Fall is here and the leaves are changing, but we had one last hurrah before the cooler temps settled in…
Ahhhh, summer barbecuing, bonfires and good friends…a great way to end an absolutely beautiful Maine summer.
Let the kids help! Grape kabobs are a great first ‘skewering’ job…
Then, let them move onto the veggies.
Even though it was a casual BBQ, I decided it was a great time to utilize a few of my ‘free finds’ – fun dishes, glassware and mason jars I used for holding all the silverware. Paper can be easier, but I prefer real plates, real silverware and cloth napkins – plus, it’s less wasteful.
I made a few salads (in addition to the kabobs) as well as cupcakes for dessert.
The beets were picked from my garden and roasted, then topped with goat cheese, fresh basil and an olive oil drizzle. White bean provencal salad utilized dry beans (less than canned) which I prepared a few days in advance. Potato salad was assembled on the day of the party, though the dressing, potatoes and green beans (from my garden) were prepared two days in advance. Parties are fun if you prepare as much as possible in advance…and keep it ‘outdoors.’
We thought the barn would be the perfect spot to eat. The table was set with a linen tablecloth that I picked up at Brimfield a few years ago for only $12. The white tablecloths (under the floral one), candle stick holders, vase and a few of the chairs were all found for free from my favorite shopping stop – the dump. The fun wooden folding chairs were picked up for $2 each, the other ‘t-back’ chairs were picked up for $5 each at a local yard sale. I love a bargain!
I also served a skillet cornbread and a fabulous cocktail – again, utilizing what I had on hand…
Entertaining doesn’t have to cost a lot.
Invite good people. Ask everyone to bring something to share. Provide inexpensive (but lovely) salads, prepare as much as possible without buying a lot of pre-made foods, utilize what you have on hand and don’t forget the flowers. It’s the little things that make a difference…
And if you can, why not end the night with a bonfire under the stars…complete with blankets, pillows and marshmallows…
Enjoy.
Ripe Red Berries 
What a fun gathering, you have an eye for great finds, I am amazed at your shopping talent.
Thank you Norma. It is So fun – it’s almost an addiction…(:
Absolutely fantastic! And I love the way you get in and use what is already on hand. There should be more of it in this world 😀
Thank you Dianne!! I agree – why go out and buy when you can just ‘make do.’ (: Hope you had a fabulous visit with your daughter. Enjoy.
I hope all is well and that the mild winter has been kind to you. Wishing you all the best in this new year.
As you can see it’s been a very long time since I’ve posted or been here…thank you for your well wishes and the same to you!! Happy Spring!!