Easy Entertaining
Simple entertaining tips to help you focus on being present + having fun!
Easy Entertaining : Small Batch Gingerbread Cupcakes
Looking for a cozy fall treat to share with friends and family? These gingerbread cupcakes, created by my talented friend Colleen from @sweetloveonlife, are the ultimate holiday vibe in cupcake form! Imagine the smell of warm gingerbread filling your kitchen, without the stress (trust me, I learned the hard way—you have to chill the dough for cookies!). These cupcakes are simple, delicious, and kid-approved—a perfect addition to our Thanksgiving holiday boxes or just a sweet gift for the busy parents of little turkeys in your life. Get the recipe and get ready for some festive baking fun!
Everyday Magic : Creating a Celebration Station!
Who says our party-in-a-box is just for birthdays and blowouts? Think again! You can use them to create a Celebration Station, a go-to spot—like a box, bin, or cabinet—where you keep all the essentials for adding a bit of magic into life’s everyday moments. Whether it’s on your kitchen counter or tucked into the dining room or pantry, your Celebration Station is filled with fun, festive supplies related to upcoming holidays or the current season.
Easy Entertaining : Creating an Italian Dinner Tablescape
Recently, I had the pleasure of helping a client set the stage for an Italian-inspired pizza and wine dinner party. With her stunning patio and impeccable taste, I was already excited, but when she shared her inspiration pics brimming with greenery and lemons, I was instantly transported to a dreamy Tuscan evening under the stars. Want to recreate the look? It's easy!
Easy Entertaining : Creative Ways to Host a Memorable Book Club (Plus Bonus Cocktail Recipe!)
If you're gearing up to host your own book club and want to add some excitement by playing up the book’s theme, I’ve got you! Whether you decide to go all out or keep it simple, here are some fun and creative ways to make your gathering memorable.
Patio Season, Part 2 : Kids’ Outdoor Essentials
We're highlighting the best outdoor essentials to keep the kids entertained. Whether you're making memories with your littles, entertaining the grandkids, or giving the kids some precious outdoor playtime while you garden or catch up with friends, these picks are guaranteed to provide hours of summer fun!
As lovers of patio time, you can bet these items are tried, tested, and kid + parent-approved! Read on for details and tips on how to extend the play and make the most of the real happy hours this patio season.
Patio Season, Part 1 : Summer Entertaining Essentials
From solar-powered string lights and our go-to umbrella to gadgets to keep your drinks cool and shatterproof tableware, this list has got you covered! So go ahead and have that playdate, invite the neighbors over, or host your book club in style. Cheers to patio season!
Easy Entertaining : DIY Heart Charcuterie Board
Ah, love is in the air, and what better way to celebrate than with a heart-shaped charcuterie board that's as easy to assemble as it is delightful to devour? Whether you're marking a special occasion or simply indulging in a cozy night in, this DIY guide will have you crafting a masterpiece that'll steal hearts and tantalize taste buds.
Easy Entertaining : The Case for an Impromptu Party Stash!
Over here we are all for celebrating all of life’s occasions - big and small! Life is full of unexpected moments that deserve a sprinkle of confetti and a dose of cheer. That's why I swear by having an impromptu party stash at the ready! Partner got promoted? Kid aced the big test? Bestie drop by with a big announcement? Your party stash has the magical ability to turn an ordinary day into an unforgettable moment!
Easy Entertaining : Start a Book Club!
Once upon a time, we moved onto a block with a book club that had been going for over TWENTY years. A fairytale come true! Living among these fantastic ladies not only introduced me to amazing neighbors but also rekindled my love for reading. Without them, I might still be stuck in the realm of parenting books (if that). Thanks to this incredible group, my reading journey has taken off in unexpected directions, all thanks to the diverse ages, backgrounds, and personalities that make up our bookish crew.
Easy Entertaining : Mocktail Magic
Whether you're on a Dry January journey or simply choosing a non-alcoholic lifestyle, let's raise a glass to enjoying the real happy hours of life! Here’s to quenching our thirst with healthy and delicious ingredients that taste great and feel good!
Easy Entertaining : Jeff’s Candy Cane Cocktail
Picture this: a swirl of peppermint perfection mixed with a hint of holiday magic. Jeff came up with this delicious concoction last year and I have been dreaming about it ever since. If your body hates half-and-half like mine does, rejoice! He made it with coconut milk just for us.
Easy Entertaining : DIY Trader Joe’s Holiday Bouquet
I recently did some holiday arrangements for a client that were so quick and easy, yet made such a big impact, that I wanted to share! Those few weeks I took of flower arranging in college (until it cramped my Thursday night plans) really paid off - ha! But really, anyone can do this if you just follow a few simple guidelines. Take a look at the video and the simple instructions below and your place will be looking like a winter wonderland in no time!
Easy Entertaining : A crowd-pleasing (and fast) salad…or app!
I’m not a recipe creator or food blogger, but I do love feeding people and entertaining! So, I wouldn’t necessarily call this a “recipe”. It's more like a "stash these goodies in your kitchen, and you're ready to dazzle even last-minute guests without breaking a sweat" game plan. Ha! Seriously, though, I've thrown this together multiple times lately, and even my friends who usually make the "I'm too picky" declaration have enthusiastically gone in for seconds.