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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

Roasted Mediterranean Veggies with Halloumi



The flavors of this sheet pan meal are quick to bring together and a fabulous combination. The lemon and parsley in the dressing bring a vibrant pop to the tasty baked vegetables. For serving, this dish is fantastic as an appetizer, being served with toasted baguette slices. But it is also delicious served hot or cold with couscous, quinoa, or pasta as a healthy and easy main dish. However you choose to enjoy these flavors, I hope you enjoy!


Roasted Mediterranean Veggies with Halloumi
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Makes 6 servings

Preparation Time: 15 minuts

Cook Time: 35 minutes



Ingredients:

*1 pound eggplant, diced into roughly 1/2 inch pieces

*1 zucchini, cut into half and sliced

* 3 garlic cloves

*1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

*1 teaspoon kosher salt

*1/2 teaspoon black pepper

*1 tablespoon olive oil

*8 ounce block of halloumi cheese, cut into 1/2 inch cubes

*Fresh baguette, sliced and toasted


Ingredients for the sauce:

*1 cup parsley leaves

*1/4 cup tahini *2 tablespoon of lemon juice

*1/2 avocado

*1/2 teaspoon salt

*1/2 teaspoon pepper

*1/4 cup olive oil


Preparation:

*Preheat oven to 400F.

*Place the eggplant and zucchini on a sheet pan with olive oil, salt and pepper. Toss until well coated. Even out into one layer.

*Add the garlic in the corner of the baking sheet on a small pieces of parchment paper.

*Cook in the oven for 25 minutes until the zucchini and eggplant are both beginning to brown.

*Remove the sheet pan from the oven and add the tomatoes, cut side up, and halloumi. Remove the garlic and set to the side.

*Place back in oven and cook for an additional 17 minutes until the tomatoes are blistered and halloumi is golden brown.

*Serve on top the toasted baguette.


Preparation of the sauce:

*While the vegetables are finishing up, add the roasted garlic to the food processor with parsley, tahini, lemon juice, avocado, salt and pepper.

*Press start and slowly pour the 1/4 cup of olive oil in through the top of the food processor until everything is blended to a smooth consistency.



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