Spring has finally sprung! Which means it’s time for me to shake off the dust from hibernating for the winter, and start being a little bit more of a human being. Spring for me means spending time with friends, especially this year; my boyfriend and I are going to be getting a place together next month (yay adult things) and we really want to make the most of our place and be able to enjoy having company over. That being said, I’m sharing some of my entertaining on a budget essentials with you, to hopefully help make your next get together a little more fun!
For me, there are four things that I think you really need to make sure your next shindig is perfect – plus some of my amazing finds from Dixie Outlet Mall that set up the perfect ambiance:
Great Snacks – Is it really a party if there isn’t any cheese? For me, having tasty snacks available is an absolute must (like these amazing pepperettes & aged cheddars from TJs Meats and crunchy pita chips I snagged at Winners). Whether it’s something simple like a cheese tray and chips & dip or a fun app that you found on Pinterest, your guests will thank you.
Perfect Serving Ware – I totally believe that good snacks taste that much better when they’re displayed nicely. A gorgeous marble slab or wooden plank (I found this one at Winners) makes for a great cheese board, and quirky, clean dishes (Hello – how cute is this pineapple one from Urban Planet?) are perfect for housing bite-sized snacks and chips.
Killer Décor – Make sure you add some decorations to add a little life to the party – and if they’re Instagrammable, it never hurts 😉 Before you know it, you’ll become renowned for your entertaining skills. If you decide to go with a theme, try hunting down fun little things that add to it, or freshen up a little with cute items. These little faux plants from Dollarama are super cheap but look so lux, while this pretty diffuser from Fruits & Passion adds a little floral flair and fragrance.
Tasty Cocktails – If your guests are planning on imbibing a little, make sure you give them something interesting to drink. My boyfriend and I love coming up with a cool signature cocktail for the evening that we know our friends will enjoy. There are tons of recipes online if you want to find a combination that you know works, or take some time and experiment with some different flavours (aka the fun part) until you find something you like. Make sure you have non-alcoholic versions available for any DDs as well! And of course, as with the snacks, mix them together and serve them in cute glassware (Winners is great for this – I love these cocktail glasses and found super appropriate cocktail napkins to go with them).
What do you like to do to make your get togethers perfect? Share your entertaining essentials below!
