Warmer weather is finally here and you can start planning more and more fun get-togethers for both indoor and outdoor gatherings.
Many people don't have large gatherings because they aren't really sure
how to plan a night of food and fun. It's easy and we'll show you how. First of all, get a pen and paper and make a list of everyone you'd like to invite over. Be sure to include spouses, partners, friends or children they may be bringing along (you'll need this for planning the food and beverages later).
Then decide if you're going to hold your gathering indoors or outdoors. If you have a covered patio or other area to hold a party, the pluses of having an outdoor gathering is that it's very casual and there is very little clean up to do as you can have strategically placed trash cans around the perimeter and use disposable plates, cups and cutlery. You can actually do the same thing if you're having your party indoors, however you won't be at the mercy of the weather either.
Next, choose your foods. For your first party, make it a casual affair food-wise and use dips, small sandwiches, stuffed mushrooms, guacamole and chips and plates of fresh cut veggies for dipping. Wind and Willow makes some great dips from
Cucumber Dill, Fresh Picked Spinach,
Cheesy Bacon Dip and for the guests that love their dips on the spicy side - the
Fiesta Ranchero Dip is fabulous. Also a cheese ball is a common items at parties and when served with a yummy selection of crackers, will make an outstanding presentation. Additionally, if you don't want to serve it as a cheese "ball" you can use it as a spread on small cut bread slices to make finger sandwiches.
As far as beverages, you can create a punch bowl with a ginger ale based sparkling punch and have bottled water and perhaps iced tea.
Last but not least, decide the types of music you're going to play and even burn a "mix" of all the favorite songs of your group of friends and let it roll in the background during your party.
And that's it - you have all the basics you need to pull this off - now plan your party!
Labels: gourmet-food
by: ShopMartins
Spring days turning to summer lend to days when you want your meals to be easy so you can enjoy the longer days with your family and friends. When you're planning your meals for the summer, stick to light meals that won't make you feel bogged down and you can still serve up nutritious meals without spending hours in the kitchen.
Make breakfast a cool start with cut up fruits of the season, fresh juices to drink and if you're bored with orange juice consider something like pomegranate or a pineapple mixture for added vitamin C and antioxidants. Heat and eat croissants from your local bakery or other morning rolls are also good. Add in a cold cereal with milk or be adventurous and try vanilla soy milk (well shaken) for a real treat; try to make the cereals whole grain types.
Lunch can be a breeze every day. Choose sandwiches with healthy fillings and opt for a cup of soup on the side. You don't have to slave over a soup pot all day either,
Plentiful Pantry has a large number of choices in their yummy exotic soup flavors. Along with a soup and sandwich, enjoy cut up veggies for dipping or a sliced apple or orange.
Dinner can also be nearly effort free. Your crock pot can be your best friend during the summer. Toss in potatoes and have a baked potato with a large crunchy green salad for dinner. Bake a chicken breast and steam some veggies, you'll have easy healthy meals all summer long.
Use these tips and get out of the kitchen and enjoy the longer days of summer - and best of all you can eat on the run and still be healthy!
Labels: gourmet-food
by: ShopMartins
