I was blessed this week to entertain twice in my home. Catching up with friends before the crazy holidays are upon us was the goal.
But hosting two back-to-back evenings can be stressful. These are my 5 Go-To Tips for Stress-Free Fall Gatherings.
Tip #1 Simplify the Menu
A simple menu ensures three things in my house:
- The food choices will be tried and true. No new ingredients or unknown recipes.
- Preparation wonât necessitate a big shopping trip.
- The food can sort of take care of itself without my fussing over it all day.
The first evening we entertained was “chili” night. The slow cooker was employed for beef and bean chili and a Dutch oven on the stove simmered chicken tortilla soup.
These are both simple and hearty recipes that most people will enjoy.
I made the decision to make two different soups (with the same theme) instead of doubling the recipe for beef and bean chili.
Since both soups are a southwest theme, they both use the same toppings and no extra work was needed.
For sides, I baked easy corn muffins and served saltines and corn chips.
The second eveningâs gathering was more just happy hour, so lighter fare was in order.
Tip #2 Shop the Seasonal Aisle
I recently wrote about the extensive Trader Joe offerings for autumn. It was so impressive!
Using my own advice, I served mostly Trader Joeâs products to make a simple autumn charcuterie board.
Tip #3 Donât Say No
I have found my girlfriends all like to bring something to the party. And frankly, they do many things better than I.
So when they offer to bring something, I have learned not to say no.
Evon is quite famous for her cookies so when she offers, I donât have to worry about desert.
Barb immediately said she was up for appetizers. Check!
You get the idea. I want my guests to enjoy themselves and not to do too much, but. . . since they insist đ.
Tip #4 Streamline Beverage Offerings
We have a beverage fridge in our bar area and we generally have a variety of soft drinks, sparkling water and a few bottles of beer.
But for these evenings, I offered the same beverages which were easy and which everyone drank.
- Red & white wine – I had bottles on hand, but my guests are always generous bringing more to the party.
- Iced tea – I brewed up a pot each morning giving it time to cool in the fridge before adding ice and serving.
- Sparkling water – Using the Soda Stream I offered sparkling water with wedges of lemon and lime.
Tip #5 Use Seasonal Serving Ware
Casual entertaining is the perfect opportunity to get out cute seasonal dishes, napkins and serving plates. I donât feel the need to stress out about table dĂ©cor or centerpieces when these cuties set the stage on their own.
Tip #6 Minimize Cleaning
Spending time and energy cleaning my house before a gathering is not my idea of stress-free. So I skip it.
What?!, you ask! Yep, I try to get as much cat hair off the furniture as I can and make sure the guest bathrooms are clean.
Thatâs it.
Do I clean after everyone has left? Umm, maybe.
But my guests are the best and the dishwasher is usually full and everything cleared by the time the party is over.
We had days and days of rain last week, so while our weather was perfect for outdoor gathering, my patio was not in the best shape.
I gave it a quick sweep with the blower and wiped down the surfaces so it was a least presentable.
We were able to enjoy the outdoors before and after eating even though the patio didnât look the best. Who cares? It was the fellowship I hope my guests remember.
Wrap Up
I am quite sure I have written posts like this many times, but I hope it gives you motivation to invite friends over for a simple gathering without stress.
No need for anything fancy, just a chance to enjoy each other.
Thank you, as always, for being here. I am praying you have a wonderful weekend!