Entertaining

4th of July Entertaining

Holidays are always something that I look forward to. They are an excuse to take time away from work to relax and enjoy the company of others. They are also the perfect opportunity to throw a party, and who doesn’t enjoy a party? Unfortunately, almost everyone except the hostess because of all of the hard …

A DIY (Dress-It-Yourself) Hot Dog Bar for July 4th

Not sure what to have at your 4th of July cookout? Tired of the same old burgers? Try a DIY (Dress-It-Yourself) Hot Dog Bar! For our hot dog bar, I grilled organic, uncured, all-beef hot dogs and sweet Italian sausages. You could include kielbasa, veggie dogs, chicken sausages – anything! I also served both whole …

Host a Late Summer Mimosa Bar!

Many people view Labor Day as the end of summer, but the calendar gives us a few more weeks to celebrate the season.  And with the weather cooling slightly as we head into fall, these days are perfect for hosting a late summer mimosa bar to bid summer adieu.    Gather your girlfriends and plan a …

Lucky You! St Patrick’s Day Inspiration

It’s almost here!  That quirky fun spring holiday that lets you do as much or as little as you wish.  Being of Irish descent, I always enjoy doing a little something — whether it’s simple decorations, a tasty meal or treat, or a little DIY.  Today I’m sharing some St. Patrick’s Day inspiration so you …

Cinco de Mayo!!

Ever since the Mexican Army’s unlikely victory over French forces during the 1862 Battle of Puebla, the fifth of May has served as a celebration of Mexican heritage and a welcomed excuse to party!  In the United States, Cinco de Mayo is often confused with Mexican Independence Day, which is actually observed on September 16th.  …

Simple Spring Entertaining Tips

Now that we’ve officially welcomed spring, my thoughts always turn to getting together with friends and family.  After being hunkered down during the winter months, I’m ready to throw open my home and fill it with light and loved ones.  And with the spring schedule being what it usually is,  I know that the best …

Game Day Worthy Bites

Ah, the big game is upon us… are you Team Seattle or Team New England?  Either way it’s time to think about your game day menu!  And for these games that go on for four plus hours, it’s important to keep the menu easy breezy,  suited for the come-and-go crowd, and filling and that means …

Worry-free New Year’s Party Ideas

As the last days of 2013 are winding down, it’s time to start planning the arrival of a New Year. Don’t let hosting your own New Year’s Eve celebration become stressful.  We’re often a little weary and worn from all the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday festivities . . . food preparations, gifting, traveling, etc. Have …

Four Things to Remember for Celebrating the Fourth

It’s almost upon us!  That mid-summer holiday we love to celebrate with family and friends — the Fourth of July.  To keep your entertaining simple and enjoyable, here are four things to think about as you plan your celebration. 1.  Festive decorations.  These are simple ways to up the festive factor for your gathering. Notice …

How-to: Stress-Free Outdoor Entertaining

I love to entertain outdoors!  It can be the simplest way to entertain, and who doesn’t want simple during the spring and summer months??  All it takes is some preparation and organization and you will be able to join your guests in the fun, instead of working throughout your party.  I’ve pulled together my favorite …

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