Last night I hosted the final committee meeting of the school year at our house. I asked everyone to bring an appetizer or a dessert to share.
I genuinely believe people would much rather hang out at someones house for a few hours and go over business than have to pay big bucks to go out to eat… I mean really… why pay $30 for a meal when you can spend a few dollars instead.
I seriously don’t understand why more people don’t entertain on a regular basis… Do they think they’ll have to provide all the food and beverages?
Do they think it costs a fortune to entertain? Because it doesn’t… Take for example this pitcher of iced tea I made… I used 4 tea bags, a few snippets of fresh mint from the garden…added ice… and you’re looking at enough iced tea to quench the thirst of 15 people… all for less than a quarter. Had someone of ordered 1 glass of iced tea at a restaurant… the cost would have been $2.95 … at least!
Plus I think it’s always fun to see what people bring…
Like this person… she brought pepperoni slices and Triscuts… The only time I’ve ever eaten pepperoni is on a pizza…
Someone even brought a coffee mug full of chocolate raisins…
Chocolate dipped strawberries…always the little black dress of the party… A classic dessert that never goes out of style.
And… I have no idea what this was… cucumber slices, jicama and bean dip… I thought it was a rather weird combo… weird.but.tasty.
And these… I’m not sure what they are… but there were only 3 left on the plate by the time everyone went home… So all in all it was a good meeting… lot’s of food… lot’s of talking… and the most important thing… we’re done for the school year… YAY!!! Bring on the Summer Vacation. 🙂
So I’m curious… if you were asked to bring an appetizer or dessert to someones house… what would you bring?
Lulu Powers Food to Flowers: Simple, Stylish Food for Easy Entertaining
Desiree Jensen says
I would have to bring Ooey gooey caramel brownies. seriously the best brownies ever and it uses chocolate cake mixes, caramel, and chocolate chips. Um, my mouth is watering.
Jennifer Jo says
I prefer to go to people’s houses, not because it’s cheaper (though I do appreciate that), but because it’s more personable. Meeting in restaurants is artificial—fun once in a while, yes, but fake.
Thy Hand says
That last picture is sushi. I want that person on my committee in addition to you :-). I usually bring a slice of my frozen pesto torte (thawed, of course) with crackers or a block of cream cheese with homemade jam or jelly spooned on top (again, surrounded by crackers). I agree with JJ- this is a great way to save money and it’s also so much fun to see people in their element. It’s a great way to get to know people better.
Michelle says
I am horrible at both…I’m a main dish kinda gal. However, if I am required to bring an appetizer I usually bring an antipasti tray…salami, pickles, olives, pickled green beans, cocktail onions, Gardineria (sp??), cheese cubes, whatever I have available and whatever is ON SALE!
One year at Thanksgiving I made a big beautiful platter of all that yummy goodness and it was the hit of the appetizer table. Everyone loved it because they could nibble and it wouldn’t fill them up too much before turkey dinner. Little did they know…it was all for under $10. I’d made the pickles, made the green beans, and got all of the other items for about a dollar at our local grocery outlet. It was gorgeous…! (If I don’t say so myself…;)
mamabug says
Hmm…cherry tomatoes (they’re growing like weeds in my garden now), scooped out and filled with a cream cheese and green onion filling…with a little sprig of green onion on top to make it look fancy-schmancy…presented on a bed of rock salt to keep those little babies from rolling all over the platter. Think I’m going to invite some people over as soon as I find the recipe to Thy Hand’s pesto tart!
Heather S says
Mmm… (see we like the … thing too) I love the iced tea idea – I don’t know why I’ve never done that. I often take a type of dip like spinach dip or my husband’s favorite sausage cheese dip, or in the summer – fruit!!
nancy says
i tend to rely on an herb white bean spread i make with canellini beans and serve with pita bread sliced into wedges. i also have a baked spinach dip that’s a hit too.
Jules says
In the summer – home-grown carrots! So much better than anything you can get in a store.
Kathy says
I have tasted Thy Hand’s pesto torte and, boy, is it yummy! I usually bring fruit with a creamy dip or I also like to take swiss cheese bacon dip in a little crock pot, served with canape bread. Mavis, I am loving your new blog, by the way!!