Simple Summer Dinner Party

Hello all! Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. I would love to share some of my thoughts, advice, recipes, and ideas with you.

Starting my first post in the middle of summer, I thought I'd share with you some outdoor entertaining ideas. Yesterday was one of those perfect weather days where the sun was out and the breeze was just right. We took full advantage of this with an impromptu dinner party in the garden. My goal was to keep it easy, simple, and stress free. Between shopping and cooking it took about an hour and a half to pull the whole thing together. With help from the grocery store, we began with a cheese and charcuterie platter, this is one of the simplest things you can prepare because there is no cooking at all. Choose a variety of meats and cheese and pair them with some interesting mustards, crackers, and even hard pretzels. I also prepared a simple vegetable plate with hummus to keep things light and to add a bit of crunch. When my friends and I get together we always enjoy having a glass of wine or two. This occasion was no different and I was not about to waste the opportunity by being stuck in the kitchen. I learned years ago that as the host or hostess, you set the tone for your party and your friends will have more fun if you do. So with a little advanced planning I prepared a hassle free dinner that would be ready when I was. About an hour before my friends arrived I made a huge pot of Spicy Three Bean Chili and just let it simmer away. The best thing about something like chili is that it's comforting, familiar, and fun! I sat out bowls of tortillas, avocado, limes, cheese, sour cream, and jalapenos so my friends could customize their chili however they liked. I find that people really enjoy being interactive and it keep the party light and casual. When it was all said and done, I only cooked one thing and was able to be a part of the fun!

Eat Well!

-Annie

1 comments - Posted by Annie Hobbs at 7:02 PM - Categories: Entertaining | Ideas | Summer