ALWAYS ENTERTAINING @home eat party love
About the Author / Top LA Event Producer
Samantha Heart
I hope you enjoy exploring my ebook! It is packed full of fun ideas for exploring the world of home entertaining. I researched the internet and found the best ideas that are simple and easy to do and compiled them here for you in one easy book All of these ideas can be found on line and everything can be purchased on line as well. I am working on my own website to sell items directly from there, so check back there soon!
My Background
I spent the last 20 years producing events in California I also opened 6 restaurant concepts from the ground floor up with various restauranteurs I had the honor of producing 2 Presidential Dinners and a host of Oscar Parties, Grammy Parties, Emmy Parties and Movie Premieres. I have a passion for design as well as for food and cooking! So this is the perfect career for me The key to my success , aside from having a creative talent is always to be kind and stay positive!
I definitely brought my passion and experience from being one of the top event producers in Los Angeles for 20 years into my home as I raised my two children. My home parties were always over the top! I always like to have a theme of some kind, then I expand on that theme in every area. My guests were always asking me questions about my designs Where did I get those risers? How did I learn to display food so beautifully? Where do you come up with such fun ideas? I will share with you loads of ideas and easy to make appetizers, drinks and entrees. You don't have to be a great chef to make these! From a simple backyard BBQ to elegant holiday dinner parties. You will be a pro at Always Entertaing @home!
MUST HAVE ITEM #1
There are some essential items you should purchase that you will use for all your home parties So as you read through this book you will find pages titled "Must Have Items". These will be items I suggest you purchase for your home entertaining. Every home should have them First item on the list: RISERS
A GOOD INVESTMENT
Anyone can put out a bunch of platters of food on a table and lay down a table cloth and be done with it. But I have to ask why? Its simple to take it up a notch my using risers and creating layers on your buffet that is easy to do and suddenly you have a beautiful display! You can use wood boxes, or cake plates with pedestals or terra cotta pots turned upside down and topped with a piece of wood! You can also buy acrylic risers. Then decorate with flowers, fresh herbs, grapes on the vine, lemons and limes or decor to match your holiday theme under and around.
Let the Parties Begin!
SUMMER PARTIES
As summer approaches we all get excited for all the fun holidays we get to celebrate and the great food we get to enjoy! The kick off to the summer fun is Memorial Day weekend . The end of the summer fun is Labor Day weekend. Right in the middle is 4th of July! What is great about these three holidays is that you can use many of the decor items and these recipies for all three parties
On the following pages are easy to make , fun receipies you can do for your back yard BBQ along with creative decorating ideas and beautiful table scapes Also a shopping list of suggestions and must have items for all your summer events!
Memorial Day, 4th of July or Labor Day can be filled with fun themes
4th of July is all about the American Flag and celebrating our country's birthday So lets go with Red, White and Blue everything!
Memorial Day can kick off the summer with a fun Clam Bake Think sea shells, nautical theme, lobsters and shrimp!
As the end of summer approaches with Labor Day in September why not celebrate with a Luau theme Everyone will have a lovely summer tan and who doesn't love some steel drum music, and all the color and food associated with a backyard Luau!
S U M M E R F U N !
4TH OF JULY
4th of July is such a festive holiday. It kicks off the summer season of backyard entertaining and what is great about this holiday is you can use a lot of the same ideas for Memorial Day weekend and even Labor Day!
You can make your backyard look super festive with red, white and blue paper lanterns. Hang them from your porch cover or bunch them up under an patio umbrella. Super inexpensive decor idea to add color !
r is also the kick off to great fresh per easy fruit skewers using es, strawberries and marshmellows ating an American Flag design will all your guests!
ave a swimming pool buying beach d floating them on the pool is also a way to decorate your backyard
4TH OF JULY TABLE SCAPES
TABLE SCAPE
Red, White and Blue is the theme So lets start with a festive Table Runner I suggest getting blue and white so you can use it through out the summer for different themed parties. Layering charger plates with colored plates in different colors will look great I love the Woven Placemates , which adds a nice texture to the table and then layering with dinner plates I suggest you invest in a set white dinner plates. You can buy a set of 10-12 and you will use these over and over again and they go with everything! When using napkin rings try using all three colors! Bandanas are cute to use here as napkins or in the Mason Jars as a liner Lanterns are great to use as a centerpiece and add height and a nice ambient light to the table If you buy the metal ones you can paint them for each holiday different colors! (just take the glass out first)
MASON JARS
You need to purchase mason jars! You will use them over and over again Here we show them painted like the American Flag and used for serving utencils. Love this must have idea!
PAPER HOT DOG BOATS AND PAPER CHIP HOLDERS
For your hot dogs I love having the little paper hot dog holders to serve the hot dogs in I usually do a Haute Dog bar so my guests can garnish their dogs in a variety of ways These boats work great for that Also bagging up your chips in little chip bags which you can decorate with fun 4th of July stickers makes it super handy for your guests to grab from and then they can mingle and eat at the same time And keeps your fingers clean!
SUGGESTED SUMMER STAPLES
Woven place matt
White Plates
Wood tray with handles
Blue & White table runner
Medal lanterns
Colored buckets
Fun napkin rings
BLUEBERRY, TOMATO CAPRESE SALAD
Ingredients
CherryTomatoes
Blueberries
Mozzarellacheese
FreshBasil-torninto pieces
Oliveoil
BalsalmicVinegar
Saltandpeppertotaste
What could be more festive than a Red , White and Blue Caprese Salad for your 4th of July celebration? This traditionaly savory salad is taken to a whole new level with sweet burst of blueberries! Use a cookie cutter Star Shape to cut the cheese into little stars. Toss with a little olive oil and a dash of Balsalmic Vinegar and salt and pepper to taste.
HAUTE DOG !
Using small ramekins or bowls create a fun "build your own" Haute Dog bar. Grill the hot dogs and place in paper hot dog boats , then send your guests to the buffet to top them off with yummy toppings!
Hawaiian-Grilled pineapple, red onion, teriyaki sauce
Italian- Grilled onions, roasted red peppers, pepperoncini
Chicago- Pickled peppers, chopped tomato, mustard , onion
Mexican- Grilled corn, cotija cheese, cilantro, tomato, onion, chopped avocado
4TH OF JULY WINE SPRITZERS
Ingredients
2 cups watermelon stars
1 cup blueberries
One bottle chilled white wine
One litre Sprite or 7up
Blueberries and Star Shaped watermelon garnish and float in this festive 4th ofJuly Wine Spritzer! Using the same star shaped cookie cutter, cut out your watermelon in the same creative way .Using a crisp dry white wine (because you will be adding lemon lime soda) is important So I suggest a Fume Blanc which has lemon undertones Anything dry with citrus notes would be perfect
4TH OF JULY TRIFLE
Ingredients
1pre-madeAngleFoodCake
1/4cupplus +2/3cupsugar
1/4cupfreshlemonjuice
1/4tspalmondextract
1lbsroomtempurature creamcheese
2cupsheavycream
2pintsblueberries
2pintsstrawberries,slices
Heat 1/4 cup sugar, lemon juice and 1/4 cup water in saucepan until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and add almond extract. Cut the angle food cake into slices and brush mixture on slices, then cube them into one inch cubes. Beat remaining 2/3 cup sugar with the cream cheese. Arrange half the pound cake on the bottom of a trifle bowl or similar type deep clear bowl. Top with a layer of blueberries and half the cream cheese mix and spread evenly.Top with a layer of strawberries. Repeat this entire process again! Finish with remaining fruit on the top decoratively if desired. Cover and refrigerate for one hour at least. Yum yum in my tum tum! So easy and absolutely beautiful!
CLAM BAKE!
Who does't love a good end of summer clam bake! I think many people think it is more complicated then it actually is. And so much spectacular! You can do this at the beach or in your back yard. Also, as you know, I love to reuse decor items so remember all the red ,white and blue items for the 4th of July? There are many items from that party that you can use for this event, or vice versa, since Memorial Day comes before the 4th!
Start with some fun buckets. You can get these at any party supply place . These buckets can be used over and over again for so many things. Silverware, chips, shells from your clam bake.
Here is where you might want to invest in some large size serving buckets for icing your chardonnay and/or some beautiful cold shrimp. Add some grilled corn and you are on your way to a festive , fun Clam Bake!
CLAM BAKE TABLE SCAPE
A R T Y T I P S
H O W T O D E C O R A T E F O R Y O U R E V E N T
Y O U R T A B L E
S e t y o u r t a b l e w i t h l a y e r s . S t a r t w i t h a B l u e a n d
W h i t e t a b l e r u n n e r . O r y o u c a n u s e a p a p e r
r u n n e r a s a n o t h e r o p t i o n ! T h e n y o u c a n l a y e r
w i t h w o v e n c h a r g e r p l a t e s a g a i n . A n a u t i c l e
t h e m e d n a p k i n r i n g l i k e a l i f e r i n g i s a c u t e i d e a .
U s i n g a w h i t e p l a t e a s t h e m a i n d i s h , a d d m i n i
c o l l a n d e r s f o r t h e c l a m s h e l l s . A d d a l o b s t e r b i b
a n d y o u a r e a l l s e t . C o l o r e d w a t e r g o b b l e t s w o u l d
b e a n i c e t o u c h a s w e l l .
Y O U R C E N T E R P I E C E
L a n t e r s m a k e t h e p e r f e c t c e n t e r p i e c e . I f y o u a r e
c r a f t y b u y m e t a l o n e t h a t y o u c a n s p r a y p a i n t
d i f f e r e n t c o l o r s f o r e a c h p a r t y a s I m e n t i o n e d
e a r l i e r . U s e y o u r l i t t l e m e t a l b u c k e t s f o r s e r v i n g
y o u r c l a m s . F o r y o u r c o r n u s e y o u r l a r g e w o o d
s e r v i n g t r a y . I f y o u w a n t , a d d s o m e p l a s t i c
l o b s t e r s f o r f u n ! A n d L e m o n s ! J u s t s c a t t e r t h e m
d o w n t h e c e n t e r o f t h e t a b l e .
P L A C E C A R D S
U s i n g c l a m s h e l l s p a i n t y o u r g u e s t s n a m e o n t h e
o u t s i d e i n w h i t e p a i n t . O r d o t h e s a m e w i t h S a n d
d o l l a r s ! Y o u c a n a l s o u s e a s i m p l e s e a s h e l l s o r
c o r a l a s w e l l a s s e e n i n t h e p h o t o t o t h e r i g h t .
Plastic Lobster
MORE SUMMER STAPLES
Large ice bowls
Colored goblets- try Home Goods or Flea Markets
Big, deep pot and collandar- use for pasta, stemaing and chilii Mini collandars (or you can use your buckets too)i
Love this colored silverware seti Lobster Bibsi Woven napkin rings- these to a long wayi
GARLIC BUTTER CLAMS
Ingredients
11/2halfpounds manilaclams
2TBSPunsalted butter
2clovesgarlic 1/4cupwhitewine 3dashescayenne pepper
1TBSPlemonjuice 1tspchoppedparsley
Heat up a skillet on medium heat. Add butter and saute the chopped garlic. Add clams into skillet. Add wine and cayenne pepper. Toss around. Cover the skillet with the lid and let cook for one minute or until the clams open up. Add lemon juice and parsley. Voila! The smell is amazing! Serve with crunchy bread or even over a bed of Linguine!
GRILLED BUTTER CORN
Ingredients
4earsfreshcorn, shucked
4TBSPunslated butter,room temperature 1lemonzestedand cutintowedgesfor serving 1/4TSPOLDBAY seasoning.
Heat the grill on medium high Grill the corn , turning occassionally ,until cooked through and lightly charred -about 10-12 minutes. Alternatively you can boil the corn for 5-7 minutes, but you don't get that yummy charred flavor In a small bowl mix together butter, 1/2 the lemon zest and old bay seasoning. Slather this mixture all over the corn For the clam bake I suggest cutting the corn into 3 pieces Sprinkle with remaining lemon zest and a little more old bay seasoning. Serve with lemon wedges for squeezing additionally if so desiered.
BUTTER SEARED LOBSTER TAILS
Ingredients
46oz(170g)lobster tails-shellsremovedbut tailsremaining.
1TSPsaltortotaste
Crackedpeppertotaste
2TBSPcookingoil
1/2cupunsaltedbutter, divided
2TBSPfreshlemon juice,(adjusttoyour taste)
4largeclovesgarlic crushedLemonslicesto serve
1tablespoonfresh choppedparsleyto garnish
Season lobster tails generously with salt and pepper.Heat 2 tablespoons butter and oil in a pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Swirl in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and sear lobster, flesh side down on the pan, for 2 minutes until edges are crisp and golden.Flip all tails, cover pan and let cook for a further 1-2 minutes, or until shells are pink and meat has just cooked through (opaque) -- be careful not to overcook! (TIP: If shells have not completely changed color, simply use tongs to rotate the lobster in the hot pan juices until shells have changed color ) Melt the remaining butter in the center of the pan; sauté the garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute). Squeeze in remaining lemon juice and spoon pan juices over the lobster meat Take off heat immediately and garnish with parsley. Serve with remaining pan sauce in a dipping bowl some and lemon slices.
MUST HAVE ITEMS #2
ICING BUCKETS AND/OR BOWLS:
As mentioned , when entertaining at home there are some great staple pieces that you should invest in that you will use over and over again for all your home parties One of those being large size icing buckets or bowls They look so elegant and are such a great way to chill your wine or champagne at a self serve bar Also with larger event you can ice shrimp or crab claws, or serve popcicles out of them! They make popcicles with alcohol in them too which would be a tasty surprise for your guests
Take your presentation over the top for a bridal shower or birthday party or wedding event by using ice cube tray and putting fresh flowers in the water before freezing them Then even your ice cubes are making a statement! You can do this with sliced lemon or limes as well
Hawaiian Luau PartyIdeas!
E S U M M E R F U N !
UAU!
screams summer more than a This was the theme for my 40th ay bash in my own backyard. My ay is in July , so it was the perfect theme
my guests were invited to dress in finest Luau outfits. Grass skirts, Hawaiin shirts, burmuda shorts, nut bra tops, Hawaiian print ing suits with sarongs and straw It was so fun and everyone came sed for the party! I greeted them Leis as they arrived. I hired Hula cers , so I used them to hand out Leis as guests entered
is a super colorful party to design. k Hawaiian everything! Certainly you need grass skirting, pineapples, trees and leis everywhere I also a steel drum band that took the to another level. Of course we ed Mai Tais which I batched for self service Also tiki torches nd the back yard is festive too
cuisine was also themed with lots sh fruit , pineapple fried rice, wers of beef and chicken with aki sauce , and Hawaiian Macaroni d
LUAU DECOR IDEAS
MOST ITEMS AVAILABLE AT ANY PARTY STORE- LIKE PARTY CITY BALLOONS, PHOTO BACKDROPS, GRASS SKIRTS, COLORED LANTERNS
Hanging Lanterns
Grass skirts on tables or backs of chairs- party supply store
Photo booth backdrops- at Zazzle or Etsy
Leis- Party supply store
Garland
HAWAIIAN CHICKEN SKEWERS
Ingredients
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1 inch cubes
1 red bell pepper cut into 1 inch cubes
1 yellow red bell pepper cut into 1 inch cubes
1 green bell pepper cut into 1 inch cubes
1 red onion cut into 1 inch cubes
2 cups fresh pineapple cut into 1 inch cubes green onions for garnish
1 cupTerriyaki Sauce
Marinate the chicken in the 3/4 cups of the sauce in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Thread the chicken on skewers along with the peppers, red onion, and pineapple.Grill for 8-10 minutes until the meat is done to desired liking. Remove from the grill and baste with reserved sauce. Garnish with green onions if desired. Can be done with beef or shrimp as well!
HAWAIIAN PINEAPPLE FRIED RICE
Ingredients
1cupuncookedjasmine rice
2cupswater
1/2cupcannedcubed pineapple
1TBSPfishsauce
1TBSPsoysauce
2TSPpalmsugar
1TSPcurrypowder
2TBSPvegetableoil
¼cupmincedredonion
2TBSPmincedgarlic
2TSPmincedginger
4ouncesshrimp,30/40 count,peeledand deveined-ifdesired
½cupdicedredbell pepper
½cupgreenpeas,fresh orfrozen,defrosted
¼cupslicedgreen onions blackpepper,asneeded forseasoning cilantroleaves,for garnish
This recipe uses long grain, Thai jasmine rice. To make steamed rice, use the simple boil and simmer method. Add a ratio of 1:2 rice to water to the pot. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, cover and reduce to a simmer Let the rice cook until it absorbs all of the water. Do not remove the lid or stir the rice until it’s done cooking! The rice should have a tender bite and be easy to separate the grains with a fork. Allow the rice to cool down a bit while you gather and prepare the rest of the ingredients In a small bowl mix together fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and curry powder.Heat a wok or large saute pan over high heat. Add the vegetable oil, once hot add the onions, ginger, and garlic, stir-fry for 30 seconds Add the shrimp and cook until it turns pink in color, about 2 minutes Add the bell pepper and peas, cook 1 minute Add the rice, constantly stir to combine and cook for 2 minutes. Add the fish sauce mixture and stir to combine. Add the diced pineapple and green onions, stir to combine Season rice with black pepper as desired Transfer rice into pineapple bowl ( or regular bowl) and garnish with cilantro leaves or green onion.
HAWAIIAN MACARONI SALAD
Ingredients
Saltandfreshlyground blackpepper
1poundelbowmacaroni
1/4cupapplecider vinegar
2cupswholemilk
2cupsmayonnaise
1TBSP brownsugar
4scallions,thinlysliced
2carrots,peeledand grated
2stalkscelery,finely chopped
1/2cupchoppedpinapple choppedhamoptional
In a large stockpot, bring 4 quarts water and 1 tablespoon salt to a boil, Stir in pasta and cook until soft, about 15 minutes, stirring often. Drain well, transfer to a large bowl, and stir in vinegar. Cool at least 10 minutes.Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together milk, mayonnaise, brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 2 teaspoons pepper. Pour over cooled noodles and stir until evenly coated.Fold in scallions, carrots, and celery and stir to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour. This is a traditional Hawaiian cold pasta salad. You might add less apple cidar vinegar to start and add more as you desire. It gives it a nice bite. But some people don't like a strong taste of it.
BATCHED MAI TAI'S
Ingredients
20 servings
1-96oz.orangejuice
1-48ozpineapplejuice
1cupgrenadinesyrup
1cupOrgreatsyrup (Almond)
5cupsMalibuRum
1fifthMyersDarkRum, forserving/floatingon top(optional)
Garnishwithsliced pineappleororange wedge
In a large jar or drink cooler, combine everything except the dark rum together, give it a stir. Stand back while they start to line up! Dark rum is for a float on top of each cocktail. Garnish with Pineapple, orange slices or a pretty flower or fun paper umbrella!
MUST HAVE ITEMS #3
BEVERAGE STATIONS: ANOTHER GOOD INVESTMENT
When inviting large groups of friends and family over you need to have a game plan in place where your guests can serve themselves cocktails , unless you are hiring a bartender (which isn't a bad a idea with extra large groups!)
So the best thing to do is come up with a specialty drink for the night and make a big batch of it The beverage containers with the drink sprouts are a perfect purchase for this. Every home should have at lease one Remember when using these drink dispensers not to put anything in your batched cocktail that will clog the little spout Put garnish on the side
The other great idea is a Sparkling Wine bar I love these! Another great purchase for home entertaining is having a few carafs on hand For a mimosa bar you can fill them with different juice options and add fresh fruit to match and label with a cute labels you can get from your local party store
Finally a standing Troth of some kind is a really beautiful way to chill your bottles and looks elegant There are so many vaireties of these I love the copper ones But there are lots of choices You can put beer or wine or champagne in these. When not using for a party you can put potted plants!
LET'S FALL IN LOVE WITH FALL PARTIES
FALL
Fall is the most colorful time of the year A chill is in the air, the leaves are all changing colors and you can't stop thinking about pumkin spice!
I'd like to share some "out of the box" ideas with you like this Pumkin Ice Bucket! How cute is this. Just cut a pumkins top off and clean it out Let it dry out Fill with ice and Voila! Cute Pumkin ice bucket!
I also love to use Eucalyptis vines for table runners You can use fake or real Fake are good because you can reuse them for the holidays as well! Just add loose pumkins and some votives or pillars for a beautiful table scape! You can also wrap the vines e too) around a or! used for ALL paint them and ther and fill with fall many things. Love e inexpensive! Easy un to do!
THANKSGIVINGTABLE SCAPE
FALL FUN
CUTE IDEAS FOR YOUR TABLE SCAPE
PICTURE TABLE RUNER
Create a memorable table runner by printing family photos and glueing them to either an old table runner or a paper table runner. Do them in color or all black and white. Include relatives from generations ago till today I love this idea Credit to Mindy Weiss for this fabulous idea!
SPRAY PAINT YOUR PUMKINS!
Take your Fall table to a whole new level by simply spray painting your pumkins any color you like! I love white with glitter to add a little pizazz. Use spray glue. Also if you buy the mini pumkins you can write your guests name on them and use as place cards.
PUMKIN CENTERPIECE WITH SUCCULENTS
Carve our a pumkin as you normally would only just the top part Fill with a piece of foam ( the kind you use for flowers which you can get at any craft store) Top with Moss and add succulents. Start with a couple big ones in the center and add little ones around those. Use some long dangly ones as well. Use spray glue for adhering the moss and regular tacky glue for the succulents. Cut the stems of the succulents short and put the glue on the end and add to moss! Easy and beautiful.
WOOD TRAYS OR WOOD BOXES FILLED WITH PUMPKINS
Use a pretty wood tray or a long wood box ( like a flower box for your window) and fill with assorted pumkins, candles and fall leaves. Super simple. Purchasing a large wood serving tray is a staple item I suggested earlier. You can use this tray for this centerpiece !
FALL STAPLES SHOPPING
Wood tray again!
Sage garland again! !
Tree trunk charger plate again!
Gold charger plate !
Gold napkin rings- you can't go wrong with these- Pottery Barn, Target !
CARAMEL APPLE NACHOS
Ingredients
4largegreenapples
1cupkraftcaramels
1TBSPwater
1cupwhitechocolatechips
1/2cupminichocolate chips
1HealthCandybarcrushed
Slice apples into 8 slices and arrange slices on a platter Place caramels in a microwave bowl with 1 TBSP water. Microwave in 25 second intervals until metled. Drizzle on apples. In another microsafe bowl place white chocolate and microwave in 25 second intervals until melted Drizzle over apples. Top apples with mini cholocate chips and crushed Heath bar and serve immediately! Yummm!
SAUSAGE, PEPPERS, ONIONS
Ingredients
2tablespoonsoliveoil
1greenbellpepper,sliced(into 2to3inchlongstrips)
1redbellpepper(slicedinto2to 3inchlongstrips)
1bellpepper(anothercolor, yellowororangeorpurple, slicedintostrips2-3inches long)
4garliccloves(slicedinto slivers)
1yellowonion(orlargesweet, slicedinto1/4-inchhalf-moons)
15ouncescrushedtomatoes
1TBSPdriedoregano
1/2cupmarsalawine(optional)
1/2teaspoonredpepperflakes (optional) salt(totaste)
In a large skillet heat olive oil on medium heat and add sausages and brown them on all sides , then remove and set aside. Turn the heat up and sautee onions, peppers .Toss and sear them as well making sure they are well coated with the oil. Once they are softend,sprinkle with salt. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Deglaze the pan with some red wine with a wooden spoon, making sure to lift all the brown bits on the bottom of the pan. Let the wine cook down to half. Add the tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using) and stir well to combine. Add the sausages back in. Bring to a simmer. then reduce the heat to low.Cover and simmer until the peppers are soft and the sausages are cooked through, about 20 minutes. Serve with some crunchy bread loafs that your guests can make sandwiches out of. So good!
BROWN SUGAR PECAN ROASTED SWEET POTATOES
Ingredients
2largesweetpotatoes(~15lbs)
4-5TBSPsaltedbutter
3TBSPbrownsugar
1/2cupchoppedpecans
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees .Scrub sweet potatoes, peel, and dice into 1-2 inch cubes. Transfer potatoes to a large mixing bowl Melt salted butter and chop up pecans Add brown sugar, chopped pecans and melted butter to sweet potatoes. Mix well to evenly coat sweet potatoes.Transfer sweet potatoes to a baking sheet, and spread them out. Do not overlap the sweet potatoes.Bake for 40 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are tender.Serve warm and enjoy!
PUMPKIN DUMP CAKE
Ingredients
30ouncecanpumpkinpuree
12ouncesevaporatedmilk
4largeeggs
1½cupsgranulatedsugar
2teaspoongroundcinnamon
2teaspoonpumpkinpiespice
1boxyellowcakemix
1cupsaltedbutter
1cupchoppedpeacans whippedcreamforserving
vanillaicecreamforserving
Preheat oven to 350°F and set aside a 9×13-inch baking dish.Beat together the pumpkin, milk, eggs, sugar, and spices and pour it into the baking dish.Evenly sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix over the top of the pumpkin puree mixture. I like to sprinkle mine with a little extra pumpkin pie spice after the cake mix has been added. Melt the butter and pour over the cake mix .Finally, spread the nuts evenly over the top of the cake. Bake for 1 hour.
Serve warm with ice cream, whipped cream, and a dash of pumpkin spice. You can sub out yellow cake mix for spice cake mix if you like as well. This will be a huge hit with all your guests!
CHRISTMAS
HOLIDAYS
There are so many ways you can decorate for the holidays Red and Green, White and Gold, Woodsy, Neon colors, Grinch who stole Christmas, etc I could write a whole book on just holiday decor! For this book I'm going to focus on a Farmhouse Christmas with a touch of glam. My personal style in interior design is "comfy chic", so there is always a little sparkle somewhere
The theme throughout this book has been to have some staple pieces that can be used in different ways for different events Here I love to use the carved log table chargers. So I would start with those. You could also use the gold charger plates of course The white plates will again be a great choice here
Remember the Eucalyptis table runner from Thanksgiving? (or you can use a Sage runner ) Use this down the center of the table. Layer with candles, christmas balls, pinecones and/ or flowers.
I am a huge fan of snow covered pine cones! You can use them down the center of the table, on the mantle, in big glass jars Pu them just about anywhere !
FARMHOUSE GLAM CHRISTMAS IDEAS
DECORATING YOUR HOUSE FARMHOUSE GLAM
THE CHRISTMAS TREE
IalwayshaveaflockedChristmastree Ihaveafakeone,butifIdobuyarealoneIgetitslightlyflocked Ithenaddmore snow!Iusepillowfilling(pollyfill),takeahandfullandstuffinsidethebranchesandalsolayontheoutsideofthe branches.Youwillgetareallygreatsnowcoveredtreethisway!Ialwaysusetonsofwhitelights.Themorethebetter! TheneveryitemIputonmytreeiseitherasoftgoldormercuryglassorsparkllyornament
THEWREATH
Thisisanotherwayyoucanuseyoureucalyptusorsagegarland!Wrapitaroundasimple twigwreathandaddsome twinklelights IhungaropeofChristmasbellsfrommineaswell Youcanaddpinecones(theonesthatcomewithwire toattachtothewreath),oraprettywhiteribbontohangitfromyourhook
STOCKINGS&PILLOWS&THROWS
Hereiswhereweusefakefureverything Therearemanyvarietiesoffurstockingsyoucanbuy Getthemwhenyou seethembecausethesearetheonesthatusuallyselloutthefast!Whiteknitstockingsarealsonicewiththislook You canbuythelittlefurrugsatIkeainexpensively(alsoatRoss)andputoneoverthebackofeachoneofyourdiningroom orkitchenchairs Alsoaddsomefluffyfurthrowpillowstoyourcouch Cozywinterwonderlandwithacountry/glamfeel Loveit!
BIRCHWOODLOGS/CANDLES
Birchwoodlogsplacedinalovelybasketnexttoyourfireplaceornearafrontdooraddsawonderfulcountryfeeltoyour holidaydecor Youcanaddwhitelightsorsomepinebranchestothebasketaswell Surrounditwithsomepillarcandles andyouhaveacompletelook!TherearealsoBirchwoodCandleyoucanpurchasetoaddtoyourmantleand centerpieceonyourdiningtableorcoffeetable
SHOPPING IDEAS FOR YOUR FARMHOUSE HOLIDAY
Faux fur stockings
Faux fur mini rugs
Frosted pine cones
Set of Three glass jars- great for candy station too!
Birch wood logs
Poly fill for snow affect Sage garland- you will use it over and over!
BEEF TENDERLOIN
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
a4-6poundbeeftenderloin, trimmedandtied-getfrom butcherOrtieyourself oliveoil largeflakesalt multicoloredpeppercorns (green,pink,black,andwhite)~ crushedwitharollingpingarlic orgarlicpowder largeroastingpanthatcan accommodateyourtenderloin (Abakingsheetworkswell) instantreadmeatthermometer ~thissimpletoolwillmakeyou amoreconfidentcook
Take the beef out of the refrigerator and leave on the counter (covered) for an hour or 2 before cooking. This allows the meat to come closer to room temperature which in turn allows the meat to cook more evenly. If you put cold meat into the oven the center will not cook properly. Season well. A tenderloin is a large cut of meat that does not have much fat. A generous amount of salt and pepper will help flavor every slice Pat it on to make sure it sticks Make sure you preheat your oven and it is hot before you slide the meat in You’re going to sear it first ( 450 degrees for 15-20 minutes) then lower the heat (325 degrees) to finish cooking (about 20-25 minutes). Use an oven thermometer to check for the correct temperature, don’t rely on timing alone. Let the meat rest, loosely tented with foil, for 10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to settle back into the meat
My favorite sauce: Creamy horseradish sauce is a classic. Sour cream is blended with fresh grated horseradish and a touch of vinegar and salt. Simple and powerful, I love it. Or a garlic/ herb butter is great as well.
Keep in mind that the internal temperature will continue to rise about 5 to 7 degrees after being removed from the oven.
EASY CHEESY POTATOES
Ingredients
3poundsdicedpotatoesor30 ouncescountrystylehash browns
¼cupbuttermelted
1cupsourcream
1cupcreamofchickensoupor creamofcheddar
¼cupgreenonionchopped
2cupcheddarcheesedivided
Preheat oven to 375˚F and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. If using fresh potatoes, place in a saucepan with cold water. Simmer diced potatoes for 12-14 minutes or until fork tender. Drain and allow to cool slightly. Melt butter, add sour cream, soup, onion and 1 ½ cups cheese. Toss in the potatoes (or frozen hash brown potatoes) and combine. Spread into a prepared baking dish.Top with remaining cheese and bake for 28-30 minutes or until browned and bubbly.
Optional topping: For a crunchy topping, combine 1 1/2 cups cornflakes, slightly crushed with 4 tablespoons melted butter. Top casserole before baking.
PECAN & CRANBERRY SALAD
Ingredients
1/2cupOliveoil
1/4cupApplecidervinegar 3tbspHoney
1tbspOnionFinelychopped 1tspDriedmustardpowderOr Dijonmustard
1-2tspPoppyseeds-Adjust accordingtoyourpreference
Salttotaste
Peppertotaste
1bagSpinach16oz.bag
3/4cupPecansRoughly chopped
3/4cupCranberriesDried, Sweetened
In a large salad bowl, add olive oil, vinegar, honey, onion, mustard powder, poppy seeds, salt, pepper.Whisk for at least 1 minute until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and fragrant.Add spinach and toss everything together until combined.Sprinkle chopped pecans and cranberries on top.S erve immediately and enjoy. Add Goat Cheese is you are so inclinded! Switch our walnuts for pecans if you prefer.
BUTTER RUM CAKE
Ingredients
1cuproughlychoppedpecansorwalnuts
1cupunsaltedbuttersoftened
2cupsgranulatedsugar
1tsppurevanillaextract
4largeeggs
3cupsallpurposeflour
13.4ozboxinstantvanillapudding
1Tbspbakingpowder
1/2tspbakingsoda
1/2tspsalt
3/4cupbuttermilkorwholemilk
1/4cupdarkrum
ButteredRumGlaze:
1/2cupunsaltedbutter
1cupgranulatedsugar
1/4cupwater1
tsppumpkinpiespiceorgroundcinnamon 1/2cupdarkrum
Preheat the oven to 350°F Butter and flour a bundt pan or liberally spray with baking spray Sprinkle pecans evenly on bottom. Set aside.Using an electric mix, cream together butter, sugar and vanilla on medium-high for 2 minutes, or until creamy. Add eggs one at a time beating well after each addition.In a separate bowl, sift together flour, pudding mix, baking powder, baking soda and salt..Whisk together milk and rum.With the mixer on low speed gradually add dry ingredients alternately with wet ingredients beginning and ending with flour After all is added, beat just until fully combined stopping to scrape the sides of the bowl occasionally.Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a cake tester inserted into the center of the cake comes back clean.About 10 minutes before the cake is finished baking, make the buttered rum glaze To make the glaze: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat Add the sugar, water Bring to a boil, then lower to medium cooking for 3 minutes, whisking occasionally. Remove from heat and add rum. Be careful the mixture may foam up. Continue to stir until foam dies down.When cake is finished baking, remove from the oven. Use a long thin skewer to poke holes over the bottom of the cake Slowly pour 1/2 buttered rum glaze over bottom of cake allowing it to soak in between pours. Let cake sit for 1 hour to cool in the pan.Carefully turn cake onto a platter or stand. Use the same skewer to poke holes in the top of the cake. Try to poke between the pecans. Slowly pour remaining glaze into holes on top of cake. Be patient this will take several minutes. The slower you go, the more glaze goes into the cake and doesn't pool on platter (It may be necessary to warm the glaze slightly before pouring onto the top.)
CHRISTMAS MARGARITA
Ingredients
3oz.CranberryJuice
1oz PomegranateJuice
1/2oz.LimeJuice
1/2oztriplesecororange liqueur
2ozTequila(Ipreferclear)
Topwithfrozencranberries,ice andasprigofrosemary
Add all ingredients to your martini shaker. Tip if you don't have a shaker a mason jar works just fine if you strain the ice Make sure the covers on tight and shake it! Up, down and all around Now pour into a glass over ice and top with frozen cranberries and a sprig of rosemary.
Allthingsbeautiful Spring Inspiration
SPRING!
Spring is when we see lots of Bridal Showers, Baby Showers, and Easter! So lots of pastel colors, natural elements, florals and garden themes We can go back to using our mason jars again and paint them pretty spring colors and this time fill with fresh flowers
For your table scape I like to start with a Moss table runner. Its like the base of the garden you can build down the center Of course fresh flowers are so beautiful If you can resourse your local FLOWER MART go there! You can get flowers for the best price! You might have to pay a $1 00 to enter if you don't have a resale license but it is so worth it. Then you create your own beautiful garden down the center of your table Lots a small vases with a variety of spring flowers (you can even use your water glasses) Or you can go with all one color, like pink or purple Another tip- Trader Joe's sells beautiful flowers for a really good price!
Can we talk about colored paper lanterns one more time Seriously, they add so much color and dimension to your party And so inexpensive! They have beautiful patterned ones like these to the left How gorgeous are these? Available on linegoogle "printed paper lanterns " and they will pop up
SPRING TABLE SCAPE
TABLE RUNNER
For your Spring table I would use either a Moss table runner or you can use your Sage or Eycalyptus runner. Add fresh fruit, loose flowers, little Easter bunnies. You can find these items at party supply stores or on line.
GLASS JARS
One of my staple item purchases is the set of three glass jars. They can be used here for Spring filled with colored Easter Eggs or candies.
BUNNY PLATES
You can purchase these at Pottery Barn or even Target! So cute and really make a statement for your Easter brunch.
PAPER LANTERS
Obvioulsy you dont' want to use paper lanters at every party, but when Spring rolls around you can buy patterned ones that are so beautiful Again available at any party supply store or on line.
SHOPPING IDEAS FOR YOUR SPRING TABLE
Colored paper lanterns
Moss table runner
Bunny plates- Pottery Barn
3 glass jars- Amazon
Wood Charger plates- Etsy, Walmart, Overstock Sage Vine- Michaels or Hobby Lobby
CHARCUTERIE BOARD
How to Build: Use any chopping board if you don't have a specific board for this. You can also lay down a long piece of paper down the center of the the dining room table and just layer all your items all the way down the center!
Remember to layer! Use your risers and also you can use your wood charger plates.Use whole oranges and lemons and fresh rosemary sprigs.As you build start with the bowlsjams, tepenades, mustards, etc. Then layer with the block cheese- brie, goat cheese roles, parmsean. Then add the meats in rows Sprinkle the the fruit and olives throughout Finish with honey comb all the way down the table. Add small plates and napkins You will need small knives and spoons for serving
OPTIONS FOR YOUR BOARD:
Bread&Crackers&BreadSticks
Grapes
Strawberries
Driedappricots
Dates
Raspberries
Cherries
Almonds-flavoredandplain
Figs
BrieCheese
GoatCheese-rolledincranberriesor pistachiosorherbs.
SmokedGouda
Burratta
Blockofbluecheese
Parmigiano
Havarti
Salami
Procuitto
SweetSopressata
Pepperoni
FigJam
TripleBerry
SpicyRaspberryjam
FreshRosemarysprigs
Assortedolives
Goatstuffedfigs
Assortedpeanuts
Honey-honeycombisawesome!
Grainymustards
MIMOSA BAR!
Ingredients
orangejuice
cranberryjuice
peachpuree
mangojuice
guavajuice
slicedoranges strawberries
raspberries
pomegrantieseeds sparlingwineorchampagne
You will need to buy some Carafs These are a handy item to have in stock for all your parties. They work well when setting up any bar to hold the juice in. You will need some small bowls for the fruit. You will need a large bucket for the champagne or sparkling wine to chill in I would suggest you get cute name tags for the juice . You can order on Etsy or get at party supply store. Set up your champagne flutes and you are set to go. You could opt to use the plastic flutes if you have a large group coming over
Remember you can create a beautiful ice bucket by putting flowers in your ice cube trays and icing the champagne with these ice cubes. I love this idea!
Road Map to a Successfull Event
Some final thoughts and tips on Home Entertaining
Make sure to have a sparkling clean bathroom ready for your guests! There should be plenty of toilet paper handy and in clear sight Also buy a nice hand soap and scented candle lit with a nice aroma. You can also have an air freshner available too. Add a nice hand towel , perhaps one that matches your theme!
In the cooler months make sure you have a designated area , whether it is a coat closet or a specifc bedroom where your guests can put their coats upon entering. Extra hangers will be needed. Have a couple phone charger ready and available , because they will ask for one!
Don't forget your front entrance! Having lanterns at your front door is a nice touch, even during the day A nice potted plant, like a gardenia, that is aromatic would be lovely as well A note on the front door welcoming your guests and asking guests to enter. A wreath that matches your theme can spark their interest of whats to come.
Turn on all the lights. Set the dimmer for ambiance. Have scented candles through out. Fresh flowers in the kitchen and on the coffee table Setting the mood ahead of time so you aren't running around last minute trying to get this done
I hope you ou will find that I made it as user friendly as possible and that you were inspired by the decor ideas, recepies and purchases I suggested that will make your home entertaining easy and impressive!
As you can see there are staple items that I suggested that you can purchase and use over and over again for different events. Table runners, charger plates, lanterns, mason jars, carafs, risers and icing buckets are a must!
Most of these ideas came from the events I have done and/or research I did on line from my ideas. I give credit to various bloggers and planners who helped me compile ideas together in one simple book for your easy access. I don't take credit for the photos, but was inspired by them.
All the items are available on line. Party supply stores are a great resource . I love Home Goods as well for great finds and great prices. You can't go wrong with Target ever, right? Stay tuned for more fun Home Entertaining books to come soon! Thank you.
eat, party, love
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