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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

Phyllo and Feta Squares with Fig Jam



If you are needing a quick and easy appetizer for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or having a few people over for a girls night, these phyllo wrapped feta squares are your solution. They may seem fancy and definitely taste the part! But in reality they are super fast and simple to bring together. I have used goat cheese and various other types of jams for the fillings and this recipe has only ever received glowing reviews. Try it for yourself and enjoy!


Phyllo and Feta Squares with Fig Jam
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Makes 4 servings

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes



Ingredients:

*2 sheets of phyllo dough, thawed

*6 ounces feta, cut into equal sized pieces

*2 tablespoons of fig jam

*2 tablespoons butter

*Fresh sage leaves, julienned

*1/4 cup honey, warm

*sesame seeds for sprinkling


Preparation:

*Heat a pan over medium low and add in the butter. Once melted, add the fresh sage and cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat

*Preheat the oven to 350F.

*Place a sheet of phyllo dough out on a cutting board. Cover the remaining piece with a damp kitchen towel.

*Brush the surface with the melted butter.

*Place the feta in the middle of the sheet at the bottom end of the phyllo, add a tablespoon of the fig jam and smooth. Wrap the excess dough on each side in towards the middle line until the whole block of feta is covered. Brush on some more butter and begin folding the cheese, end over end, until all of the phyllo is used. Set the fully wrapped feta block on a baking sheet, seam side down, and brush the top with butter.

*Repeat with the remaining block.

*Bake for 20-25 minutes until both sides are golden.

*Place on a serving platter and drizzle the warm honey over top, and add a sprinkle of sesame, and extra jam for dipping.

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