My dear RWOPers!
So here we are on "humpday" (the middle of the week!) and I'm really feeling like I should share some of my "quickie" entertaining ideas with all of my RWOP sweeties! I mean, we are all in a pinch sometimes, but our parties never have to suffer!
Here are my go-to ideas:
*Always pick up the big printed napkins. The best time to get the best price is right after a holiday. They are so super cheap and can be used in a multitude of ways. I line plastic bowls for chips with them. How about a bread basket with a fun turkey print for your granny's rolls she brought for Thanksgiving? The ideas are endless and really add a pretty punch to your table!
*If you know you're gonna have a crazy week and might have some pop-ins, why not make some of those tried and true dips and keep them in plastic containers when you're in a pinch? You know which ones I'm talking about - they're the ones that disappear the minute you put them on the table! Just always keep a variety of crackers on hand and you are good to go.
*Cake stands are not just for cake, baby! Use them to display all of your finger foods and yummies. Height is your friend when you are creating a table to wow.
*Use your condiments as add-ins to your dips. Sometimes simple is the best. After all, companies spend tons of money creating tasty sauces we will want to use. So use them! Last weekend, I used softened cream cheese and pesto blended together and had a container of bread sticks for people to use as a dipper. Now it doesn't get any easier than that!
*Don't forget to add a tea light and a fresh hand towel to your bathroom. This goes such a long way in helping to create that "super put together never missing a detail" type of entertaining! After the party, wash and then place in a Ziploc under the bath counter with your candle and you will be ready for the next party!
I hope these tips help for when you're thinking about your next party. I would love to hear some of your quick hints!! Nothing makes me happier than a short cut that totally doesn't look like one when your guests are at the party. I just sit there and giggle, knowing "boy did I do a good job and now I can go ENJOY my party!"
Tell me your party planning in a pinch tips, you guys! I can't wait!
Party On!
Caryn
Show 15 earlier comments
Monica Williams Staniec
So many creative ideas and time savers ladies! I'm proud to be part of a group of such genuinely talented folks! Can't say ladies anymore... funny! Guys do bring alot to the table, it's true. I have to give my hubby credit for all of the pinata's he's successfully hung and beer kegs he's tapped, not to mention the time honored grilling master title, he's so proudly crowned himself with! So, let's give credit where credit is due, and then let's get a reality check. If you are anything like me you will consider your opportunities to entertain as your life's purpose for the weeks leading up to the event. Every last detail thought out, the clipboard overloaded with notes and email full of research! This is why Google and I speak the same language! Google is the one who taught me how to navigate the universe of knowledge out there, literally at my fingertips! So, it is here that I focus on saving time and money these days! Yes, the world wide web in my opinion is a mothers life saver for time and money!So when you want to call in the big guns, call a web saavy mom to help out and strap on your seatbelt cause armed with credit card in hand we can have an entire party delivered to your doorstep without ever leaving the house! And this is true for most any event with the exception of needing to taste a wedding cake, (although, now that I think of it my local bakeries may even ship a few slices for a price... it is L.A. afterall. In my world I'm always looking for ways to save money! So I do much of the footwork myself, searching dollar stores and bargain bins for things I can use in the year to come! One favorite time and money saving tip I have is simple, set up a salad bar for your guests, a giant bowl of mixed lettuce is front and center, to the side are foil wrapped baked potatoes, plain penne and Mandy's Philly dressing made in the blender! QUICK & CHEAP love you all monixo
Coleen McCrea Katz
Here's a great website for you Moni! It's a party supply place and really cheap!!
www.orientaltrading.com
Barbara Zagata
Even after years of high-end catering one of my favorite tried and true dips you mentioned uses Philly as one of only 3 ingredients! You probably all know this one ---- crab meat and cocktail sauce mixed together, poured over a hunk of Philly and served with your favorite crackers, growing up, it was Triscuits 'cause they held up to this hefty dip!
I could still eat the whole thing myself!
Coleen McCrea Katz
Barbara - LOVE that dip!
Claudia Signal-Leon
Barbara, that's a Creole favorite...but with a stint of horse raddish!