A simple hack for party-ready florals, in 5 minutes!
or
A delicious herbal soda that won’t disappoint!
One-Pot 45 Minute Coq au Vin with Brown Butter Sage Mashed Potatoes.
set the tone
Light a candle to set the mood (and get rid of any lingering odors).
A little background music never hurt, and crowd-pleasing tunes are always a must! Setup a playlist or opt for an online player for a continuous stream.
dress the table
Do a quick de-cluttering and keep the decor light. Create a comfortable ambience with fresh flowers and a clean space.
keep ‘em fed
Easy apps for guests to munch on, leaving time to get the main course on the table.
a cheese board – sans the cheese:
Sweet
- charcuterie, jam, fresh bread, a delicious spread (cream cheese), grapes, fresh seasonal fruit, candied walnuts, mustard, sprigs of thyme
Savory
- olives, hummus or dip, pita chips, crudites, crackers, salted and roasted nuts, sprigs of rosemary
Or, opt for this foolproof guide to creating ultimate cheese plate:
keep the spirits high
basic mixers for cocktails
Keep fresh fruit, citrus, and sparkling water on hand for last-minute mixers. Garden herbs such as rosemary and thyme can give a drink powerful flavor. try this recipe:
food for thought
think ahead
If last-minute drop-ins are a regular thing, a little planning ahead can help take the stress out of finding something to serve. Keep the freezer stocked with dishes you can easily reheat.Think: biscuits, soup, or a marinated meat dish. A well-stocked pantry filled with goodies, doesn’t hurt either!
3 dishes you can whip up in 45 minutes and under!
Grilled Romaine Lettuce Salad with Blue Cheese and Bacon
30-Minute Sesame Roasted Sweet Potatoes
what’s for dessert?
A deliciously decadent sundae you can whip up in 10 minutes flat!
This simple roasted pear crumble that bakes while you dine.
see recipe ▸