This month the Eat Well and Spend Less series was all about entertaining in the summer months. Planning a get-together? Here are a few tips to help make your entertaining easier, as well as a chance to win a SodaStream Crystal Machine to make entertaining at home a breeze.
Funny as I write this that I have just returned home from a weekend in Pennsylvania for Big Summer Potluck where I was treated by Pam Anderson of Three Many Cooks and her gorgeous daughters, Maggy and Sharon, opening their doors to us and hosting, along with Erika from Ivory Hut. People who opened their doors and invited others in, for better or for worse, and it was for the better. If anyone knows how to do some summer entertaining, it is this group of women.
After I shared my thoughts on entertaining in small spaces last week, a number of people walked through my own door, people who were there to chat and get to know each other better, to talk business and to talk about the weather. We utilized several of my tips for entertaining in small spaces, moving conversation outside, serving buffet style and occupying the kids while guests are around.
The Art of the Potluck
Aimee shared tips on how to throw a successful potluck, one of my favorite ways to entertain, reminding you as the host of what your responsibilities are and how to avoid everyone showing up with the same dish. She also shares how to be a gracious potluck attendee, what to bring, when to jump in and how to show your host you’re thankful.
Hospitality Without the Hassle
Hosting can sometimes be stressful, especially when you’re doing it all. Carrie has the answer to keeping a cool head and making it all happen. She gives ideas on different kinds of hosting and different times of day to invite people over, as well as possible things to serve.
Budget-Friendly Potluck Meals
Like Aimee, Jessica talked about the beauty of the potluck meal, but rather than focus on the aspect of hosting one, Jessica focused on the act of creating a dish to bring. What makes a good potluck dish to share and how to think outside the box to bring something everyone can enjoy are all covered here.
Simple and Inexpensive Hostess Gifts
What about when you aren’t the host of the party? Katie has great ideas on how to show the host how thankful you are, including a recipe for vanilla scented sugar and several other homemade hostess gift ideas.
The Gift of a Meal
I love gifting food. If I could, I’d do nothing but cook and gift all day long, and Katie shares how important the simple gift of a meal can be and how cooking for others is the perfect way to show how much you care. She even includes several ideas to get you started on what types of meals to gift.
Throwing a Party on a Budget
I mentioned in my post that we threw parties even when Ole was a graduate student and we were living on a shoestring budget. Mandi breaks it down, sharing how to throw a spectacular party even when finances are tight or you don’t want to break the bank.
Host on a Budget
Tammy breaks down the meal portion of hosting on a budget, helping you plan a frugal menu of delicious food.
One thing I learned this past weekend was the beauty of a self-serve bar. Bottles of tonic and ginger soda, vodka, gin and plenty of wine was poured at Big Summer Potluck. It is in that spirit that I’d suggest an Italian Soda bar, where guests mix their own sodas.
We have been trying out a SodaStream for the past week, carbonating our own water and adding bits of flavor. It was perfect for our ginger-infused simple syrup, and we even made a few other syrups recently to switch it up a bit (stay tuned).
One reader will win a SodaStream Crystal Machine Starter Kit to make your own carbonated beverages in your house, and I’m so excited to share it with you. My favorite things:
- The Crystal Machine features glass bottles, which are gorgeous in their own right. They’re perfect for entertaining.
- It’s cheap to use. One CO2 canister makes 60 Liters of carbonated beverage in your own home with zero packaging waste. It’s frugal and environmentally friendly.
- You know exactly what you’re getting. Use water directly from your tap or filter to carbonate. SodaStream makes flavorings for both soda and flavored water, but you can also add natural flavorings, make your own syrups and you have complete control over your beverage. That’s definitely eating well in my book.
- They’re available locally. Williams Sonoma, Sur la Tab, Macy’s and many other stores carry SodaStream products should you desire extra carafes.
HOW TO ENTER TO WIN a SodaStream Crystal Starter Set
1. Leave a comment about anything that strikes your fancy: when’s the last time you entertained, what’s your favorite dish to bring to a potluck, whatever.
2. Follow @FoodforMyFamily and @SodaStreamUSA on Twitter and tweet the following, and come back and let me know you did:
Win a @SodaStreamUSA Crystal Machine from @FoodforMyFamily http://wp.me/puu57-2tT #giveaway
3. Join the Food for My Family community on Facebook. Come back and leave a comment letting me know you did so.
4. Join the SodaStream community on Facebook. Come back and leave a comment letting me know you did so.
THE RULES:
This giveaway will run until Sunday, August 7th at 11:59 p.m. EDT and is open to all U.S. residents. A winner will be chosen at random using Random.org from all eligible entries. Each reader has 4 chances to win by completing the above tasks and leaving a separate comment for each entry method completed. Chosen winner must respond within 48 hours of notification to claim their prize. Good luck!
SodaStream sent me a to review of my own because I’d seen their product at a booth and really wanted to be able to share them with you. I was not compensated for this post and the views and opinions are my own.
I hope these ideas have given you a few ideas on how you can eat healthy and wholesome foods without breaking the bank this summer. Enjoy the next few months of vacations, swimming and laying in the sun!
Debra J says
Great info!!! I usually like to split up what to bring in categories and let my guests decide what they want to bring. That way we avoid dupilcates. I just held a tapas party earlier this year and it was a blast!!
Debra J says
I’m following you on twitter at @FoodforMyFamily and @SodaStreamUSA
(ProjectGreenMom is my username)
Debra J says
I follow you on Facebook! (that’s how I saw this blog post!)
Debra J says
I’m now following SodaStream on FB!
Mal @ The Chic Geek says
I got a soda stream for my dad for father’s day and he absolutely loves it, it’s such a clever thing!
Jessica says
My children both have summer birthdays, and we often have Italian sodas at their parties. A soda stream would make those treats so much less wasteful – no empty plastic bottles!
jill says
just discovered okra…and I love it! Can I make gumbo in the summertime?
jill says
…now following sodastreamUSA!
jill says
already LIKE you on FB and now LIKE SodaStreamUSA!
Kelly Jo says
My favorite potluck recipe is definitely mini cheesecakes for dessert. Finger food with easy cleanup!
Addy says
I love to bring Banana Pudding for a potluck. Now I can’t bring anything else because everyone loves it 🙂
KellyC says
We had another couple over for lunch Sunday and had fish tacos, Texas caviar, and hummus. It was easy to prep ahead and indoor grill the fish right before eating.
FishMama says
All I can say is that I really want this!
Mandy says
Trying to give up soda, so I would love to try making my own sparkling juices!
Ames says
I think my 2 year old would get a kick out of this machine!!
Carrie @ poet in the pantry says
I wish I could entertain more. We live in a small apartment so we don’t have people over often, but I love to bring a great dessert when I go to someone else’s house!
Carrie @ poet in the pantry says
I tweeted about the giveaway: http://twitter.com/PoetInThePantry/status/98425956838019072
Carrie @ poet in the pantry says
I like Food for My Family on Facebook
Carrie @ poet in the pantry says
I like SodaStream on Facebook
Nicole says
I like Sodastream on Facebook.
Nicole says
I like Food for my family on facebook.
Nicole says
I follow on twitter. @xofroggiegrlox
Rachel says
My favorite “soda” is sparkling orange juice. Mmmmm.
Rachel says
I am a follower of your wonderful blog on FB.
Rachel says
I am a follower or Soda Stream on FB as well.
Joanna says
My favorite dish to bring to a potluck is homemade salsa!
Stacy Makes Cents says
I really enjoy the Eat Well, Spend Less posts! 🙂
Stacy Makes Cents says
I follow Food For My Family on Facebook!
Elizabeth @cucinagirl says
We were just talking last week about how we would LOVE to have a Soda Stream Machine, but I was concerned about the plastic bottles. I’m excited to know that there’s a glass version!
I already follow @foodformyfamily on Twitter.
Elizabeth @cucinagirl says
I just liked Food for My Family on Facebook.
Elizabeth @cucinagirl says
I just liked SodaStream on Facebook.
Mark S says
My favorite thing to bring to a potluck is an upscale appetizer like bruschetta with goat cheese, stewed figs, and prosciutto.
Karen @ Goofy Can Cook says
I love bringing spinach and artichoke dip to potlucks. It’s the one time I really indulge in my favorite dip!
Karen @ Goofy Can Cook says
Fan of SodaStream on Facebook!
Karen @ Goofy Can Cook says
Fan of Food for my Family on Facebook.
Karen @ Goofy Can Cook says
Tweeted about the giveaway, @goofycancook
Karen @ Goofy Can Cook says
And follow both of you on twitter!
Renee B says
I have been watching these to see if they go on sale!!! My oldest son, with Autism loves gadgets and soda. I think he would have SO much fun with this!
Jessica says
Oh I would love the Soda Stream!!
I do a fair amount of entertaining in the summer months. It is so fun!
Jessica says
I have been a fan of your Facebook page for a while.
Meredith says
I love the idea of making my own fizzy water! I haven’t entertained in ages…. might be time to start!
Jackie H. says
I have always wanted to try a soda stream machine! What a breeze that would make entertaining, every guest could customize a drink. Awesome!
Jackie H. says
Liked your FB page 🙂
Jackie H. says
Also liked the SodaStream page.
Christian Wright says
Hello. I’m a fan of your writing and fizzy H2O. We have been using a soda siphon for 5-6 years now and love it but there is always room for improvement. I would like to make homemade tonic H2O.
Jamie M says
I love having friends over for dinner. There’s just something wonderful about getting together to eat, laugh and talk! One of my favorite things to do. 🙂
~Jamie
Jamie M says
Following Food for my family on facebook.
Jamie M says
Following Soda Stream on facebook.
karen d says
Love to have friends and family over for dinner, and I find that the more simple I keep things the better. One thing everyone always remembers is dessert so I try to make it outstanding…grilled fresh peaches drizzled with a great balsamic vinegar in summer or Italiam cream cake in colder weather or s’mores with homemade marshmallows and a really fine chocolate.
Tracy says
Great giveaway! I love to have people over during the summer to grill. It’s so much fun to throw some BBQ chicken and vegetables on the grill and chat while it’s cooking!
michelle says
we have been doing lots of off site picnic style potlucks with kids and family at the beach or at concerts and I am loving orzo corn salads and edamame and farmer’s market fresh fruit…..simple and in season with little utensils needed!!!
I would love to win a soda stream crystal machine starter kit!!
thanks for the chance to win!!!
michelle says
I tweeted this giveaway and am following @SodaStreamUSA and @FoodforMyFamily on twitter!
thanks for the chance to win!
Meredith says
I did my duty and followed both on Twitter and retweeted the contest!
Kathleen says
I love hosting pot lucks. It’s easy on me and it makes everyone feel like they’re part of it. I find when I host and do everything myself, people are often intimidated and uncomfortable to reciprocate because its overwhelming to them.
Maura says
I ‘liked’ you and soda stream on facebook!
I’ve always wanted to host a potluck since i LOVE to entertain but footing the entire bill can be expensive sometimes. I will definitely need to put some of your tips into practice! and i’m DYING for a soda stream to reduce the cost of my flavored waters habit 🙂
Maura says
oops–when I submitted my comment above i didn’t realize I could do separate entries…so count my first one as ‘liking’ you on facebook, and this one for ‘liking’ soda stream please 🙂
Meredith says
Thanks for pointing me toward Facebook… I am now a friend as instructed.
Holly says
My family is big on the potlucks. I typically bring some sort of dessert. Lately everyone has wanted me to bring chocolate chip cookie dough truffles. They’re delicious and fairly easy.
Holly says
I’m following on Twitter and I tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/nafyboocs/status/98475871106646016
denise says
The last time I entertained was last Saturday – had a last minute dinner at my house with family.
denise says
I tweeted:
http://twitter.com/#!/deniselao/status/98476708784635904
denise says
I Like the Food for My Family community on Facebook
denise says
I Like the SodaStream community on Facebook.
Carolyn Gates says
Would love to win this soda stream, I think at family functions everyone would love it.
Carolyn Gates says
Following both on twitter and tweeting http://twitter.com/#!/CarolynK75/status/98477454284435456
Tricia @ {every}nothing wonderful says
I love the glass bottles – how elegant would those be on a table? Sigh…I’ll settle for my pitcher for now…
Carolyn Gates says
Liked your facebook page
Carolyn White Gates
Carolyn Gates says
Liked Soda Stream on facebook
Carolyn White Gates
Katie says
I have a birthday party to plan and that will be my next entertaining opportunity. Love the homemade soda idea.
Katie says
I like Food for my Family on Facebook.
Meredith says
I am now a brand spankin new SodaStream friend on Facebook!
Jeanie Babbage says
I have long been a follower of @sodastreamusa and just followed you! I sent my tweet!
Sarah C says
My favorite dish to bring to a potluck is spinach strawberry salad during the summer/spring. In fall/winter, I bring homemade bread, with home churned butter to wow the crowds!
Cindy B. says
My favorite dish to bring to a potluck is green bean casserole.
Cindy B. says
I follow @FoodforMyFamily and @SodaStreamUSA on Twitter and tweeted.
Cindy B. says
I fan Food for My Family community on Facebook.
MichelleH says
The soda maker would be great for parties AND when my kids just have friends over. I would love to give them ‘soda’, but not all the chemicals and junk. I think it would be fun to play with.
Cindy B. says
I fan SodaStream community on Facebook
Abigail says
a friend of ours throws monthly potlucks, and they are always so fun, i’ve brought Spanish rice, cupcakes, hummus and chips, home made rolls, and a bunch of other things too.
Abigail says
i like soda stream on FB
(Abigail L)
Georgia Pellegrini says
What a wonderful giveaway. I love soda water! And I love your new site design also : )
Malia says
I’d love to try this product! And I absolutely LOVE to cook for parties! Unfortunately I don’t have a Facebook so I can’t “Like” either:(
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen says
That soda machine looks great, I’d make ginger ale with it!
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen says
Tweeted it!
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen says
Already like you on FB!
Nelly Rodriguez says
I’d love to play around with my own flavored sodas and make ice cream floats!
Nelly Rodriguez says
FOllowed you both and tweeted!
Nelly Rodriguez says
I joined the Food for My Family community on Facebook.
Nelly Rodriguez says
I liked the SOda Stream FB page!
Dianne@Baking4Six says
I hostessed a red/white/blue theme birthday party for my mom’s birthday and I made a 13 layer hidden flag cake for my sil’s birthday.
clara says
mmmm. soda on a hot day 😀
Mary says
I have never entertained, but I always think think it would be really fun to do. When I strike up the courage, I’ll have to check out this wrap up again!
Mary says
I just ‘liked’ Food For My Family on Facebook 🙂
Rhian says
I usually bring guacamole (using Chipotle’s recipe) when I go to a party!
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says
Great giveaway! I usually bring desserts to a potluck 🙂 Yeah, I have a huge sweet tooth! Haha!
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says
Liked your Facebook page 🙂
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says
Like SodaStream’s Facebook page 🙂
Anne says
I must have a SodaStream. I have resorted to drinking seltzer water because I love the carbonation, but hate the artifical sweeteners….and can’t afford the calories of regular soda. This is by far the best invention ever! Thanks for the giveaway.
Wendy says
This looks so cool and economical!
TRish G says
Thanks for the giveaway!I would love to make my own soda.
Dana says
We had my girlfriend and her kids over this past weekend and the ice cream at the end of the night was the biggest hit!!
Elizabeth says
I love entertaining and making finger foods/ small bites! And I have been wanting a soda stream!
Virginia says
Just gave a great 60th birthday dinner. The menu was light, refreshing and fun!
Jessica D says
Entertain weekly!
Gretchen says
My husband’s 17 year old nephew has been staying with us for the past month. So have been “entertaining” him so to speak! Made a red velvet cake for dessert yesterday. For dinner a salmon with pistachio basil butter and tomato basil bread pudding -delicious!
Gretchen says
I joined the food for my family on facebook – have been on it for awhile
Gretchen says
Ok I joined the soda stream community – would love to make home made sodas at home!
Gretchen says
and for my last comment I don’t tweet..will that disqualify me from winning? Hopefully not…Let me know! I’d probably be willing to learn how. 🙂 appreciatively!! Gretchen
stephchows says
I love to entertain but all my friends seem to live far away 🙁 when we do get together it’s a blast though!
molly says
My favorite thing to bring to a potluck is homemade jams
molly says
I joined the Food for my Family community on facebook
molly says
I joined the Sodastream community on facebook
Wenderly says
I love to take a dessert to a potluck! Everyone loves a little something sweet, right?
KK says
I love to take the classic green bean casserole.
Kerry says
I haven’t entertained in a very long time. But, we just moved to a bigger place, and I’ll probably have some friends over soon. The sodastream would be great to have. I always buy cases of soda and bottled fizzy water, and storing it takes up a lot of space.
Meagan says
Great post since I will be entertaining a lot this fall. It’s always fun looking for new recipes to make that family and friends will like
Nicky @dirtandmartinis says
I found you from a tweet by Soda Stream. Happy to have found your website and have joined you on FB
Nicky @dirtandmartinis says
I am following you on Twitter & will tweet out the giveaway.
Nicky @dirtandmartinis says
I am following Soda Stream on Twitter
Nicky @dirtandmartinis says
I am following Soda Stream on FB.
Sarah S says
Just hosted a party, did taco night with many different taco toppings and great southwestern sides.
Heidi says
I am hosting a “Book Baby” shower on Saturday – all foods based on “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.” Cute, huh?
Julia O says
cucumber slices in a pitcher of ice water — my new favorite little summer touch to offer guests
Julia O says
am following you and soda stream on twitter
Julia O says
Joined F4F facebook community
Lisa Sloan says
We have potluck once a month at church. I like to bring beer batter bread and swedish meatballs.
Michelle S says
I last entertained a few months ago. I love to try new meals and dishes when I entertain.
Sticemichelle at aol dot com
Jessica dobbs says
I love entertaining, especially huge family dinners
Michelle S says
I follow you and sodastream on twitter & tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/Sticemichelle/status/99605891342536706
Michelle S says
I like you on facebook
Michelle S says
I like Sodastream on facebook
Lisa N says
Just got home from having dinner at my parents’ house and even in 80-something degree weather – my mom’s pho still hits the spot!
Lisa N says
i tweeted @littlepod
Lisa N says
and i like you on FB (can’t believe i hadn’t already done that!)
Jennifer M says
Followed you on twitter!
Jennifer M says
Followed you on FB TOO!
Jennifer M says
Love to read you on Google Reader!
Leigh says
I love having friends over and sharing food and drink. Adding flavored soda to it would be amazing. My sister-in-law has one of these and she is always raving about them. I would love to own one!
Leigh says
I like soda stream on facebook
Leigh says
I like you on facebook
Jenny says
I love to bring a jicama salad to potlucks in the summer- it tastes great and it’s such a conversation starter since so many people have no idea what it is!
KaySue says
I like to try new recipes when we get together with family and friends. A SodaStream would be fun to have when entertaining at the house.
Jeanine Lesperance says
this looks like so much fun!
Teri says
i tweeted and liked both pages on facebook to enter to win the SodaStream Crystal Starter Set!!
Teri says
i would love to make my own carbonated drinks!
Cheryl Lang says
My family loves fresh fruits and vegetables the best. I always had a garden and apple tree, grapes and raspberries growing
lynn botos says
i am one to fix the desert, sarah lee cake with cream cheese icing and strawberrys seem to be what every one wants this year!
lynn botos says
i follow foodformyfamily on twitter as botos45042
lynn botos says
i follow sodastream on twitter as botos45042
lynn botos says
i tweeted on twitter @botos45042
lynn botos says
i like you on facebook
lynn botos says
aaf of sodastreem on fb
Amanda says
My favorite thing to bring to a party is salad – that way I know there will be at least 1 thing healthy to eat!
Amanda says
Twitter Follower @SpendLessMakeMo and Tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/spendlessmakemo/status/100346922455404544
Amanda says
Like “Food For My family” on Facebook: Spend Less & Make Money
Amanda says
Like “SodaStream” on Facebook: Spend Less & Make Money
carole says
we had a big 4th of July picnic and my favorite food to bring is “Cheesy potatoes” and usually baked goods
gram122@comcast.net
Heidi W. says
We just had my brother and family over and this would have been a huge hit!
carole says
like food for my family on FB (carole c)
gram122@comcast.net
carole says
like soda stream on FB (carole c)
gram122@comcast.net
carole says
follow soda stream on twitter and tweeted about the giveaway
gram122
carole says
follow food for my family and tweeted about the giveaway
gram122
britta says
just stumbled on your blog. love reading all the recipes you have!
britta says
just joined food for my family on facebook!
britta says
just joined the soda stream community on facebook!
Kara says
My favorite item to bring is my famous spinach artichoke dip. Easy and quick to make, and everyone loves it!
Kara says
Just tweeted, seastarztx 🙂
Kara says
Lastly, just joined the 2 communities on Facebook, under secrets2222.
Monique Bon says
I always make a huge fruit salad, and it’s always devoured. I use watermelon, canteloupe, honeydew, strawberries, pineapple, kiwi, sometimes blueberries
Monique Bon says
I followed FoofForMyFamily & SodaStreamUSA on Twitter
& I tweeted the following
Twitter: Monique Bon
Monique Bon says
I joined Food For My Family Community on Facebook
Facebook: Monique Bon
Monique Bon says
I joined SodaStream Community on Facebook (:
Facebook: Monique Bon
Marty says
I love to bring “ensaladilla rusa” – a traditional Spanish potato salad. It’s always a big hit!! And I love making it……something I learned from my grandma!
Marty says
Hi! Sooo excited about this giveaway! I’ve seen these at the store and would LOVE one!
Anyway…..
I’m follwing @FoodforMyFamily and @SodaStreamUSA.
And happily tweeted:
Win a @SodaStreamUSA Crystal Machine from @FoodforMyFamily http://wp.me/puu57-2tT #giveaway
Marty says
Hello again! I’ve joined the “Food for My Family” community on fb!!
Marty says
….and the 4th simple step completed…..joined the SodaStream community on fb!
Thanks 🙂
Karynn says
My favorite thing to bring to a party is a pasta salad
Julianne says
I always take Halushki to picnics, parties, etc.
Julianne says
I have joined the Food For My Family page on Facebook.
Julianne says
I liked SodaStream on Facebook
Noreen says
I love taking strawberry spinach salad to pot licks, so yummy
monique says
My new favorite food is spicy, creamy mac and cheese.
squidoo.com/Aquasana-Deals says
I just want to thank you all for everything you had to say!
Thanks to all of you I’m not going to waste my money.. I’m truly sorry you all did!