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My Favorite Hosting Resources

My Favorite Hosting Resources

January 26, 2016 in Blog, Resources

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I'm a Southern girl who loves a good party, a house full of laughter, and a porch swing full of friends and family. I blog about how to host in a way that matters. Curious what I mean by that? CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND READ MY STORY.

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Lifestyle + Home + Party Inspiration 💙 Dallas, TX | Finding celebration in the everyday 🎉🎂💗
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Girl dinner anyone? This table length charcuterie

Girl dinner anyone? This table length charcuterie board is always a hit! I fill it with seasonal snacks and have put it on a coffee table or dining table. Comment BOARD to find out how I made it for under $20.

People always want to know how to create an environment where guests want to linger and feel welcome at the table. Here are a few tips:

1. Cozy Chairs

Get the best chairs you can afford and try to give room for your guests to easily get in and out of the chairs. You can even grab a cushion or pillow to make them more cozy.

2. Have everything your guests need within arms reach.

Placing a water carafe, salt and pepper, napkins, utensils, etc. at the table will allow guests to help themselves to things during the meal. Limiting distractions and the need for people to get up from the table to get things creates an environment conducive to conversation.

3. Create an interesting and photo worthy tablescape.

Having something interesting to look at makes guests want to stick around and enjoy it. This doesn’t have to be expensive! In this case, the large board and food are the entertainment! Create something that feels unusual or wild! Flowers, candles, greenery, food, or interesting decorations can all create a whimsical atmosphere worth savoring.

This board makes the perfect Friendsgiving table! Tell me if you host one! 🍽️

Alright, y’all! It’s time to plan for Turkey w

Alright, y’all! It’s time to plan for Turkey week! 🦃 Here are a few quick references to guide you as you prepare for the feast. My Dad is our chef and he loves leftovers, so I’ve included that calculation as well. Nothing better than a Turkey sandwich from leftovers! What do you do with your leftover Turkey?

If you get in a bind you know you can always call 1-800-BUTTERBALL or text their Turkey experts at 844-877-3456. Just remember to take out the giblets before cooking! I speak from experience 😳

Save this post to reference later or feel free to send to friends 💙

#hostingwhatmatters #turkey #thanksgivingtable #thanksgivingrecipes #thanksgivingtips #thanksgivingdinnerideas

Scenes from a recent birthday brunch! Comment BRUN

Scenes from a recent birthday brunch! Comment BRUNCH for links to my favorite inexpensive party decor, including the baby bow stickers I used on the air filled balloons! 🎀

Another inspiring @kbshowhouse! Here is a quick to

Another inspiring @kbshowhouse! Here is a quick tour! I’ll post my favorite moments in stories.

I love seeing the creativity and taking note of all the details these talented designers implement. The ceilings were mostly tile/drop ceilings in this unusual commercial showhouse, so it was fun to see the creative ways the designers dressed them. Lots of fabric and incredible ceiling treatments. We were surprised to see so many dried floral arrangements 🤔 Maybe pull out those old bouquets you dried upside down and throw them in a vase! 💐🤣

Choose your own glass! Tried something new recentl

Choose your own glass! Tried something new recently at a dinner party we hosted and loved it! I placed a bunch of unique glasses and stemware on my entry table turned bar for the evening. As guests arrived they chose a unique glass for the drink of their choice. No more drink markers, trying to match your lipstick on the glass, or forgetting which one is yours!

I made sure to have a variety of options- sizes, shapes, colors. We had breakfast for dinner so we had a Bloody Mary bar, mimosas, seasonal water, and of course soft drinks! Guests could choose the glass that made sense for their beverage, or not! No rules here! Drink water from champagne flutes!!🥂

HWM tip: ask your guests what they love to drink or take note when you are with them! Be a student of your guests. They will absolutely feel more at home and valued if you have what they love on hand. Sugar free Pepsi for our bestie. Water for my girl that needs to stay hydrated. Beer for my guy who loves to celebrate with the hops. Soft drinks for my friends that do not drink alcohol. Champagne for my girl that is toasting getting through a tough week! Have options and promote an environment that is welcoming 🧃

If I could have you over today I’d set a table t

If I could have you over today I’d set a table trimmed with black satin ribbon and glitter spiders. I’d write your name on a place card and prepare a seat just for you. 🖤 I’d serve you something seasonal and interesting like this black bean soup dressed with a spider web of sour cream. 🕸️ I’d light candles on the table to set the tone of a slow, dreamy meal. And turn on some Halloween jazz to set the mood. Then we could linger at the table for a few hours like our European friends do. Laughing, catching up, consoling, and encouraging one another.

Happy Halloween friends! I wish I could sit with you in the whimsy of this holiday in person. Virtual hugs will have to do… 🧡🖤🧡

PS: if you came over, we could watch this @homeworthy episode featuring the talented @cherbeall together about Halloween table decor to get inspired! It’s the perfect show for today. I’ll link it in stories and here:

https://youtu.be/gGVB1EIvbhI

Share and save this post to reference for Halloween tablescape ideas!

Need something to serve your guests this week? Thi

Need something to serve your guests this week? This pumpkin cheese ball pairs well with drinks on the front porch for Halloween trick or treating!

Today is a great day to prep it and pop it in the fridge. Then, pull it out when you are ready and serve it with crackers, veggies, etc. Save this recipe to reference for later or send to a friend that needs it!

Pumpkin Cheese Ball

2 of (8-ounce) blocks extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
1 of (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 of (8-ounce) container chive-and-onion cream cheese
2 teaspoons of paprika
1/2 teaspoon of ground red pepper

Mix all of the ingredients in a bowl. Place a large square of plastic wrap on the counter and then shape the mixture into a small pumpkin shape. Wrap in plastic wrap. I often put 2-3 rubber bands or tie twine around the pumpkin shape to create the natural ridges. (I’ll post a picture of this in stories today to show you what I mean) Place in the fridge for at least an hour, up to a day before serving. Place a broccoli stem or celery stalk in the middle of the pumpkin cheese ball just before serving for a true pumpkin look. Serve along side crackers, apple slices, veggies, salami, etc. Enjoy!

#falldecorating #halloweenrecipes #fallrecipes #appetizers #pumpkin #halloweendecor

A casual fall table setting. 🍽️ The plates ar

A casual fall table setting. 🍽️ The plates are stacked in the kitchen by a buffet of food for dinner. Candles, pumpkins, and fall colored flowers down the center sprinkle color and beauty all throughout the table.

I always have unscented tea light candles and tapers on hand to use for dining tables so the aroma of the food is center stage.

Save this reel for a simple idea to use for Thanksgiving, Halloween, or any fall gathering 🍂

Look for links to many of the things on this table and more in stories today! 👆

It’s Halloweek!! 👻🎀🎃Can’t wait to see

It’s Halloweek!! 👻🎀🎃Can’t wait to see all the adorable kids dressed in costumes this week! It’s such a great time to gather friends and neighbors for some fun.

What are your Halloween traditions? Share them with us below👇🧡

#halloweendecorideas #halloweencostume #halloweenpartyideas #halloweendecor #halloweenfood

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