Savor the Moment (Plus a Giveaway!)
September 28, 2008 by Caryn
*Update*
This giveaway is now closed. Thank you so much for stopping by and entering. The winner is Barbara. Congratulations. Be sure to visit my “contest and giveaways” tab for more opportunities.
My husband and I love to entertain. We are in the process of buying a house and I’m looking forward to having our friends and family over more often. We have a group of friends we like to visit with and we try to take turns hosting. I’ll admit that now that we have a little boy it’s a challenge to cook for the three of us, let alone a group of friends and family. If there is one thing I’m all about, it’s ease and convenience…particularly when it comes to the kitchen (cause you know how clumsy savvy I am in the kitchen!).
Pillsbury has just introduced an appetizer that you’re absolutely going to savor! Pillsbury Savorings Flaky Pastry Bites “feature warm, flaky pastry dough wrapped around tasty fillings.” They are available in three flavor variations including cheese and spinach, buffalo style chicken and mozzarella and pepperoni. Stick them in the oven (we used our toaster oven and they came out perfectly) for 20 minutes and they’re ready to serve with a glass of wine or in our case a glass of apple cider! My husband and I tried the cheese and spinach flavor before dinner and I had to exercise restraint from eating too many! I have always liked Pillsbury products (their dough is the best) and Jason said “I’d buy them!” You will definitely want to exercise restraint with these as they do contain 260 calories and 17 grams of fat (4 bites) which is the Weight Watchers equivalent of 6 points.
I had a little difficulty finding Pillsbury Savorings as I don’t regularly shop at Albertsons, which is the primary store the product is sold in at present. You’ll find them in the freezer section! If you’re interested in finding a store that sells the product in your area, check out the website. You can also download a coupon for $1.00 off here.
Win It! You’re going to love this! I have a very cool Savoring the Moment gift bag to give away to one lucky reader. It includes:
- One coupon for a free package of Pillsbury Savorings Flaky Pastry Bites
- One set of Wine Glass Charms
- One Wine and Food Matching Guide
- One wine bottle opener
- One wine bottle topper
To enter, leave me a comment with your best tip on entertaining. You can tell me about a food you love to prepare or something that saves you time in the kitchen. Just make sure it has something to do with entertaining! I need all the tips I can get! Comments will close on October 8, 2008 at 10 pm PST and I will announce the winner here the following day. One comment per person, please. US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.
Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one. That means you can gain up to a total of three entries!
Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.
Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.
One of the hardest parts of entertaining for me was that I was always short on food and drinks that I needed when people came to visit.
So I made a lit of things that we always like and use. Then I went to the store and stocked up. I constantly replemish those items as they are used.
So here is what I always have on hand: frozen hors dourves, coke, seltzer, club soda, bottled water, cranberry juice (and another type of juice), vodka, white wine, coffee, tea, non-dairy creamer (in case we don’t have milk), sugar (and sugar substitute), cookies (to have with tea/coffee when my aunt visits unexpectedly). A matching set of paper plate and napkins are also store away for the unexpected visitors.
I also keep some gifts in my closet for when I need to go and visit someone. A few bottles of wine and liquor with gift bags have come in handy.
I already follow you on twitter.
I blogged about your giveaway here:
http://queenoftheclick.com/?page_id=191
I like to prepare seasonal food and decorate to match.
For the fall I might make a baked stuffed pumpkin,
side dishes of roasted fall vegetables and
squash soup, pumpkin pie or pumpkin cheesecake.
Planning everything ahead saves me time.
I make lists and stick to them.
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
Love to use pop in the oven appetizers, a plate of 4 different cheeses, served with wine.
I always have a game planned if the guests do not know each. I pick two team captains and they in turn pick teams. Each team then solves some puzzle. The winning team players each receive a small prize. I do this when eveyone arrives to get the guests relaxed with each other.
Who wouldn’ love this prize!!!
sweet
Always have plenty of food and a variety of drinks. That way, everyone is pleased and areas such as the wine bar become areas of conversation. Thanks!
some kind of live music is a real treat
Thanks for having this contest.
Relax !
I prepare everything before I entertain so I can spend time with my guests!
Plan ahead and always have extra food and drinks.
soft music in the background and party games to keep people together
Just be yourself and everyone will have fun.
Play good music and have a clean home.
Have a least 4 hours of music on your playlist
People don’t talk as loud when music is playing
This is a really nice prize.
I trhow parties pretty often, and I have learned that you will save yourself s much sweat and cash if you keep it simple. No one is there to try your fancy dishes and drinks! They are there for the alcohol or out of obligation! So toss some pretzels on the table and some beer in the fridge, and voila.. you have a party!
I think that playing a party game sometime during the night always livens things up. Thank you!
People like to eat. So, have a buffet set up of various hot and cold foods.
plan ahead so that you can be relaxed when your guest arrive.
Soft music in the background… everyone hates awkward silence AND play games!
I’m a little out of practice, I used to entertain all the time, but life has really gotten a little more hectic. I suppose my most useful entertaining tip would be to keep it simple so you can enjoy yourself without becoming overwhelmed. A few appetizers, like bruschetta and these Pillsbury Savourings would be perfect, along with some olives, hard cheese, sausage and crackers , along with wine are simple and yet elegant to have.
brn2lisn(at)gmail(dot)com
My tip…serve in things that have covers…so when you have leftovers or need to put away at any time…it is easy to store, instead of having to reach for foil or wrap. Have those covers in one place …so you know where to grab them at any time.
Another tip…buy a water cooler…best investment we ever made…and always have cups right on top.
music, booze and low lighting usually work
i love to make spinach dip for an appetizer - everyone loves it!
looks great!
food,
Do as much as you can ahead of time, plan, plan, plan.
Good conversation with ’soft’ music as background, with plenty of nibble food.
what fun prizes. thanks for the chance.
I find keeping things casual is the best bet for a wonderful party. I serve casseroles and finger foods and always tell people to dress casually. That way everyone is relaxed and having a good time. I also serve wine and beer instead of hard liquor so that no one has to be mixing drinks all night. Thanks for the contest.
When I entertain, I like to have a friends help. We each keep a list of things that need to be done, items that have to be purchased, and stuff to get out of the attic. When an item is done, it’s crossed off the list. It’s much easier working with a friend, and they get to bask in the glory too of a party well done!
I found out fast that with my family and friends, it’s always a good idea to have something for the kids to do. Usually something small, yet fun for them without needing 24/7 supervision. Small crafts are perfect because they can take what they make home afterward.
I let my daughter help, She really enjoys it, it helps with cutting down the work. Brings alittle extra something to the decroations And is great bonding time.
If someone offers to bring a dish then take them up on the offer.
PLAN WAY AHEAD TO GET ITEM ON A GOOD SALE
Do as much prep as you can ahead of time, so you can enjoy the night with your guests.
I throw the pans outside until the party is done to kepp clutter out of the way.
I always find out what kind of foods my guests like before I prepare for them.
Always plan for more people than say they are coming….. People do not alway RSVP
Keep things simple.
samf36(at)gmail.com
Sounds like a great contest and prize.
Thank you!
I make a mix of things, appetizers, side dishes, etc. Most of our get togethers are holidays so there will be baked sweets as well. I make everything vegetarian too since I am one, and those cheese and spinach things look awesome!
Always do as much you can the day before.
gkstratos@yahoo.com
I make mini pizza’s. So easy and they are a real hit.
1 pound velveeta melted
1 can tomato paste
1 lb of sausage ( I use mild) browned
Mix all of these ingredients and spread on mini rye or sourdough bread. Bake in the oven at 350 for 10 minutes.
Do as much preparation ahead as possible so you stay organized and can relax and enjoy your guests!
start preparing before you think you need to so everything is done and you can relax before and when the guests arrive instead of rushing around doing last minute things
I am following you on twitter. I am janetaye.
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
I blogged this giveaway:
http://grammyjanetsplace.blogspot.com/search/label/September%20Blog%20Giveaways%202
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
Always plan enough food for two extra guests, as the probability is that someone extra will arrive.
We entertain very frequently and my best tip is make lists and save them from year to year so you can see what worked and what didn’t.
I find the key is to start getting organized early in the day and do as much prep work as possible in the morning…
Have an eclectic mix of guests
I always try to have food in more than one room (dining room, living room and kitchen) so that people will not all hang in one place the whole time.
I like just appetizers or snack foods . Easy to put out and easy to clean up.
we save money by makinjg our own wine
My best tip for entertaining is to not get so stressed out that you don’t enjoy your own party. Relax and have fun. Once the party starts whatever will be will be!
I find quick and easy things to fix and decorate with, so I am not stressed out over the whole affair.
I use a lot of disposable bowls,trays etc. so if need be, I can toss the whole thing out. Also plan ahead!
I make a ton of appetizers ahead of time that I can just warm up in the oven. That way I’m not rushing around at the last second before the guests arrive.
Make as much food before the event as possible. If something freezes well make it in advance so that you’re not spending all your time rushing in the kitchen to get ready. It just gets you frazzled.
I put a disposable table cloth down and then only have to clear the non disposable items before I wad everything up in the table cover and throw it all away in one swoop
The best tip for entertaining..is to smile and have plenty of everything on hand! You never know what will happen or come up!
Finalize your menu more than a week in advance so you can do as much prep before the day of the party as possible. Also utilize crockpots for keeping foods warm!
What works for me is planning a menu containing items that can be mostly days ahead. It helps things go alot smoother and feel alot less overwhelming on the actual day of the event.
My best entertaining tip is to accept help, don’t try to do it all yourself.
I love to make things a few days before hand that I can freeze only to take out and reheta or bake on the day I am entertaining. It takes a lot of time out of the kitchen on the day you are entertaining leaving you more time to entertain your guest.
Potluck, potluck, potluck! Guest don’t usually mind bringing something to add when they’re getting a free meal. It’s a huge help to have a few of the menu items made for you. Thanks for the great contest!
I make sure that I have lists of each task to get done and then I organized my days before the party so that each task has slot of time. For big parties, disposabale dishes and cups are very helpful.
I say keep it simple so everyone, includintg the hostess, can enjoy the party. No point in stressing out.
good contesat
Two things everyone seems to love: boiled shrimp and mini-quiches. They are always a hit!!
Keep the kids happy with activities and fun finger food if you are having a family over. Simple chili and biscuits is perfect in the winter. Awesome giveaway!
bookroomreviews@hotmail.com
My best tip on entertaining is NOT to put the ice cube tray on a hot stove right before company comes. It happened to me and we could barely see each other through the thick smoke! LOL! Would love to win this, I really want to try these and I can’t find them in stores around here.
I’d love this to add to our thanksgiving menu!
Keep your menu simple-don’t over do but just make what you make best.
Plan in advance to make sure that you have everything you need on party day.
I always try to prepare everything ahead of time, so I can spend time with my guests, instead of running around! Thanks!
a simple yummy treat i love to serve is you cut up hot dogs in bite size pieces and you cook it with honey and mustard with seeds and then stick toothpicks… a great mix of flavors!
Let everything go with the flow, don’t be rigid.
good food + good wine = good time
Start making trips to Costco a month or so ahead, buying what you need and start cooking & baking freezeable goodies . You will be able to entertain a very large group with very little work on the big day.
keep the kids happy with DVD’s to watch
I like to pre-make anything I can a day ahead of time.
My best tip for entertaining is to use throw away cutlery & dishes, when possible. It will help keep clean up better.
wow
Make favors by using every day items. Pumpkins as ice buckets, canning jars as lemonade glasses and bandanas as napkins for a few examples. Look around the house and see what you have to use!
Keep it simple. If things are too over done the hosts don’t get a chance to enjoy the party!
When I entertain I usually ask the guests to bring a dish to help along and never say no to offers to help
Make sure to prepare some food ahead of time so you’re not rushing right before folks arrive
what fun prizes.
I try to prepare everything in advance. Whatever I can do the day before I do!
Crock pot recipes make entertaining easy and relaxing!
I have started a book of all my No fail recipes for entertaining. When I do entertain I can refer to these recipes and know I’ll get results I want. I only collect recipes that are a huge hit. Also, anytime I go to a party and find a fabulous food there I always be sure to ask for the recipe. In my book I note whose “home” it is from.
Prepare as much of the food as you can ahead of time so you have time to have fun with your guests.
Have a party buddy, a friend that comes early to help you set up and gives you a chance to freshen up just before guests arrive. You do the same for him or her at their party.
I always make sure that there’s at least one person in the mix that has some “life” to them so that the party is fun. My husband is usually the one who keeps everyone laughing but he’s either off or on so I can’t count on him to be the only one.
This isn’t about food or food preparation but it’s about entertaining. If you need some more seats, throw some pillows on the floor around the coffee table. People won’t mind sitting on the floor if it’s comfortable and they can still communicate with everyone in the room.
At an early age, we had several very uncomfortable gatherings with both of my parent’s families. Then we learned the secret. Lots of wine! Lots of beer! In short, get them buzzed and everyone will be happy, no matter what you’re serving!
As an adult, I keep the libatiions flowing, but limit myself to three hot appetizers and three cold. I just make a lot. We never run out!
I love making hash brown casserole and everyone always loves eating it. The recipe is up on my blog. Thanks!
I have as much done ahead of time as I can, so I can enjoy the party and my guests.
Like most people who have posted I try to prepare as much ahead of time as possible. And for myself, I have to remember that everything takes about twice as long to do as I think it will!
Do ahead so you won’t be too tired to enjoy your own party! I make a lot of crockpot things like shrimp creole, or chili, and then have coordinating sides on big trays.
Also, hide the TV remotes so people will socialize–have only music!
I personally HATE disposable dishes especially cutlery, so I have a huge stash of Corelle bought at Goodwill, and real (mismatched) utensils. I have a labelled plastic tub for dishes right next to the two lined trash cans (garbage and recycle), and I run the dishwasher during the party as I can.
I just make everything the night before and spray the house with a warm scent to give it a nice atmosphere. Have music playing and plan activities so no one gets bored. Then have the cards ready because we are playing poker.
Just do what you do best and have fun, enjoy your company and foods
I used to entertain quite often. I found out that the key was to keep organized. I would make a list and follow it to keep me on track. I would do as much as I could before the party. I would set the table the day before, cook and freeze whatever I could and enlist the help of my best friend when needed.
I still love the old school pot luck party. It makes entertaining so easy when everyone brings a dish, and I only have to worry about being an entertaining host!
My best tip on entertaining would be to make sure you get plenty of rest the day before.
Thank you for the great giveaway!
themonkinme(at)gmail(dot)com
Biggest tip - potluck! Lots of yummy choices and easy.
My best tip is to start cooking a little early so that you don’t seem rude to your guests. Cooking & preparing as they show up looks bad.
Thanks for the chance to win!
I don’t actually want this gift set for myself. I want to win it for my best friend, Gen. She loves entertaining! She has two entertaining rules for entertaining…Always serve food that is seasonal and very festive and also make sure the wine that you serve matches the food.
I like to have a lot of snacks around, so everyone can
just get what they want and don’t get to hungry before dinner.
Im not a good entertainer. i usally just put out food and talk way too much
I try to plan food and drink ahead (really, more than the day before), and make as much as I can ahead of time. It saves frantic prep time right before your guests show up, and leaves you more time to socialize and actually enjoy your own party.
My best tip is to not get stressed out. I have learned not to try so hard not to make in into some perfect night that you only see in magazines. I have learned to enjoy myself alot more.
I go to Cosco.
Make as much as you can ahead of time and don’t run out of booze! Everything else will go as it will!
plan ahead-I do not try a new recipe. I try to bake or make the food in advance so I just have to warm it up. Have plenty of drinks, soft music so people can talk and enjoy myself
My best tip for entertaining is to have absolutely EVERYTHING done before the guests arrive, down to the smallest detail! Inevitably there are mistakes, spills, requests for items that you don’t have, which will more than occupy your time after they’ve come, plus you always want to be able to greet everyone at the door. Also, remember that finger foods (and this includes chips) go a very long way in keeping people food-involved, and they need very little production time in the kitchen.
prepare as much as you can in advance so you can enjoy the party too!
Take a Xanax, just kidding. relax and dont stress out.
Whenever I entertain, I prepare the list of what i’ll need a month in advance. That way, during that month leading up to the day, I can shop here and there for everything- not all at once.
When entertaining I have found it fun and unique to pick just one drink to have on hand instead of having to maintain a whole bar and play bartender all night. For instance make ahead pitchers of Sangria and some tasty and easy throw in the oven appetizers are a great and easy mix allowing even the hostess to relax and enjoy her company! (of course always plenty of non-alcoholic drinks on hand as well!)
I like to use a hollowed out round loaf of bread as a serving dish for a dip and use the hollowed out bread cut into pieces, as part of the things to dip.
Mood Lighting and plenty of food and drink
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My tip is to make sure you have time to enjoy your guests, so make sure you plan it later in the evening after the kids are in bed!!
Have more than one gathering area for your guests. The men may want to talk amongst themselves withought their women butting in!
Cheese and crackers are so easy to keep on hand, as they both keep for quite some time. They make a great appetizer or just a little something for when unexpected guests drop by. Have 6 or 8 different cheeses on hand at all times, then you just have to slice and serve.
Thanks for the contest!
oinkmoobaa (at) yahoo (.) com
Start early preparations and keep it simple.
We have many large gatherings and my best tip is: make lists and keep them from year to year to see what works, what doesn’t and change accordingly!
My best tip- relax people are coming to see you and if you are having a good time they will also.
Get your kids involved in menu! Thanks for the contest!
If someone offers to bring a dish then take them up on the offer. Thank you.
My best advise is to keep it simple. If you want to have extras you can always make your centerpieces be your dessert. I have made easy trees where it is just Roches Chocolate glued to form a tree.
Have a lot of different kinds of food, alcohol, and some board games.
get out of the kitchen - your guest would rather spend time with you
For large parties it is cheaper to rent china, etc. than buying it.
Clean up is for after the party; spend time with the guests!
Serve foods that can be prepared ahead fo time so you can relax and enjoy your party with your guests.
My favorite entertaining trick:
Put a wheel, half or quarter wheel of brie in the middle of a puff pastry. Wrap in the pastry, bake until the pastry is fluffy and the cheese is gooey and yummy.
Serve with water crackers, with a garnish of beautiful seedless grapes rolled in granulated sugar.
WE would love this
My best entertaining tips woud be …
-Keep it simple
-don’t try any recipe you haven’t made before
-spread out appetizers throughout the rooms, not just at one place
-have a signature drink
-hire help if you are having more than 12 people for a sit down meal.
My best tip on entertaining is to have fun doing it! Don’t be shy about asking your friends to help - that can be the best of fun at time.
Enjoy yourself.
have your guests bring something - haha. can you tell i’m not good at entertaining?
My best tip is to serve all homemade food…..your guests will really appreciate it. They don’t need a lot of food necessarily, but real homecooked food will satisfy them.
Have disposable camers so guests can take pictures.
I Love to have get together. I think from the invites to the drinks makes a party GREAT!
Would love to learn more about different kinds of wines.
My best tip is to have extra and plan for everything.. night or day of party just enjoy
You need two main things to entertain - food and music. You also can provide some games that can break the ice to create some conversations.
Love the quick but tasty apperizers
To always have extra and plan ahead..
Plan ahead and finish everything you can before the event begins.
Plan to stop about 20 minutes before and if it isn’t done by then (last minute cleaning, etc) let it go… nothing spoils a good party worse than having a hysterical hostess running aroun like a chicken with its head cut off for a hour into the event.
Relax and enjoy yourself, that is why you are having this party anyway, right?
You’re follow me code isn’t working. I tried to follow you before I decided to leave a comment
Have plenty of booze on hand but do not let anyone drive home drunk.
playing the CSI: Miami drinking game is always a lot of fun!
Good friends!
I’ve learned with entertaining as long as you have plenty of cocktails and good music. everything goes smooth.
Always have plenty of food and drink - worse thing possible would be to run out. I enjoy the theme parties - fun to decorate and plan food and drink around a theme.
I like to make food ahead of time to be able to spend more time with my guest.
Have a cleaning lady come the day before and then have everything prepared before guests arrive. This means less stress for you and you can have a good time with your guests.