Friday, June 3, 2016

Entertaining with Bering's & Zadok Jewelers















  SheIn dress ℅ |  BCBGeneration heels (sold out, similar here - comes in 17 colors and is 40% off!) | All jewelry kindly provided by Zadok Jewelers | All tabletop kindly provided by Bering's 


I am so excited to share with you the first installment in a three part summer entertaining series, featuring Bering's and Zadok Jewelers. This has been the most wonderful labor of love (do you know how hard it is to coordinate five ladies?!), and it truly went off without a hitch.

I mentioned in my last post that I was going to start incorporating more things I love into the blog, and one of them is playing hostess. We do not entertain often, but when we do, it is always done right. From the decor, to the food and wine, and most importantly the tablescape, nothing is overlooked and everything is planned perfectly. Hello, type A over here! 

When planning a party, there are so many things to keep in mind, but bottom line, you want to give your guests a night to remember - planning is key. Here are some of my trusted tips. 

Planning 
 Be sure to plan ahead - set the table the night before, get the wine the week of, pre-cut veggies, prepare anything you can ahead of time, so that the day of, you can just throw it in the oven or skillet and voilà. Preparation also takes the stress out of the day because you know as well as I do, something always goes wrong. Outsourcing is also great when your hosting a more formal affair, or if budget isn't an issue. Instead of you cooking, running to the florist,ironing napkins or bartending, there's someone who can take care of that for you. Your spouse also has an extra set of hands, so don't be afraid to ask them for help too. 

Mood
Setting the mood is key. Whether your hosting a formal affair or a casual one, you don't want your guests coming into your house being greeted by an anxious and stressed hostess. Greet each guest at the door. It's the best way to truly welcome them into your home. Music is key. Have you ever been to a dinner party that didn't have music and it was so awkward?! Been there! Think about the people you are hosting - is it an older crowd, business colleagues, friends or family - and plan the music accordingly. Lighting is also key. Although you may be cooking up a storm in the kitchen, be sure the entertainment area has great mood lighting, and always have candles! 

Menu
I am so far from a cook it isn't even funny. That being said, entertaining doesn't require you to be a chef, nor do you have to cook an elaborate meal. The best thing to do is keep the menu simple and cook things you know. Serving family style is great for a more casual affair, while plating food for your guests is a must when it's a formal party. Most importantly, keep the drinks coming, and have several options for your guests to choose from. 

Tablescape 
For me, this is the most important part of the party. Who doesn't love decorating the table? I'm not just talking place settings, but flowers, name cards, votives, centerpieces, tablecloths and table runners. Use the table to create the perfect ambiance for your party. Also be sure to bring some of those pieces, such as flowers, to the other areas of the house where you will be entertaining as well. It will create great flow., and won't go unnoticed. 

Dress the Part 
You knew I had to squeeze fashion in here somewhere, but it is true, never overlook attire when hosting a party. Whether it's casual or fancy, dress the part. Also, don't be afraid to include dress code on the invitation, after all it is your party! 

Most importantly, have fun!


Thank you to On Point Custom Homes for providing this stunning backdrop for our photo shoot. On Point Custom Homes is a leading custom home design and build company that has been creating a variety of luxury homes in Houston for the past 10 years. This home, located at their 2211 Colquitt, is currently on the market. Find out more information by clicking here.

2 comments:

  1. Great post and the pictures are lovely!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Love these photos and your dress!! :) Those earrings are so pretty!

    www.maggiealamode.com

    ReplyDelete

 

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