Essentially {At Home Entertaining}

Happy Friday! It's the start of the long holiday weekend and I couldn't be more excited. Hopefully you are as excited as I am. Normally right before a holiday, I like to post all sorts of inspiration for it. But today, I wanted to give you my everyday inspiration, my essentials for easy, beautiful, at home entertaining on the fly. The smallest things make the difference here. It's so easy to over look things like your cutting board, wine glasses, vases, napkins, and tablecloths. But, it a cinch, they can be the key elements to stylish entertaining on short notice at home. Here's is my list of essentials for entertaining at home.

Cutting Board: It seems so simple. A devise to chop food on. But, a gorgeous wood one can double as cheese tray or platter for antipasto. What's so wonderful about a lovely wood cutting board is that it not only makes entertaining on the fly nice, but turns weeknight dinners into a party too!

Wine Glasses: Never underestimate the power of nice wine glasses. Proper ones at that. A big bowled glass makes a world of difference in my book and shows guests that you really know how to entertain.

Vases: Assuming you have enough time to hit the grocery store before a get together, flowers add the perfect pop to a table. While grocery store flowers aren't always the best, a magnificent vase can be just the trick. The perfect vase is of medium height, colorful and not to wide at the top.

Napkins: I'm not talking linen napkins, but fun paper cocktail napkins. The key to at home entertaining and entertaining on the fly is ease. Paper napkins may not be your everyday choice but are key. I stock up on them at places like Target and Party City. They always have a fun assortment in different colors and patterns that fit any occasion.

Tablecloths: Throwing a bright, visually interesting tablecloth or runner over your dining table really takes it to the next level without putting forth a ton of effort. The ideal cloth matches the color scheme of your house and has a bit of pattern to it.

Have a safe and celebratory Memorial Day Weekend!

Indulge In {Chocolate Raspberry Mousse}

This is truly an indulgence, and an easy to make one at that. Heading to a friend's house for celebratory apps and cocktails a few weeks ago, I needed something quick and delicious to throw together. Making a traditional chocolate mousse was out of the question, but this quick, easy, and yummy version is just the trick. A perfectly balanced combo homemade whipped cream and sugar free chocolate pudding piped in a flaky tartlet is simple enough to make in a flash and a great way to impress diners. Here's the recipe...

:: Ingredients ::
1/2 Pint Heavy Whipping Cream
1 Cup Powdered Sugar
5 Containers Sugar Free Jello Pudding
Phyllo Tartlets
Fresh Raspberries

:: Directions ::
1. Place metal mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for approximately 10 minutes.
2. Remove bowl and beaters from freezer. Pour in heavy whipping cream and beat on high until stiff peaks begin to form.
3. Add powdered sugar and beat on high for another 2 minutes.
4. 1 container at a time, add the pudding, beating each until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 45 seconds.
5. Using a piping bag (or plastic bag) pipe the mixture into each tartlet. Top with a raspberry and serve immediately.

Indulge In {Baked Caprese Bread}

I am a big believer in easy entertaining. It should be simple, fun, and delicious. A party should look you spent hours and hours throwing it together to make a big impact without actually taking all of that time out of your busy schedule. One of my favorite ways to do this is by planning a meal based on simply impressive hearty hors d'oeuvres. In most situations, they take less time to make, but everybody enjoys them more because they can nosh their way through the evening. My latest favorite to throw together is a bake caprese bread. It's simple, fast, and utterly delicious. Here's the recipe...

:: Ingredients ::
1 Loaf Fresh French Bread
4 Cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
1 Jar Basil Pesto
2 Vine Ripe Tomatoes, sliced

:: Directions ::
(1) Preheat oven to 400 degrees and cover a cookie sheet with aluminum foil.
(2) Slice bread in half horizontally and place on cookie sheet.
(3) Spread 1/4 of the jar of pesto on each half of bread.
(4) Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella on each half placing slices of one tomato on each piece.
(5) Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese begins to brown.
(6) Remove from oven, top each slice of tomato with a dollop of pesto, slice and serve.

Indulge In {Mascarpone & Honey Crostini}

Last week I showed you a super simple and delicious pea and prosciutto salad perfect for entertaining on the fly. Sticking with the simple and delicious theme, this week I'm sharing a sweet crostini that is a great option for either an appetizer or dessert. Topped with savory mascarpone cheese and a drizzle of sweet honey, your guests will be begging for more. Crostinis make a perfect party treat because of the simplicity. They can be topped with whatever you have laying around like tomato, avocado, or prosciutto. Here's how to make your own..

:: Ingredients ::
1 French Baguette
1 Tub Mascarpone
1 Jar of Honey

:: Directions ::
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Slice baguette into 1/4 inch pieces and toast till golden brown, approximately 3-5 minutes
2. Spread each crostini with mascarpone and drizzle with honey
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

*Image