Hello sweet friends. I've missed you all so much. It really is another family/group of friends out here in blogland. I hope you each had an amazing Christmas season and the the New Year finds you happy and healthy. Trying to get myself back into the swing of things. My youngest started back to high school last week and the routines have started back up so it's starting to feel like real life again making me realize it's time for Step 3 on my Lovin' on People series. My step three is Keep it Simple Sweetie, or the KISS Method of entertaining. I can't stress enough how VERY important this one is, don't ever think that Lovin' on People has to be complicated, as a matter of fact, the simplier it is, the easier and more enjoyable it will be for everyone involved...guaranteed!
Image Kinfolk Magazine.com
We have family that lives in the Bay Area, or Northern California (we're in Southern California). We are so close to these lovely people and try as hard as we can to get visits in as much as possible. They were able to swing by our house for one night just before Christmas and we were thrilled to have them. We were excited to meet my niece's new fiance (very exciting news) and let the cousins spend time together. The fact that they were here for one 24 hour visit made it even more of a reason to use the KISS method of Lovin' On People. I mean I certainly didn't want to miss anything and the last thing I wanted was to be cooped up in the kitchen all night slaving over the stove and worried that the food would be good. The question is: How do you make a nice Lovin' on People type of menu that everyone will enjoy, but that I don't have to slave over? Answer: Make most of it ahead of time and keep it really simple. So what was the menu you ask? It was...
Pulled BBQ Tri Tip Sandwiches on Rolls
Italian Cole Slaw
Easy, Peasy Cheesy Potatoes
Chocolate Bundt Cake
Sodas, Waters and Beer
Image Kinfolk Magazine.com
I completely apologize that I don't have any pictures of the real food we so eagerly consumed, but while I'm in the middle of Lovin' on People it's just not me to snap pictures. I don't want to miss the moments, and let's face it, I'm not that coordinated, so I'm not able to share any of that evening. These are just pretty photos I found other places that I hope give you the idea of our evening together.
A great way to stay on track of KISSing is to remember: Paper products are perfectly acceptable, especially with a large group. Don't ever feel like everything always has to be fancy, or look like a Martha Stewart dinner party. It absolutely doesn't. I picked up paper goods and that's what we used. I didn't have a fancy centerpiece or name cards or anything extravagant at all. Just some pretty candles burning. The whole idea sometimes is just getting together, catching up and being relaxed. Being relaxed is much easier when the dinner plates are able to go right into the trash can after dinner :)
I was able to make the Easy, Peasy, Cheesy Potatoes and the BBQ Tri Tip the day/night before, the chocolate chip bundt cake the morning of and the coleslaw was mostly premade with the exception of the dressing which was also made the day before. Sometimes the way to KISS is to preplan like I did for this night.
These are all really simple recipes as well and I'm happy to share them with you for your next dinner that you want to be easy and follow the KISS "rules".
Image Paula Deen.com
BBQ Tri Tip Sandwiches
Tri Tip
Beef Broth
Onion
Your Favorite BBQ Sauce
Your favorite Buns to serve it on
Okay, I'm almost embarrased to share this recipe, because quite honestly, it's not really a recipe! I used my slow cooker the day before and put in tri tip, frozen, and then added some beef broth and sliced onions. It slow cooked for about 8 hours and then I take the trip tip out and shred it and add BBQ sauce. I put all the tri tip in a disposable foil pan, covered in foil and refrigerated overnight.
The night of I placed the pan in the oven for about 90 minutes at 350 degrees.
Image Martha Stewart.com
Easy, Peasy, Cheesy Potatoes
You can double or even triple this recipe for a large crowd. I doubled it and it fed 11 of us with plenty of leftovers.
1 Bag of Frozen Potatoes O'Brien (the ones with chopped onion and peppers)
1 can of Cream of Celery Soup
1 can of Cheddar Cheese Soup
1 small container Sour Cream
Salt and Pepper to taste
Okay, the easiest recipe of all...mix all the ingredients together and taDA! That's it really, and trust me people can't believe how good this is!
I mixed all the ingredients together (the potatoes were still frozen) and then put them in another disposable foil pan, covered in foil and refrigerated for the next day as well.
The night of I placed the pan in a 400 degree oven for 2 hours (they were still frozen). I did take off the foil for the last 30 minutes to brown the potatoes.
Italian Coleslaw
I just call it Italian because I love Italy, HA! No recipe, just preshredded coleslaw in bags and preshredded carrots and sliced green onions and toasted sliced almonds.
I sliced green onions and toasted the almonds the day before. I also made the dressing which also doesn't have a recipe. It's just:
Salt and Pepper
Sugar
Vegetable Oil
Apple Cider Vinegar...all to taste
I just assembled this the night of and added the dressing and tossed!
Image Paula Deen.com
Chocolate Bundt Cake
This was made the morning they were coming. You'll find that recipe under my recipes at the right sidebar. I've shared it before. It's really easy and super, duper yummy.
The whole KISS idea is to remember you're enjoying your loved ones and want everyone to feel comfortable. We were able to enjoy our family, eat well and completely relax. I hope I've given you some good ideas and the permission to KISS.
Image Kinfolk Magazine
I'm going to continue the Lovin' On People series, but I'm also excited to start another series called Valerie's House. I guess you could call it a spin off of Sarah's House. It's one of my favorite shows on HGTV. Anyway, hubby and I have decided to work really hard on a few projects around here and I'm really happy to share them with you. So stay tuned. First up, our master bathroom. For the record, we moved into this house 13 years ago and haven't touched it, so overdue for sure and really excited to have you share my journey on Valerie's House!
xoxo,
I think your idea of keeping it simple while entertaining is EXCELLENT! It's most important to enjoy your guests. If serving them takes up all your time, you miss the good stuff. :)
Posted by: happygirl | January 21, 2013 at 11:30 AM
Looking forward to seeing some pics of your home ;)
I'm going to steal a few of these recipes for Super Bowl Weekend. I love entertaining but like you said always make sure it's all prepped and ready ahead of time so I can join in on the fun!!!
Posted by: shannon | January 21, 2013 at 04:05 PM
Valerie...Another perfect, interesting and informative post on entertaining. I love your style and I know your guest do, too. I really have to try the potato recipe. I do the pulled pork the same as you. And you know what I do to that makes things nice but simple? I stocked up on some melamine plates from Target. They are inexpensive, have lots of patterns and hold up better than paper. I like using real silverware set out in a basket or vase and usually do buffets.
Keep up the fabulous posts!!
XO,
Jane
Posted by: Jane | January 21, 2013 at 04:45 PM
Valerie, such a great reminder that so often less is more! Your choice of photos gave a great picture tutorial and your thoughts and words are inspiring! I just may be ready to entertain again after the busy holiday! Thank you Beautiful and Talented Friend! xxx's
Posted by: Lisa | January 21, 2013 at 05:17 PM
That sandwich looks so yummy and would fly off the platter with my family, so glad you have posted.
I cant wait to see you reno's! Bathroom I need a new one too it's next on our big list!
Posted by: Barbara | January 22, 2013 at 11:02 AM
I need to take your Kiss tips to heart. I always stress when entertaining and I miss most of the party because I am in the kitchen.
Posted by: Chatelaine | January 22, 2013 at 09:00 PM
Less is more does the trick! KISSes!
Posted by: Roselie | January 22, 2013 at 11:49 PM
Thank you Valerie for again gracing your beauty over at my place, you are a joy to see.
As for events parties and just get togethers I end up most of the time in the kitchen as well....Kinfolk make it all look so easy, I just love there photo shoots and videos they are the best out there....don't you just want to be a kinfolk, I know I sure do.
O, and I love how you have be ome one....loving all that you post on them (kinfolk)
Lots of love
Xox
Doré
Posted by: Doré Burlap Luxe | January 23, 2013 at 10:34 AM
As always, a fun and beautiful post. Love the simplicity of the meal and soothing colors. The recipes look delicious- potatoes tonight! xo
Posted by: Yvette | January 23, 2013 at 01:58 PM
I love the way you think! Simple really is the way to go. I always aim for that, but must admit that I'm often too involved in the whole process...wanting everything to be pretty and yummy for anyone who's visiting.
I'm really looking forward to seeing more about your house projects...I LOVE remodeling :)
Posted by: Tricia | January 23, 2013 at 06:52 PM
I'm officially starving! All of this food looks amazing. I love the bay area.
Posted by: val | January 24, 2013 at 12:21 PM
It's wonderful to have simple and delicious recipes like this when you want to enjoy your company (or the game). I'm going to take copies of them all!
Posted by: Susan | January 25, 2013 at 11:01 AM
This post is exactly what I needed to read today! I've just been vacuuming and pondering the whole "when is your house clean enough to entertain" thing. Your words were such a sweet reminder that it's not about ME and being impressive as homemaker of the year (as if!) Thank you for this lovely reminder of what really matters.
Posted by: lynn | February 1, 2013 at 01:53 PM
I love your thoughts on entertaining Valerie and how its all about the "gathering" that counts with you.
This menu looks superb and I would have loved it, but most of all, your sweet company! ;)
Oh how wonderful that you and hubby are enjoying planning some home decor fun!
Exciting, and I cant wait to see and hear about your new idea of "Valeries House". I know it will be perfect!
Hugs!
All my heart,
Deborah xoxo
Posted by: Deborah Carlson | February 2, 2013 at 08:47 AM
Lots of great recipes & tips - thanks for all the inspiration!
x
Melissah
Posted by: Melissah from Coastal Style | February 11, 2013 at 01:47 PM