Day activities for mom and the family, simply think of everything she loves to do. First, take the party outside for a beautiful dinner that will blow mom away and highlight the flavors of the season. If mom likes to cook, ask her to join in when preparing dinner. Cooking together is such a great bonding experience!

For an extraordinary outdoor dining experience at home, consider lawn games or other creative Mother’s Day activities. While munching on appetizers, mom can enjoy the outdoors while basking in the late-afternoon sun or even cuddled in front of a backyard campfire. Take this time to bring up your favorite childhood memories or talk about what you or others have learned from mom. Then, try to plan to spend that sunset hour outdoors so mom can appreciate the pretty colors of the setting sun in the sky. You could even venture out for a sunset-backed walk!

If you don’t have the space for outdoor dinner at home, opt for an afternoon picnic instead. It’s the perfect time of year for lunch al fresco at a local park or beach. For some guidance on how to prepare for an awesome spring picnic experience, check out our blog filled with spring picnic tips here.

What’s Cooking For Mother’s Day Dinner?

Prepare for the special day ahead of time by planning what to cook for Mother’s Day dinner. You could ask her directly what she wants to eat, or surprise her with something yummy you just know will make her feel extra special. The options are endless – but here are just a few potential ideas to get your Mother’s Day dinner menu started.

• Parmesan crusted chicken breast with cheese and marinara: Mom doesn’t have to know you picked it right from Tacoma Boys deli counter! Tacoma Boys makes it just that much easier to get started on a spectacular dinner with such pre-prepared chicken breast and other meat and seafood. Pair it with some Roasted Potatoes with Herbed Olive Oil and Goat Cheese for a tasty, elevated meal.
• Parmesan polenta made with P.A.N. White Corn Meal with roasted seasonal vegetables, fresh rosemary, and Alessi’s Balsamic Reduction: This recipe by Family Style Food is just right for the special occasion. All you need is a simple tossed salad on the side for a complete dinner!
• It’s just about time for the grilling season: You find all the ingredients for Grilled Flank Steak with Dark Cherry Chipotle Sauce at Tacoma Boys.
• For dessert, a creamy cheesecake can be made ahead of time and is sure to be enjoyed by everyone: This recipe for Mini Key Lime Cheesecakes is sure to impress!

Prepare for Dinner with Tacoma Boys

Stop in to your local Tacoma Boys to get just about everything you need for a spectacular outdoor Mother’s Day dinner at home! This includes beautiful flowers, local produce, mom’s favorite beer and wine, and tons of speciality food ingredients. To stay up to date on insider deals and specials, sign up for Tacoma Boys’ text list. Just text (253) 246-1661 to tell Paul you want to be on the list!

This year, Valentine’s dinner celebrations may look a little different. Many couples and families who traditionally go out to eat or do other activities must look forward to another way to observe the holiday. And if the quickest way to one’s heart is through their stomach, cooking your significant other something special is one of the best ways to express your love. Create a delicious Valentine’s dinner for two with a few steps to set the mood, prepare a homemade meal, and enjoy quality time together. Read on for some tips on how to craft the perfect Valentine’s Day dinner for two.

Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is practically destined for home cooking. It’s a special day to show the one you love how much they mean to you. After all, cooking for a significant other conveys love and caring. It’s one of the best times to enjoy a hearty, homemade meal and bond over the stove. It doesn’t have to be a stressful experience because all you need is simple, fresh ingredients and a plan to build the Valentine’s Day dinner of your loved one’s dream! To top it off, you’re sure to warm their heart with a DIY gift like one of these inventive ideas by House Beautiful.

Set the Mood for Valentines Day at Home

Help set the stage for a romantic Valentine’s Day at home with elements that you know your partner will appreciate. To help set the mood, consider:

• Serving up the color of love via red wine like Megan Anne 2018 Black Love, a unique pinot noir from Oregon’s Willamette Valley 
• Setting the dinner table with a classic display of special votive candles and fine china
• Gifting a stunning assorted Bouquet Of Fresh Cut Flowers (to keep the flowers fresh for longer, check out Tacoma Boys guide to keeping plants and flowers fresh and longer-lasting here).

There’s nothing wrong with going the traditional route when planning for an intimate Valentine’s Day at home. And going the extra mile with little details will help show how much you care! For a few more ideas on decorating for a lovely Valentine’s Day at home, go here.

Romantic Dinner for Two Menu

This Valentine’s dinner menu will help you craft a romantic and delicious dinner for two, using just a few high quality ingredients. We also love Bruschetta Topped Chicken and Spaghetti as an alternative to this menu. 

Appetizer 

Creamy and rich, classic cheese fondue is one of the most popular Valentine’s Day appetizers- and for good reason. It’s fun to eat and simple to prepare with speciality cheeses, like Emmi Le Gruyére, plus fresh Fuji Apples and crusty sourdough bread for dipping.

Salad 

Choose your favorite tasty dressing from Tacoma Boys’ large wall of salad dressings for the ultimate flavor boost. Start with Mixed Greens, Yellow Cherry Tomatoes, Fresh Basil, Bel Gioioso Shaved Parmesan, and Fresh Gourmet Organic Seasoned Croutons. Finish with a drizzle of your go-to Tacoma Boys dressing and you’re set!

Dinner

Tacoma Boys makes it easy to enjoy a gourmet meal with less prep time thanks to stuffed chicken breasts! These pre-made stuffed chicken breasts come in many variations with different ingredients. One of our favorites are Chicken Breast Stuffed With Mushrooms and Cheese and Wrapped in Bacon. Pair your juicy stuffed chicken breast with a large serving of vegetables, like steamed Broccoli, Carrots, or Asparagus. Round out the satisfying meal with scoops of creamy mashed Gold or Red Potatoes mixed with roasted Garlic.

Dessert

Finish the meal with a refreshing pre-made Raspberry Tart and a couple glasses of the Chocolate Shop Chocolate Lovers Wine, which blends red wine with rich chocolate for a unique treat. Or, bake whatever your partner’s favorite dessert may be from a wide array of boxed Cake or Brownie Mix.

Drop By!

If you already have a menu for your homemade Valentine’s Day dinner for two, Tacoma Boys always has a well stocked selection of quality ingredients for you to choose from. Stop on by to see what’s new or for inspiration for your Valentine’s Day at home.

Stay up to date on insider deals and specials when you sign up for Tacoma Boys’ text list. Just text (253) 246-1661 to tell Paul you want to be on the list! 

Have you been wondering what the holiday season will be like this year? Everyone has, which is why Tacoma Boys has created this guide to host the ultimate holiday bake off with family and friends – virtually, of course! Since you may not be able to connect in-person with some of your loved ones this year, Tacoma Boys thought a holiday bake off would be a great way to get into the holiday spirit while staying safe and healthy. Whether you choose to host your holiday bakeoff with just your small family at home or extend the invitation for others to join virtually, it’s sure to be a great time complete with delicious holiday treats!

How to Prepare for Your Virtual Holiday Bake Off

If you were to host a holiday bake off during non-pandemic times, you would typically have the people involved come to your home to participate. Since it’s our duty to stay home, creating a virtual version is the best (and kind of fun!) way to host a bake off. 

1. Send Out Online Invitations

Creating invitations online doesn’t have to be a difficult task. Simply decide on a date and time that works best for yourself and others involved and click send to get the info out! 

2. Decide What to Bake

Deciding on recipes for the holiday bake off may be the most difficult part of throwing this bake off together – there are so many good choices out there! Tacoma Boys suggests picking three different recipes for your participants to follow. This way everyone is making the exact same recipe and can enjoy them together at the end. If you’re not keen on baking, you can opt to host a charcuterie board competition or a virtual brunch-off! 

3. Set a Timer

Setting a timer may not be necessary, but it adds to the “bake off” aspect of the day! Just ensure it’s enough time to actually finish the recipes.

4. Pick a Winner, Together

Instead of having a taste test – because that’s not possible virtually – have everyone present their final products with a little background story! This can be a true story or completely made up, and adds a fun, unique component to the bake off.

Holiday Baking Essentials

Holiday baking has always been a great way to bring families together during the holidays, so don’t let hosting a bake off be stressful. Choose recipes that everyone will love and are moderately easy – after all, the bake off is supposed to be fun! Tacoma Boys has a large selection of baking essentials that will set you up for a successful bake off experience. 

Flour

When you head over to the baking section at Tacoma Boys, you’ll find the biggest selection of flours! From gluten free varieties to organic unbleached all-purpose, you are sure to find everything you’ll need for this bake off. The widest selection comes from the popular brand, Bob’s Red Mills, providing you with high quality ingredients no matter the recipe.

Sugar

Sugar is a crucial component of baking which means it’s smart to have a variety on hand! A couple favorite brands at Tacoma Boys are Wholesome and Woodstock – both are high quality sugars and offer brown sugar, white sugar, powdered sugar, coconut sugar, and more! If you’re looking to host a bake off on the lighter side, opt for Lakanto Monkfruit Sweetener as a sugar-free alternative.

Chocolate

Every bake off needs chocolate chips. Afterall, it wouldn’t be right to host a bake off without chocolate! Choose from a wide range of chocolate chips to finish off all of your baking needs. Whether you’re looking for white, dark, or milk chocolate, Tacoma Boys carries classic brands such as Ghirardelli and Enjoy Life, as well as quality sugar-free options like Lily’s! 

Choose Your Christmas Treats

After you send out invitations, it’s time to decide what Christmas treats to make for the bake off! It’s important to plan this step ahead of time so you’re able to send out an ingredient list to all of the contestants. From cookies to Christmas candy, there are many great options that will make this bake off one-of-a-kind!

Recipe Options

• Brown Butter Bourbon Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies from Baker By Nature

This recipe is a great way to take classic chocolate chip cookies up a notch. Head over to the baking section at Tacoma Boys and pick out your flour, sugar, and chocolate chips. After you have the baking essentials, pick up a container of Northwest Delights pecans to ensure a satisfying crunch to this cookie.

• Cranberry Orange Swirl Cookies from Beyond the Kitchen Coop

A cookie recipe with holiday’s favorite side: cranberry sauce – yes, please! Stock up on some Green Valley Lactose Free Butter, Vital Farms Eggs, tree ripened organic grown oranges, and Ocean Spray Organic Cranberries to make this recipe top notch.

• Peanut Butter Mallow Bars from Melissa’s Southern Style Kitchen 

Everyone loves a great peanut butter option, and this recipe will satisfy any sweet tooth. Choose your favorite peanut butter from Tacoma Boy’s nut butter section and grab a bag of Dandies Marshmallows for the ultimate peanut butter bars! 

Don’t Forget to Have Fun!

Always remember these types of events are supposed to be fun! Swing by your local Tacoma Boys to grab all of  the ingredients on your baking list for a fun-filled baking day! If you’re feeling extra jolly, you can pick up your Christmas tree the same day. SHOP EARLY THIS SEASON – TREES ARE SELLING FAST! You can check out Tacoma Boys’ Christmas Trees here! 

It’s that time again! Thanksgiving is right around the corner and it’s time to plan out the most important part of the menu: Thanksgiving pie. Although the rest of the menu matters as well, your Thanksgiving pie decision is the grand finale when hosting! Whether you plan to whip up the pie crust and pie filling from scratch, or purchase a pre-made pie, this Tacoma Boys guide has everything you’ll need to get geared up for this year’s Thanksgiving pie.

Choosing the Right Crust for Thanksgiving Pie

Pie crust may be one of the most daunting aspects of baking a pie, especially if it’s your Thanksgiving pie. Depending on the recipe it can be incredibly easy to make, or sparingly difficult. Tacoma Boys loves to find recipes that require minimal ingredients and explains each step throughout the process. This easy pie crust recipe from Natasha’s Kitchen is a great example! Using a high quality all purpose flour like Bob’s Red Mills will help with creating an outstanding final product for the ultimate Thanksgiving pie. You can find Bob’s Red Mills and other flour options in Tacoma Boys’ wide assortment of baking essentials.

If you’re wanting to make a Thanksgiving pie this year but are looking to avoid the pie crust process, have no fear! Tacoma Boys has a variety of premade pie crusts and pie crust mixes to make your pie baking experience a lot easier.

Frozen Pie Crusts

• Wholly Wholesome Organic Traditional 9” Pie Shells
• Wholly Wholesome Gluten Free 9” Pie Shells

Gluten Free Pie Crust Mixes

• Kinnikinnick Graham Cracker Style Crumbs (for graham cracker crust)
• Glutino Perfect Pie Crust 

Thanksgiving Baking with Your Favorite Pie Fillings

Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin pie may be among the most popular pies when it comes to Thanksgiving baking. What is it about pumpkin pie that embodies all of fall’s favorite flavors? This classic pumpkin pie recipe by Jo Cooks is a great recipe that is simple to follow and allows you to use a premade pie crust if desired! Most pumpkin pie recipes call for canned pumpkin, but if you’re looking to be a little more adventurous, you can make your own pumpkin puree using sugar pumpkins. You can find these pumpkins at your local Tacoma Boys. They’re smaller, less fibrous, and sweeter, making them perfect for baking. Follow the Pioneer Woman’s recipe for homemade pumpkin puree. It’s a lot easier than you’d think! 

Pecan Pie

Another Thanksgiving classic is pecan pie. It’s sweet, salty, and has a rich filling with a caramel-like flavor, and finished with pecans for added crunch. Pecan pie can be a hit or miss, but it is definitely worth the try when you can make it with quality ingredients. The Tacoma Boys’ baking section has a wide variety of ingredients to choose from depending on the recipe you use. However, for pecan pie we suggest using Northwest Delights pecans – they’re some of the best!

Apple Pie

Of course, apple pie is in the top three for Thanksgiving pies! It’s quite simple to make the filling and put together when using a premade pie crust. This recipe by Food Network is great for a classic apple pie. Tacoma Boys suggests using Granny Smith apples because their tart flavor profile balances out the sweetness of the filling, but you can find a wide assortment of fall’s favorite fruit throughout your local Tacoma Boys! If you’re short on time, check out the freezer section to spot the two-pound bag of Remlinger Farms Hand-Picked Granny Smith Apples that are pre-sliced – we’d say that’s a win!

Premade Pies

If you’re hosting for Thanksgiving, but baking a pie from scratch just isn’t your jam, Tacoma Boys has you covered. Simply take a stroll through the freezer section and select a premade pie that suits your holiday pie needs!

• Remlinger Farms Cosmic Crisp Apple Pie
• Cyrus O’leary’s
  • Pumpkin Pie
  • Lemon Meringue Pie
  • Pecan Pie
  • Apple Pie
  • Custard Pie

Favorite Thanksgiving Pie Toppings

Although the pie itself is the most important part, you can’t forget about a little whipped cream topping! Finishing your favorite Thanksgiving pie with a dollop of whipped cream is the ultimate cherry on top. You can find premade whipped cream in the dairy section at Tacoma Boys and choose an option such as Dairy Star whipped topping! If you want to take your pie topping to the next level, pick up Smith Brothers heavy cream and make your homemade whipped cream at home. We love making our homemade whipped cream with pure maple syrup for the ultimate fall flavor boost.

Homemade Maple Whipped Cream

Ingredients

• 1 pint heavy whipping cream
• ½ cup pure maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl and whip using a hand mixer until stiff peaks form. About 3-5 minutes.
2. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days. 

All of Your Pie Needs Covered! 

Whether you’re looking for a quick Thanksgiving pie fix or a full-blown pie baking session, pop into your local Tacoma boys to find everything you’ll need. If pie isn’t your thing, there’s a wide selection of fall treats that are perfect for the holidays. If you have any questions, ask one of the Tacoma Boys’ helpers for advice and they’ll be sure to steer you in the right direction.

For many reasons, this Easter is unlike any that have come before. Perhaps your gathering will be smaller than usual. Maybe you’re spending the holiday in Washington when you normally would travel. Or perhaps it’s not possible to get together with the friends you usually have over for Easter. With these many changes, we’re all faced with the question: for better or for worse? In so many ways, the answer may be beyond our control. So what do we do with the things we can control? 

In this time of uncertainty and unpredictability, there are a few things that are true and unchanging. Spring is here. Easter is on its way. While ordinary may not be a choice we have this year, there is so much we can do to make this Easter special.

Here at Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce, we have everything you need to make this holiday unforgettable for you and your family. We’re your one stop shop for appetizers, main courses, decorations and Easter gifts. Let us help you create an atmosphere, a meal, and a memory you and your loved ones will cherish forever.

6 Ways Tacoma Boys Can Help You Have an Extraordinary Easter

1. Appetizers

Having appetizers as a part of your Easter celebration is a great way to signal to yourself and your family the significance of the meal as a special occasion. It may feel awkward or silly if your gathering is especially small, but give it a try and see if something as simple as sharing an appetizer doesn’t give your meal a holiday vibe. Swing by our frozen food section and peruse our premade appetizer options for a quick and easy appetizer spread, or gather the ingredients to make your own. Before the main meal begins is a great time to break out a classic like these Deviled Eggs from The Food Network. Or pick up a selection of fruits and berries from our produce section for a fruit salad!

2. The Main Meal

One of the best ways to make your Easter extraordinary is by going all out with the main course. Perhaps you’re craving a sense of normalcy this year, and a traditional ham would be a great option for you. In that case, we love this simple and delicious three ingredient recipe for Pineapple Brown Sugar Ham. The best part? You can throw it in the Crockpot early in the day and forget about it until go time. Or maybe this is your year to try your hand at something a bit more involved, like this Crown Roast of Lamb from Alton Brown. Alternatively, order your foolproof, mouth watering Standing Rib Roast from one of our locations today! Whether you choose ham or lamb or chicken or roast, Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce have expert butchers who can point you in the direction of the choicest meats in Tacoma. 

3. Sides

When it comes to making this Easter Extraordinary, sides make the meal! Nothing says “Easter” like a table brimming with mouth watering dishes. Try setting out a variety of sweet and savory sides for a meal that feels balanced and complete. The sky’s the limit here, but we have some suggestions to point you in the right direction. For a sweet take on a classic veggie, these Roasted Carrots with Candied Pecans are a mouthwatering addition to your feast. Or perhaps for you, Easter is incomplete if it doesn’t include scalloped potatoes. In that case, The Girl Who Ate Everything has you covered with this classic recipe you can make ahead of time. From broccoli casserole to ambrosia fruit salad, H&L Produce and Tacoma Boys’ produce sections have what you need to make it delicious. 

4. Desserts 

What would Easter be if we didn’t don our stretchy pants for the final stomach stuffing round we all know and love–dessert? If your Easter includes children, it’s probably all about the candy for them, so we love this take on cupcakes with a hidden candy surprise from Betty Crocker. If you’re aiming to impress a more mature audience this year, display this stunning Easter Cake from Preppy Kitchen as your table centerpiece. The hardest part will be waiting until after the meal to cut into it! Whatever sweet treat you crave this holiday, Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce can help you stock your baking cupboard with everything you need for a truly extraordinary Easter.

5. Easter Baskets

Easter baskets are one of our favorite time-honored holiday traditions. Something about sleepy-eyed, bed-headed kids (and adults) waking up to a basket filled with their favorite things, delivered by the Easter Bunny right to their front door brings back the magic of childhood. This Easter, make sure the magic comes to your doorstep by stocking baskets full of goodies you can find here at Tacoma Boys and H&L Produce. For the kids, we have local fruit and candies, and for the grown-ups–wine, cheese, jelly and more! Come choose your own goodies, or call and have us curate your gift baskets for you!

6. Flowers

Finally, no Easter would be complete without flowers–our reminder that even the longest winters come to an end, and the world will be renewed again. Stop by and pick up a bouquet of fresh cut flowers to brighten your Easter table as a centerpiece or brighten a loved one’s day as a gift. Or if you’re interested in something a bit longer lasting, check out our gorgeous assortment of potted flowering plants. Leave a potted plant on a neighbor’s doorstep as a porch present, or buy some for your own home. Our live flowers will make your Easter extraordinary, indoors and out.

Treasuring the Time

Easter is a sign of change–the darkness of winter will dissipate, days will grow brighter and warmer, and whatever gloom has come before will not reign forever.  Now, more than ever, we need this reminder. In a string of days spent at home, it would be easy to let the holiday come and go without marking the occasion as a special one for yourself and your family. On the other hand, it could be a day full of thoughtful touches and intentionality that sets it apart not just from the days immediately preceding it, but from every Easter you’ve experienced before. This year, Easter is what you make it. Why not make it extraordinary?