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To Host or Not To Host?!

4/12/2022

21 Comments

 
I'm a huge fan of hosting! I love to throw dinner parties, wine tastings, costume parties and soirées of any sort! Over the years I've learned that keeping things simple enables me to enjoy the event along with my guests. I also believe that many folks don't host because they think it's too stressful, too much planning, too much money, too much clean up, the backyard garden beds still have not been mulched, it might rain...  so many people have excuses as to why they don't want to host. Excuses will only allow time to pass, which is depressing and sad. So, this post is to hopefully encourage more folks to host out there! Follow these steps for a happier, healthier hosting lifestyle with wonderful memories together!

#1: KEEP IT SIMPLE
Your worthy guests don't really care about what is being served or how it's being served! Ditch the stressful menu's and trying to over plan the party! Do whatever is easiest. I find that a great "grazing board" loaded with cheese, crackers, fruit, nuts, dips, bread and chips is a great way to host a larger group. I love placing little bowls of olive oil with a heavy sprinkle of different SALTOPIA Infused Sea Salts in each - then sliced artisan bread is a huge hit. It's easy, inexpensive and your guests will love it. If all else fails, order pizza. It's all about the time you spend together and not how you actually host that time. 
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#2: GUEST CONTRIBUTIONS
I've always been taught that I should never knock on the door of my host, with my fist. I should always be carrying something to share with my host and therefore, knocking on the door with my foot, instead.  I don't think I've ever invited someone to my home, and they showed up empty handed (otherwise, I probably wouldn't invite them a second time for certain). It's common courtesy to bring something to share such as a bottle of wine or a box of chocolates. I hosted a fairly large wine tasting a few years back and asked each guest to bring 2 blocks of their favorite cheeses to share. It was perfect! I layered the table with fresh fruit and crackers. As my guests arrived, I simply opened their cheese selections and placed them onto the table amongst the fruit and crackers. We had some of the most amazing cheeses that night, paired with incredible wines! Purchasing 18-20 blocks of different quality cheese is costly!  Asking your guests to buy 2 blocks is NOT a major investment on their part. So don't be afraid to ask for your guests to contribute something to the evening. You'd be amazed at how much your guests appreciate it as well. Everyone would like to help and share in the evening. Your request will make their lives that much easier!
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#3: CUT OUT THE CLEAN UP
I hate cleaning up and doing the dishes at the end of the night! Whenever I can avoid washing dishes, I try to! If you noticed in the above images, I simply toss fresh foods directly onto the table or a large platter. This avoids dishware and silverware altogether.  I typically line the table with a tablecloth and then add parchment paper to prevent the foods from sticking or staining the fabric tablecloth. It's easy and saves me a ton of work! 

#4: THEMES HELP
In order to keep your efforts to a minimum and set expectations for your guests, themes are wonderfully helpful! For example, if you planned a backyard movie night, then your guests can expect popcorn. You can set up a popcorn bar. I love putting out SALTOPIA's POPPING WITH FLAVOR set with fresh popcorn! It's easy and fun for all. My husband hangs a big sheet up with some clothes pins to project the movie. We ask everyone to bring a blanket to snuggle with and drinks to share. I've hosted TAIL GATING parties and served chicken wings as well as nacho platters. I've also hosted TEA PARTIES and served finger sandwiches with mimosas. Having a theme really helps reduce the stress and keeps things simple overall. 
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#5: NO SEATING? NO PROBLEM!
The best part of themed hosting is being able to tackle common hosting problems such as seating! If you're struggling to find space or tables or chairs - then turn your problem into the theme! An outdoor picnic is a great way to avoid the furniture problem. You can even create a themed picnic such as "Moroccan Inspired" and serve all sorts of fun dips, spreads and appetizers! Check out ROCK MY WORLD infused sea salts for great flavor profiles!
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Above all, just remember that less is more! You should always enjoy your event with your guests! 
Share your ideas, problems or questions below. I'd love to hear what you're thinking about. OR what your hosting horrors are! Perhaps I can help? 
21 Comments
Jay
4/20/2022 12:07:22 pm

All great ideas. My wife and I also have the gift of hospitality, we love it. Thanks for the ideas to help keep it simple so we can enjoy the time as much as our guest. Going to check out the Rock My World selection right now.

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Kimarie Santiago
4/21/2022 04:35:24 am

Thank you and cheers!!

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Nancy
4/20/2022 12:14:37 pm

I love your ideas and I love entertaining with Charcuterie Boards. It’s so easy to do and everyone likes at least half or more of the goodies! I’ve been buying your salts for 2 years now and I love them. I’ve turned several friends onto them by giving your gift sets!

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Kimarie Santiago
4/21/2022 04:35:59 am

Thank you so much Nancy!! I am truly grateful for your love and support!!

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K.Gray
4/20/2022 12:42:14 pm

I love hosting! I agree with a lot of your ideas. The one thing however I never do is ask my guests to bring something to my house. When I entertain, I don't want my guests to worry about anything. That includes dietary restrictions, picky kid eaters or contributing to the meal. I enjoy the planning, the prep and the handling of all of the details. Although I would love it if someone else cleaned beforehand.😄

Now if a guests wants and insists on bringing something then I won't say no to a contribution. But I don't ask ahead of time.

Oh and you're missing out on one of my favorite parts of having guests over. The cute platters and plates you can buy and then later use! I can't help myself in certain stores because those fancy plates, bowls and serving dishes just scream BUY ME!

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Kimarie Santiago
4/21/2022 04:32:17 am

Oh gosh!! Maybe I am too "Northeastern" by asking for folks to bring something specific. I heard this before from friends who aren't from the Northeast. They've told me, "You New York, New Jersey folks are way too bossy!" But in a joking way, of course! But perhaps we have something to learn from our neighboring states? Do you think I'm being too upfront by asking for specifics? When would you ask for folks to bring something specific?

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Sara L.
4/20/2022 04:26:41 pm

What an interesting idea to put the food directly on parchment on the table! Your look is just gorgeous and would never have thought of that way to display! I tend to over plan and worry... I hope to take a few of these themed ideas to use in the near future. I particularly love the idea of the wine and cheese tasting! How yummy! Thank you for giving us great perspective!!!

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Kimarie Santiago
4/21/2022 04:33:14 am

Thank you for all the love and support!! Yes, stop over planning. In reality, your guests will love just being invited.

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Vickie Lee
4/21/2022 04:16:03 am

I love doing the dipping oil tasting with fresh white bread. I display the flavor used and I print out little cards with the Saltopia website on front. I keep many pens around so folks can take note of their favorite flavors. Now they know where to get it and what they liked! I personally take note for gifting ideas. I also did popcorn tastings and brunch scrambled egg tastings using the same method.
I also love letting folks know "my secret" when I use the salts in unexpected ways like corn in a cup or toasted cheese sandwiches.
I love Saltopia!!!
- The Crazy Salt lady

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Kimarie Santiago
4/21/2022 04:34:57 am

LOVE THESE IDEAS!!! Brilliant!! So much fun and easy to prepare. I used to have these "SALTOPIA Tasting Kits" but that was about 8-9 years ago. Maybe we need to bring something like this back? Thank you for sharing!

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Regina
4/21/2022 06:24:52 am

Thanks for the ideas...I think I will try the parchment on the table suggestion since I loathe dish washing as well!

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Kimarie Santiago
4/21/2022 09:46:25 am

Yes!! You're so welcome and thank you!! It's amazing how parchment makes things look "fancy" these days too! haha! Very chic and farm to table of us...non-dish-washers!

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Lisa Fessler
4/21/2022 06:36:40 am

I love to have "to go" containers for my guests to take home goodies! Definitely helps with clean up. My favorite, well one of my favorite, Saltopia loves is to heat up plain kettle chips or tortilla chips on a sheet pan and when they are warm, I sprinkle them with my favorite Krossed Keys, and other flavored Saltopia salts!

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Kimarie Santiago
4/21/2022 09:47:38 am

Lisa, this is genius!! Why have I never thought of this?! TO GO containers are brilliant idea for guests to take home and clean up!! LOVE IT!! Great ideas all around! THANK YOU!!

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Cindyg
4/21/2022 07:52:37 am

Great ideas! I love hosting! I really liked your suggestion #3, and the oil with the different saltopia flavors!

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Kimarie Santiago
4/21/2022 09:49:03 am

Thank YOU!! It's amazing at how easy hosting can be if we let go of the over-planning needs. I was always so stressed-out years ago. Then I suddenly just realized, none of my friends cared all that much! They just wanted to spend time with me. Once I let go - my parties became so much more fun - for me, especially.

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Adrienne
4/21/2022 01:15:06 pm

Great ideas

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Robin Hudson
4/21/2022 01:25:26 pm

Love the parchment paper idea! We spend so much time preparing food, any shortcut is welcomed, definitely trying this. We love popcorn- I personally eat it almost everyday. I have so many of your salts but not the popcorn ones “yet”. Movie night in the future!

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Kimarie Santiago
4/22/2022 06:11:42 am

Robin - wait until you try the popcorn salts!! So delicious!! I and going to add something extra to your box when it ships out. My surprise!! Thank you for all the support! xoxo

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Donna
4/21/2022 06:44:56 pm

My husband and I recently built our "retirment home." It has a large island which makes entertaining a breeze, since everyone always gravitates toward the kitchen. I find myself investing in fun serving dishes and platters to spread all over the island for guests to help themselves. I must admit, though, it is a lot of clean-up at the end of the night. I like the idea of the parchment to create interesting designs and serving ideas. I am going to experiment by putting it directly on the island to create a large charcuterie of sorts, like your beautiful picture. Thank you! Love your products and your passion.

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Kimarie Santiago
4/22/2022 06:10:41 am

I wish I had a large island in my kitchen! Mine is narrow and small - it doesn't hold much but stacks of bills and my boys homework assignments! Ha! If you use parchment on your countertop, and have a lighter color counter, maybe use two layers? I would hate for anything to "bleed through" the parchment and stain your beautiful island. I have dark colored counters for this reason. I would love a whiter color soapstone. It looks so gorgeous. Thank YOU for sharing and being so supportive. I am truly grateful!!

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    About Me

    Hi all! I'm Kimarie Santiago, owner and creator of SALTOPIA Infused Sea Salts. I'd love to connect with you all! Let's share stories, recipes, friendship and more here together!

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