Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Entertaining Simply

This year G and I have decided to put ourselves on a fairly firm budget.  The last two years we didn't do well budgeting, and our savings account shows it.  The beauty of this is that I work well in tight constraints.  If you give me a deadline for a writing project, I will get it done, and done beautifully.....but not until the 11th hour.  I was up until 7:30 a.m. Christmas morning putting the last coat of paint on Nora's play kitchen.  And if you give me a tight budget, as well as a goal to entertain more, than I have found I really enjoy the challenge.
The aftermath, empty champagne bucket (thrifted), and a sad mostly empty plate of brownies.

Because of the budget, going out for drinks with friends is simply not going to be happening very often.  So, instead, I'm opening up my home more.  I invited 2 good friends over for New Year's Eve.  Nothing fancy, they brought cheese and I provided chili, salad and brownies (along with wine and bubbly of course!).  I decorated the chalkboard and made a pennant banner that said "2014" out of a brown paper bag, gold spray paint (sprayed into a cup and then hand painted) and garden twine.  It was a fun night, and a great start to a new year.
Last weekend I invited a friend over on our snowy night for dinner and coffee and it was nice.  Later this month I've invited a few friends for dinner.  The weekend after that I'm having a friend join us for a brunch.  All will be simple meals (think quiche and frittata), but I'm hoping to be more relaxed.  Practice makes perfect, after all.  I have a goal to entertain in some way (coffee or a meal) each month.  I've finally figured out that keeping it simple is key to not stressing.  And a tighter budget necessitates simpler meals. 

It's actually been fun, the idea of people popping in more.  Tonight after discussing the menu for the dinner party G and I agreed that this year really feels like it's going to be great.  And because I know that we're not the only ones who'd like to entertain more, but are on a budget, I thought that I would love to share tips and tricks as I go along (along with any mistakes!).  Let this be the year that we charge forth boldly and with bubbly. 

5 comments:

  1. I don't mind going to someone's house that went all out on me but I'll keep my entertaining simple too. Another great post that speaks to my heart. And it does look like it's going to be a great year ahead! Love the 2014 banner as well!

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    1. I love going all out for special occasions (holiday meals tend to be HUGE). But yes, entertaining simply makes it so much easier to host more often. I'm hoping it's a phenomenal year for us both!

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  2. I like your handcrafted 2014 banner, it is much nicer than store bought like most hand crafted things are. I am looking forward to you blogging more now, but I completely understand the busy-ness of having a young child. For the past months, I have been checking back periodically to see if you've posted anything new so I can't wait to read future topics! Happy New Year. :)

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    1. Thank you! Hopefully I'll have topics that leave you inspired! Happy New Year!

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  3. Entertaining monthly, but simply is a great idea. I've been thinking I'd like to have friends over more often but without going to the lengths of cooking fancy meals. Spaghetti and a bottle of wine is my first thought for a simple meal for friends. I should make the effort to do this. Thanks for the gentle nudge!

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