Great ideas for entertaining are a dime a dozen which is a blessing but can also be challenging to determine which ideas you are actually going to try. If you are having a tough time selecting your menu for your next gathering go with individuals and minis of some of your favorite things. You can’t go wrong with bite sized treats!
Start the party off right with some spicy shrimp and siracha bloody mary shots from The Shabby Creek Cottage. Yum, and super easy too! For the cocktails you just mix together vodka with tomato juick and bit of Siracha, salt and pepper. You could easily make this in advance had have chilling and ready to pour as the guests arrive. Make ahead items are always a plus when it comes to entertaining.
Make your salads a “little” extra special by serving them in rocks glasses like the ones above from My Baking Addiction. Offer your guests these little refreshing arugula salads topped with strawberries, goat cheese, and almonds. Dress it with a homemade poppy seed dressing and enjoy!
Once you have assembled your menu test it. The day of the party is not the time to try out new recipes you found on Pinterest. If you are going to be serving a recipe you have never made before, be sure to try it out beforehand.
Picture found on bhg.com
If you are entertaining at home make your house party ready. Make sure the bathrooms are sparkling clean since this is the area that your guests will get a nice close look at your home. If the weather is cool be sure to make space to hang guest’s sweaters and/or coats so that as they arrive you are not scrambling looking for a spot to store them.
Décor is another important decision that has to be made when putting together any soiree, wedding, anniversary, or anything worth celebrating. Centerpieces are a major decision since they will be looked at the most by guests seated at the tables, and with a little planning they can be utilized as conversation starters as well. This can be a great advantage if you are hosting an event where people are not necessarily oh so familiar with one another and can help ease any unwanted tension that could occur.
These fire and water centerpieces are a nice variation to traditional floral center pieces. They are a really easy DIY via Martha Stewart. Seriously this is a DIY that would be impossible to screw up. All you need is 2 glass vases, one larger, and one smaller, floral adhesive, and food coloring. They are really beautiful and create a unique ambiance that can’t be beat.
If you are on the fence about choosing flowers or candles, do both with this fun combo from Martha Stewart. Simply place a candle in a tall vessel, and attach a flower outside of each with some raffia to match the flower.
Don’t forget to have a well thought plan of attack ready for your clean up! Once the table has been set, guests arrived, food has been served and thoroughly enjoyed by all of your guests, you will be so glad you did and now you can breathe!
Happy entertaining from Photo Booth of the Stars!
Author: L. Fulton-EventsbyL