What to Wear When Entertaining at Home and Coconut Curd Fruit Platter
Do you ever wonder what to wear when entertaining at home? Today I’m sharing my humble opinion on Springtime attire, tips on how to keep it simple, plus a Spring Fling Coconut Curd Fruit Platter recipe.
All about comfort.
As a hostess, I really like to be comfortable when hosting a dinner party. When I think of all the running around I do, getting up and down from the table, I want to wear something that is light, doesn’t make me hot, and accessories that don’t get caught up into the food.
If entertaining in the spring or summer months, usually I’m in a cotton dress, and barefoot. In the colder months I wear leggings and a loose, comfy blouse.
Shoes.
I’ve also learned that flat shoes work! The older I get (50+ now) I like comfort more than style. But you can still be stylish and be comfortable, right? If it’s a smaller party, I’ll sometimes wear heels. Ballet flats, of course, are a little more reasonable, as well as chic and fun. One time I wore heels and I felt like I was in an Army, because they were so high, I had to concentrate on every step. Eventually they came off, as the evening came to a close.
I love wearing my Lucky Brand flats. They have a little cushion, yet they are still stylish and cute!
Jeans are always appropriate, as long as you dress them up a bit.
Don’t wear.
I’ve also learned to not wear a blouse that needs dry-cleaning, unless I have an apron on. Too many times, too many parties, I have on a gorgeous blouse that I love, and I splatter balsamic, dressing, or something else on it. Once I wore a scarf and the ends were a nuisance, as they kept draping into the food I was preparing. That was a real mess!
I say, be as casual as you need to be! But no sweats or sweatshirt for a “real” dinner party! :)
Plan ahead.
My goal is to feel good about what I am wearing! Think about what to wear ahead of time, so you can quickly get dressed before the guests arrive. You can also have a standard set of 5 outfits that work perfectly for dinner parties, so you don’t have to put much thought into your clothing.
I personally don’t like to think that much about myself, when getting ready. I have more of a “hurry up, get ready” approach–get dressed quickly and put on some lipstick–and get back into the kitchen to finish up on last minute details.
The heart.
Remember, hospitality is all about the heart. You could be perfectly dressed, have the most gorgeous home, but if your heart isn’t right, and you’re not able to show love to your guests, then in my opinion, it’s all in vain. I really want my entertaining to be focused on the people, not on looks or image. (I wonder how many other readers would agree with me here.)
Spring fling appetizer.
I’m also sharing today my Spring Fling easy entertaining idea for an appetizer, brunch, breakfast, or a treat for dessert! It’s called a Coconut Curd Fruit Platter and it’s made up of fresh fruit, a bowl of curd (lemon, lime, cranberry), and a bowl of cocunut.
We recently took it to a potluck brunch and our guests loved it.
How to serve.
1. Dip the fruit in the curd, the roll it in the coconut.
2. Eat and enjoy!
Do you think about your clothing before you host a dinner party, or wing it?
I’m wearing a Target ($22.99) dress and Lucky Brand shoes, from Macy’s.
Get the Recipe:
Coconut Curd Fruit Platter
Ingredients
- 1 platter of fresh, washed fruit (such as berries, orange slices, apple slices, pineapple, dates, mango)
- 1 cup curd, lemon or lime
- 1 cup coconut
Instructions
- Place the washed fruit on a platter, leaving room for 2 small bowls.
- Fill the 2 bowls with curd in one, and cocounut in the other. Serve!
- Dip the fruit into the curd, then roll in the coconut. Eat and enjoy!
Hello and welcome to my home and table!
I’m Sandy—lover of food, family, cooking, THE BIG BOARD, travel, and bringing people together. Through great recipes and connection around the table, we become better, stronger, and more courageous people. Feasting on Life is real, and every time we do it, we grow a little more. Read more...
As always, your tips put me at ease and remind me what should be the focus: fellowship! Thanks for the timely reminders, Sandy!
Yikes…sad to say I don’t think a whole lot about what I wear…though your ideas make total sense…a casual dress or leggings and long shirt sure would be more comfy than jeans even…
the platter looks yummy!
Love these tips – loving your shoes too!
I always have the worst time deciding on what to wear (to anything!) Love the tips (and the fruit platter!)
As always I love your entertaining tips!! So helpful :)
Fabulous entertaining tips, as always, m’lady! Love the fruit platter with curd and coconut. I’ve got a coconut on my countertop right now just waiting to be cracked open and paired with other fresh fruit. Thanks for sharing!