It’s that time of the year again, when skies turn baby blue, daffodils prepare to pop, and mailboxes fill up with springtime party invitations. What a perfect excuse to plan a celebration for your favorite people!
The trick is to keep it simple so that you can actually enjoy your own event. Here are some of my no-fail springtime hostess tips:
- Stock up on pastel tabletop goodies whenever you find linen and cotton tablecloths, napkins, placemats and runners on sale.
- Be on the lookout for plates, cups, saucers and platters in sorbet colors as well. My go-to resources are Anthropologie, OneKingsLane.com and local estate sales and thrift stores.
- Don’t worry if your serving pieces don’t match. Your table setting will be more interesting if it isn’t too matchy-matchy.
- Mix old and new accoutrements for a fun and festive celebration. This is the time to dust off your antique punch bowl or vintage champagne flutes!
- Every party needs sublime music, so choose classic, upbeat tunes to complement party conversation. Some of my fave artists are Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole and Diana Krall.
- Keep the menu simple with an abundance of fresh appetizers and entrees, and jazz up your buffet with colorful fruits and veggies. Always provide alternatives for guest who eat little or no meat.
- Consider catering all or part of your menu…and relax.
Although we love to entertain, I must admit that it’s much easier when you hire a tried-and-true caterer for a springtime brunch, lunch or dinner…and holiday parties, graduation celebrations and wedding showers.
Just this week I was browsing all the appetizing options on the brand new Kings catering menu. Check out their hors d’oeuvres, entrees and desserts. And I especially like these pretty party platters: Mediterranean mezze assortment loaded with vegetables, lentils and grains; smoked salmon and trimmings; a melange of sushi delights; and a portable breakfast strata stuffed with black forest ham, spinach, caramelized onions and smoked Gouda cheese. And don’t forget another of my favorites, springtime raviolis. (That menu oughtta put a smile on your guests’ faces.)
To get a jump on your next soirée, contact the catering experts at Kings Food Markets throughout New Jersey.