Entertaining on the Fly...

So you have been invited to enjoy an evening over a friends house, an impromptu playdate at your place or a last minute GNO and you don't know what to bring or serve...here are a few SIMPLE ideas that you most likely have in your pantry or after reading this will run out to the closest 24 hour grocer and stock up on my suggestions!


Snacks-
Option 1:
You will need: Pretzels, Chex, Peanuts or any other nut you enjoy or happens to be in pantry (only add if you or lil ones are not allergic!) cranberries, raisins and any Fave Cereal, (Choc chips are an option as well!) Throw all of these into a large bowl and toss together.

Hot Hostess tip: Grab some lunch bags and write the lils names on them and if you have a couple extra seconds you can personalize further with some cute pics using a Sharpie of course!

Option 2:
Marshmallows, Bananas, Strawberries and/or Pretzels and melt-able chocolate
I have come to realize that my pantry always needs to have those delicious melt-able chocolate discs stocked and ready to micro! These create sweet treats in no time at all and their presentation factor is always a hit!

Melt the choc and then drizzle choc on your treat of choice or all of the above...follow the directions of the chocolate- it takes a lil bit of time for the choc to set but a very easy recipe to follow!


App-

Option 1
chz and crackers...most people say "duh" of course this is a no brainer- but there is always a fancy way to display this classic munchie...Here's the scenario: you open up the fridge and crapola no "fancy" cheese but wait you see some slices of American, prov or cheddah...you are in luck my friend because even these every day accompaniment to your lunchmeat can be dressed up: simply cut slices into triangles, squares or circles (or if you are my son you will have hexagons requested of you) and then fan them out like you would a deck of cards. Add crackers, hummus, veggies, fruit or dip and/or whatever you wish!

Option 2
Olive Bar- remember, you have that jar of olives (pitted please) in the fridge or pantry...break em out for your guests- they are easy to eat and serve! These also great with serving with the above!

Great Guest tip: Stock up on cute plates so when you get that invite you now have a hostess gift to serve your munchies. I always check the seasonal grocery isle, dollar store, Target and Homegoods for plates and bowls that catch my eye. This way when you bring your dish you can leave behind a thoughtful gift and your friend will think of you every time they use your serving piece.

First Course- Salad...this recipe was given to me from a dear friend that was passed to her from a dear friend; Thank you M & T for your wisdom. BTW recipes are meant to be shared and enjoyed so pls do so with this one! Here it is...Romaine, grated parm, freshly squeezed lemons, a touch of olive oil. So easy peasy you will enjoy over and over! I do reco this as a spring/summer/early fall dish b/c it is lite and tangy; perfect with any dish during these seasons.

Main-

Option 1
Tapas all the way! Do you have some delish lil of this and lil of that- don't be afraid to serve a schmorgie borg of what you have in the fridge just make sure they are bite size friendly and. Bread can be your best friend here- toasts w/ spreads or a sprinkle of cheese...simple and I guarantee you have what you need right in your fridge.

Option 2
Pasta- we all have pasta in our pantry so yank it out and boil that water and throw it in! The pasta is simply the vehicle for a delicious sauce, gravy (for all you hardcore Italians out there) or inventive topping. I like to throw a light olive oil, goat cheese and olives in there. So simple and items that you should always have stocked!

Dessert
Option 1
Graham Crackers, Whip Cream and Nutella- so easy and items that you usually have laying around...spread a little of the hazelnut goodness on a graham cracker and top with a little love of whip cream...these also have such a nice presentation (especially served on a white plate)
This delight could also be served as a snack for a playdate too!

Option 2
Fruit- never underestimate the flavor of fruit! You will be surprised how much fruit can satisfy your guests after a meal. If you have a couple apples; slice and serve...drizzle honey or choc for extra sweetness or caramel. If you have a multitude of fruit cut, dice and slice and toss into a bowl for a refreshing fruit salad. Noteworthy: apples can be added to a chz tray especially cheddah and also for a snack w/ peanut butter (again remember the nut thing).

Your paper goods: I find this to be my favorite part of entertaining so this is a necessity but for most a fun extra...thru your travels always keep your eye out for snazzy napkins/plates for your parties/gatherings. Keep a space in your pantry or wherever your go-to place is for your stockpile of entertaining equipment and keep a stash of napkins, guest towels, paper plates, and beverage cups.

So I hope some of the above was helpful and also awakened some other creative ideas for you when entertaining on the fly!