Weeknight Entertaining Made Easy

We entertain a lot. It’s just something we love to do, and not just on the weekends. For us it’s relaxing to have the people we love over to break up the monotony of the week. Weeknight entertaining might sound overwhelming but when we’re talking happy hour it can be thrown together in under 20 minutes with a little creativity and a well stocked pantry. So get ready to host next week! I’ll be sharing a cheese board and cocktail that will make your Wednesday night guests think you left work early to prepare for their arrival.

I’ve got two words for you. Trader Joe’s. It’s the most affordable grocery store I’ve found to keep good quality meats, cheeses, olives, specialty crackers and nuts on hand. All of their departments are stocked full of great entertaining ideas. Especially if you shop at the Missouri location. Their wine selection is my Kryptonite… probably because I’m shopping with a toddler. However, my guests also reap the benefits so ‘Cheers’ to that.

These are the items that I included in my cheese board but don’t be afraid to add your own twist.

• Dill Havarti
• Herb Goat Cheese
• Mild Swiss
• Water crackers
• Trader Joe’s Fig and Olive Crisps (my-father-in law couldn’t get enough of these)
• Grapes
• Pears
• Salami
• Pistachios

(I meant to add olives but I ran out of room. If this happens just go with it. No one will know unless you out yourself on your blog.)

Assembly looks difficult but it’d really easy. I like to make a Cheese board that you don’t have to reach very far to get what you’re after. By spreading out all of your ingredients it allows for a really pretty and functional plate no matter where you are sitting. I start by dividing the plate with the cheese. Then I start adding little bits of the other components to the board until I like what I’ve got going on. Once you’ve finished assembling sprinkle the pistachios (or olives) in to the spaces you can still see the plate. That’s it! It took me all of about 10 minutes to prepare this and each of my guests complimented me on how pretty it looked and how long it must of taken. (Just nod along and agree with them while wiping your brow).

Side note: Sorry I don’t have very many great pictures of the Cheese board. Right when I was taking some my daughter dropped a glass that shattered all over the floor. At that very moment our guests arrived. That was fun 🙂

Now onto the Piece De Resistance: Sparkling Blueberry Lemonade Cocktail

Talk about refreshing and delicious. Did I mention easy? It has only four ingredients! All of which I usually have on hand.

• 1 Lemon
• 1.5 cup Blueberries
• 1/2 cup Vodka
• 1 bottle of Trader Joe’s French Sparkling Lemonade

When I want something to taste like blueberries I’m going to muddle some blueberries. That’s the first step, just muddle 1 cup in a pitcher.

Add Vodka and Squeeze 1 Lemon into strainer, seeds are not invited to the party.

Pour entire bottle of Sparkling lemonade into pitcher. Those bubbles taste the best when you serve immediately over ice and use remaining blueberries as garnish.

This recipe makes six servings or just one large serving for a thirsty mom.

There you have it guys. Easy Weeknight entertaining that will delight your guests with little to no stress. If you have any ideas or recipes you would like to share please do so in the comment section below.

Cheers!