Edna’s Holiday Buzz

Entertaining doesn’t have to stop when money is tight.  As we all find way’s to scale back on our expenses, we find that a simple life can have forgotten benefits. Socializing with family and friends, at home, instead of a restaurant saves lots of money and allows for more relaxed conversations and fun.

Start with a Potluck party. Lunch, Dinner, BBQ, it’s up to you.

I am taking my own advise and hosting a Backyard Potluck party.  My friends are very enthusiastic.  This gives everyone a chance to bring their favorite dish.  For those who don’t cook, they bring drinks, bread, ice, paper plates etc.   

Every potluck party I have is better than the last.  The food is ALWAYS great,  the conversations lively and my friends take over the clean up!!  Fabulous!!

We play a form of cutthroat croquet.    Since no one wants to read the rule booklet, it seems the rules change as the game proceeds.  Lots of  fun and laughs.  However for those who are very competitive, reading the rules might be a good idea.

This year,  I purchased a digital projector for use in teaching my “How to Sell on eBay” courses. ( I am an Education Specialist; trained by eBay.)  It seems like a good time show a movie in the backyard.  Of course, being somewhat technologically challenged, I will have to enlist the help of  my friends with the VCR/CD  and speaker connections.  The set up of the equipment should be as much fun as watching the movie.

The party is in 10 days. I have scheduled the completion my “spring cleaning”  to coincide with the arrivals of the party guests.  Another benifit to having company: it  is always a” Stimulas Plan” for household  fixups.

I am asking my friends to share the recipe for each dish they bring.  After the party, I’ll enter them in the “Recipe Exchange” catagory.

Your recipes and party suggestions are always welcomed. 

Wishing you joy,

Patty Coleman

www.ednasholidayplace.com

Chick the Picture and take the party on a hike!

Going on a picnic, hike, concert or sporting event? Just pack it up and go!  The Avalon Deluxe Picnic Backpack makes any event easy and stylish.

 Insulated picnic backpack with detachable wine duffel, sunshine picnic blanket, and deluxe service for 2, made of 600D polyester canvas. This insulated picnic backpack is perfect for the adventurous picnicker. Made from heavy-duty polyester canvas, this backpack is lightweight, compact, and very practical. It is outfitted with a detachable, insulated wine duffel and all the amenities needed for a picnic for two. The large food compartment, featuring state-of-the-art Thermo-Guard insulation, will help keep your picnic hot/cold for hours.

Spring is here and it time to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day, Graduation, Weddings, Memorial Day and not to forget Father’s Day.

The down economy does not have to mean no celebrations. We can take this as an opportunity to celebrate with family and friends at home, the beach, lakefront or park.  

Potlucks are a wonderful way to share the love.  I belong to a church and neighborhood groups. When a get together is planned, most invitees will ask, “What can I bring?”  Guests become co-hosts and more fun is had by all. 

Check out the widget links to inexpensive party decorations.

Do you have a favorite potluck dish recipe or idea?  Please share.

Spring is just around the corner.

It’s time to get ready for Easter Party Fun. Cooking and Decorating with kids, friends and family can lift your spirit and sweep away the winter blues.  Dipping chicken eggs is ok, but I prefer Cupcakes.

Cupcake Decorating Party for Kids and Adults

• Make your favorite cupcake recipes
• Make and color icings: put each color in bowl, with a icing spatula and also piping bags.
• Put candy: sprinkles, confetti, rocks; bunnies, chicks, flowers, coconut, etc. in separate bowls with a spoon.
• Put a washable cover on the dining/kitchen table
• Place the cupcake (on a Wilton cupcake stand) with the frosting and decorations down the center of the table.
• Give each child or adult a plate.
• Watch the fun happen.

Cooking with your friends and family creates special memories and traditions. Time together is priceless.

My friends and family like to cook and usually ask “What can I bring” when invited for dinner.  I make out a menu and assign each person/couple a dish.  Sometimes, for theme parties/dinners I give them a specific recipe. It’s makes for a lively, inclusive meal and gathering. When food is shared so is love.

Check out the rolling link for inexpensive decorations and cookbook ideas.   Easter Recipe Cookbooks make a great gift for someone, like me, who likes to cook and entertain.  Wilton Industries and other Amazon sellers, have cupcake, cake and cookie decorations of bunny rabbits, eggs, chicks, ducks, icings, candy confetti, cupcake pans. Paper lanterns and string  lights shaped like Easter Eggs are fun ,reuseable  as well as money saving eye candy. 

Happy Easter,

Patty Coleman

www.ednasholidayplace.com

Make every day a holiday. 

 Be a friend to someone whether for a moment, day or lifetime.   Begin with a smile then  use the following ingredients:

Recipe for Friendship (and a good Recipe for Living)

2 heaping cups of patience
1 heartful of love
2 handfuls of generosity
1 headful of understanding
A dash of humour
Sprinkle generously with kindness
and plenty of faith
Mix well
Spread over a period of a life time
Serve to everyone you meet.

Author unknown

Let me know what you think.

Patty