Category: Hosting

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Food has to obviuosly be one of the largest staples to any shindig whether big or small. With all of the other preperations included in party planning slaving over a hot stove can be the last thing you want to do before your event gets underway. Take the  hassle out of food prep and wow party goers at the same time with these 4 simple DIY food stations thst your guestts  will be sure to love.

Bagel Station

 Build-Your-Own Bagel Station

Gathering for brunch? A bagel bar with lots of options and all the fixings ensures everyone is a happy camper.

You’ll Need: Fresh, day-of bagels; a variety of cream cheeses; thinly sliced veggies (tomatoes, radishes, onions, cucumbers); capers; fresh herbs (dill, chives, basil); smoked salmon; and coarse sea salt (to sprinkle over the vegetables).

Waffle Bar

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Fluffy, soft scrumptious treats that everyone loves to each. There are so many ways you can have make your waffle bar lovely. 

You Will Need. Different waffle flavors to tons of topping options. Add fresh fruit, like strawberries, blueberries, and peaches. Sweet toppimgs like sprinkles, chocolate chips, and whipped cream. Using cute containers to display them in which really bring the waffle bar to life. Adding a variety of lovely flavored syrups will really be the cherry on top for this brunch delight.

Make Your Own Taco Station

Make-Your-Own Taco Table

A taco bar is one of the easiest ways to feed a large group of people and keep it super casual and fun. It works just as well for a daytime or dinnertime gathering!

You’ll Need: Taco shells, proteins (skirt steak, chicken, shrimp, etc.), vegetarian options (roasted veggies and beans), different salsas, queso, guacamole, chopped vegetables (lettuce, tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, radishes), sour cream, chopped cilantro, and sliced limes.

 

Bruschetta Bar

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Want to make your spread seem utterly bountiful, without committing to hour-long preparations? Stock up on all sorts of bruschetta toppings, arrange in the manner of an Italian feast, and watch everyone go to town. Easy peasy.

You’ll Need: Grilled bread, lots of chopped vegetables (tomatoes, artichokes, arugula, sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, etc.), various meats (prosciutto and salami) and cheese (burrata, ricotta, goat cheese), a variety of sauces (basil vinaigrette, red pepper sauce, tomato confit, pea pesto, etc.), lots of small bowls, and small plates.

DIY Food Stations are a great way for guests to customize party food to their personal tastes. So try out these simple party food fixes for your next event.

Happy Hosting,

Cocoa

 

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Step #1 Set the Guest List Early. Send out invites at least three to four weeks in advance. Give longer notice for more formal affairs and more popular dates like New Year’s Eve.

Step #2 Don’t Leave the Details to the Last Minute. Create your “to do” list at least a week in advance including the menu, drinks and quantities, decorations, and party events.

Step #3 Tidy Up. The day of the party, get the public areas of the house tidied up and don’t forget that the bathroom will need to be well stocked with fresh hand towels and the like. If you’re using a bedroom as coat closet, make sure it’s presentable. Keep the lights off and doors closed to the rest of the house to signal to your guests they are off limits.

 Step #4 Set the Ambiance. Turn off the overhead lights. Let lamps, sconces, candles and sparkling conversation illuminate the party.

 

Step #5 Sort Cocktails and Drinks: As long as you have drinks ready as guests arrive  the party will start well. Give options but not too many choices. Serve one cocktail. Bourbon and cider are nice at this time of year, plus champagne and wine.

Pro Tip: To keep bartending simple, you can pick a drink of the night, set the fixings out on the bar along with the recipe/directions, and let the guests play bartender.

Step #6 Set Up a Simple Spread. “Appetizer parties are definitely the easiest. A great cheese plate goes a long way. A party staple and one of the most chicest, easiest appetizers to asemble. Just grab a few cheese options, some italian meats, some olives and voila instant hit.

Pro Tip: Let guests help themselves. A dinner party is more fun to throw and attend when it’s buffet style. People can cater to their own tastes and eat on their own time. Plus you can mingle and mix it up. Just be sure to label the foods — people like to know what they’re eating.

Step #7 Give Guests an Assignment. One sure-fire way to get people mingling is to give them assignments, like having one person check on everybody’s drink or having someone hand-pass hors d’oeuvres. People may be shy and your task will give them an excuse to talk to strangers.

 

Step #8 Care less. Entertain more. Enjoy the moment, you only get now once!

Happy Hosting,

Cocoa