With Easter right around the corner, I know a lot of us will be getting together with friends and family for Easter lunches and dinners. Not to mention, warm weather means more get togethers in general. In light of the season, I am sharing my spring table-scape, and some things I do to create an enjoyable, dining experience when we have people over.
What special things do you like to do when you have friends and family over for a dinner party? Comment and let me know!
HAVE A HOMEY MAIN COURSE
There’s nothing like comfort food to make everyone happy and full. When having a dinner party, sticking to old fashioned, simple things are best. Everyone loves grilled chicken and mac and cheese (this TRUFFLED MAC AND CHEESE recipe by Williams Sonoma is always a big hit, and can be made with gluten free noodles). Don’t over think a menu, just make something everyone will like.
PREP STUFF BEFOREHAND TO MAKE LESS WORK THE NIGHT OF
I love to cook, and make everything fresh, but I don’t like to be stuck in the kitchen, and left out of conversation when we have people over. Luckily, our kitchen is a main gathering place, so if I’m cooking I usually will have some company, but it still doesn’t hurt to have some stuff prepped beforehand so you have less work to do when your guests are there (and less of a mess as well!).
Italian food is a big go-to of mine, so if I’m having people over and cooking lasagna, I know I can make that main course in advance, so all I have to do on the day of is pop it in the oven. Same with salad dressings, deserts, etc. Many things can be made in advance and frozen, or kept in the fridge for a couple days before your get together.
Table Runner: World Market (On Sale Now!)| Hyacinth Chargers: Amazon | Palm Leaf Placemats: World Market (On Sale Now!) | Chandelier: Joss and Main | Jute Rug: Overstock (Similar Here) | Chalk Painted Buffet and Chairs: Amy Howard Home
CREATE A DRYBAR, SO GUESTS CAN HELP THEMSELVES
It never hurts to take the edge off a little and let loose with those you love most. Make your guests feel at home by making a drink station so they can help themselves. Put out a variety of drinks, ice, napkins, a pitcher of water, and glasses, so your guests can help themselves.
ADD SOPHISTICATED, BUT EASY TOUCHES TO MAKE A COZY GATHERING FEEL EXTRA SPECIAL
You don’t need a special occasion to break out your nice plates and serve wear. Why not use, and enjoy all that nice stuff you have as often as possible?! You can still have an easy, serve yourself, family style dinner, but take things up a notch by using your nice plates. Maybe break out your cloth napkins too, or make a charcuterie board on a nice platter, for everyone to nibble on while dinner is cooking.
MAKE AN EASY TABLE DECORATION OUT OF HOUSEPLANTS/FRESH GREENERY
I love having live plants indoors to freshen up a space. Creating an arrangement for your guests to enjoy also adds a nice touch. It doesn’t have to be super fancy; just think about what you have growing in your yard, and get creative.
I’m really loving these PALM LEAF PLACEMATS (on sale now!) from World Market with my Easter decor. They’re perfect for Palm Sunday, and I like that they’re wide enough to layer with my HYACINTH CHARGERS. I know I will get a lot of use out of them because I love tropical touches in my home. I was playing around with placement of these mats too, and they make a cool looking, table runner/centerpiece too!
Comment and let me know what you like to do when you have guests over! Also, if you still need ideas for Easter baskets, check out my post HERE.
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