Yummyday Tuesday - Lemon Scones, Chocolate Gravy and Grand Berries

The following post is a contiuation of my Simple Party Planning Course and the menu items are from my Simple Brunch.

Final week in the Simple Brunch Menu Series. Links to the previous recipes and your printable grocery shopping list is at the end of this post!

My Secret Lemon Scones

You would not believe how many people BEG for this recipe - lucky for me, there' nothing to it!


One box of Duncan Hines Blueberry Muffin Mix
One Box of Duncan Hines Poppy Seed Muffin Mix
Bake the blueberry muffins, as directed, LEAVING OUT THE BLUEBERRIES, and use mini muffins cups
Use the Lemon Glaze out of the Poppy Muffin Box on top of the mini scones.

 
That's it! I came up with this recipe after I bought the Poppy Seed mix one time and forgot to put on the glaze. The next time I made scones and needed a glaze, I remembered the left-over glaze and used it. It was a hit and nothing I make compares!
 

Chocolate GRAVY - Serve warm on top of homemade Pound Cake (that recipe is for another day!)

 

1/3 Cup Cocoa

1/4 Cup Milk

1 Cup Sugar

1 tsp Vanilla

1 Stick Butter

1 box Powdered Sugar
 
Melt butter in milk on LOW - stirring constantly. Add sugars and cocoa - stir until melted. Add vanilla. You are now in Heaven!
 

Grand Berries - serve chilled on top of homemade pound cake (sorry - you still have to wait for that one!)

 
24oz Fresh blackberries - frozen will work if you must
1 MINI Grand Marnier
1 Tbsp Honey
 
Mix well and marinate overnight.
 
  For more great receipes visit http://www.thekendalcompanies.com/Recipes---DIY-Projects.html





 
RECIPE LINKS:
Mimosas
Hot Russian Tea

Smoked Salmon

Served with Capers, Red Onions and Lagniappe

Maries' Cheese ball

Served with Artisan Crackers

Spicy Tomato Grits

Thick Cut Bacon and Sausage Patties

Sautéed Spinach with Onions and Garlic
Lemon Glazed Scones

Coffee Bar
 
 
PRINT OUT AND TAKE WITH YOU!
Grocery List
Fruit & Produce Section
Orange Slices – Three Oranges, sliced into circles
1 Lemon - or Lemon Juice
Grapes – Several Large bunches
Red Onion – One Medium, finely chopped
Onion – One large onion finely chopped
One large bag fresh spinach (apx. 2#)
Fresh Garlic – 6 cloves finely chopped, but not minced
Baking Goods Isle
Sugar - 4 Cups
Cinnamon Sticks – 3
Whole Cloves – 10-12 pieces
Lady & Sons Seasoning – see recipe
Accent – 3 Tbsp.
Worcestershire – 3 Tbsp.
Cheesecloth – for Tea
Grits – 1 cup QUICK-Cooking, but not instant
Blueberry muffin mix – Do not add the berries!
Poppy Seed muffin mix – Do not make the muffins, just need the glaze
Sugar Cubes
Mini Muffin Cups
Meat & Seafood
Beef Slices – See Recipe Notes
Bacon – One Package THICK CUT
Sausage – Two packages of 8 patties
Smoked Salmon – One large pre-packaged SMOKED
Dairy & Refrigerated Section
Cream Cheese – 4 oz. for the salmon plus 3 8pz. Bars for cheese ball
Eggs – 2, slightly beaten
Milk – 1 ¼ Cup
Velveeta – 6 oz.
Cheddar – 2 ½ Cup, shredded
Orange Juice – 2-64oz. Juice plus one Frozen OJ
Other Items
Capers – One small Jar
Rotel – 1 Can
Crackers – 1 large box of assorted crackers plus one box Tollhouse
Coffee & Tea Isle
Coffee – Foldgers Classic Roast or Blue Mountain
Individual Creamers
Tea – 1 Box of Regular Tea Bags
Stirrers

Champagne - 2 bottles

Thinking Thursday - Party Countdown- Part 3 in a Series

Thursdays are for "thinking" out of the box. Together with Yummyday Tuesdays and Why Worry? Wednesdays - Thursdays are a part of the Simple Party Planning Series I am posting this month.

Party Countdown Schedule - if you've been following the entire series - this countdown will help you prepare for your Holiday Brunch

The 10 days to 1 Week Before:
Make a guest list for 5 to 6 couples – what ever your table will comfortably accommodate. For a simple last minute brunch, no need to mail invites. Call, but do not email, your guests.

 Look through your kitchen to see what items you have on hand and make a list of what you will need (use LIST below for recipe items.)

Check all dinnerware, crystal and utensils and wash everything that needs it. Use real dinnerware, not disposable for small intimate gatherings – it makes your guests feel important.

Polish any silver you plan to use


Two Days Before:


Survey your front walk and front door, use simple decorations


Iron your linen tablecloth and go ahead and place it on the table.


Set your table with correct place settings, add place cards for an added touch


Set up the food table – See HINT #2, chose what serving dishes and utensils you will need, place on table and label with a post-it note



HINT #1: When setting up the food table, go ahead and place the serving dish and serving utensil needed for each item on the table. Using a note card, label each piece so you know where everything will go. This will allow an early guest to help place food on the table while you are doing last minute things in the kitchen.

 HINT #2 - Never deep clean your home before a party. The only time your guests will be alone to take note of your housekeeping is in the guest bathroom. Be sure to deep clean here, but the rest of the house should just get a light cleaning.

Go to the grocery store. (See Shopping List Below)



The Day Before:
Follow the Prep list below:
Slice the oranges into circles, cover and refrigerate
 Chop Red Onion into fine pieces, place is small bowl. Cover – refrigerate


Put capers on a bowl that matches the red onion bowl, cover and refridge


Mix 4oz. Cream cheese with a dash of salt, pepper and garlic powder


Make the cheese ball - see recipe

Prep the grits, but do not bake yet


Bake the Scones - see recipe


Setup the coffee and tea station - Get the coffee pot ready, set out sugar, stirrers, and cups

Place a carafe for the tea

Chill the champagne


The Morning of:


HINT: If your brunch is set to start at 10:30, go ahead and shower first thing in the morning. Put on work clothes until 9:30, then change. If your party is a late brunch, wait until 1 ½ hour before starting time to shower – you’ll feel refreshed. You need to be dressed 1 hour before start time to ensure you have time to do all last minute details w/o worrying about finishing your makeup!

Make the Russian Tea – See Recipe – When finished, place in carafe


Bake the Grits – once done, leave in warm oven until time


Set out cheese ball so that it can come to room temp.


Place crackers on appropriate tray by the cheese ball


Set out capers, red onion and cream cheese dip


Place additional crackers near the salmon tray


Sautee the onions and garlic for the spinach – reserve for last minute


Bake the bacon IN THE OVEN – Line the pan with parchment paper, preferably on a rack. Be sure to use a pan that has sides to catch the grease.


Cook the Sausage – keep in warm oven until time

Last minute:

Start the coffee


Place Salmon on appropriate tray. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary
 Take grits, sausage and bacon out of the oven and place on table


Pour the lemon glaze on cold scones, and then warm the scones in the microwave


Put the grapes around the cheese ball and salmon for garnishes


Sautee the spinach with the pre-cooked onions and garlic, drain on a paper-towel and add to table.
 Double check that everything is out on the table


Open the front door if you have a storm/screen door


Last check to make sure the bathroom is freshened


Take a last minute look around, put on some lipstick, make yourself a mimosa and enjoy!

Next Thursday.....Final Notes..... For more party planning tips visit The Kendal Companies

Why Worry Wednesday - What Food to Serve? Part 3 in the Series

Part 3: "Why Worry? Wednesday-Holiday Party Planning Series". Please be sure to check out the Introduction and previous posts if you are new to my blog.

What to do before, during and after your event to get guests to crown you

“Hostess of the Year”

To continue with "Things Women Worry About When Planning A Party," let's discuss...

WHAT FOOD WILL I SERVE?

Food Selection

The biggest concern of all! Again, KEEP IT SIMPLE. The number one rule of thumb as a hostess – never look stressed and never stay in the kitchen. Select foods that can be prepared before your event – and I mean in the days before, not minutes before. Save one or two specialties for last minute, but the majority of our foods should be prepared early. Chose things that can stay at room temperature and that can be kept out for long periods. Also chose items that can be easily swapped out as they are depleted. As you remove an empty tray, have another tray ready to replace, or better yet, just fill in the empty space by moving around trays already on the table. People expect the food table to deplete as the night goes on. You don’t always have to have a full food table. Just keep it clean throughout the night.

- Beverage Options – Alcohol or not? This is also a personal preference and a large budget expense. My recommendation is to provide minimal selections and ask guests to bring their own beverage of choice


Be sure to check out Full Menus and Recipes that are posted on Yummyday Tuesdays or on my website!

Next Wednesday......What Will I wear?!

For more great recipes, visit The Kendal Catering Company

Thinking Thursday - Simple Party Decor - Part 2 in a Series

Thursdays are for "thinking" out of the box. Together with Yummyday Tuesdays and Why Worry? Wednesdays - Thursdays are a part of the Simple Party Planning Series I am posting this month.

Simple Party Decor - Making Your Party Special For Everyone

 - Use place cards to label the food for your guests. For cheeses, tape the place cards to toothpicks and stick directly into the cheese wedge. Nice touches make all the difference



•Set up your food table the day before. Decide where each serving dish will be placed, add corresponding serving utensils, and place a post-it note on each one to remind you what goes where. This is a great time saver!

•Use real dinnerware, crystal and utensils when possible. It makes the statement that your guests are important. It doesn’t take that much time to load the dishwasher and it reduces the amount of trash your party collects.


•If you don’t have enough real dinnerware to serve everyone, start with what you have then replace with clear disposable-wear. Buy purchasing all clear plates, cups and utensils, you can use the leftovers at any event. Instead of 10 plates in 10 different colors stacked in your cabinet, you will have something that matches it all.


•Use real linen, all-white tablecloths. Again, it makes a statement, can be used at all your events and is easily cleaned. Add layers of colored linens for dramatic (or subtle) décor. Make sure they are straight!

•Use clippings from your yard as décor in all areas. Magnolia, nandina with berries and pine are wonderful choices. Use fresh herbs such as rosemary to accent food such as creamy dips and cheese assortments. Store bought flower bouquets come across as cheesy – but taken apart, the single flowers of sunflowers, peonies and other large blooms are magnificent alone. Try placing one bloom in the bathroom on a plate for easy, classy décor. Using real décor also cuts down in the amount of decorations you need to store every year.


•If children are to be involved, have a special area just for them. They should have their own food table with special treats and an area full of activities to keep them busy. Try setting up a table where they can create their own gum-drop trees from Styrofoam cones.

•At the coffee station, use sugar cubes instead of regular sugar. You’ll be amazed how many people notice! Also offer Splenda, Sweet & Low and individual creamers as an added touch. All the leftovers can be saved for another party.


•Expand beyond the usual holiday balls in a bowl - Simple things like cranberries add color and create wonderful, simple displays.


•Take store bought foods and dips out of the container and put into nicer bowls and trays. It’s all about the PRESENTATION. Use grandma’s china – she did!


•Designate a “dirty dish” area. If guests can see where to place their dishes they are more likely to put them there than leave them laying around your home. Set up a bowl with warm soapy water for utensils and a trash can designated for trash/food. While working the room, casually pick up dishes and cups left laying around. This will cut down the time spent cleaning up later. NEVER load the dishwasher while you still have guests.


•Designate an area for coats and handbags.


•Simmer cinnamon sticks and whole cloves on the stove at the beginning – it will create a warm atmosphere.

Next Thursday....Party STARTER ideas. For more great ideas, please visit The Kendal Companies

Why Worry? Wednesday - Is My House Clean? Part 2 in the Series

Part 2:  "Why Worry? Wednesday-Holiday Party Planning Series". Please be sure to check out the Introduction and previous posts if you are new to my blog.

What to do before, during and after your event to get guests to crown you

“Hostess of the Year”

To continue with "Things Women Worry About When Planning A Party," let's discuss...

How clean is my house?

Quick tips for getting your house ready

The LEAST of your worries.

To simplify cleaning follow these basic steps:
 Front Door and Entry

-Front walk, porch and door should be swept clear, brightly lit and simply decorated

-Make it warm and welcoming. Turn on all the outside lights or use luminaries.

-Use a simple wreath on the door.

-Make sure your entryway is clear of clutter. Remove everything possible and replace with 
  simple décor such as a bowl of unshelled nuts, a fresh poinsettia or a guest sign in book.

Guest Bathroom

This is the only time your guest will be alone and have time to look around. Be sure the guest bath is extra clean, fully stocked with paper (you don’t want guests looking through your cabinet while searching for more paper), simply decorated (use a scented candle) and has hand soap and a guest towel out. Yes, people WILL look behind the shower curtain and inside the closet – remove bath toys and straighten the linen closet.

The Entertaining area

No need to deep clean your party area. The room will be filled with guests. They will concentrate on the food table and talk with other guests instead of studying the dusty baseboards. Lightly dust and sweep or vacuum. The deep cleaning will be needed AFTER your guests leave!

The rest of the house:

There WILL be guests that have never been to your home and they will want to look around. Don’t panic – lightly clean the other rooms in your home and keep lights turned down (or use lamps and candles). This will hide any imperfections enough for a quick tour .


And a quick note on decorating....

 
Make it simple.
Use what you have. Wait to put out all your extravagant decorations until AFTER the party. What your family enjoys is not always what you what to accomplish when decorating for a party. A simple wreath on the door, a few pinecones and limbs on the table and a nicely scented candle in the guest bathroom goes much farther than 50 strand of lights and Christmas balls everywhere.

Next Wednesday......Simple Food to Serve.....

For more house keeping tips, visit The Kendal Companies

Thinking Thursday - Party Theme Ideas - Part 1 in a Series

Thursdays are for "thinking" out of the box. Together with Yummyday Tuesdays and Why Worry? Wednesdays - Thursdays will be a part of the Simple Party Planning Series this month.

For our first Thinking Thursday, let's go over some great party themes and ideas.

•Create a poster or cork board with pictures of your guests from throughout the years. Ask guests to bring their own pictures to add and swap out. Your guests will love (and laugh) at pictures of themselves and others. To expand on this idea – try it with your neighbors. Many times neighbors do not exchange the many pictures they take throughout the year of each other’s children. It’s a great way to collect and exchange these photos.

•Have Santa make a surprise visit at your adult parties too. Guests can give Santa a wish list and have their photos taken. Great way to start the laughs – and maybe get what you really want this year!

•Arrange for the neighborhood kids or another group to stop by and Christmas carol for your guests. OR, have a Christmas Caroling party. When I was a child, we would meet at someone’s home and take a hayride to people’s homes to carol. Every third or fourth house we would go in for hot chocolate and treats before going on to the next house. After the last house, we would go back and the adults would socialize with Hot Rum while we decorated the tree. How I loved it!


•Have a Christmas Card Making or Baked-Good Baking Party – Gather your friends for pot-luck dinner while you all sign and address your Holiday cards or bake and package your baked gifts.


•For “Christmas in July” try the following: Place the lid of a large Rubbermaid tote on the center of your food table. Cover it with a tablecloth. Fill the lid with play sand. Add Barbies in swim suits, shells, and other summer items for décor. Suggest Hawaiian shirts, serve margaritas, mini BBQ sandwiches and homemade ice cream. Play Jimmy Buffet music and have everyone do the “limbo!”


•Create “stations” instead of a food table. Banana split bars, soup stations and taco bars are great easy to fix tables.

Next Thursday..... Holiday Party Decor. For more great party planning ideas, decor photos and recipes, visit The Kendal Companies

Why Worry? Wednesday - Who To Invite and Will Anyone Come?

Welcome to the first "Why Worry? Wednesday." This is a part of my Holiday Party Planning Series. Please be sure to check out the Introduction and previous posts if you are new to my blog.

The series begins this week with "Things Women Worry About When Planning A Party." Included in this series will be:

Who to Invite & WILL ANYONE SHOW UP?

What to do before, during and after your event to get guests to crown you “Hostess of the Year”

We begin with:

Who to Invite & WILL ANYONE SHOW UP?

There are many things you can do before, during and after your event to ensure your guests will attend, and will want to attend, your events.

GETTING THE GUEST TO ATTEND

Date Selection -Getting your guests to attend takes more than just an alluring invitation. Think about your own obligations and apply it to your guest list. Consider more than just choosing whether a Friday or Saturday will work. Scan the local newspaper or school websites to find out what is going on in the community that might be a conflict for your guests. Sports schedules, school concerts and local community events such as holiday parades and tree lightings should be taken into consideration.

Send an enticing invitation - Be creative! This is an example of how I used humor to get party guests from the Georgia Coast to come to a party in Northern Georgia:

Intrigue them with a creative theme -When choosing a theme, think outside of the box. Just because it’s the holidays doesn’t mean you have to have traditional themes. Try “July in Christmas” for a fun theme . With traditional parties, add another dimension by having a centralized event such as having Santa stop by or have Christmas carolers stop by. Focus more on what you can offer your guests that is different than just the theme’s décor.

GETTING THE GUEST TO PUT YOU ON THE TOP OF THEIR RSVP LIST

Simple Elegance during your event - Down play the decor. SIMPLE decorations make a stronger statement than lavish tinsel and bows.

Food that is different but wonderful - Add a few unusual items to your regular party table. Pickled watermelon Rinds or Okra Tea sandwiches are great conversation starters!

Make each guest feel they are the most important guest - take the time to sincerely thank each guest for attending. Everyone is busy during the holidays and they didn't have to take the time to stop by YOUR party. Be grateful!

Never let them see you sweat - Have everything ready so that you are out of the kitchen by the first ring of the doorbell.

Consistency is the KEY - Guest will remember and RETURN to your home for wonderful parties. Keep up the level of elegance at each function you host- whether it's the holidays or just afternoon tea.

AFTER THE PARTY

- Send a card, or email, with pictures of you guests from the party, thanking them for attending.

Next Wednesday.... Is My House Clean? For more great tips, visit The Kendal Companies.

For more great party planning tips, visit The Kendal Companies

Thinking Thursday - RSVPs - What is that?!

We all are guilty of it. Not RSVPing, or waiting until the last minute to call, or worse - showing up after not RSVPing. Why do we do this and why is such a crime?

In my business, everything depends on the guest count. From how many tables and chairs to how many individual hand-made appetizers I have to roll - believe me, it matters.

Let's talk about why most of us have such a hard time picking up the phone, or emailing, or sending in the pre-stamped RSVP, or any other forms of letting the hostess know you will or won't be there:

Commitment phobia. What if something better comes along? What if I can't get a sitter? What if Brad Pitt shows up at my door and sweeps me away? What if? You can always call and let the hostess know (I promise she'll understand if you're on your way to France with Mr. Pitt.) The whole reason for RSVPS is so that the hostess can plan on how much food, beverages, chairs and space she will need AND how much money she needs to budget for all of it. If she knows she is having 100 guest instead of the 250 she invited, she may serve lobster instead of chicken. Likewise, if she does have all 250 RSVP, she knows she can never afford lobster for everyone and will have to go with the chicken.   

You want to help the hostess with her budget.  Don't try to save the hostess that per-person catering fee by saying "I won't eat" or  "my child can share off my plate" because the truth is, you WILL pick up a couple of pieces of cheese and your five-year-old will visit the dessert table at least twice. If you show up unannounced and do eat, there may not be enough food. It's better to have too much food than to not have enough so go ahead and say "yes" even if it's a "maybe." If you wait or don't RSVP you could be left empty-handed. You CAN change your mind but at least you will be covered

You simply forgot. Solve this problem by immediately responding the minute you get the invite. Don't put it in the pile on your desk or leave it in the car. Go ahead and pick up the phone or mail in the card. If it's an Evite, immediately respond online.  If your hostess was gracious enough to put a pre-stamped RSVP card in the invite, at least mail it back to her. That's alot of postage down the drain if you don't!

You're afraid you will hurt her feelings by responding "no." Yes, this is a possibility but hostess know that not everyone can attend her event. She does expect some "No's" but I also know that she would rather hear something from you than feel like you are avoiding her by not responding. For big events such as weddings, the hostess is going to make around of phone calls to those she has not heard from. Don't ingore her to save her feelings, save yourself (and her) the grief by simply being honest and RSVPing your regrets. You don't have to say "I'm going to Jenny's wedding instead." or "I'm allergic to your cat and can't come to you home Christmas party." Just a simple, NO on the RSVP will suffice.

Holiday Party Planning Course - PRE-PLANNING

The following post is a contiuation of my Simple Party Planning Course....

So you’ve decided to have a party. Now What?

PRE-PLANNING

Don’t be overwhelmed by planning your event. Sit down and put the following down ON PAPER:


-DATE: Getting your guests to attend takes more than just an alluring invitation. Think about your own obligations and apply it to your guest list. Consider more than just choosing whether a Friday or Saturday will work. Scan the local newspaper or school websites to find out what is going on in the community that might be a conflict for your guests. Sports schedules, school concerts and local community events such as holiday parades and tree lightings should be taken into consideration.



-TIME & DURATION: For evening events your starting time should be late enough to give yourself time to prepare and give your working guests time to get home and change but should also be early enough that your party doesn’t run late into the night. 7 or 7:30 is usually standard for evening affairs. For afternoon events, be considerate and don’t choose time frames that take up your guest’s entire day. Plan for brunch time 10:30 – 1:30 or late afternoon 5 -7pm.. You will have more people attend if they see that they still have time to accomplish their own agendas.

LOCATION – It is most cost effective to host your party at your own home. Think about how many guests your home will accommodate. Consider removing furniture out of the entertaining rooms and place folding chairs around the areas. Everyone likes to show off their home décor, but scale back your cherished items for a crisper, cleaner look for entertaining. You will benefit more by saving your favorite collectible from being broken than from displaying it for your guests. If you are planning an outdoor party, be sure to think about the weather. On porches and in garages, bring in extra fans to circulate the air and keep bugs away. Outdoor tents are very elegant for winter outdoor parties and save your home from the mess, but can be expensive to rent.



THEME- When choosing a theme, think outside of the box. Just because it’s the holidays doesn’t mean you have to have traditional themes. Try “July in Christmas” for a fun theme (see Party Starter page for details.) With traditional parties, add another dimension by having a centralized event such as having Santa stop by or have Christmas carolers stop by. Focus more on what you can offer your guests that is different than just the theme’s décor.



ATTIRE (cocktail, casual, dinner) – This one is your personal preference. Most people like to have a reason to dress up a little bit, but sometimes you just want to be comfortable.



GUEST COUNT/LIST –Is this just neighbors? Your company holiday party? Don’t mix guest list. Business parties should not be combined with less formal occasions. No one wants to see their slightly obnoxious neighbor chatting with your biggest client. It is also too stressful to try to be professional and hang out with the girl next door at the same time. Again, consider how many your home will comfortable hold.

Coming Next..... the "Menu".......

YOU ASKED - YOU GOT IT - Holiday Party Planning Course

Last holiday season I did a series of seminars for local businesses and civic groups on simple holiday party planning. It was a great success and I have had emails from several attendees requesting  a "reminder" course. I added a slideshow to my website and thought it would be a great idea to add it to my blog during the month of December.

Starting this week, I will be breaking down my series into three posts per week. On Tuesdays I will post "Yummyday Tuesdays" which will consist of recipes from my family, friends and personal catering company. I will start with the brunch menu I used as a guide in my seminars.

This will be complimented by "Why Worry? Wednesdays." These posts will cover the  "Things women worry about the most when planning a party." 

Finally, "Thinking Thursdays"  will highlight party planning shortcuts and tips. Sort of my own "thinking out of the box" series.

By the end of the month you should be able to hold a simple, but elegant, brunch for the holidays or for a festive NewYears Eve Gala. If you are short on time and need to fast-forward, visit my website for the complete course via slideshow. To look ahead, in January, the topic will change from Simple Party Planning to Simplifying YOU and Your Clutter.

Simple (but Elegant!) Brunch INTRODUCTION/SCHEDULE

Yummyday Tuesdays:

MENU:

Beverages - Posting on Tuesday December 1st

Mimosas

Hot Russian Tea

Coffee Bar

Starters - Posting Tuesday December 8th

Smoked Salmon

Served with Capers, Red Onions and Lagniappe

Maries' Cheese ball

Served with Artisan Crackers

Main Course - Posting Tuesday December 15th

Spicy Tomato  Grits

Thick Cut Bacon and Sausage Patties

Sautéed Spinach with Onions and Garlic

Sweets   -Posting Tuesday December 22nd

Lemon Glazed Scones

Homemade Pound Cake Served with Chocolate Gravy and Grand Berries

Why Worry? Wednesdays4 Things Women Worry about When Planning a Party

Schedule:

Who to Invite and Will Anyone Show Up? - Wednesday December 2nd

How Clean Is My House? - Wednesday December 9th

What Food will I Serve? -Includes Printable Shopping List Wednesday December 16th

What Will I Wear? - Wednesday December 23rd

Thinking Thursdays

PARTY PLANNING TIPS AND SHORT CUTS

Schedule:

Party Themes - Thursday December 3rd

Decor Ideas - Thursday December 10th

Party Starter Ideas - December 17th

Final Notes - December 24th

I am very excited about this series and hope you will leave lots of comments for me! You can always visit The Kendal Companies for more great recipes, tips, crafts and more!

Stay tuned for the first post: Party Pre-Planning....

Thinking Thursday - Final Notes on the Simple Party Series

Growing up, my grandmothers were magnificent ladies. Every Sunday we had white tablecloths and china plates. Every day we used linen napkins and sat down to dinner. I wrote hundreds of thank you cards and signed hundreds more Christmas cards. I hated to hear my name called from the “living room” because I knew it was time to polish the silver! As I got older, I came to appreciate my upbringing and as a mother now, well – let’s just say the polishing of silver has been passed to them! Not many families teach their children the difference in forks, the way to tie a tie or how to behave at a party – but I do. I strive to keep that spirit alive – even if it’s only in my own children. By pulling out all the stops when I entertain, it is my way of not only letting my friends and family know they are worth the effort, but also my way of passing along a dying tradition of entertaining. I challenge you to put that little something extra into your own entertaining. As we’ve learned today –it can be done simply, elegantly and cost efficiently – although a little silver polish doesn’t hurt.


Many Blessings,

Kendal Spinks Hall



To learn more about me, please visit my website at www.thekendalcompanies.com and click the “About Me” page.