Almost Homemade Entertaining
Do you ever feel like you’re failing at life if you buy snacks from the store instead of making them from scratch? Everyone loves the warmth of homemade, but life gets cluttered with living, and that’s okay! Almost homemade entertaining lets you strike a perfect balance—creating a welcoming atmosphere for your family and friends with a mix of store-bought conveniences and personal touches. There are simple ways to host without sacrificing your sanity, proving that you don’t need to bake everything from scratch to make everyone feel at home.
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Almost Homemade Entertaining
Provide plenty of snacks
I love making homemade brownies and have been experimenting with some tasty “from scratch” recipes. But let’s be real. Sometimes, you need something that’s fast and still tastes good. One of the most important things when you have a houseful of guests is to offer plenty of snacks. Prepackaged cookies, brownies, granola bars, fruits, a variety of cold and hot drinks. You can put them out in a simple basket and not worry about your guests between meals.
Fairytale Brownies aren’t just for special occasions—they’re perfect for those busy days when you’re on the go or when you need something quick! Pack a few in your bag for an afternoon pick-me-up, share them during a road trip, or bring them along for a quick treat at the park. Individually wrapped and made with all-natural ingredients, these brownies, cookies, and blondies are easy to take anywhere and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth wherever life takes you!
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Serve Up Something Hot
If the weather allows, don’t miss the chance to get outside. You can make s’mores over an open fire or pull out your Coleman stove. Just put it on the bed of your truck or picnic table and serve up hot cocoa and make some memories.
Focus on the Right Stuff
When you are planning your meals, think easy. At the end of your visit, most people won’t remember if you served homemade bread or something you picked up from the local bakery. Your guests will enjoy green beans that you cooked in the instant pot whether they came from your garden or the farmers market. Don’t waste your energy on the things that don’t matter. Instead, focus your attention on spending time with the people you love.
Use paper plates and cups so you can free up time after dinner for a game of Rook, spoons, Monopoly Deal or some music around the piano.
Entertaining doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful. By blending a few store-bought items with heartfelt personal touches, you can create a welcoming atmosphere that lets everyone feel at home. The key is to keep things simple, focus on spending quality time together, and remember—it’s not about perfection; it’s about making memories. Relax, enjoy, and make hosting almost homemade a joy, not a chore!
