Gatherings

Feed the world because happy bellies make happy people.

Paul spent two weeks down in Costa Rica when we were dating. There was a couple there that welcomed travelers into their open air home once a week and made people dinner. For a small fee, you sat with others had good food and good conversation. Now, just imagine if that were normal all around the world. That generosity and friendliness, if experienced by more, could help the world be a better place!

When we were originally looking for our house, a major decision tipping point was 'The Party Factor' -- how easily does the space work for having people over. We love to entertain and have people over to enjoy food and festivities. I pretty much live in my kitchen or at least I feel like it sometimes and let's face it, when theres food, people congregate around it. I wanted a big open room that wouldn't shut me off from the group. I also wanted a kitchen that we could congregate in to enjoy good food and company.

Well, we found that perfect space. We've been here for 3 years and counting and we continue to feed the masses that will let us. Here are a few things that I've learned along the way.

4 Courses

I love doing themed dinners. Making a 4-course meal can seem like a lot when you think about it but with a little planning it can be very easy and not that much extra work. I promise! Plus, it makes the people that you are having over enjoy a special dinner that they will surely remember. Even if you aren't having people over, it's fun to make 4-courses every now and again, to have some time in your kitchen, to share special food with your family. Here are some of my meal pairings.

4 Courses of ...

Mexican
Pizza

Parties

Work smarter, not harder!

We have people over for dinner at least once a week and usually have a bigger gathering at least once a month. For us, bigger is about 30 people minimum. I used to get overwhelmed but now I feel empty when we have a week off. I love having people over! The more parties you throw, the easier it is ... so keep hosting! Here's a few tips:

• Make a list and check it twice! I will plan out my meals a few days in advance. There is always prep work of even some food that can be made a day or two ahead.
• You don't have to serve a meal. Sometimes, I simply do heavy appetizers ... this may take a little more prep work but clean up is so much easier. If you are doing a meal, Italian and Mexican are the easiest. Taco bars or lasagnas or spaghetti and meatballs are always a crowd pleaser. If it's summertime, you can't loose with a good old fashioned cookout! Nothing is cheaper and easier that coleslaw and potato salad (plus they are better made ahead!).
• Don't be afraid to ask people to bring something! It not only helps cut costs but stress as well. I like my meals to build so I usually just have people bring a drink ... then I can control the whole flavor profile but that's just because I'm a little crazy that way!
• Pick up the house ahead of time, but don't clean ... it's just going to get dirty! Clean after a party (except for bathrooms of course)!