Entertaining

Entertaining is something that comes naturally to me. On this page, you will find creative and inexpensive ways to have fun with family and friends.  I have written Easy Entertaining, which is for the person who wants to host a gathering, but wants to keep it affordable and simple. 

It's Salad Season!

Artichoke salad

2 small heads of butter lettuce
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 can of artichoke hearts
1/2 jar of Kalametta Olives without pits
Wash, dry and cut the lettuce into bite sized pieces. Drain the artichoke hearts. If some are large slice them into smaller pieces. Layer the salad with lettuce, artichoke hearts, olives and sprinkle the cheese over the top.  

​Serves 4-6
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Dressing: use your favorite Italian dressing. I love Olive Garden Italian Dressing.

Italian Salad

4-6 leaves of Romaine lettuce
3-4 slices of Provolone Cheese
3-4 slices Salami
Italian Toasted Croutons
Wash, dry and cut lettuce into bite size pieces. Slice the salami and cheese into bite size pieces. Layer the salad, lettuce, cheese, salami, and croutons. Add the salad dressing you prefer. I love the Olive Garden Dressing with this one. Serves 4.

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Italian Toasted Croutons
4 slices Day old white bread
1teaspoon Italian Seasoning
Salt and Pepper
1 teaspoon Garlic salt
1/4 cup Parmesean Cheese
Spread butter on one side of the bread then sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt and pepper, garlic, and parmesan cheese. Bake at 400 until crispy but not burned.  Let cool and slice them in to pieces.

Simple Salad

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3-4 leaves of Romaine Lettuce
1 carrot peeled and sliced
5 sugar snap peas
1/2 avocado
10 green olives
1 button mushroom
4 cucumber slices
1 chicken breast  baked with lemon pepper seasoning on it. 

​Serves 1-2

Dressing: Italian - Olive Garden-
​Can you see a pattern here with my dressing.

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Trying something new!

Practicing with different tips

Using a cupcake is an easy way to practice using lots of icing tips. If you don't like them you can just eat the bad ones!

Chocolate Ganache

Chocolate Ganache is in the center and on top of these beauties!  They were delicious!

Blue Birthday Cake

My daughter's birthday cake.  She wanted blue icing and pearls. 

Party Ideas for Kids

Need party ideas that your children will love and that still fit into your budget? Over the years, we hosted many parties, and my children were often central to the party planning. We had all of our children's birthday parties at our home. We had a blast creating the themes, planning the menu, and decorating the house. I'm sure they have fond memories of their childhood parties. Below you will find some simple and fun party ideas, including lists of materials needed and pictures to spur your inspiration. Allow your child to be involved in the planning. After all, it is their party! I hope that this inspires you to create wonderful memories with your children.

Party Planning Tips

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• Keep it simple. A party doesn't have to extravagant to be incredible. 
  
• Let your child be involved in the planning. They will love the time you spend together.
  
• Brainstorm ideas together. Let your child pick an activity or item they want at the party, even if it is not what you imagined. Remember it is their party!
  
• Select a theme for the party, such as gymnastics, dance party, rodeo, etc.
  
• Select a color scheme to use for the decorations.
  
• Purchase disposable plates and utensils for easy cleanup.
  
• Let your guests know if they are to dress a certain way for the party (i.e., western dress, leotard, princess dress, etc.).
  
• Set a time limit for the party by putting an arrival time and pickup time on the invitation. Two hours is more than enough to entertain children.
  
• Ask about any food allergies among the guests.
  
• Make sure you have phone numbers for all of the parents.  
  
• Rotate the activity every 15 minutes, and leave very little down time. Boredom leads to things getting out of control. Try alternating between a physical activity and a quiet craft to keep kids engaged. 
  
• Set up stations in different areas of the house for eating, playing, and crafting.  
  
• Have everything set up before the guests arrive. This goes for any type of event you are having at your home.
  
• Create an agenda for the party and stick to it.
  
• Have a few adult helpers to transition the children from one area to the next. You can also have one of the helpers cleaning up a section and one prepping the next area.
  
• Make food kid-friendly and not too messy.
  
• Save the party favors for when the children are leaving your home to ensure that no one leaves part of their favor at your house. This also ensures that the party ends on a fun note!
  
• Remind your child to use their manners and ALWAYS thank their guest for the gift and for coming to their party.
  

​Sample Party Schedule

10:00 am - Guests arrive.
10:15 am - Play a game outside or in the garage.
10:30 am - Craft in the kitchen.
10:45 am - Play a game outside or in the garage.
11:00 am  - Snack and drink in the kitchen.
11:15 am - Open presents in the family room.
11:30 am - Craft in the garage.
11:45 am - Cake and sing in the kitchen.
12:00 pm - Give out party favors and thank guests.