heavenly weekend.

This to me, is a heavenly weekend morning. 

Awwwww........

Happy (last minute) Summer Entertaining!

Today we have decided to throw a small little get together for the 4th of July, tomorrow.  As a well-heeled hostess, I am a panicked because I am so not prepared.  

Taking a step back (and a few deep breaths) I remember "It does not have to be expensive, nor time consuming to plan a party for 6!" 

Here are a few party must haves to bring the quality up a notch when you just don't have the time to say..... create an entire spread.

Pellegrino makes your basic glass of ice water want to jump right back into the faucet.  The experience of a nice bottle pouring out a sparkling water takes it up a notch.  Trader Joes has the best priced bottles.  $1.59 for the larger bottle!  I always pick one or 2 up when I do my shopping there, just to have on hand. 

Gourmet Cheeses are an easy way to get people to think you put a whole lot of time into the planning.  Since the 4th of July is recognizably a true summer holiday, why not barbecue cheese!   Grilled Brie is amazing!   Add a sprig of rosemary and wrap it in foil and toss it on the BBQ! I did this last summer on the campfire and it was so good! Add bread or green apples to dip!  Here are the easy deets on how to barbecue brie!  

 http://www.dairygoodness.ca/recipes/bbq-brie-fondue 

Bread and Dippings always are a hit at a gathering.  My favorite is a Rosemary Sourdough with olive oil & balsamic vinegar.   We always have olive oil and vinegar on hand, so a small loaf of bread will be an easy $5!  Warm bread wrapped in a white cloth napkin makes it feel special and oh-so-fancy!  

Veggie or Meats as mini appetizers are a must.  For tomorrow, I think I may just do some skewers.  An entire skewer of sliced red potatoes is gorgeous and super easy.  Shrimp with pineapple and red peppers are delish too!   One pack of skewers will get you so far for so cheap.  Everyone enjoys finger foods! 

Frozen desserts are easy to make look nice.  I love the bon bons from Trader Joes in the freezer section (12 for $5)! 1-2 of these on small white square dessert plates with a berry and a mint leaf could be so beautiful, and so inexpensive.  The simplicity of this dessert is gratifying enough!

I never use paper napkins for any-sized party.  I have acquired white restaurant style napkins from thrift stores throughout the years that come in handy.   It just feels nicer and people really appreciate the experience of a cloth napkin rather than something that is just trashed after use.   

Now, to not forget adding some fresh florals so it doesn't look like you were not expecting company.  Going with the low-budge entertaining......I think I will just do red and white carnations.  These flowers can look very cliche and tacky so I'll be sure to spruce them up by some fabulous arrangements and vessles. 

Happy 4th of July entertaining!