When I have special friends over to share a meal, I really try to set the stage to make my guests feel welcome and at ease. Preparing a beautiful table along with a delicious meal creates a backdrop to relaxed and joyful conversation don't you think?
Tip #1: Add Color to Your Traditional Fall Palette
Fall makes us think of pumpkins and orange & black color schemes, right? I always try to create a fall palette that echos these colors, but also adds in additional colors for more interest. Paper has it's place, but I do get excited to set a pretty table with colorful serving pieces. It all started with these black & white dinner plates as I never met a stripe that I didn't like! I layered them over these colorful square chargers, and I used these rattan placemats to add in a natural element to the tablescape. Throw in these fun bee print salad plates (sold out), and my dinner game just got upgraded!
Tip #2: Add in Fun Linens
To round out my beautiful dishes I find that personalized linens really make your guests feel special don't you think? These super fun banana leaf napkins are the perfect complement to my serving pieces. They feel less formal, and they wash up beautifully. I had them personalized locally, but they would also be just as beautiful without a monogram. I've also loved using these fun napkins on my bar, to serve breakfast muffins, and all sorts of other uses!
Tip #3: Make a No Fuss Centerpiece
I am sort of a black thumb with florals and we are famous for killing even the most hearty of plants around our house! BUT-- I created these easy
store bought gerbera daisy bundles. Click HERE for my tutorial.
Sources:
Bee Salad Plates (sold out)
Stemware (vintage)
NO FAIL BBQ SLIDERS
My pulled pork BBQ recipe is tried and true (see below) and the best part is-- it's fail proof! The longer you cook it, the better it gets! I'm a huge fan of "semi homemade" items when entertaining a group. I usually make 1-2 items from scratch and fill in with grocery store purchases to reduce my sweat time in the kitchen after the guests arrive. Take this store bought potato salad for example-- put it in a beautiful Coton Colors serving bowl, and voila! It looks even more delicious than in that plastic container!
Recipe:
Generously season Pork Butts with Tony Chachere's Creole Seasoning.
Put 1/2"-1" of water in the bottom of a deep baking pan or dutch oven with lid.
Cook at 250 degrees in the oven for 8-10 hrs.
Meat should pull apart easily with a fork when it is done.
The longer it cooks, the more tender it gets!
Serve on potato rolls with your favorite BBQ sauce-- mine is Sweet Baby Ray's.Â
Serve with corn on the cob and a green salad, and you've got yourself a real crowd pleaser!
XO, JuJu
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