Sigh. I hate to start a blog post on a negative note but I think that a sigh best describes how I’ve been feeling lately. Maybe it’s the recession or maybe it’s because I’m a new home owner but 2009 has been the year of the pinch for me. And while I do think it’s good to know the difference between wants and needs (I’m trying), I’ve been feeling like something’s been missing from my life for a while.
Turns out it was regular time with my friends. Sadly, somehow I seemed to have allowed my entire social life to become wrapped around pricey dinner dates, drinks after work and hosting parties (things that life on a budget with limited spontaneity make prohibitive). Add to this that during the dark days of winter and I found myself leading a life split between work and hibernating - surprise, surprise this is no formula for happiness.
So I’ve realized something has to give and I’ve come up with some easy (and budget-friendly) entertaining ideas to get me back into hosting mode without breaking the bank.
1. Skip the dinner and go straight to dessert. I don’t think any of my friends would object to a dessert party invitation. As the weather warms up I’m thinking ice cream sundae bar (with all the fixings from sprinkles and coconut to whip cream and the cherries on top) paired with Baileys on the rocks.
2. You’re never too old for a tea party. I’m going send out written notes inviting my best gals to join me for high tea. All that’s required is a plethora of teas and a batch of my favourite lavender shortbread cookies. And if I don't have time to bake? I think there’s no shame in turning to my favourite local bakery for help.
3. Trust me when I say Popcorn and a favourite buttery Chardonnay (try Malivore 2006 Moira Chardonnay) go a long way. I'll be renting an old classic and the evening will be set.
4. Then there’s my old faithful, a nice bottle of red (I’m digging The Spanish Quarter’s 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon these days) with a sweet and savoury charcuterie board (brie, prosciutto and olives are all essentials for me). Everyone always tells me they don’t even need dinner after overindulging on this appetizer, so done!
5. And of course, who could forget sangria with summer around the corner? Does all that fresh fruit make it a meal in a glass? OK, so maybe that’s going too far and bordering on just plain cheap. Perhaps a strong cheese with fresh bread or Lemon Basil Shrimp would make the perfect pairing.
I’m still planning to host the odd barbecue and dinner party (I can’t resist, maybe I’ll try to bring back the potluck) but I’m hoping the ideas above will remind me that every get together doesn’t have to be an all-the-stops-pulled blowout. After all it really is about spending time with the ones I love at the end of the day, isn’t it? Hmm. I do believe this recession may have just taught me another valuable life lesson.
Have any budget-friendly entertaining tips or ideas of your own? Sign in and share them with me in the comments below.
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