Entertaining With Ease
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One of my favorite things to do is entertain. I love creating a guest list, planning a meal, and dreaming up charming and unique ways to decorate our home. When we first bought our house and hosted our initial family gatherings or informal cocktail parties with friends, I always felt overwhelmed and completely stressed out. I found that I was rarely prepared and would spend the majority of my time running around, serving food, and cleaning up. I realized that by doing this, I was not enjoying myself at all and most likely made my guests feel uncomfortable. After reading Ina Garten’s tips for easy entertaining, I began to rethink my approach. I discovered that if everything was organized ahead of time and if I was willing to let the small things go, I would be able to relax and interact with our guests in the manner that I had envisioned. Now, I’m comfortable with serving meals at room temperature (examples: roast chicken or an orzo salad actually taste better this way!), I’m not afraid to accept help when I need it, and I never turn down someone’s offer to bring a dish or dessert. Here is a guideline that I go by whether we are hosting a large party or an intimate get together:
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Bar Cart: You don’t have to own a bar cart per say. Any table will do. The idea is to have a fully stocked bar where guests are free to help themselves. Trust me. This is much better than taking everyone’s drink order. I always make sure to provide an ice bucket, red and white wine, several choices of liquor, tonic and club soda. A plethora of glasses is a must as well as cocktail napkins and I usually include a small bowl of lemon and lime wedges as well.
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Mini Appetizers: Have you ever had that awkward moment where you’re trying to balance a drink in one hand and eat something with a fork? Well, I have and it’s not fun. So, I prefer to serve no fuss one bite appetizers. As much as I like to create different and interesting concoctions, at the end of the day, guests usually gravitate toward the tried and true…pigs in a blanket, grilled cheese squares, or mini hor d’oevres such as crab cakes or quiche. Unless it’s quick and easy to make, I buy the frozen version and pop them in the oven twenty minutes before guests arrive. The house smells inviting and it’s something everyone seems to appreciate.
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Lighting and Music: Ambiance is key. No one wants to walk into a party where you’re greeted by harsh lighting and a quiet setting. I love entering a home that’s full of life…music playing, the smell of food from the kitchen and lovely, soft lighting. I tend to go by the rule that scented candles belong in the bathroom whereas unscented votives can be scattered throughout the house. I think music should start out low key, build and then settle down at the end of an evening. My favorite playlists are anything by John Coltrane, Frank Sinatra, or Harry Connick Jr. For something livlier, I like Buena Vista Social Club or something country like Kenney Chesney.
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Flowers: I live by Barefoot Contessa’s advice which is to display small vases filled with a few stems of one type of flower. In the spring and summer, I simply step outside my door and pluck whatever is growing in my garden and place them in little mason jars or small glasses. During the colder months, I usually opt for tulips or roses and cut their stems down for mini arrangements.
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Dessert: As much as I love a generous slice of cake, I find that guests prefer bite sized options. So, typically, I’ll buy mini brownies, cupcakes, or petit fours. Everyone seems to enjoy these with a cup of coffee (or an after dinner drink) at the end of the night. And I savor mine after everyone has gone home and we have tidied everything up. It’s the little treasures we look forward to the most, isn’t it?
Laura
Sep 26, 2014 @ 17:43:39
Wow! Thanks for sharing such great tips! I love to entertain, whether its brunch, cocktails, or dinner so I’ll defiantly be putting some of your tips and tricks to use!
xx
Laura
http://www.sequinsatbreakfast.com
Naelle - Once in Paris
Sep 22, 2014 @ 07:55:45
I am like you, I LOVE to entertain, invite people, prepare nice meals and cute decoration. but I am unable to take wonderful pictures like you do! wow!!!
Thank you for stepping by my blog. I participate in a French blogger competition and would be so greatful if you could give me your “click”
–> http://www.golden-blog-awards.fr/blogs/once-paris.html
bisous from Paris! 🙂
http://www.once-in-paris.com
Eni
Sep 21, 2014 @ 10:41:57
So complete and beautiful post! I can only learn and follow your example. Kisses,
Eni
http://eniwherefashion.blogspot.it/
Monica
Sep 20, 2014 @ 18:49:21
absolutely beautiful photos
mon | http://www.monsemble.ca
AJ
Sep 20, 2014 @ 15:44:40
Love all your pics! 🙂
XO AJ
TheAJMinute | Twitter | Instagram | Bloglovin
Cara
Sep 19, 2014 @ 19:42:58
Love these tips! Especially the bar cart one, as much as I enjoy hosting I like enjoying my time hosting and drink running can take up all your time!
xx Cara
http://www.carascliche.com
Heidi D.
Sep 19, 2014 @ 18:52:37
Love this post! Such great suggestions!
Heidi D.
http://www.wishesandreality.com
Rebecca
Sep 19, 2014 @ 18:47:29
Your ideas are just wonderful! I am the person that throws a party and always looks stressed out even though I am prepared! I think your helpful tips will makes things smoother for me!
Rebecca
http://www.winnipegstyle.ca
Alison Jeanine
Sep 19, 2014 @ 16:22:33
This is such a fantastic post! I too enjoy entertaining (it’s my favorite thing to prep for a party) and I’ve learned that it’s all in the planning and prep work hours before the gathering as well. Once you’ve got a method down it’s so enjoyable to relax in your own home with good friends around. These are excellent tips to share. 🙂 Xo, Alison
http://www.simplyfairbyalisonjeanine.com
Designs By Katy
Sep 19, 2014 @ 15:25:06
Preach on the appetizer sizing. I am always down for a mini.
http://www.designsbykaty.com
Lindsay
Sep 19, 2014 @ 15:00:31
Great inspiration.
pinkandnavystripes.com
Biana Perez
Sep 19, 2014 @ 14:15:45
I want to come to a dinner party at your house!!! It’s my dream to entertain in a home one day – once we are out of apartment living!!!
Ashley Minck
Sep 19, 2014 @ 13:03:12
Such great tips! I love entertaining but I always get overwhelmed trying to do too much. I need to pick up a copy of that book!
Ivete
Sep 19, 2014 @ 12:33:28
I totally agree with serving items that can be made ahead of time and also room temp. Ina is truly the queen of dinner parties and entertaining! These pics are very pretty.
http://www.girlinahotcity.com
Maggie
Sep 19, 2014 @ 11:48:30
I love me some Ina!! She knows how to make everything chic and elegant! I think entertaining is super hard and I never do it! But I think this approach makes it doable and not so daunting! Happy Friday Kate 🙂
Maggie
http://www.PolishedClosets.com
Eye See Euphoria
Sep 19, 2014 @ 10:23:13
You definitely know how to entertain!
Eye See Euphoria : http://eyeseeeuphoria.com/post/super-fallwinter-2014-casa-nostra-sunglasses-collection