5 Simple Entertaining Ideas - cover

On the blog today, I’m excited to share 5 Simple and Beauteeful Entertaining Ideas for Your Next Playdate. These ideas contain 2 of my favorite key factors in successful hosting these days —

One —  Spend the majority of your time with your guests instead of manning your grill or being in your kitchen the whole day. All of the ideas shown today can be prepared ahead of your gathering which allows you time to hang with your guests.

Two — The food you serve should appeal to even the pickiest of eaters. There are certain foods that are universally loved by all. Serve them and as a bonus, present them in a beauteeful way!

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IDEA #1: Popcorn in Paper Cones

Serving your popcorn in these easy to make paper cones really make your gathering (however simple) into an instant party.

I usually buy SkinnyPop popcorn since they are typically healthier than other brands of popcorn plus they are completely nut, egg, and dairy free. Guests with food allergies shouldn’t have a problem with them.

Popcorn in paper cones

All you need is some pretty card stock. I used 2 different patterns. Each 8.5 x 11″ sheet was cut in half to make 2 paper cones.

Paper stock

Simply twist and wrap the sheet until it looks like a cone. Secure the bottom with double-sided tape, glue, or glue dots.

Paper cones

Of course, I had to make a little sign. 🙂

Paper cones with sign

Popcorn is so much more fun to eat when served this way!

Popcorn in paper cones

IDEA #2: Strawberry Lollipops

Strawberry lollipops

After cleaning your strawberries, simply trim the tips off by shaping them into little “v’s”. This will make strawberries look like hearts. Add a long toothpick or stick and you have yourself some strawberry “lollipops.” So much more fun to eat!

You can purchase long toothpicks HERE. We use them all the time.

DSC04527

Idea #3: Bruschetta Salsa and Chips

While I love some spice to my salsa, not everyone has the same level of spice tolerance. Kids for one, don’t typically enjoy food that is spicy. Enter the idea of bruschetta as a dip!

Serve your bruschetta in cute, individualized containers such as ramekins as an added bonus. You can find these containers HERE.

For a simple and tasty bruschetta recipe, check this one out from Rachel Ray. Yep, I tested it out already and the recipe came out wonderful.

Bruschetta salsa with chips

Idea #4: Fruit Salad Cups

These silicone cupcake liners from IKEA cost only $3.99 for a pack of 9. Healthy fruit will be even more enticing when placed in these fun, reusable containers. You can find pretty cupcake liners HERE too.

Fruit is one of those fail-proof things to serve that appeals to adults and kids alike!

Finding Dory fruit cups

Idea # 5:  Grape Tomatoes and Cucumber Salad

Grape tomatoes and seedless cucumbers can always be found in our fridge year-round. Slice your cucumbers thin, sprinkle some grape tomatoes on top, and add your favorite salad dressing.

Even non-veggie eating folks will be tempted to try this pretty salad.

tomato cucumber salad

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5 Simple Entertaining Ideas - Beauteeful Living

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Do you have a favorite food item that you serve that appeals to all of your guests? I’d love to hear about it! Thanks for reading, lovely readers. Xo, Tee.