Expecting guest! At the very last moment hubby told me he was having a meeting at our home the day prior. AHH…WHAT! Yes… he forgot to confirm with me so I had to get moving. I want to share with you all how I put this spread together when I had  very little time. Having a plan works for situations like this. Whether its a dinner party or unexpected out of town guest.

Started with cheese, fruit and wine while the main coarse was in the oven heating up. I like to give our guest a little something to nibble on before dinner.

 

Using tiered racks is one of my favorite things to use when we are having a gathering. It has serves as several functional uses. Here I’m displaying desserts but it also can be used to stack dishes and free up some much needed counter space.

 

I got these nesting bird bowls from Tuesday Morning for $3.99. They are great for dips, salsa, spreads as you can see I’m using olives in mine.

My focus was on the food of coarse preparing something quickly was a challenge for me due to the time line. I had everything on hand except for the fresh ingredients.

 On a time crunch, the night before I made two pans of Lasagna in my Rachel Ray 9 x 13 pans. I always prepare as much as I can so you don’t have much to do the next day. Two pans were more than enough, its better to have too much than not enough right! I got Rachel’s pans  once again from Tuesday Morning for $29.99 each but… I know they retail for $59.99 or more for one. So I got two for the price of one.

 

When I have casual dining we usually eat in the kitchen. My kitchen table is 10 feet long and it sits 8 people comfortably.With a plan in mind I knew what I wanted to do. I just had to get my color scheme together.

 

  Candle light for ambiance and soft music to set the mood.

  

My place setting I kept it clean and simple. I got my square rattan chargers from target. We use them everyday to protect the table.

 

Candle lanterns are so versatile and fun. You can put almost anything into them cintronella candles when you want to put them outdoors,  statues, the ideas are endless. Here I have some decorative artichokes along with peat moss to layer the bottom.

 

Portmeirion, covered treasure box. There pieces are timeless and fashionable. I’m using this to keep butter in for the dinner rolls.

 LOVE, LOVE LOVE, the little butterfly it’s such a pretty detail.

This is the oil and vinegar bottles that match.

 

Another Ross find this beautiful porcelain basket weave inspired bowl was $11.99. I’m using it for bread rolls, you can also use it for fruit as well.

This ice bucket is one of several. This can be used for any occasion. I got this one from Tjmaxx  after x-mas sale on that end isle you know where it is… with a small scratch got it for $20.00 regular price $59.99.

 

It’s always good to have drinks on the ready for guest when they arrive. I always have wine for the ladies and hubby lays out his drinks for the guys.

Me and my trays… here’s my faux croc serving tray I got from Pier 1 Imports. This is one of many that you will see when we entertain. Another item I love to use when entertaining. It gives a sense of designation.  When entertaining remember to prepare as much as you can the day prior, layout your dishes, platters, serve ware, get lots of rest the night before, keep yourself hydrated, if someone wants to help let them, leave the dishes for the next day and last relax and have fun.

 

Here is a video link to Youtube.

Dinner Party!