Entertaining Essentials

Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Summer is coming, and for many of us that means increased opportunities to entertain friends and family.

Whether it's an outdoor dinner party or merely cocktails and appetizers on the patio, it's important to be prepared with the necessary entertaining essentials.

Entertaining Essentials

Platters
I like my food to take center stage not the platters, so I opt for neutral colored or marble platters that are perfect for showcasing the delectable treats.

Here are a few of my favorites:
White rectangular serving platter
Marble server
2-tier serving platter

Drinkware
Every good party starts and ends with great cocktails. But what good is a cocktail if you're not serving it in a great glass? Save the red Solo cups for the kiddos and stock up on some inexpensive drinkware. Whether you are serving wine, beer, or cosmos, make sure your drinkware makes a great impression.

Here are a few of my favorites:
Cylinder champagne flutes (only $1.95 per glass)
Pilsner glasses
Old Fashioned glasses

Mood Lighting
Ambience can mean the difference between a party that's drab and one that's fab. You want enough light to be able to see who you are talking to, but you don't want to be blinded by flood lights.

A touch of soft lighting creates a friendly vibe. If indoors, place a few candles strategically throughout the rooms where your guests will mingle. If outdoors, lanterns are always a big hit.

Here are a few of my favorites:
DIPTYQUE Bougie Eucalyptus Candle
Things That Make Scents soy candle in "Under the Boardwalk"
Nautical rope lanterns

Good Music
You'll need some good music to go along with that mood lighting. I love Pandora for parties. You can set up any number of stations that will appeal to your guests. In fact, ask your guests what kind of music genres or favorite musicians they like when they arrive. Add the stations in Pandora, and your guests will be pleasantly surprised to hear their favorite tunes. It's definitely a nice touch.

Some of my favorites of the moment are:
John Legend
Bastille
The 1975
Ellie Goulding
Passenger


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