One of Carl's oldest friends said we needed a game night. Challenge accepted. I'll jump at any opportunity to host, especially with this group of friends. It's always a good time.
Menu
Appetizers:
Vegetable Plate with Dip
Cheese, Grape and Cracker Plate
Dinner:
Classic Beef Chili
Baked Potatoes with Loaded Bar
Dessert:
Apple & Cherry Hand Pies
Beverages:
Assortment of Holiday Beer
Hot Cider with Spiced Rum
Ice Water
Friday
We kept this really simple. It was a game night, so obviously not formal. The focus was more on keeping the evening comfortable and low key. Which also meant my tasks were minimal since there was no table to make beautiful. But no worries, I still had lots of food spots to prep :)
The rest of the details are accompanied by photos, because I know that's what you actually are here for anyway, right?
Here is my to do list on the dry erase board of our Daily System. I just wrote down what I needed to do on Saturday so I wouldn't forget anything. It's also helpful for Carl to know what I need to get done in case he has spare time and can help.
This isn't the first time you've seen these appetizers. They are my go tos. They are diverse enough to make everyone happy and are always gone at the end of the night. Plus they are simple. No reason to not stick with what I know. But I have some entertaining coming up where I'll, hopefully, kick things up a notch, I'm excited for that!
Cheese, Crack and Grape Plate:
Assorted Vegetables & Dip with my Appetizer Plates in the background:
Assorted Beer which is Carl's job
Spiced Cider (with the option of Spiced Rum)- I simply added some cinnamon sticks to a slow cooker with apple cider. Gives it an extra kick and the hot cider really was a hit!
Baked potatoes were wrapped in aluminum foil, and cooked in the roaster at 400 degrees for 90 minutes. It kept them warm through the night as well. The chili cooked in the slow cooker. Both these details helped me get prepared throughout the day rather than a mad dash right before the guests arrived.
Baked Potato Add Ons- Chopped Green Onions, Chopped Bacon, Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Sour Cream, and pre-sliced Butter separated with Parchment Paper.
Cherry & Apple Hand Pies. The "recipe" will be up on My Happy Meals shortly.
All in all, simple, tasty, fun and relaxing. We ate and then played games until well into the morning, especially since we gained an hour that evening. I'm not sure why we don't do this more often! Have I inspired you? Are you ready to entertain? Are you..."game"? ;)
Vegetable Plate with Dip
Cheese, Grape and Cracker Plate
Dinner:
Classic Beef Chili
Baked Potatoes with Loaded Bar
Dessert:
Apple & Cherry Hand Pies
Beverages:
Assortment of Holiday Beer
Hot Cider with Spiced Rum
Ice Water
Overall Plan
Friday
- Come up with a menu and cleaning plan
- Grocery shop
- Clean
- Prep, bake, cook all food
We kept this really simple. It was a game night, so obviously not formal. The focus was more on keeping the evening comfortable and low key. Which also meant my tasks were minimal since there was no table to make beautiful. But no worries, I still had lots of food spots to prep :)
The rest of the details are accompanied by photos, because I know that's what you actually are here for anyway, right?
Here is my to do list on the dry erase board of our Daily System. I just wrote down what I needed to do on Saturday so I wouldn't forget anything. It's also helpful for Carl to know what I need to get done in case he has spare time and can help.
This isn't the first time you've seen these appetizers. They are my go tos. They are diverse enough to make everyone happy and are always gone at the end of the night. Plus they are simple. No reason to not stick with what I know. But I have some entertaining coming up where I'll, hopefully, kick things up a notch, I'm excited for that!
Cheese, Crack and Grape Plate:
Assorted Vegetables & Dip with my Appetizer Plates in the background:
Assorted Beer which is Carl's job
Spiced Cider (with the option of Spiced Rum)- I simply added some cinnamon sticks to a slow cooker with apple cider. Gives it an extra kick and the hot cider really was a hit!
Baked potatoes were wrapped in aluminum foil, and cooked in the roaster at 400 degrees for 90 minutes. It kept them warm through the night as well. The chili cooked in the slow cooker. Both these details helped me get prepared throughout the day rather than a mad dash right before the guests arrived.
Baked Potato Add Ons- Chopped Green Onions, Chopped Bacon, Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Sour Cream, and pre-sliced Butter separated with Parchment Paper.
Cherry & Apple Hand Pies. The "recipe" will be up on My Happy Meals shortly.
All in all, simple, tasty, fun and relaxing. We ate and then played games until well into the morning, especially since we gained an hour that evening. I'm not sure why we don't do this more often! Have I inspired you? Are you ready to entertain? Are you..."game"? ;)
You come up with such good menus. Your presentation is wonderful!
ReplyDeletei love this. Am making a list of what kind of serveware I need based on this post. I'm really digging the tub you have for the beer, where did you find it?
ReplyDeleteThanks Katie!
ReplyDeleteLaura- that is just a metal tub from Home Depot! I think they run about $9 or so.
I love this! Great idea for spiced cider.
ReplyDeleteLooks great!! I have been itching to entertain lately, and love the baked potato bar idea! Think I might be stealing it soon!!
ReplyDeleteCan I come next time? Looks amazing. I may be stealing your idea for our next play date. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great party, nice job! Where did you get the serving pieces with the handles (baked potato toppings)?
ReplyDelete@The How To Mommy- you are welcome to come to Michigan any time! I've even got a guest room with your name on it :)
ReplyDelete@Mrs.Miller- they are from Pampered Chef, but I'm not sure if they still sell them! I used to be a consultant many moons ago, so 90% of the entertaining items are from there!