This post is sponsored by Blue Diamond.
Summer is the perfect time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the company of your family and friends. When it comes to entertaining your guests””whether it’s your in-laws stopping by unexpectedly or you’re hosting a birthday barbecue””it’s important that the experience is one that you enjoy too.
You might think these kinds of get-togethers require all sorts of planning and organization, but they’re not meant to be a daunting task. Entertaining is suppose to be fun! You just need to be prepared. Having a well-stocked pantry with simple, read-to-go foods will minimize the time you spend in the kitchen and maximize your time with your guests. That said, here are some pantry-to-party suggestions that will make your next soiree simple, fun, and stress-free!
Blue Diamond Almonds
Almonds are the perfect pantry staple to have on hand. They’re a versatile nut that just about everyone loves to eat, so they’re always an offering that I like to serve my guests.
Blue Diamond makes almonds in a variety of flavors, so they’re guaranteed to wow your guests and their taste buds!
Some fun serving suggestions for your almonds:
- Serve them in a martini or margarita glass for an added touch of style.
- Mix flavors for a serious burst of flavor! Try Toasted Coconut + Blueberry or Salt ‘n Vinegar + Wasabi & Soy Sauce.
- Sprinkle almonds on your serving plates to add some fun decoration to appetizers and snacks.
Jarred and packaged dips and spreads
When it comes to jarred and packaged dips and spreads, the options are endless. There are so many varieties on the market nowadays– from salsa and hummus to olive tapenade and sun-dried tomato spread– you’ll always have something new and exciting to offer your guests. And, of course, the best part about these jarred and packaged dips and spreads is that you can stock your pantry and use them whenever an entertaining opportunity arises. Many of them have long shelf lives!
Nut-Thins
With all those dips and spreads, you need something to eat them with, right? Blue Diamond offers a whole bunch of nut-based crackers, which are a perfect pairing and great for guests who are avoiding gluten in their diets since they are naturally gluten-free. And, of course, they are delicious– thick, crisp, and crunchy!
Olives and stuffed grape leaves
Jarred olives and canned stuffed grape leaves make a wonderful pantry staple because of their stable shelf life and serving simplicity. All you need to do is open the package, place them on serving dish, and add some toothpicks. Easy as that!
Flavored seltzer/Italian soda
Everyone seems to love flavored seltzer and Italian soda, so I always make sure my fridge is stocked with a variety of flavors. They’re light, refreshing, alcohol-free, and just plain delicious, so they are the perfect beverage to offer guests.
Question of the Day
What are your favorite pantry staples for easy entertaining?