Tips and Recipes for Entertaining

 

Today, I’m sharing some entertaining tips on seamlessly pulling off a any party at your home with no stress and little mess. I know we are all incredibly busy so below you will find pre-made appetizer ideas and how to elevate them with your own specials touch.

Easy Party Appetizers

I think it’s safe to say I like to get creative in the kitchen, and you’ve heard me say “homemade is always better.” If there is an exception to every rule, the holidays have this one in the bag. This year do less while cooking, while making it appear you did more.

How? We’ll take yet another page out of Sandra Lee’s book and do some semi-homemade party appetizers.

The best place to shop for a hungry crowd is Costco. They have a vast frozen food section with bite-sized appetizers that only require a little oven time; easy enough! Add your own spin on things by serving them topped with fresh garnishes or with a savory dipping sauce on the side.

Here are some appetizers from Costco that I love to serve at parties with ideas and recipes on how to upgrade them:

1. Assorted Quiche topped with fresh herbs (chives or parsley)
2. Chicken Taquitos with Creamy Jalapeno Ranch Dip (Chuy’s Copycat)
3. Spanikopita with Greek Taziki Sauce
4. Pigs n A Blanket served with mustard trio (Dijon, Yellow, and Whole Grain)

Specialty Cocktails

Your guests will definitely need something to wash down all the delicious dips with and I’ve got some great cocktail ideas for you!

View all of my cocktail recipes here

1. Ginger Spice
2. Raspberry Moscow Mule
3. BLT Bar (Bourbon Lemon and Tonic)
4. Pomegranate Margarita
5. Rosemary Champs

Entertaining Tips

For any party, think more like our girl Sandra Lee and less like Julia Child. You don’t have to make everything from scratch to pull off something amazing. Presentation is key, and I’ve already given you some innovative ideas for how to present your hors d’oeuvres and elevate your cocktails, now it’s time to give yourself a little love.

Glow App | Uber for Hair and Makeup

Let’s face it, you are on your way to being the hostess with the mostest. Between being the master planner of your party, sending out invites, shopping for supplies, and preparing the appetizers and libations, you are overdue for a drink and a quick decision!

Decide last minute you’d rather not fool with hair and makeup for your party?

You are in luck if you live in the Nashville or Birmingham area, where a beauty professional can be booked just days before the big event.

Sit back and sip while the GLOW Pros come to your home and complete your look with a makeup application, blowout, or spray tan! Simply download the GLOW app on your phone and choose which service you’d like. You can also choose your preferred GLOW Pro, see availability, book and pay all from the app. It’s like Uber for beauty!

Happy Hosting!

Xoxo

Meredith