The season for giving and gathering is upon us. This post will contain entertaining essentials for every gathering this season!
From what to cook, mix and gift this Entertaining Essentials Guide has you covered.
Planning the Meal
Food brings people together and no summary of Entertaining Essentials is complete without some decadent menu options. When you’re entertaining, decide if you’ll cook or cater.
If you decide to cook, make one showstopper with the rest of the menu easy apps and sides. Take every short cut you can as you’ll be making multiple dishes. When you’re cooking for a crowd prep is key! If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Here are some of my entertaining essentials in recipes, cookware and meal prep.
Top Recipes for Entertaining
Sweet and Spicy Jalapeño Salsa
How to make a Charcuterie Board
Grab 31 of my favorite recipes inside the E-cookbook! Grab the E-cookbook now.
Top Catering for Entertaining
If you decide to cater or pick up remade here are some of my top picks:
I love their charcuterie items, spreads and lemon rosemary chicken is delish!
What’s not to love? Their fresh pasta and seafood selection is second to none.
Baked goods and fresh produce can’t be beat.
There is nothing at TJ’s I don’t love especially their pre-made appetizers. I love their spinach and artichoke dip, puff pastries, pre-made pie crust and flatbreads to serve as appetizers.
Such a good selection of already made dishes. I love their olive and herb couscous!
Beverages and Cocktails
Keep it simple by offering canned or glassed beverages, one signature drink, one cocktail or sparkling juice and your favorite wine. Extra points for fancy garnishes.
Here are a few of my favorite cocktails or wines.
Festive Sangria (you can make in a large batch or punch bowl!)
Aperol Spritz
The Golden Hour Bourbon Cocktail
For Mocktails I love starting with a lime or lemon base and building on that. This Limemade makes for a great mocktail starter. Speciality Lemonades are also great choices. Always try to offer a mocktail or non-alcoholic option for those who still want to be festive but do not drink.
Serving Coffee, Tea and Hot Cocoa with dessert always warms guests up when entertaining.
Setting the Table
Table, linens and seating are the basics of creating the perfect tablescape when entertaining.
Here are some of my favorite items including linens, plates, flatware, serving dishes and more to create the perfect tablescape.
Creating an Ambience
To create the perfect ambience use the senses! Lighting, scents and the perfect playlist helps you to entertain with the best vibes.
Some of my favorite scents include scents from Capri Blue. You also can’t go wrong with the scent of a roaring fire! Nothing sets the mood more.
If you don’t want to light a flame incense also is a great addition or make your own cinnamon and cranberry punch or bake apple chips to get the house smelling perfectly festive.
I hope you enjoy the holiday season with these tips and tricks for entertaining. I’d love to hear how you love to entertain in the comments below!
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