I love unplanned. I love last-minute. And I love my girlfriends.
Like when they came over for an unexpected light dinner last week.
I invited. They came.
I snipped daisies from the front yard, added water, and put them on the back patio to enjoy.
We had some light appetizers and then a fresh green salad, lettuce from the garden.
I resorted to a can of (drained) Bush’s Black Beans with feta cheese and toasted walnuts, adding onion and cucumber. And then I garnished the salad with fresh pineapple and avocado slices.
By the way, have you tried using a nifty pineapple corer? They are AWESOME!
How to core a fresh pineapple
1. Cut the top off of the pineapple.
2. Screw down the corer.
3. Once you are at the bottom, pull out the meat.
This will create beautiful, perfectly cut rings of pineapple!
Laurel jumped in and cored the entire pineapple in about 30 seconds.
So sweet and tasty. Just like my friends.
An unplanned summer meal is sometimes about sharing yourself with others, a yummy salad, and fresh-cut daisies from the yard.
All the things I love.
When’s the last time you had a light summer meal with a friend?
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. 
That’s one of my favorite gadgets!!! Along with the avocado pitter/slicer (the older version from Williams-Sonoma).
Tara G. @ Mrs. Yellow Hat´s last [type] ..Rainy Day Comfort Food
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The Pampered Chef also sells a really nice pineapple slicer/corer as well as an avocado knife! I have both and really like them.
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There is nothing like an quick gathering of friends ~ casual decor, fresh simple food and everyone in on the fun!! Savoring summer evenings at the table is what summer is all about!!
Cheers! Chris Ann & Kristin
LoveFeast Table´s last [type] ..Peach Raspberry Pie Recipe
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What a great looking salad for friends. I love the pineapple slicer and corer.
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I’ve always thought about getting one of those pineapple gadgets. Good to know they work. The job is always given to my husband at our house. I could get him one for a gift! Ha! It’s been too long since I my girlfriends over…
Upscale Downhome´s last [type] ..To Save A House
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When we lived in our last house, in town, we had friends who would just drop by. It was always so nice to have a impromtu dinner, open the pantry and see what you could make, always delicious, and the company always welcomed. Since we moved out to the country we no longer have this happen, it truly is one of the things I miss the most. But I LOVE the solitude and quiet of being in the country. You have to give a little to get a little I guess…. Oh yeah that pineapple corer thingy looks great I will have to get one!!!!
Blessings to you and yours
Curtis & Sherrie
Curtis & Sherrie´s last [type] ..Evergreen-Barbara Streisand
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Wow! A kitchen gadget I don’t own. Yet. Looks great. Fresh pineapple is such a treat and we like it grilled too.
Sounds like a perfect dinner with your friends.
Darla
Darla´s last [type] ..Sketchbook 2011 – 7/6/11
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The daisies….there they are again! They were in the background of one of your table settings earlier this week. Do you remember which variety they are? I would love to grow them as well…they are always so beautiful and just look like summer! Thanks again for your inspiration and encouragement to make the most of what God gives you to work with, blessing those around you!
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I always wondered how to use a pineapple corer. Thank you!
Time with friends is always a blessing!
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I have Pampered Chef’s pineapple wedger and I love it!!!!!
Kirstin´s last [type] ..Crazy Week
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This is such a great post. I am so excited to spend more time on your site. It is great to meet you in Utah!
Alison @ Ingredients, Inc.´s last [type] ..Evo Conference and Park City, Utah
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This is such a great post. I am so excited to spend more time on your site. It is great to meet you in Utah at Evo.
Alison @ Ingredients, Inc.´s last [type] ..Evo Conference and Park City, Utah
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