This post was sponsored by Total Wireless through their partnership with POPSUGAR. While I was compensated to write a post about Total Wireless, all opinions are my own.
Before you know it, summer will be a distant memory and crisp weather, brightly colored leaves and all things pumpkin will be in full force. Autumn is the perfect time of year for entertaining outdoors. What’s more fun than inviting a bunch of friends over for good food, drinks, and great conversation all while savoring the cooler weather? I can’t think of anything better than an evening spent with friends enjoying the flavors of fall and making memories. Plus, studies show that sharing a communal meal with friends can make us happier and healthier. With six simple tips, you can own fall entertaining like a total boss!
I grew up watching my mom and dad host dinner parties for their friends and can fondly remember those nights where our home was filled with warmth, laughter and love. I’ve been passionate about entertaining since I was a child and I want to create those same memories and moments in my own home. I often hear from readers or friends that they love the idea of hosting a dinner party, but they are intimated because they aren’t the perfect hostess, cook or party planner. And to that I always say that entertaining isn’t about being able to do it all or live up to unachievable standards of Martha Stewart perfection. No, it’s about being confident and focusing on the real reason for sharing a meal with friends and family. But, with a few key tips and a little attention to detail you too can have courage and confidence to own fall entertaining like a total boss.
- Guest List
When it comes to planning the guest list for your party, you want to consider inviting an array of people who will be able to trade stories and share experiences. Scroll through social media apps on your phone and see which friends may have common interests, whether it’s fitness or fashion; be sure to include a few friends who are expert icebreakers to help get the conversations going. While I personally love the concept of mailing out invitations for parties, the reality of it is I’m more of an impromptu party planner. I tend to decide I want to host friends on a whim and either create an online invitation or send out a text message with the party details. With the Total Wireless unlimited talk and text on the Shared Family Plan, you can invite friends to your celebration, even if you decide to throw a last-minute fall dinner party. With a reliable wireless carrier it’s easy to feel confident about making last minute plans, even if you aren’t a seasoned hostess.
- Food
The point of any party is for everyone, including you, to mix and mingle, so make sure you plan a menu with crowd-pleasing dishes you can prepare beforehand and quickly finish when guests arrive. This is not the time to experiment with over-the-top complicated meals. Casual family-style dining or a buffet is perfect for fall entertaining. But, in spite of your perfect planning, don’t count on dishes being ready when guest arrive. Be sure to have a few small bites for guests to nibble on as they arrive. Check out my tips for preparing the perfect cheese board or my go-to sausage stuffed mushroom appetizers.
- Drinks
Rather than rushing around to get each new guest a drink, set up a bar cart and encourage everyone to help themselves. Include a signature cocktail recipe that guests can create; it’s a great interactive element for parties, encourages socializing and takes some of the pressure off of you as the hostess. Also be sure to set out a pitcher of water and glasses so that guests can stay hydrated during the party.
- Florals
Celebrate the bounty of the season with a fresh centerpiece that includes flowers, seasonal vegetables and natural elements. This is one of the simple details that can completely transform your space. Create a low and lush centerpiece using pumpkins, fresh flowers, wheat and pheasant feathers to elevate your table.
- Music
In addition to the food and drinks, music is one of the most important parts of a great party. Picking the right music will set the tone for your soiree and ensure that guests are having a good time. Create the ultimate playlist or stream music from Pandora. With 25 gigs of shared* high-speed data with Total Wireless, you can churn out a nonstop selection of fitting tunes
- Delegate like a boss
The one thing I have learned from years of entertaining is that I can’t do it all and still have fun with my guests. Assess what party tasks you can accomplish well and the ones you enjoy doing, and then delegate the rest to friends, family or even the professionals. Don’t be afraid to whip out your phone to place an order with a catering company, or to ask a friend to help with the set-up or to bring dessert. Not only does delegating help keep the stress level down, it ensures each element of the party is well executed, which leaves more time for making memories with friends.
Entertaining doesn’t have to be complicated, stressful or hard. You can entertain like a total boss, and feel confident doing so, when you focus on these six simple tips. You know what else makes entertaining easier? That feeling of total confidence that comes from getting the best deal in wireless. When American’s largest most dependable 4G LTE† network is behind all of your planning, execution and captured memories, you know it’s going to be an affair to remember. Just like you’ve embraced the challenge to host friends and family this fall, you can get that same feeling of confidence when you take charge with Total Wireless. Be the master of your own fate and get four lines on America’s largest most dependable 4G LTE† network with 25 GB shared* data for only $25 per line with no contracts, no credit checks and no mystery fees.
This fall I hope you plan a dinner party, a Friendsgiving or even an impromptu fall picnic with friends. But, most of all I hope you take time to create memories with friends and family.
*The 30-Day cycle for Shared Data Family Plans begins on the day the first line/device is activated. Any line(s)/device(s) activated later in the first 30-Day cycle will receive only the number of days remaining in that cycle.† To get 4G LTE speed where available you must have a 4G LTE capable device and a 4G LTE SIM card. Actual availability, coverage and speed may vary. LTE is a trademark of ETSI. Please refer always to the latest Terms and Conditions of Service at TotalWireless.com.
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