With the holidays fast approaching, I thought it might be a great time for us to share some of our Easy Entertaining tips. Over the years, I have learned to downsize the amount of work I put into planning and preparing for the many celebrations we have in our family.
One of my favorite time saving tips is using a single color theme for all my serving platters, plates and accompanying dishes. My color choice is white because it easily blends in with practically everything.
I began first by picking up beautiful serving platters, cake pedestals and vegetable dishes when I would find them for a great price and from there it extended into adding a set of 60 all white dinner plates.
To make the all white selection work for each holiday, I simply buy colorful napkins, table linens and other decorations to add a festive touch to the table. This way, when each celebration comes around I don’t feel so overwhelmed by the preparations. Not to mention the cost savings by not having to purchase paper party goods that can add up so quickly.
I also add my own special touches by using my vintage flatware or a set of antique wine glasses or water goblets to make each place setting unique. Although, because my extended family is quite large, most of our gatherings are served buffet style which omits the need for individual place settings. Another great tip for Easy Entertaining. I’d love to hear some of your tricks and secrets you’ve learned for making your entertaining preparations easier!
1. I photograph every dinner party and then scrapbook all the details such as the menu, sometimes the recipes and who was there. It makes it easier when I do a duplicate party such as Thanksgiving each year….a lot of the details are the same and I can build on last years details
by Kay — 9/19/08 at 10:15 pm #
2. What a great idea Kay! Your own personal party planning book, terrific!
by Heather — 9/22/08 at 11:26 am #
3. Those are both great ides. Instead of the white, I have gone with glass. It started with collecting vintage glassware pieces at thrift stores. Eventually I just had to get a set of glass dishes to go with everything! I love the way it sparkles by candlelight.
by Bettsi — 9/22/08 at 6:22 pm #
4. Glass dishes are another perfect choice! And I love the idea of having that added sparkle to the table. Perhaps I should start another collection?
by Heather — 9/23/08 at 12:32 pm #
5. I do the all-white dishes, too and throw in some colorful accents for the occasion or “theme.” Also, I think focus on one area - like the centerpiece or buffet and do something eye-catching and/or big to draw the eye and set the tone.
by Jeanne — 9/27/08 at 2:04 am #
6. Hi Jeanne,
I definitely agree that focusing on the serving area is a smart way to add the extra punch to your event! And it can be done with just about any budget.
by Heather — 9/29/08 at 11:29 am #
7. This is a question not a comment. I love your stores - simply love them all and will go to Canton on the 19th hoping to find some more “Old Willow” plates. I have a mixure from Royal Daulton to Johnson and am having Thanksgiving. I will be looking for additional stainless place settings too. My house is full of the joy gleaned from your stores.
by Anne — 10/14/08 at 1:46 pm #
8. Hi Anne,
Thanks for submitting a comment to Openhouse, the new HomeGoods blog.
We understand that you have been trying to locate plates. As an off price retailer, we make every effort to keep our prices low, and our costs down, so that we can pass these savings on to our customers. For this reason, we do not provide a service of tracking merchandise, In addition, we do not have the privilege of ordering specific merchandise from our vendors. To locate the plates, we suggest that you continue to check with the stores in your area directly. We would be happy to provide you with store locations in your area. If you would like a store list, please call our Customer Service Department directly at 1-800-888-0776.
Thank you,
Jessica
HomeGoods Customer Service
by HomeGoods Customer Service — 10/14/08 at 5:00 pm #