I love to talk about savvy entertaining, which means smart and efficient, but to me it also means simple. Sometimes in the summer time the days are so full, it’s hard to want to spend time in the kitchen.
Here is a TIP: If you don’t have a tray to carry out your dishes to the back patio entertaining area on, USE A BOX! Or even a laundry basket will work.
It’s also way too easy to remain in our comfort zones and not try something new, so we tend to fall back to our signature dishes in the summertime, which I say is A-Okay!
In my new book (hardback, colored photography), The Reluctant Entertainer, the book is not only full of recipes, but it also offers a savvy approach to help women break free of the anxieties that keep them from opening their homes!
My go-to menu in the summertime is often this:
Appetizer: Cheese, crackers and fresh fruit. Maybe chips and salsa for the kiddos.
Main Dish: BBQ and marinate the day before or early in the morning. Or try my very easy “last minute” Sweet Savory Steaks, also included in my book.
Prepare anything you can the day before.
Salad: Straight from our garden (or take advantage of your local Farmer’s Market!)
Dessert: Store bought pound cake (Brad’s Strawberry Coulis) and fresh fruit is perfect for guests, with little time in the kitchen and more time to spend with your guests.
With easy summer entertaining you can enjoy watching your kids while they play in the back yard! My kids are growing up, as you can see, but I had years of entertaining with little kids. Years …
Now on to the GIVEAWAY!
2 WINNERS
Win a signed copy of The Reluctant Entertainer. (Read more about the book, here.)Tweet, Facebook or post on your blog
Do one of the above to have 2 chances of winning. Two of the above to have 3, etc. (Come back to tell me.)WINNER on FRIDAY
Come back this Friday and I’ll announce the winners!ANSWER THIS QUESTION:
Do you try new recipes in the summertime or do you pretty much stick to tried and true, oldies but goodies?
The Reluctant Entertainer is now in most book stores, and also available here on my blog if you would like a signed copy. Mela Kamin is also giving a copy away over at her place today. Check out Mela, singer, songwriter and speaker – HERE - for another chance to win!
Hi, I'm Sandy. Five years ago I stocked up on beautiful glasses from the Dollar Store. As I started writing about dinner parties, I realized that this “icon” portrays a great message. 
I love trying new recipes, but have lots of old favorites, too!
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We love to try new recipes, especially those that involve grilling.
However, we still rely on tried and true whenever entertaining.
We keep it simple and focus on the guests and our time of fellowship.
Peace.
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I tweeted about the giveaway. I love your book!!
Paula´s last [type] ..Grateful
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I love to use seasonal recipes!
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Oh I’m always trying new recipes no matter what time of year. Sometimes out of desperation! LOL! I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of your book!!!
HUGS!
Kim @ Homesteader’s Heart´s last [type] ..Because it wouldnt be fair for you to wonder!
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I FB’d it!
Kim @ Homesteader’s Heart´s last [type] ..Because it wouldnt be fair for you to wonder!
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I love new recipes, but tend to stick to the old standards when I’m hosting a get together. I will try a new dessert cause who doesn’t like dessert?? LOL
Lisa@The Cutting Edge of Ordinary´s last [type] ..Wordless Wednesday
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I have a couple favorites but tried a shrimp boil this summer and it was so easy & delicious!
jen@odbt´s last [type] ..backyard camping
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I try to do seasonal type dishes. Right now there would be a corn boil involved!
Jennifer´s last [type] ..Happy 40th Troy!
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I do try new recipes in the summer. The recipes that attract me in the summer tend to be marinades for grilled meat/chicken and salads.
I would love to win your book — I’m new to your blog but feel as though I’ve been led here for a reason.
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I am trying lots of new recipes now. With the summer, I want to spend all of my time out playing, so trying a new recipe is what it takes to motivate me to WANT to be in the kitchen.
I’d love to win a copy of your book, I’ve found so much here since I stumbled across your blog a week ago. I’m actually taking your Three Cheese Baked Mostaccioli to a friend, who just had a baby, tomorrow. Here’s to hoping it turns out well…it will be my first time making it.
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Love to try new recipes– however I do have my all-time favorites when company come’s a knocking on my door. Keeping my fingers crossed that I win your book.
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I tend to experiment, especially on those hot nights when cooking seems too much a chore. But as soon as my tomatoes are ripe, we’re going back to the tried and true.
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Well, if you must know…here is my confession. I love to try new recipes -anytime really- especially on my guests. ((gasp))
Here is how or why. I know that most guests are gracious enough to try anything. Judging by the “empty or not so empty” dish – I can tell if it was a hit or not. Rather then just my husband and I working to finishing it off… there is a better chance of dish/recipe getting cleaned up with a lot of folks.
Mind you… I do it all in good taste.
Bevy´s last [type] ..Wanna take a wild guess- what else it is Ive been doing
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I like to try out new ones! I’ve come up with some new favorites for our family this summer!
5mccombies at gmail com
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I just posted this on FB!!! Thanks. I would so enjoy one of your copies.
Here’s to hoping I win.
Bevy´s last [type] ..Wanna take a wild guess- what else it is Ive been doing
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I love to try out new recipes no matter what the season! I have been known to try new recipes out on my friends too. I just try to have a plan B…even if it’s just ordering pizza.
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I would love to win your new book! So excited for you and all your success.
God is using your gifts and talents Sandy, to free others to discover the joy of opening their homes to loving others over a simple, savory meal.
linda t´s last [type] ..yikes! another flood
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I adore your blog and your attitude about life. Posted all about you for me and all of my 14 followers LOL. http://thesimasek-kiblerproject.blogspot.com/2010/08/subscribing-to-theory-of-relaxed.html
XOXO.
sheri´s last [type] ..Subscribing to a theory of relaxed entertaining
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I try new recipes out any time of the year!
Love the new look of your blog.
Lynn G.
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I would love to win a copy of your new book! Thanks for this opportunity. I do enjoy trying out new recipes in the summer and just tried one yesterday…it was a success! We tend to have more company in the summer and I especially enjoy making up salads and desserts to put in the refrigerator ahead of time…then it is easy to sit back and have a relaxing visit when company arrives and my husband takes over grilling the meats and etc. I have found that a nice bowl of fresh strawberries sitting on the table makes a pretty and tasty starter. (or any other seasonal fruit) Dessert can be as simple as ice-cream floats…everyone loves it!
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My husband is the one who loves to try new recipes! Well, he doesn’t usually use recipes, but he’s great at trying new things.
A few weeks ago I tried a new key lime pie recipe; it was wonderful. The next week I decided to make a lemon icebox pie, and I was thinking that a crust made of gingersnaps rather than graham crackers might be wonderful with the lemon. And it was wonderful–but apparently if you use gingersnaps you need different amounts of butter and sugar than you do with graham crackers. That crust was SO HARD! My 17-year-old said, “The flavor’s great, but you need a jackhammer to eat it.” Sad but true!
LOVE your new blog design! Darcy is just wonderful, isn’t she?
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I always love trying new recipes. Some people, my Dad especially, is disappointed if he doesn’t see his favorite dishes, so I always sneak a few new ones in.
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I have been following your blog for some time now and love the new look. It is so easy to navigate to find everything needed. I have had company in our home for the last week and they will be here through this coming Monday. I have tried a few new things on them but ‘always’ trust my handy dandy stand-bys. They are ‘new; to them, right? I would love a copy of your book. If I don’t win one I am sure to purchase it really soon. Thanks for the give-a-way opportunity. Have a belssed day.
Cherri Engle´s last [type] ..Just a few Yard Sale Finds this past Weekend
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I want this book. So proud for you!!!
I tweeted. Please enter me.
Shelle´s last [type] ..Salt dough fun
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I am open to trying new recipes in the summer, but often stick with my go-to meals because they’re easy and life is busy.
Kirstin´s last [type] ..Tasty Tuesday- Turkey Kielbasa with Veggies
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I shared on FB
Kirstin´s last [type] ..Conference Time & Hostessing
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I try new things out on my husband quite often they don’t always turn out but mostly he likes them and some I try again.
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I don’t consider myself a great chef, soooo I’m always trying new recipes!! I would love to win a copy of your book…it looks great!!!
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I love new recipes but generally will stick with the tried & true!
And I tweeted! @lneal0608
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my husband loves to try out new recipes and i tend to stick to the old tried and true ones!
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Well I usually do tried and true, but I am hosting a shower this weekend and I have pretty much all new stuff to try. I am very nervous…
Regina Williams´s last [type] ..How Does This Happen
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I totally try new recipes in the summer. I always prefer light and fresh meals and feel like the seasons all have their own flavors. : )
Can’t wait to read your book!!!
the BLAH BLAH BLAHger´s last [type] ..LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT
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i tweeted about the give away
twitter.com/tmonda
and i facebooked (wasn’t sure if should put it separately or not)
facebook.com/tmonda
tzigane´s last [type] ..Happy Birthday Baby Boy!
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I tweeted!!!
the BLAH BLAH BLAHger´s last [type] ..LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT
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I already have your book..and it’s AMAZING (so I don’t want to be entered)…I just had to say how much I love, love, love it!
I love to try new things, in my head! But when it comes down to it, I don’t.
Kristin´s last [type] ..Time to Be Still- Thanks to One Nutty Girl!
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I do try new recipes in the summer but they are not ‘heavy’ dishes like the fall/winter can be. I enjoy all the fresh veggies and fruits.
Pat´s last [type] .. The Year1910
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I like to stick to oldies but goodies. But my 12 year old daughter loves to make new recipes so she will find a recipe on-line write out a grocery list and make the meal. She is going to be an amazing cook. =)
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We always try new recipes no matter what the season, but when we are entertaining, we only try a new recipe that has 5 ingredients or less, it makes it easier. And we also entertained with small children, you can’t stop doing the things you like just because you have kids and kid messes…. everyone understands we have all been there.
Blessings to you and yours Curtis & Sherrie
Curtis & Sherrie´s last [type] ..Having fun
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When it comes to entertaining, I do mostly tried and true, but with help I will try something new. Jackie
Jackie´s last [type] ..Wow! Yes- it is a new post!
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I love trying new recipes all the time. In the summer it’s especially nice to try light and somewhat effortless ones so that I can spend more time with my family. As you were one of the very first blogs I ever read, I would love to have an autographed copy of your book.
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I also already re-tweeted this giveaway!
Kristen@High Heels and a Hammer´s last [type] ..Bedroom Makeover Final Details
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I might try one or two new recipes, but for the most part I don’t use a recipe at all, I like simple grilling and fresh salads during the summer
Denise@ DensDailyLife´s last [type] ..Trying out Live Writer
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I often fall back on the tried and easy recipes that I “borrow” from other friends, Sunset magazine and events. But I really need some new ideas since I’m hosting a dinner party for 20 later this month – I posted this to FB and Tweeted it too! The biggest hit is usually the Napa Cabbage salad from Sunset with homemade asian dressing if I have the time. I need a copy of your book!
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So excited to see this giveaway!
Tiffany Stuart´s last [type] ..Word-filled Wednesday
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I Tweeted about your giveaway!
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I shared your giveaway on Facebook.
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When it comes to summer I pretty much stick to tried and true. I have tried new recipes, but with all the wonderful fresh fruits and vegetables I believe in keeping things simple.
Christi Williams´s last [type] ..My Postcard Printing Giveaway – 100 Postcards
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I love to try new recipes for small gatherings, but for a bigger party I will stick to the tried and true. Also depends on who is coming over. If they are more adventurous I will try something new, if not I stick to the basics.
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I tweeted! I know I already have this book, but not a SIGNED copy!! If I won, I would gift my current copy. We made the “Sweet Savory Steaks” in your book – very good!
Brenda @ afarmgirlsdabbles´s last [type] ..Summer- Ice Cream Sodas- and Sleepovers
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I try new recipes ALL YEAR LONG!
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If it’s with long time friends, I might try a new recipe. Usually using the grill, so that if it doesn’t turn out, half the blame goes to the hubby
If I’m entertaining a bigger crowd, I’ll usually pick something I already know is easy and great!
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I tweeted, too
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AND posted on facebook!
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I tweeted about the giveaway!
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I shared the giveaway on Facebook!
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Anything simple is what I make during the summer – it’s too hot to cook!
I would love to enter this giveaway – I requested your book as my b-day present, but I’m pretty sure hubby hasn’t ordered it yet – ha
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I pretty much stick to tried and true recipes – with a few new things thrown in just to keep it from getting too boring.
Dawn W´s last [type] ..I still do
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Who follows recipes!?! JK, I find myself in the garden and putting together want ever is ripe with some grilled meat. Easy, delicious and green!!! Love you!
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ALWAYS trying new recipes!! Love summer fruit dishes and always up for new dips and appetizers.
Sue
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I have some tried and true Summer recipes that we much have, but I also am always looking for new ideas.
Sallie
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I love to try new recipes. I do have some favorites, but love trying new foods. (Like your sweet potato and black beans.
~Yvette
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Just posted on facebook.
~Yvette
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I have been reading your blog for awhile now and find it inspiring. It would be great having your book easily accessible when I need it. Thank you!!
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I have some favorite recipes for entertaining, but like to try new ones, too. I was just looking for some yummy recipes for the lug of peaches I bought. It’s hard to go wrong with fresh, seasonal produce.
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I sometimes try new things in the summer that aren’t as HEAVY or HOT as fall and winter dishes like soups or chilis… LOVE me some pasta with fresh veggies from the farmers’ market this time of year and I mix it up on the herbs and spices for different flavors.
I also post on facebook cus I REALLY want to win one of your awesome books.
Kim´s last [type] ..Trust
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There are so many abundant fruits and veggies in the summer that I like to try as many new recipes as possible! However, I do think it’s great to have some “standards” ready for company so that you feel relaxed when serving them!
Would *love* to win one of your books, Sandy!
Jessica @ This Blessed Life´s last [type] ..Giveaway- Nature Valley Prize Pack!
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Hi Sandy! I’m so excited that your book is finally out. Congratulations! I blogged about it here. http://roomremixblog.blogspot.com/2010/08/summer-entertaining.html
pk @ Room Remix´s last [type] ..Summer Entertaining
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We often do burgers and hotdogs, but this week we’re doing turkey and dressing dinner for special family members coming to OR from TX – yah! All prep today so we can enjoy their visit!
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Hi Sandy! I’d love to win a copy of your book to promote at my apron site, Susannah’s {Kitchen}. I’ve Tweeted and FaceBooked your Giveaway. Thanks!
Yes, I do try new things in the summer… especially on the grill. Desserts too. Why be bored?
Blessings, e-Mom @ Susannah’s {Kitchen}
http://www.facebook.com/ChrysalisCafe
e-Mom´s last [type] ..Key Lime Pie with Meringue & Fresh Strawberries
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Just wrote about you on Facebook, too! Thanks for the giveaway.
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I am always on the hunt for new recipes. I once had over 200 cookbooks. I got the big idean to cut them down some when we retired and moved. Now I am trying to rebuild. We have a lot of reunions in the summer time and always try to come up with something new. Looks like a beautiful book, thanks for the chance to win one
Lois´s last [type] ..There are Signs of Spring
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Sandy…will post on fb and my blog. Would love to win this for my daughter and I’m going to buy one for me!
Love ya,
Connie
Connie´s last [type] ..Happy and Tired!!
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I love trying new recipes and giving the oldies but goodies a new twist!
courtney´s last [type] ..au revoir mes amis
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Hi Sandy,
I love trying new recipes all year! I’d say my hobby is reading cookbooks and trying new things on my family. Some meals are homeruns and others are “strike 3, you’re out!”
I would LOVE, L-O-V-E, love to win a copy of your autographed book!!!!
I have been a faithful follower and reader for many years and love the ideas I learn from you and other followers.
Please put my name in the drawing for ’3, etc’ entries as I blogged about your book and giveaway and I posted about this on my facebook, too!!!!
I hope I win!!!!
Jamie at Dear Diary
http://www.oktxok.blogspot.com
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Just posted on facebook! Wish I had twitter but I don’t. Hoping to win a copy anyway – Love to entertain but need some great tips. Thanks!
Cindy´s last [type] ..1st Grader
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I try new recipes every so often throughout the year, but I’m probably more adventurous in the winter time with that.
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I just posted on Facebook. I love trying new recipes. Yesterday I tried a new recipe for date cake with a broiled coconut icing. Mmmmmmmmmmmmm. I would love to win your book.
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Hi I just shared your giveaway on my Facebook page
http://www.facebook.com/dogmomdiva
I mostly stayed to tried and true recipes that folks seem to love.
Barb Boyack´s last [type] ..Who Does Not LOVE A Giveaway!
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I FB’d it!
My husband’s the cook in the family, but I save recipes and encourage him to try new things. Does that count?
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We usually stick to our favorite recipes, especially when people are coming over. HOWEVER, we love to hoard new recipes and wait for the ingredients to come into season–and try them if we remember we have them
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I’m always trying new recipes….much to the chagrin of my children. They’d be happy living off of cereal and sandwiches five days a week.
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I tend to try new recipes in the winter when I’m feeling all cozy and warm!
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As I think about it, I normally stick to tried and true recipes during the summer only because I don’t want to spend a lot of time in a hot kitchen. Cold salads that I can prepare ahead of time are the thing for me!
Lynn from For Love or Funny´s last [type] ..At my house- money can buy me…therapy
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I am frequently trying new recipes on guests. My entertaining is very casual in style. Most of the recipes have turned out just fine. I always make sure there is something being served that is fool proof and do as much ahead as possible – preferable the day before. Your book sounds great for me and like a great gift as well.
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I always love to try new recipes…but sometimes that stresses me out! I need all the help I can get from the Reluctant Entertainer!!
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I always like to try new recipes with a few standbys thrown in but my husband is the opposite. Husband always thinks, stick with the fool proof, tried and true because you don’t want to serve friends a icky meal but isn’t that what makes a human–mistakes and failures. Congrats on your book, we would sure love to have a copy–thanks.
Tammy´s last [type] ..Summer Days-Shaving Cream
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I love trying new recipes, but rarely when entertaining. I usually test them out on my husband first!
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I FB’d and tweeted! I would love to entertain more and have just started to this summer. Also, we live on the edge and always try new recipes when having guests over. Just last weekend we laughed about how we break the rule every time.
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I always try new recipes…. summer salads, desserts, and drinks… mmmmm….
I tweeted!
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Summer salads, desserts, and drinks… mmmmm…. always looking for something new to try that isn’t complicated or needs 100 ingredients!
I tweeted!
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I blogged about this at:
http://sassymoments.blogspot.com/2010/08/summer-entertaining-more-time-with-your.html
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I’m always looking for new recipes for salads or new ways to fix summer vegetables. We eat a lot of both. I love the vegetables available this time of year.
Weezer´s last [type] ..Sensational Haiku Wednesday – Comfort
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You can get a signed copy of the book – I should have waited – although I’m sure the postage would have been more!
I’m a big fan of the BBQ, so easy and informal, some starters such as crisps and dips, store bought baked breaded cheese or chilli poppers (love costco) to keep people going while the BBQ’s on and then smoers and chocolate mouse.
I love trying out new combinations for summer salads though, now we have salad leaves growing in our own garden it’s so much better.
Have a lovely day,
Jade
Jade @ No Longer 25´s last [type] ..Time in the Garden- Flower Bed Shapes
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I love trying new grilling recipes and salads in summer!
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I am always trying new recipes…especially in the summer when there is such an abundance of fresh and homegrown foods available. I like to find new things to cook on the grill too.
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I always try at least a few new recipes every season. I think it’s fun and keeps our meals interesting. I’ve also been known to try a few new things on guests – which I probably shouldn’t do, but there hasn’t been a disaster yet! Would love to win your book.
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I love trying new recipes. I tried a Honeydew salad I saw in Victoria magazine. Ick. ;o) Wasn’t horrible. But wasn’t great either. I think there were too many ingredients. Would love to win a book! Uberly fantastic if I did. But I also have tried and true recipes that summer just wouldn’t be the same without!
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Hi Sandy,
I just placed my order for your book on Monday morning and then saw your giveaway…your beautiful book just arrived on my doorstep today!
Two years ago,you gave me some great tips for our oldest daughter’s high school graduation open house…and since then it has propelled me in many ways about how I think of entertaining…thank you!
Lately I have been doing tried and true recipes when we have guests…very simple…grilled teriyaki chicken, salad, yummy bread and seasonal fruit…then brownies and ice cream assortment for dessert…it’s easy and it feels like comfort food.
It would be an embarassment of riches to win a copy of RE but I would do a giveaway to celebrate my 4th year of blogging.
Congratulations Sandy!
Helen´s last [type] ..morning and evening…
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Too hot to be cooking indoors. So I try to keep to the old and true favorites for our young household.
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Hi – Just found your blog and I love it. I wrote about it on my blog today. Also referred to the blog on Twitter and Facebook. I would LOVE to win your book!
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…oh – also….I like to try new recipes every Sunday.
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I love to try new recipes especially in the summer. Hope I win a copy of your book.
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More of the tried-and-true variety. I need to push myself to try new ones!
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I love the idea that it is about the company and not the food! That is what you remember.
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Sandy,
I have been away from the blog for a bit. I wanted to stop by and say congratulations on the book! I am so excited for you! What an amazing journey. I love my trays – I started buying big trays about 7 years ago. It is so much easier and looks so great to have everything you need on a tray. As for summer entertaining, I always like to have the core around tried and true recipes but always throw in at least 2 new recipes to mix things up – don’t want to bore anyone!
Holly L´s last [type] ..Tickled Pink No 18
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I like trying new recipes, I’m always looking for something new and yummy to serve.
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I tend to stick to the tried and true! So would love any tips or hints to get me trying new things!
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I posted on fb
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I always try new recipes! I have found some of the best new summer recipes this way!
Amber´s last [type] ..Week 1 – clean it out!
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