ENTERTAINING DOESN'T HAVE TO BE STRESSFUL

Entertaining can take a lot of energy.   There is a lot to think about and it's enough for any of us to skip entertaining all together.  But, the reality is, sometimes I want to spend time with my friends and family in the comfort of my own home, with our kids playing wiffle ball in the back yard and eating popsicles on the porch! 

Up until a few years ago, I used to make everything from scratch when hosting guests.  Appetizers, grilled meat, sides, drinks ... I couldn't even enjoy my guests because I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off trying to get everything done.   It was enough for me to almost stop entertaining all together!  After having my third child, getting out became more difficult, so I had to alter the way I entertain to make it work for our family.  After years of hosting guests, I've learned a few tips that can make the art of entertaining easy, enjoyable and memorable!  I consistently follow these rules. 

1. Make a special drink, whether it's alcoholic or non alcoholic.  Do all the prep ahead of time.  I love to make margaritas, so I juice the limes a day or two ahead and shake when I'm ready.  My favorite margarita recipe is below.  
2. Prepare a snack or appetizer up to a day in advance.  I love to make french onion dip or ranch dip, so I mix the season packets with the sour cream at least a day in advance.  I serve with chips, crackers, carrot and celery sticks (cut the day before) and cherry tomatoes.  My kids eat a lot of raw veggies, so this serves as the appetizer as well as the "sides" for my kids dinner.  A plate of strawberries here is also a crowd pleaser especially with kids.
3. Buy the main dish or make well in advance.  Sometimes, it's best to just order pizza.  The Italian market down the street from my house has delicious lasagnas that are ready to bake and serve.  Your local Mexican restaurant would love to sell you fajitas for a crowd.  If you really want to make something yourself, I highly suggest something that is fully prepped ahead of your guests' arrival that you can have baking in the oven when your friends show up (set your timer so you don't forget it's in there after a martini or two).  If you absolutely want to make something from scratch, make a pot of soup or whole roasted chicken if you must.  
4. Buy novelty ice creams for dessert.  I love to get Oreo ice cream cones, Haagen-dazs ice creams on a stick and popsicles ready to pass out when guests are ready for a sweet treat!  An ice cream bar which is always a hit .. but again, put the toppings (sprinkles, cherries, candy, chocolate, caramel) in small ramekins ahead of time so all you have to do is heat up the chocolate and caramel (dulce de leche always) sauces when it's time to serve.  
5. Serve dinner early.  Especially if kids are involved, I love to have people come at 5. This gives us time to have a drink and a snack before eating dinner between 6-7.  
6. Bring all dishes to the sink after dinner, but clean up after the party is over and everyone is gone.
7. Have a candle burning (my favorite clean smell here & I burn it year round) and fresh flowers around your house!  
8. Happy Entertaining!   

Please share any of your own tips for successful entertaining in the comments - I would love to know your ideas!  xx, Laura 

Laura's Margarita

2 oz. good tequila

2 oz. fresh squeezed lime juice

1/2 oz. Cointreau

1/2 teaspoon light agave syrup (small squeeze)

** add 2 oz. fresh watermelon juice for watermelon margaritas (delicious!)

Shake ingredients together with a lot of ice.  Pour into a beautiful glass.  Top with sparkling water (lime or regular).  Garnish with a lime and half jalapeño sliced lengthwise.  Enjoy!

Laura's Kitchen Essentials Here // Laura's Bar Favorites Here