Spring is in the air! The weather is getting warmer and the days are getting longer, which means it’s time to freshen up those entertaining skills! We know it can be stressful opening up your home to guests, so we’ve put together our very own cheat-sheet on how to make the day go smoother. Follow Olive Oils from Spain’s Guide to Spring Entertaining and you’ll be ready to host your own casual backyard party or elegant soirée in no time and, most importantly, stress-free!
Serve elegant, no-cook appetizers
One of the easiest things to serve is the tried and tested veggie platter. Head to the local farmer market and pick a variety of colorful, crunchy vegetables that look fresh. Put a little TLC into the prep and cut them into spears so they are easy for your guests to grab and dip! Make an extra virgin olive oil vinaigrette or a creamy garlic mayo dressing to serve with the vegetables and you’re sure to please all palates.
Still want more food for the table? Rustic bread on a wooden cutting board with an assortment of cured meats and cheeses is always a crowd pleaser. Don’t forget to leave a spoon in each of the dressings so guests can help themselves.
Use extra virgin olive oil for easy make-it-ahead marinades
It’s no secret that Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Spain adds an array of flavors to your meats and that it’s a must-have cooking staple. Plus, it makes marinades a pinch, making it easy to prep ahead. That means less running around when guests start arriving. Try combining Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Spain, your choice of fresh herbs and red chili flakes for an easy marinade. You can prepare this the night before and let it sit overnight in the fridge for an excellent flavor the next day!
Keep the centerpiece simple
Of course, you can never go wrong with an abundance of flowers, but flower arrangements can quickly become pricey and time-consuming. How about using empty olive oil bottles and antique jars for single stem flowers? Start by picking two or three bottles, preferably of different heights and shades, and arrange them in the middle of the table. Choose single flowers with lots of volume; for example, pick a lily or hydrangea stem to fill the jars. Awesome!
Serve a signature beverage
One of the keys to entertaining is to try and make things easier on yourself where you can – and, as we all know, the simpler the better! Pick one cocktail you’d like to serve and stick with it – it makes your party festive and gives the feel of a theme as well. One of our favorite signature drinks is gin and tonic with olive oil and sugar-rimmed glasses. So elegant!
Reimagine your party favors
While party favors may seem excessive when there’s so many other things to do, it’s a gesture that goes a long way. Giving favors at your gathering make your guests feel special and is a great memory to take home – especially when it’s something unique. Homemade skincare is a great favor to give at a brunch. Combine olive oil and lavender for a regenerating bath mix that’s elegant, and one every party guest will love! Or, make your own flavored Extra Virgin Olive Oils with cilantro or five spice. Flavored olive oils are sure to please any party guest! Both ideas can be given in elegant glass jars that are easy on the wallet but are sure to impress your guests.
Make them comfortable
It may seem obvious, but making your guests feel comfortable is the number one party rule. If you’re having your party outdoors, try repurposing indoor furniture to create a cozy ‘outdoor room’ for lounging on the lawn. If it’s a bit chilly, have warm throws available to your guests. The most important thing is that everyone is comfortable and having fun!
Follow these easy tips and you’re on your way to hosting a beautiful party! Let us know how it went in the comments, and if you pick up any other tips along the way, please share them with us!
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