When it comes to stress-free holiday entertaining, no one does it better than this dream team! Meet the Grand Squad, composed of three grandparents who use wisdom, swank and style to handle anything and everything the season throws at them.

Nostalgia Noms - Pepper’s Scalloped Potatoes

Whip up Our Cooking Ace Pepper Teigen’s Favorite Holiday Dish.

If you need a new dish to bring to your festive feast or if you don’t want to go empty-handed to a holiday shindig–this recipe is just the thing.

Ingredients:

• 5 lbs. russet potatoes, peeled, if desired
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1¼ lbs. ham, cut into ½” cubes
• 12 slices bacon, sliced crosswise, divided
• 1 stick (4 oz.) unsalted butter
• 2 Tbsp. garlic salt
• ½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 5½ cups whole milk

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Halve potatoes lengthwise, then slice crosswise into thin half-moons. Using a colander, rinse well with cold water.
2. In large bowl, toss together potatoes, onion and ham.
3. In large saucepan over medium-low heat, cook half the bacon, stirring occasionally, until the fat is rendered and bacon is crisp, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove bacon from pan; set aside.
4. In same pan, add butter, stirring until melted but not burned. Stir in garlic salt and pepper. Whisk in flour. Continue stirring and working out lumps until smooth. Whisk in milk until smooth.
5. Increase heat to high; bring to boil. Continue whisking until thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
6. In 9x13” baking dish, spread half the potato mixture into an even layer. Cover with half the sauce and cooked bacon. Repeat with remaining potatoes and sauce. Arrange uncooked bacon squares on top of sauce.
7. Bake, uncovered, until bacon appears crispy and rendered, 30 to 35 minutes.
8. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F and cover baking dish loosely with foil. Continue cooking until bubbling, about 1 hour, 30 minutes. Let cool before serving.

Holiday Hacks: SCENT-Sational Saucy Sips

Looking for a beverage that’s goes above and beyond? This slow cooked apple cider fills your home with the warm and comforting smells of the season as it brews.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups apple cider
• 4 cups pear nectar or juice
• ¼ cup honey
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 1” fresh ginger root, peeled and sliced
• 6 whole cloves
• ¼ tsp. ground nutmeg

Directions:

1. In 4-5-quart slow cooker, stir together cider, nectar and honey. Add cinnamon sticks, ginger root, cloves and nutmeg. Cover.
2. Cook on high 1½-2 hours or until hot and flavors have blended.

Touch of Tinsel- Peace Keeping Place Cards

Stress a little less with these nifty problem-solving place cards. Now, not only do all your guests know where to sit, but they also have a fun conversation starter that keeps the discourse merry and light.

Items:

• Cardboard stock
• Pen
• Twine
• Rosemary swigs
• Hole puncher

Directions:

1. On cardboard stock, write the name of a guest and a conversation starter.
2. Punch a hole in cardboard stock.
3. Stick rosemary sprigs through hole and fasten with a twine bow.
4. Seat guest and enjoy light, bright conversation.

Touch of Tinsel- A Nod to Napkins

Create a welcoming and festive place setting with beautifully decorated (and scented!) napkins. It’s simple touches like these that add to the magic of your holiday memories.

Items:

• Cinnamon
• Napkin
• Ribbon
• Dried berries, optional

Directions:

1. Fold napkin to desired shape and secure with a ribbon – we kept ours simple with a roll fold.
2. Sprinkle cinnamon into the fold of the napkin. Decorate with berries for an additional festive touch, if desired.
3. Watch your guests enjoy your handy craftsmanship