last-minute entertaining essentials

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A simple hack for party-ready florals, in 5 minutes!

see how-to ▸

or

A delicious herbal soda that won’t disappoint!

see recipe ▸

One-Pot 45 Minute Coq au Vin with Brown Butter Sage Mashed Potatoes.

see recipe ▸

set the tone

Light a candle to set the mood (and get rid of any lingering odors).

A little background music never hurt, and crowd-pleasing tunes are always a must! Setup a playlist or opt for an online player for a continuous stream.

White and Wood Dining room — Photography by BRITTANY AMBRIDGE

dress the table

Do a quick de-cluttering and keep the decor light. Create a comfortable ambience with fresh flowers and a clean space.

keep ‘em fed

Easy apps for guests to munch on, leaving time to get the main course on the table.

a cheese board – sans the cheese:
Sweet

charcuterie, jam, fresh bread, a delicious spread (cream cheese), grapes, fresh seasonal fruit, candied walnuts, mustard, sprigs of thyme

Savory

olives, hummus or dip, pita chips, crudites, crackers, salted and roasted nuts, sprigs of rosemary

Or, opt for this foolproof guide to creating ultimate cheese plate:

see recipe ▸

keep the spirits high

basic mixers for cocktails

Keep fresh fruit, citrus, and sparkling water on hand for last-minute mixers. Garden herbs such as rosemary and thyme can give a drink powerful flavor. try this recipe:

see recipe ▸

food for thought

think ahead

If last-minute drop-ins are a regular thing, a little planning ahead can help take the stress out of finding something to serve. Keep the freezer stocked with dishes you can easily reheat.Think: biscuits, soup, or a marinated meat dish. A well-stocked pantry filled with goodies, doesn’t hurt either!

3 dishes you can whip up in 45 minutes and under!

Grilled Romaine Lettuce Salad with Blue Cheese and Bacon

see recipe ▸