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Always be prepared for the unexpected guest. Whether it is a friend stopping by after work or neighbors gathering on the front porch for an impromptu drink, here are a few tips so you are always party ready.

Whether you are entertaining overnight guests or friends just dropping by, the powder room is the one area all will ask to visit. Have you taken inventory of this part of your home lately? Make your bathroom boutique beautiful by implementing our top points below. 

May can be a crazy month with the chaos of end of school activities, home projects, and travel plans. But we need to hit pause for one day to celebrate the special mom in our life. With hearts of gold and putting others before themselves, we have gathered a list of ideas to help you honor the special lady in your life.

A few years back my husband and I attended a play that was an adaptation of the classical movie Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, which originally starred Sidney Poitier, Katharine Hepburn, and Spencer Tracy. It was a beautifully written, and quite comical, story based on the difficulties families faced in the 1960s with inter-racial marriage. The scene that stood out the most to me was when the son was trying to bring both families together for dinner. In the last line of the last act, he turns to his father and says, “Dad, we need you at the table.” With that, the father joined the others, and the audience was left with the understanding that healing had begun.

Giving a party requires a great deal of work. If you have been fortunate enough to be included in a festive soiree, it is nice to arrive with a gift for the hostess. The typical present will cost anywhere from $15-$100. What you spend will be determined by your relationship and the type of event. Is it a formal dinner? A backyard BBQ? Also, when possible, know the likes and dislikes of your hostess. If she is allergic to flowers, you probably will not arrive with a bouquet in hand.

1. Choose the table. Will you use a round that seats four or a rectangle that seats twelve? This decision will determine your centerpiece.

Warmer weather will be arriving soon, and I am seeing more of our four-legged members making an appearance in the dog parks and on walking trails. With pets taking more prominent roles in our lives, I thought it would be good to brush up on basic dog etiquette and ownership responsibilities.

Meeting friends for dinner after work, grabbing coffee with your girlfriend or just ordering pizza on a Friday night with neighbors. We all have a deep desire to be connected in a world that often forgets the importance of relationships. Many of us have the desire to entertain, but we let our circumstances keep us from extending hospitality. Often it revolves around our lack of confidence in our ability to host events. I get this!

A toast may be offered in any setting and made to an individual or a group. Increase your confidence at your next social gathering by learning the ins and outs of this ancient tradition.

A perfect entertaining year for me would be hosting a different themed party each month! Will I do that? No. Will I dream about it? Yes! If I cannot have a party every 4 weeks, I can at least help my Lisa Lou family with ideas so hopefully a few of you can carry the torch of hospitality for the rest of us.

  • Writer's pictureAlina Gersib

Italian Herb Crusted Shrimp Taste Test



Happy Foodie Friday! These recipes come courtesy of Penny and Eleazar Martinez.

www.thefrankincensetree.com

info@thefrankincensetree.com


Each of our Taste Test Reviews comes with the original recipe and the tester's notes/changes listed with the ingredient list in blue. We hope you enjoy!


This recipe is a 10/10! Not only are the flavors absolutely exquisite but the steps are incredibly fast + easy. The shrimp came out tender and perfectly cooked. Broiling them in the oven for 2 minutes on each side is the perfect amount of time. If you want to turn this dish into a full meal, the shrimp would go wonderfully tossed with some angel hair pasta and olive oil.


My fiance and I had a few of the shrimp leftover after the meal and I have to say, these are even better chilled from the fridge than fresh out of the oven. The flavors are light and herbaceous and these qualities are only intensified when the shrimp are chilled. It is worth trying the shrimp both hot and cold because both are delicious, but I would recommend placing at least a few in the refridgerator to try later.


Italian Herb Crusted Shrimp
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Makes 30 Servings

Preparation Time: 5 Minutes

Cook Time: 4 Minutes

Cost: A full batch would cost $36


Ingredients:

*3 pounds of jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined

*3 tablespoons chopped, fresh garlic

*1 cup chopped fresh parsley

*1/2 cup chopped fresh basil

*1 cup olive oil

*Salt and pepper, to taste


Preparation:

*In a large mixing bowl, add all ingredients and toss.

*Grill shrimp or cook under a broiler until shrimp turns pink. This should take 2 minutes on each side. (Do not overcook or shrimp will become tough).



Recipe and Taste Tester - Alina Gersib

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