Your Guide to Stress-Free Hosting Over the Holidays

Photo courtesy of Ziga Plahutar With the holidays nearing, hosting family and friends at your home can either be the highlight of your year or a daunting task. Regardless of the scale of your event, your culinary skills, or the size of your home, hosting can... and should be enjoyable! So here are a few tips to make the most of hosting this year.    Prepare. Hours feel like minutes on the day of any event. You can take 70% of the stress off your plate simply by creating a game plan and knocking things off your list days in advance.  One week before Gather a guest count, design your menu, outline your to-do list, tidy up the yard, replace light bulbs, and tackle those lingering tasks that you have been putting off for months. Your home doesn’t have to be perfect, but tackling these things will help you feel more at ease come guest arrival.  Two days before Deep clean your house, or better yet, hire a cleaning service. Make a thorough grocery list and get your shopping out of the way. Buy more than you think you need so you don’t risk an emergency trip an hour before the party.  One day before Prep as much food as possible beforehand. Cut the potatoes and veggies, refrigerate the casserole, and marinate the meat to establish a ‘plug and play’ system the day of. Set the table, pick out your outfit, and set out the flowers—you get the idea.    The menu is less important than the experience.  The funny thing about hosting is that the food is often the primary source of stress during the holidays; however, a happy host and a good ambiance have a far greater influence on the success of any event. Whether you’re a culinary aficionado or not, here are a few tips to prioritize simplicity in the kitchen.  Stick to your strengths. Choose dishes that you have successfully made before, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. If cooking isn’t your forte, focus on the main dish and ask guests to bring sides. In most cases, people will reach out and offer to help—so let them!   Choose dishes that get better with time or are good served at room temperature. Coordinating the perfect timing for multiple dishes with guest arrival can be challenging, so put out some appetizers and drinks for the early birds, and select a menu that allows flexibility in timing.    Set the ambiance. The ambiance of your home is arguably the most important factor in a successful gathering. Besides ensuring tidiness, create a warm welcome by dimming the lights, lighting candles, and queuing up a dinner playlist. When music is on in the background, the energy of the party is in place before any guests arrive, ensuring there will never be an awkward silence (even for the early birds). Spotify has a ton of great playlists depending on the mood of your party.  Crafting a simple cocktail is an easy way to make a great first impression. Beer and wine is a no-fuss alternative, but always have something prepared and ensure to have non-alcoholic options. Depending on your group, prepare some table topics if the conversation needs a nudge.  Set the table with elegant place cards that have thought-provoking questions on the back. This not only sparks hours of engaging table talk but also relieves you of the pressure to steer the conversation. Here are some good ones: What’s one unpopular opinion you have? Lessons and blessings from the past year? If you could choose any invention for your house, what would it be? What tradition would you most want to pass on to your children? Enlist someone to take photos of the night. Everyone you love is in one room dressed up, and it is a perfect time to document how big the kids are getting and the individual families. While you are in the frenzy of hosting, you will most likely forget to take photos... and no matter the group, I'm sure you haven’t been able to get together as much as you’d like to. Even if it’s forced, everyone will be glad to have them!     

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5 Events in Boise & Beyond - October 18th - 20th

Photo Credit to Pexels 5 Events in Boise & Beyond 1. Haunted Halloween Tour - Boise Trolley Tours Where: 1800 Fairview Ave. When: Everyday throughout October Time: 7:00 -  8:30 PM EVENT DETAILS HERE   2. Taste Of Downtown Presented By Idaho Community Foundation Where: Downtown Boise When: Friday, October 18 Time: 9:00 AM - 11:59 PM EVENT DETAILS HERE   3. Garden Movie Night - Hocus Pocus Where: Victory Gardens Nursery - 120 E Victory Rd, Meridian When: Friday, October 18 Time: 6:30 - 9:00 PM EVENT DETAILS HERE   4. Twin Pines Music Festival Where: Lost Grove Brewing - 1026 S La Pointe St, Boise When: Saturday, October 19 Time: Noon - 11:00 PM EVENT DETAILS HERE   5. Harvest Days At The Idaho Botanical Garden Where: Idaho Botanical Garden -  2355 N Old Penitentiary Rd, Boise When: Every Saturday, October 5th - 26th Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM EVENT DETAILS HERE    

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Best Patios in the Treasure Valley

  Photo: barbacoa_boise Instagram Summer in Boise is a delightful time of the year when locals and visitors alike can soak up the sunshine and make the most of the pleasant weather. One of the best ways to indulge in Boise’s mild weather is by exploring the city's abundant patios. Boise has a wide array of inviting outdoor spaces that offer the perfect setting for enjoying a meal, sipping on refreshing drinks, or simply basking in the vibrant atmosphere. From charming cafes and trendy rooftop bars to cozy courtyard setups, there's a patio for every preference. Whether you're seeking a relaxed afternoon or a lively evening, these al fresco spots allow you to revel in Boise's natural beauty outdoors. So, grab a friend, grab a spot on a patio, and let the summer breeze and warm sunshine enhance your experience in this vibrant city   Cottonwood Grille Photo: Cottonwood Grille Facebook Our neighbors down the Greenbelt, Cottonwood Grille’s patio atmosphere is elegant, upscale, and surrounded by natural beauty. Their large patio can accommodate gatherings of various sizes, with the sights and sounds of the river, a gorgeous waterfall feature, and plenty of shade.  Cost: $$$ Atmosphere: Elegant and upscale Address: 913 W River St, Boise, Idaho   13th St Pub and Grill: Photo: Doug Petersen Photography Located in the heart of Hyde Park in Boise’s sought-after North End, 13th St Pub and Grill has a large wrap-around patio with signature red umbrellas and colorful flower boxes. The perfect place to enjoy a delicious meal while being centered in the happenings in one of Boise’s most popular neighborhood hubs.  Cost: $$ Atmosphere: Relaxed yet lively Address: 1520 N 13th St, Boise, Idaho   Diablo and Sons Saloon: Photo: Diablo & Sons Instagram Smack dab in the middle of downtown lies a restaurant full of unique character and mystique. This eccentric space blends delectable American cuisine with macabre art and indulgent materials. The spacious patio features covered seating, plush velvet chairs, misters, and a front-row seat to watch as passers-by traverse down the pedestrian-only portion of 8th St. Cost: $$ Atmosphere: Mysterious and bustling Address: 246 N 8th St, Boise, Idaho   Barbacoa Grill: Photo: barbacoa_boise Instagram Overlooking stunning views of the Parkcenter Pond and foothills, this Boise favorite is a destination in itself. This completely custom dining experience was crafted to exceed the imagination, with whimsical art, flavorful dishes, and an exotic cocktail menu. There are two patio spaces, including a rooftop bar, to take in the gorgeous setting. Cost: $$$$ Atmosphere: Indulgent and upscale Address: 276 Bobwhite Ct, Boise, Idaho   Amsterdam Lounge: Photo: Amsterdam Lounge Instagram This sophisticated cocktail lounge sits on Main St within a string of popular nightlife destinations. The patio and outdoor bar feel cozy, encapsulated on three sides by historic brick buildings. Cushy patio seating and fireside conversation vignettes make this the place for a luxurious happy hour or nightcap. You have to try their signature espresso martini. Cost: $$ Atmosphere: Trendy and classy Address: 609 W Main St, Boise, Idaho   Ochos Cocktail and Wine Bar: Photo: ochos_boise Instagram Tucked behind a distinctive Queen Anne brick building, Ochos Cocktail and Wine bar is a hidden escape in the middle of downtown Boise. Although best known for salsa dancing upstairs, the multi-level garden patio is an intimate yet intriguing outdoor space to enjoy a refreshing cocktail around the fire. Cost: $$ Atmosphere: Intimate and hidden Address: 515 W Idaho St, Boise, Idaho   The Sandbar Patio Bar & Grill: Photo: Riverside Hotel Boise Instagram This lively riverfront patio is usually bustling with patrons and live music. Passersby on the Boise River Greenbelt may stop in for a locally-sourced meal, hand-crafted drinks (including an extensive selection of beers on tap), and plenty of live music. Cost: $$ Atmosphere: Lively and Resort Like Address: 2900 W Chinden Blvd, Garden City, Idaho   Reef Rooftop Bar: Photo: Reef Boise Instagram Elevated above the downtown nightlife scene is the Reef rooftop bar. This tiki lounge has grass-covered huts, tiki torches, and feels far removed from the hustle and bustle down below. Views of the surrounding cityscape give this a unique ‘tropical escape in the city’ atmosphere. Cost: $$ Atmosphere: Tiki lounge Address: 105 S 6th St, Boise, Idaho Honorable Mentions Outside of Boise: Crave Kitchen and Bar (Eagle) Rembrandts (Eagle) Bardenay Restaurant and Distillery (Eagle) Anderson Reserve (Sweet)   Have a favorite patio in the Treasure Valley? Share it in comments below!

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