Host a Simple and Chic Fall Happy Hour
Throwing together a simple and chic happy hour with friends and family can be easy and fun. If you read my other blog posts you’ll know I like to be ready for hosting at all times. I put together a happy hour for friends for under $100! I bought everything at Trader Joes with the exception of 4 items that I already had on hand. Trader Joes is great for “Entertaining Groceries”. They have a fantastic cheese selection, affordable wines to put in a tasting, and indulgent sweet treats.
When putting together my list of “entertaining groceries” to keep on hand, I like to make sure whatever I am shopping for has a bit of a shelf life so I don't feel rushed to use it and can also be used in my day to day. Certain items you'll want to pick up closer to the day that you're hosting if it’s planned.
Entertainment Grocery Staples:
Cheese (Chevre and an assortment of hard cheeses)
Cured meats (Salami, pepperoni, sopressata, chorizo)
Crackers
Cheese Crisps
Nuts
Olives
Jam, preserves or jelly
Pretzels or Chips
Pirouettes/Cookies
Fruits
Fresh Herbs
Pillsbury biscuits
Dips (Salsa, guacamole, hummus, caramel)
Chocolates
I prefer picking up fresh greens and bakery items the day of or night before if possible. Having these items on hand creates a great starting point for easy appetizer recipes and makes putting together a charcuterie board simple. Don’t stress if you can’t put it all together before guests arrive. It can be a creative and tasty activity to set up together.
Charcuterie Board Tips
Have a variety of textures, color, and flavors.
Use a mix of hard and creamy cheeses from mild to bold flavors. Offer some variety with the meat options like prosciutto, a herb crusted salami, and a smoked chorizo.
Adding nuts, olives, pickles, sliced carrots or dry/fresh fruit is the perfect way to create a balance of sweet, savory, and acidity.
Cut up sliced artisan bread or naan into bite sized pieces for a soft texture. I highly recommend trying Trader Joe's Pumpkin Cranberry Crisps. It will add a tasty crunch to your board and is a definite crowd pleaser.
For finishing touches, use fresh herbs, sea salt, or freshly cracked pepper to garnish. Adding honey, whole grain mustard, or olive oil to a board is a beautiful finish that enhances the flavor experience.
Have fun being creative with your boards. You can do a big mix or multiple themed boards. For example, you can have a savory board and a dessert board with fruits, cookies, pretzels, caramel dip, or chocolates. Scope out your pantry and use what you have!
Open-Faced Prosciutto and Nectarine Toastie
¼ cup Fig Preserves
1 Lemon (Zest and Slice into wedges)
¼ teaspoon Peeled and grated fresh Ginger
Goat Cheese
French bread sliced (any artisan crusty bread)
Arugula
1 Thinly sliced Nectarine*
3-4 oz Prosciutto thinly sliced
In a small bowl, combine Fig Preserves, about ¼ teaspoon of lemon zest, squeeze in lemon juice of two wedges, and ¼ teaspoon of ginger. Stir to a drizzly consistency and add additional lemon juice or ginger to taste.
Toast sliced bread on cookie sheet at 400°F until a slight golden brown.
Spread goat cheese on toast, drizzle fig preserves sauce, sprinkle with arugula, add thinly sliced nectarines and top off with prosciutto.
*Nectarine can be substituted with peaches, plums, apples, or pears.
Herb Butter Biscuits
Pillsbury Biscuits
3 tablespoons of Butter
1 ½ teaspoon of minced fresh Thyme
¼ teaspoon of garlic powder
Salt
Pepper
Bake biscuits per direction. In a small bowl, melt butter. Stir in thyme and garlic powder to melted butter: season with salt and pepper. Once biscuits are baked, brush on melted herb butter. Serve with a variety of spreads. I enjoy pumpkin butter for a fall inspired sweet and savory bite.
I hope you have a fabulous time with your friends and family this fall.
Keep an eye out for my ranking affordable favorite wines post!