As carolers across the country are singing "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year," it is also the busiest time of year for some. Whether it's the challenge of planning, or the cost of entertaining that keeps people from playing host, Sandra Lee, bestselling author and Food Network star will show viewers exactly how to create a heart-warming, memory-making holiday party with ease during her primetime TV special, "Sandra Lee's Semi-Homemade Holiday."

Premiering on Monday, December 15, 2008 at 8pm, the star of the Emmy-nominated Food Network show, "Semi-Homemade Cooking" will share her favorite holiday recipes and entertaining tips that will bring warmth to a home. The "Popular Princess of Presentation" will reveal quick tips and recipes to help anyone enjoy the season while mixing and mingling under the mistletoe instead of being held captive in the kitchen. Using her trademark Semi-Homemade 70/30 concept, preparing meals with 70% store bought product and 30% fresh ingredients, Sandra will make it possible for anyone to create a holiday menu in minutes that looks and tastes like it was created completely from scratch.

The party starts with a clever self-serve cocktail bar that will get everyone in the holiday spirit. In the spotlight are three signature cocktails: a Mistletoe Mojito, Sugarplum Fairy Cocktail, and Polar Espresso. Sandra recruits her friends for some help in the kitchen as they cook together. First up is Sandra's Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms;then 2-in-1 Semi-Homemade money saving and time-saving tactic -- a heart-warming Potato Leek Soup which, with just a few easy steps, turns into Potato Leek Fondue. Everyone will enjoy the main course, a perfect Cranberry Glazed Turkey, along with Brown Butter Almond Brussels Sprouts and individual Sweet Potato Souffles. Sandra's sister Kimber pitches in for dessert with her clever Cappuccino "Cup" Cakes and easy Wreath Cupcakes.

Sandra Lee's Tablescape is a beautiful setting for her guests to gather around and share the meal. This holiday spread will inspire viewers with delicious, inventive ideas. Plus Sandra will share some affordable and attainable tips to envelop a home with the warmth and spirit of the season. "Semi-Homemade Holiday with Sandra Lee" on the Food Network will repeat on Saturday, December 20th at 8am; Sunday, December 21st at 2pm; and Monday, December 22nd at 4pm.

About Sandra Lee and Semi-Homemade

Sandra Lee has a passion for simple solutions that create dramatic results in all areas of home life. She is an internationally-acclaimed home and food expert and host of the Emmy-nominated Food Network series, Semi-Homemade Cooking with Sandra Lee. With 17 books to her credit, she is a New York Times best-selling author. With her trademark 70/30 philosophy, combining 70% ready-made products with 30% fresh ingredients, Sandra Lee's Semi-Homemade advocates for the over-extended person and allows anyone to take 100% of the credit for something that presents as if it were made completely from scratch.