Meyer - CUPS, STICKS & NIBBLES : unlock your inner hosting confidence with stress-free tips & recipes

NICOLE L. MEYER

Copyright 2015 Nicole L. Meyer.

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ISBN: 978-1-4897-0419-1 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4897-0420-7 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4897-0418-4 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2015905577

LifeRich Publishing rev. date: 5/6/2015

Acknowledgments

Nibbles by Nic followers: you are forever guiding and inspiring me to create more and more nibbles xoxox.

Mama Jane and KK: we are the musketeers, and you are forever my hostesses with mostest.

Eric, Ella, and Noah: for always patiently waiting for meals until the perfect photo is snapped.

Taste of Home: for taking this journey with me!

Contents

It all started with turkey meatloaf.

Back when I first moved into my neighborhood, a group of about five of us girls were chatting in the local park about our weeknight dinner rotations. Chicken cutlets, baked ziti, and chicken meatballs were all mentioned, and then, without thinking, I chimed in, spreading around my grandmothers zesty turkey meatloaf recipe. It was nothing fancy and had no crazy ingredients; in fact, I believe she got it from the back of a soup can. However, it was tasty, required only one pan, and had vegetables scattered around it, creating a complete meal all in one.

I suddenly realized I had the complete attention of this new group of friends and that I was in heaven sharing recipes! Shortly thereafter, one of the girls asked me to e-mail her the recipe, which of course I gladly did. Before I knew it, I was sending it out to twenty more people, all the while happily thinking of other recipes that I just knew would simplify my friends dinner planning. After turkey meatloaf came chicken marsala, and then mozzarella, basil, and tomato pasta salad. Sharing the recipes became addictive, and my weekly recommendations were reaching more than three hundred people. A colleague of my husbands suggested I start a food blog. A what?

At the time, I didnt know the first thing about blogs and technology; it just wasnt my thing. However, with my computer server unable to keep up with the e-mail traffic, I decided a blog was the way to go. My readers helped me decide on Nibbles by Nic for the title, as it captured what my recipes were evolving into: portioned meals that hit the spot.

A party seemed in order to celebrate the launch, and nibbles needed to be noshed. I was excited to cup and skewer samples of my foodie fare for guests to enjoy as I floated on air, embracing my second-favorite passion: hosting. Whats more fantastic than creating your very own menu and theme in your very own home? Not much!

Through my love of entertaining, I realized a couple of things. First, proper planning is essential. Ive had some disasters in my time, which typically involved me being unprepared. Time management is key, and theres a simple formula for it. Once you get the hang of it, it will become second nature. Second, truly taking part in your own celebrations involves not taking yourself too seriously. Enjoy your company, the food, the cocktails, and what you have accomplished. Every event has a new guest mix and a new flavor and will bring a brand-new memory into your life. So put on a beautiful smile, clink your glass, and let the party begin!

As you use this formula, it will become embedded in your head, and youll be able to repeat it for every single gathering you host.

Eight weeks in adv ance:

• Gather your invite list.

Six weeks in adv ance:

• Send out your online or paper invites.
• Hire any staff you may need.

Four weeks in adv ance:

• Start thinking about your thememenu, drinks, dessert.
• Will you be ordering anything extra?

Two weeks in adv ance:

• Buy water, wine, alcohol, all paper and plastic goods, nonperishable items, and trash bags.

Five to seven days in adv ance:

• Assemble any needed favors.
• Confirm the guest list.
• Buy flowers if you havent ordered them yet.

Four days in adv ance:

• Make a shopping list.
• Decide on music and download anything you want for the occasion.
• Set up any extra tables, chairs, or lounges you need.

Two days in adv ance:

• Buy ice.
• Set the table.
• Prepare the powder room.
• Place bottles, cans of drinks, and juices in refrigerator.
• Prepare and arrange flowers.

One day in adv ance:

• Create any food labels.
• Set up the bar station.
• Make any dishes that can be done in advance.
• Write yourself a list for party day of everything you need to remember. (That is key!)

Mornin g of:

• Finish off the rest of the dishes youre cooking.
• Prepare any signature cocktails.
• Load and run the dishwasher.

Two hours be fore:

• Unload the dishwasher.
• Shower, dress, and make yourself beautiful.

One hour be fore:

• Uncork the wine.
• Remove the cheese from the refrigerator.
• Heat up dishes as needed.
• Light the candles and set up the music.

Ten minutes be fore:

• Have a glass of wine. You deserve it!

For the powder room:

• A full roll of toilet paper on the holder and one on reserve
• a scented hand-pump bottle of soap for washing
• a candle or bunch of low-stemmed flowers for the back of the toilet
• pretty disposable napkins for hand-drying

For the bar:

• red and white seasonal wine (nothing too pricey; its just not necessary unless your event is all about fancy wines)
• garnishes, including green olives, lemons, and limes
• some snacky nibbles (peanuts, pretzels, chips)
• ice and ice buckets or pails
• a cocktail shaker/stirrer
• festive glassware, real or disposable
• two varieties of beer
• vodka and tequila (optional: whiskey, gin, and rum)
• orange juice, cranberry juice, club soda, tonic water
• signature cocktail or sangria

For the e vent:

• a place for jackets (even if its a bed)
• labels for the dishes
• plenty of comfortable seating (beanbags, yoga mats, pillowsget creative)
• an extra sweater or flip-flops on hand (depending on the weather)
• Advil or Tylenol (just in case)
• to-go bags or containers (for guests and yourself)
• sunscreen/bug-spray basket (for outdoor parties in warmer weather)