1/18/09

A New Look - and Tapas GIVEAWAY!

Yes, Reluctant Entertainer has a brand new look, and here’s a big CHEER to Darcy over at Graphically Designing for designing my new site in such a classy way. Thank you Darcy! Doesn’t she do beautiful work? I cannot recommend her enough!



What is really exciting is that my blog is helping YOU!
So in celebration of you, my readers, and my new “look,” I’m providing the inspiration and everything you’ll need to hold your own Tapas Party
(minus the ingredients that is)!


What are Tapas?
Tapas is a fancy word for appetizers – they are small plates of food enjoyed as a leisurely first course. But I think they can be eaten as a main meal as well
!

Why serve Tapas?
The serving of tapas is designed to encourage conversation because people are not so focused upon eating an entire meal that is set before them. Also, in some countries it is customary for diners to stand and move about while eating tapas
.


No Excuses!
No excuses regarding what to serve! Look at this COOL cookbook you can win!

No excuses that your table is too small! You can invite your friends into your home and “stand” – or just hang around!

No excuses that you don’t know what to say! The winner will get 2 conversation starter ideas from me!

No excuses that you don’t have classy dishes! You’ll win small appetizer plates, hors d’oeuvre picks, and napkins!

No excuses that you don’t have the right setting! Look at the small, intimate candle holders you’ll want to set out
!

I’m even throwing in 2 festive kitchen towels – just in case you hold this party around Valentine’s Day!


Why giveaways?
I hold giveaways on my blog to thank my readers. And I also hold them to inspire and motivate all of you wonderful people to keep things simple, let perfectionism go, cultivate friendships, reach out to new people in your lives – to let any reluctance go and to OPEN YOUR HOMES to love and meaning
.

How to win?
Leave me a comment – any comment or question – and you’ll be eligible for this great Tapas Giveaway! Winner will be announced Wednesday, January 21. Spread the news on your blog by using my new BUTTON, and your name will go into the drawing twice
. (Just let me know!)

Anyone is eligible - even local friends and lurkers! And don't forget to vist my new pages on the very top of my blog - Meet Sandy and Contact Me. Also, make sure there is a way I can contact you by email, if you do not have a blog!


Grab my button and RUN! Oh, and I was hoping I would be invited to your Tapas Party!?

Thank you for celebrating with me!

178 comments:

Anonymous said...

I can't believe I'm first! I love the new look. How exciting! I love your recipes and would love to see more!

Adrienne said...

This would be perfect. I love to entertain but get tired of the same old stuff. Thanks. Your blog is beautiful.

Kim @ Homesteader's Heart said...

Ugh! I'm not sure if the first comment went through so I'll start over. I love your new look and can't wait to explore everything. I am going to grab your button and put it on my sidebar right now, making note of your giveaway as well. You truly inspire me Sandy. Keep up the good work.
Hugs.
Kim

Kelly said...

Love your new look- and I would love to win this giveaway!

Adrienne said...

I posted your button

Lora @ my blessed life said...

Love your new look! And what a great giveaway! This would be a *new* kind of party for me and I think it would be a lot of fun.

Anonymous said...

I love the fresh new look of your blog and I noticed how easy it is to find information such as recipes and etc. Well done! I have been a reluctant entertainer since our move to this new area almost 2 years ago. I find that I need to be intentional about meeting people because...although they are friendly...at my age (50+) people seem not as interested in establishing new friends. So, I have received a lot of encouragement by reading your blog...I can and will have people over to my home! Thanks for being such an encourager and may our Lord continue to bless you as you reach out through your blog!

Lisa said...

The blog looks great. I really enjoy reading it. I also am addicted to cookbooks, but this looks like so much fun!

Carmen @ Life with Sprinkles on Top said...

Love, love, love the new look. It's so classy and welcoming. This is a fun giveaway. I think it would be great to win. :)

Cathy said...

Just the word Tapas makes me giggle. Years ago I went to visit my sister. She told me they were taking me out to a tapas bar that night to eat. Well, I kept thinking they were saying "topless" and couldn't figure out why they thought I'd enjoy that. LOL

Becky Garrison said...

What a great giveaway! Count me in, I've also added your button to my blog. Blessings, Becky G.

Carolyn G said...

I love tapas and I love giving tapas parties. There is something so cool about having little tidbits to eat instead of a whole meal.

Great giveaway. THanks.

Anonymous said...

I love your new look. This kind of change is fun and exciting.

Christian - Modobject@Home said...

Congratulations of your sparkly, shiny new look. It's beautiful. What an inspiring giveaway!

Jess said...

Congrats! I tend to have small parties where I bake insane amounts of cookies. I'd love to try and do a tapas night!

It Just Fitz said...

Your blog is an answer to my entertaining prayers! Love the new look!

Sarah said...

I love your new look it's lovely!I would love to win the tapas party pack. One party that I have yet to do!!! I'm definately missing the northwest right now, as it has been -29 degrees here lately:( Needless to say a tapas party might be just the bright cheery party we all need!

Orghlaith said...

I have been fascinated with your blog since I discovered it recently. Thank you for the great ideas.

Ruth Ann said...

Love the new look! So classy!

Liz said...

I would love to win your giveaway.

Anonymous said...

LOVING the new site! Congrats!
Sonya

Anonymous said...

Sweet makeover! Thanks for the inspiration. :)

Sonya --Dime Store Thrift said...

Whooops, I sent that on too quickly...I love the idea of Tapas but haven't ever done anything like that before. It seems I always think "SIT DOWN!" instead. But this would be so much more comfortable and less stress-inducing.

with love, r said...

I love checking your blog for recipes and girls activity nights! Hope I win the goodies!

Stacey said...

Tapas for me please! I would love to win this adorable give away. What a fun idea. I will be posting your button so others will be coming to see you also.

Grateful Gramma said...

Very elegant new look! Please enter my name in the drawing. Thanks.

Celeste said...

Cool!! count me in!

contact me at:
celeste@mail4me.com

Anonymous said...

I would love to win!!

springshoot5@aol.com

Anonymous said...

Love the new look and giveaway!! :D

gjw823@aol.com

Emily Dykstra said...

Yeah! What a cool giveaway!

I'm still waiting for you to publish your first entertaining book. It would be so amazing.

Emily D.

dykstrahouse.blogspot.com

Emily Dykstra said...

OH...and I love your new look! It's so clean and refreshing. Good job, Graphically Designing.

Ellen said...

Please count me in! Love those tapas!

mamashine said...

How very fun! I love the new design.

Rhonda said...

CONGRATULATIONS!! The site is awesome. Love it!

a woman who is said...

A beautiful fresh new look. I love that you used your signature (to me anyway) goblets at the top!

Lulu and Co. said...

What a lovely new look you have. How fun! and a giveaway, too, how exciting. Tapas my favorite!
LuLu

Shell in your Pocket said...

I usually don't check on Sundays but I had to come and take a peek..beautiful!

What a fun giveaway,too!

Looking forward to all your words and inspiring posts in your new "blog" home!
Fondly,
Sandy Toes

Holly Campbell said...

What a generous idea! I love your suggestions, and will be adding your button to my blog as well! Since I have a small space, but would love to entertain, this sounds like the perfect fit. Thank you for the suggestions you give on your blog. It is very encouraging.

Laura said...

Sandy it's absolutely beautiful and how I imagined it might look! Well done girl!!

I do have a question for you and I apologize if you've answered this before. What is your most favorite meal to serve guests?

Laura

Mark and Trisha said...

I love tapas and would rather serve several tapas than a big meal!! Would like to win! Thanks for all the ideas.

Jennifer said...

I love your new look! It's wonderful and easy to navigate. Your blog is so fun to read and you inspire me to try new things and to make an effort at having people over. Thanks for your encouragement!

K :) said...

beautiful new blog design. and super duper giveaway. how fun.

Linda said...

Congratulations on your new look...it's gorgeous!

Please enter me in your great giveaway and thank you for your generosity!

"Hello... It's Me Again..." said...

I love your new look! I would love to be entered into your drawing for the goodies! I added your button to my blog too! Tapas were the menu for our recent Christmas celebration with hubbies grown kids. It was a nice change! I would love to win this giveaway!

Thanks for all you have taught me and so many others.

Bethany, Phillip & Nolan said...

i love your site! and...I love the idea of TAPAS...so much less pressure! Love it!

Kristi said...

Okay, this is is a really silly question and one I could just look up in the dictionary. But, I will ask you instead! What is the correct pronunciation for "tapas?" Also, this seems like a girl thing--is this too dainty to serve men as well? I hope that makes sense!

Anonymous said...

Lovely new look - very classy! And I love tapas too. This would be a fun party.

Anonymous said...

I love your blog, but couldn't help but comment, but with your lovely giveaway. I read you almost everyday and have learned scads about entertaining from you. Thanks so much!

Betsy Brock said...

Congrats, Sandy! Your new blog design is fabulous! Count me in on the drawing...I'd love to invite some fellow mom's over for some food and conversation! :)

Melanie said...

your blog looks fabulous! LOVE it!

NildaE said...

Hi! I just found your blog a couple of weeks ago and this is the first time I'm entering anything! I love tapas and would love to receive your giveaway. Your blog is wonderful. Thanks.

Betts said...

I love the new look! It's so clean and fresh looking.

A tapas party sounds fun. I was thinking about how I could have a dinner party for several people without having room for a sit-down meal. It's perfect!

laurel said...

The new blog is lovely!! Congratulations!

Pam said...

The new look is so fun, Sandy. What a treat of a giveaway, too. Can't wait to go read the new sections on your blog, so away I go!

Anonymous said...

Brilliant new look Sandy! It's so easy to navigate. I'm lovin' the search feature.

One little thing. I wish I could email you this but I have no idea how to set up Outlook on my computer. Please forgive me if this is tacky to post in a comment. I do not mean to be rude in any way. Inspire is missing the "s" at the top of your page.

Feel free to take me out of the draw for pointing that out :)

From A Creative Heart said...

What a great giveaway and so timely for me...I have been wanting an excuse to get a few friends together and this would be a great one.
Thank you!!!
Hugs,
Debbie

Anonymous said...

I am absolutely loving your blog! I'm so glad I found it.

Bonnie said...

Sandy, I just want to say thank you for your blog. I have been a regular reader for a while now and enjoy it so much. I hope you know how encouraging & inspirational you are to others. Thanks,
Bonnie J in TN

Stacie@HobbitDoor said...

What a fun book! This is a great giveaway!

Carol said...

Visiting your site is always such a blessing to me. I love your new look.

Anonymous said...

Your new look is so fitting! Splendid, she is talented. Love your Blog. Thank you for helping me to rid myself of the stuffyness and invite friends in even if everything isn't perfect.
Kathleen from OH

the said...

Its beautiful ! I love it!
Ok, heres a question for you..... Every year I make a special dinner on Valentines Day for my family. Well, this year I want to do something different , change it up a little...... I have always made chicken cordon blue, potatoes, asparagus and bread. I want to do something differnt this year, please help !
I love the new look and please include me in your drawing !

MJ @ 517 Creations said...

Yum! A tapas party sounds great! :) Thanks for the giveaway - count me in! :)

RosyRose said...

Hey sandy I would love for you to come! I wish you lived next door:)!

Girl Raised in the South said...

Your new template is BEAUTIFUL! I wondered if it would be up when I popped over this time. The last wedding reception we went to, we all were served where we were or moved from table to table, nice to have it a bit different and we got to visit with everyone there.

Anonymous said...

I am definitely a reluctant entertainer. Thanks for the inspiration to look at things in a new light.
orangetriangle2 AT yahoo DOT com

Aubrey said...

Love the new site! I am always inspired by your hospitality and cooking!

Anonymous said...

Love it! I went with the clean white look as well... so much easier on the eyes =)

Andrea@Sgt and Mrs Hub said...

Your new blog look is beautiful, Sandy. It put into design just how I see you... beautiful, smart, and elegant. :)

-Andrea

Darlene Schacht said...

Beautiful design!

Ms. Tee said...

Your new look is great - so pretty! And what a generous giveaway - what fun :)

Sincerely Yours said...

What a fun idea! I love reading your blog. Your ideas are practical and you are great at motivating! Thanks for all that you share.

Unknown said...

Love your blog. One day, when the kids are grown...maybe I'll entertain-right now they are my entertainment!

~j~ said...

Hi Sandy!
Love your new Blog look, it's soooo awesome!! I couldn't be happier for you!
xo
j

Anonymous said...

I'm enjoying the new look! I would love to win this. Growing up in Hawaii we had pupu parties full of all kinds of appetizers from many different cultures and great nibbles. I try to carry on this tradition with my own family now that I live in Washington State.

Donna said...

wow.......this is a whole new blog. I love your blog, so interesting with such a great message - kinda like going to church..........thank you for your lessons and messages.

Anonymous said...

I love trying new recipes and your tea towels are lovely!

Elaine R
emrosser@shaw.ca

Anonymous said...

I love tapas. I was born in Spain and this is my favorite way to eat and entertain! Congratulations on your new look!

Kirstin said...

This sounds like a fun and yummy giveaway! And I like the new look.

I'm going to attempt to put your "button" on my sidebar now....we'll see if I do it right.

Carla said...

I love your new look, it's gorgeous and perfectly what you portray through your blogging. Thanks for all the inspiration you give me!

Raquel said...

oh i love the new look! i need to host a tapas party sounds great!

Heather said...

I love love love the new look!
I really need to get updates myself - scary that I still have Christmas trees floating around1
Your blog looks beautiful and you are still my favorite daily inspiration!

Anonymous said...

Your pictures are beautiful - as always!
I love your blog, thank you for encouraging and inspiring us.
Dini

DinyB@web.de

edie said...

I love your makeover. Fantabulous. Enter me. Pick me.

Unknown said...

Definitely commenting on this one...I do so much want to win!

Lovin' the new look...very classy!

I'll comment back later when I get your button added to my blog...but alas, I must get ready for work...

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

Your new look is beautiful!!

I love to entertain and cook and tappas are one of my favorite things to serve!! Would love to enter you giveway!!

Have a great week!!

Lisa

Anonymous said...

Sandy,
The blog looks fabulous!
I would like to win the Tapas party kit, I am determined to entertain more in 2009.
Thank you for caring for us so well.

duchess said...

Ooooo. What a great giveaway.
Love the new look.
Thanks.

Jules from "The Roost" said...

Incredible give a-way! I love your new look:) Thanks for your continued encouragement to us in entertaining! I REALLY hope I win!

tammi said...

I LOVE the new look!!! Awesome! And I love the appetizer party ~ I threw a last-minute one just before Christmas with friends. A potluck "Fabulous Finger-Food Feast!!" The idea was a hit and I think I'll be making it an annual tradition ~ if I can wait until December to do it again!!

grace said...

great redecoration, sandy! it's so vibrant and exciting. :)

tammi said...

PS. Your button's up on my sidebar!!

Rindy R said...

Love the new look - so much so that I did grab your button and put it on my blog. Check it out at KitchenKlique.blogspot.com!

Melanie said...

Sandy! This looks great. Any more changes on their way?
Melanie@Bella~Mella

Anonymous said...

Beautiful new look Sandy! worth the wait : )

deb meyers

Anonymous said...

A whole book about tapas? Count me in! We are moving in a few weeks. Tapas would be perfect for an open house.
Many Blessings,
Holly@aiminghigh
www.homeschoolblogger.com/aiminghigh

Jboo said...

Great idea!! Throw my name in the hat please!

Janet

Anonymous said...

Great giveaway!!!

Love your new look!!

Lynn

keithlynn6@msn.com

Stacey @ The Blessed Nest said...

I am loving your new blog look! Isn't Darcy the greatest?! Your blog is so pretty :), and yes, PLEASE enter me in your drawing!!! How wonderful!! I love to have parties, and this sounds so easy and fun to do! I may just have to try this even if I don't win :)!!
Blessings,
Stacey

ps--I'll be adding your button to my blog!

Christina @ Cookies are my Canvas said...

Your blog looks FAB!!! I love to entertain and usually get so stressed out, but I do enjoy reading your blog and am trying to be a more relaxed hostess...with your tips!! Blessings to you and your family!

Jessica said...

I check your blog at least once a day! lol :) I love the new look - how exciting! Congratulations! I couldn't get the link to work on my blog (I'm technologically challenged, I guess), but I linked to you three times instead - so maybe I could still be entered twice? ;)

Thanks again for all of the beautiful, practical, online encouragement!

Jen said...

It looks so great. You dont have to add me as I won your fall giveaway...I just wanted to say your a great friend for always doing special things for us.....

Rachel said...

Sandy, I love the new look.

Now a question: what would YOU serve at a tapas gathering?

Christy said...

Sandy,

LOVE the new look!!!

I have never heard of Tapas before. I always learn something new from you though! That kind of party sounds like a lot of fun.

I'm adding your button on my sidebar:)

Anonymous said...

First, I love the new look-it's wonderful and elegantly done! Your site has always inspired me and I have found your recipes and 'secrets' so much more down to earth and simple than anywhere else.

Secondly please enter me!

Keep up the good work and kudos to the new site!
kate

Anonymous said...

Love the new look and I think a Tapas party would be a great way to celebrate!
Michelle
mich.cook@sbcglobal.net

Anonymous said...

I just recently found your blog and must say that I love it. I would also love to win this giveway. I'm always trying to find new and exciting ways to entertain. Thanks!

klotzie@hotmail.com

3CHEERS4MOM said...

Hi Sandy,
Oh I love your new look.
I would love to win the giveaway and I am going to add your button.
-Cheers, Amy

Jessica said...

That's great! I love to serve appetizers as a meal. It's fun! Thanks for the opportunity!

Anonymous said...

I would just like to says thanks for being so faithful to share your heart with so many. I always enoy all of the ideas, but more than that I love your heart and love for God. It has been very inspirational to me! Thank You!!

Donnetta said...

The new look is fantastic!! Nicely done!! Although I enjoyed the other one also!

What a great giveaway!! One thing I don't do well when it comes to entertaining is appetizers. How perfect would this be to get me motivated... (and leave me no excuse) :-)

Reunion Committee said...

This is so exciting. I am having a Tapas Valentine's day dinner party!!!

MakeLifeDelicious.com said...

Looks great! I'd love to win!

Melissa @ The Inspired Room said...

Sandy! What a lovely new look you have!!! So much fun to redecorate! It is just beautiful!

Love the giveaway too. I'll invite you guys over if I win. :-) Hint, hint.

xox

Bonnie said...

I absolutely love to throw parties and this would be a fun new idea! Thanks for hosting the giveaway and I'm off to hopefully put your button on my blog (we'll see how technological I can be on a Monday morning!). Blessings!

Anonymous said...

We just discovered Tapas restaurants and love them. It never occured to me to serve them at home.I love the idea! We entertain often but almost always casually so this would be perfect.
Nice new blog look!


clarks7@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Great new look! I would love to win your giveaway! Wishing you the best!

Anonymous said...

first time visitor...and loving the idea of a tapas party...like what I've seen of the site so far.

Michelle said...

Oh Sandy, the new look is GORGEOUS! It is so much more streamlined, not to mention very pretty.

Sharon said...

I discovered your blog about a month ago and have enjoyed reading about your Balcony Girls and other things. I've had wonderful conversations with my daughter as we talked about the topics that you covered with your group. I love the encouragement you're giving people as you share/teach hospitality. I'm looking forward to keeping up with your blog and new posts. tsjjcoy@yahoo.com

Erin said...

Hi, I am a lurker and have never commented! But I often read your blog and am inspired to entertain more often. As others have shared, I too am new to AZ and find having people over the best way to make friends...bribe them with food and tasty treats. hehe. However, I never did much/any enteraining or cooking, so it was all new to me and so thank you for many good ideas and recipes!!!

I also have a nine month old daughter and I think of her and her future friends when I read about your Balcony Girls. Awesome life lessons.

Thank you for sharing ways to bless and love people.

Erin said...

Hi, I am a lurker and have never commented! But I often read your blog and am inspired to entertain more often. As others have shared, I too am new to AZ and find having people over the best way to make friends...bribe them with food and tasty treats. hehe. However, I never did much/any enteraining or cooking, so it was all new to me and so thank you for many good ideas and recipes!!!

I also have a nine month old daughter and I think of her and her future friends when I read about your Balcony Girls. Awesome life lessons.

Thank you for sharing ways to bless and love people.

Anonymous said...

Wow! Love the new look!!! :)
-Becky

Alisa Lucas-Brown said...

Hi Sandy,
What a wonderful give-a-way. I would love to win your prize. A Tapas party sounds so fun!
I'll keep my fingers crossed!
Until then,
Happy Entertaining!
Alisa - Carolina Pananche

Dawn said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Stephanie F. said...

I love your blog and read it everyday. :-) Please enter me in your give away. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Your new blog looks great

Brenda @ Chatting Over Chocolate said...

Love the new look and have so enjoyed your blog! Thanks for the opportunity to enter this giveaway!

Kim said...

Great new blog! I'm so excited to see what you do with it!

~nanashouse~ said...

I haven't the slightest idea how to add your button to my site or do anything other than the
"baby steps of blogging".
This does not diminish my thankfulness for your advice, beautiful blog or willingness to let us peek into your life to make ours better. Thank you!

Bahama Shores Mama said...

love the new look........and I just held a tapas party to celebrate my birthday!

Anonymous said...

New blog looks great! Please enter me!

Sara L said...

Yahoo - a tapas party would be perfect for meeting the new neighbors! Thanks for hosting!

Anonymous said...

I love the colors!

We love tapas -- even though we're not wine drinkers. :)

Megret
musesofmegret (at) gmail (dot) com

Jerri Lynn @ Southern Sassyness said...

love the new look! Fabulous fun here...I really enjoy your blog!

Lisa said...

I love the new blog look and I would so love to win!! A few blogs ago I posted my first attempt at your apple pie ring. It was SOOOO good even though it didn't look as beautiful as yours. I did give you the full credit and have had a couple of friends request the recipie for it too!

Heidi said...

nice new look sandy!!!

ellen b. said...

Love your new look Sandy!!

Me said...

I have always been fearful of entertaining for lack of ideas, or the right serveware, or....etc. etc. Thankfully, I recently discovered your blog full of ideas and encouragement! Now if there were just a few hours added to each day so that I could catch up on old posts! :) Maybe the first time I entertain will be a Tapas Party!!! Any suggestions for quick Tapas? I have an infant and a toddler, so quick is almost essential. LOVE the new look, by the way. ryanjanneh @ yahoo . com

Anonymous said...

I love the new look of your site. Your faith and gift of hospitality has encouraged me to entertain more. Thanks so much for taking the time to post your entertaining ideas, tips and recipes. God Bless.

voketaitis@verizon.net

Kelly said...

Your new site is great!
I've put your button on my blog so please enter my twice for the drawing! I've always had a link to your site!

The Lind Family said...

I love, love, love your blog!!! It is the highlight of my week! Thanks for all the inspiration.
~Kym

La Tea Dah said...

I love your new look! It is so fresh, inviting, welcoming, and professional. Very nice!

:) LaTeaDah

OKGardners said...

I love your new look AND the tapas is a great idea to try. Keep up the good work!

Betty in Oklahoma

Meegan said...

This sounds like a great prize package! And I posted your button on my blog. Thanks!

Mimi said...

would love some inspiration, hope I win:)

Sandy said...

I love your new look!

The Cutting Edge of Ordinary said...

Love the new design. Can't wait for more great recipes in 2009!

Anonymous said...

I love your blog, it has given me some great ideas. I love the recipes. God has blessed you with many talents! Love the new look.
Heather
e-mail. hjpuppino@sbcglobal.net

Anonymous said...

I love your blog, it has given me some great ideas. I love the recipes. God has blessed you with many talents! Love the new look.
Heather
e-mail. hjpuppino@sbcglobal.net

Gayle said...

Great new look! I love the idea of an appetizer party! Fun! Your new page looks very nice. Have a blessed day.

Hugs,
Gayle

Anonymous said...

Hi Sandy, you are a huge inspiration to me. Please, please, please consider keeping the warm, rich brown background featured in your previous website. That deep color really added to the friendliness and texture of your message. Thank you for everything! Liz

Jessica said...

Added your button so you can put me down for another entry! So excited about the possibility of this book. Fun!

lazy susie said...

It looks great, Sandy!

Susan

Jill said...

I love your new blog design! And I love tapas. We have a little tapas restaurant at the end of the street where I work and I go there at least once a week. Yum!

Anonymous said...

What a great giveaway! A Tapas party would be so fun to have. Sometimes cooking a full meal gets a little overwhelming for the hostess (not to mention exhausting). Appetizers which allow everyone to mingle seems much easier to do and they can still feel satisfied with dinner.

Hope you have a wonderful week,
Jen

Anonymous said...

I decided to enter the drawing with a question! :) I was wondering, how do you deal with a larger-ish group (say 8-10 people) coming for dinner in a small house? (which has comfortable seating for 6) besides having everyone just stand around or sit at opposite ends of the house, I am fresh out of ideas... food on other tables, change the furniture around to fit in more table leaves (but be severly squished), or simply game night and no food have been my only options so far... yet I would like some new ideas for making a group feel comfy and still serve them a nice homecooked meal. Any ideas (even if I'm not the lucky winner) would help! thank you, Emily J. in WA

java girl said...

Is it too late?? This is the first time I've ever visited your site and I can not wait to look around a bit more. Of course I couldn't resist the word "FREE" and "GIVEAWAY" ;O)

Anonymous said...

Hi
I love your new look its so so pretty
I would love to win that book :)
hope I win, happy day today
deezie
deeziesunshine@aol.com

Jill said...

You look marvelous!

I'm wondering about what to bring to a family game night party we are invited to attend.
Should it be kid friendly? Something for adults?
Any suggestions.
I think this will be a fun evening and would love your ideas.

Hannah said...

I love the new look and love the idea for the Tapas giveaway!!

Nadine said...

Wow, congratulations on your new look. It's fantastic. Very classy.

Kris said...

Sandy,

I love the new look. Thank you for your constant encouragement in the art of hospitality.

B. said...

beautiful new look

jenniferg said...

Love your blog! Such great ideas.
The new design is amazing.

Anonymous said...

Sign me up! I fell in love with Tapas in Europe last year and am ready for June so I can go back. Some new recipes might tide me over.
Love your new look and all the ideas I have used from your blog over the past few months. You are so inspiring. I hosted 3 parties in December thanks to your advice to loosen up and not try to be perfect. It really stuck with me.
Thanks!
Amanda

Anonymous said...

I've heard of tapas and would love to learn more about them and try making some. I love the new look and am going to go back and read more.

cheers,
Blueberry
bristolbayfield@gmail.com

Lissete said...

I like the new look! My mom LOVES Tapas. This would make a great bday gift for her on 2-17. BUT those cute kitchen towels will be all mine! ;)
Thanks for the giveaway!

Anonymous said...

the new digs are gorgeous, girl! i love doing small platings and presenting an array of tasty choices. i always make sure i make enough so if someone wants a second taste of something, i have it available. if not, i have a delish lunch for myself!

lunalissa

Anonymous said...

gasp - you have a lot of comments! I am a recent lurker from Australia - just love your site - it inspires me to be a little more game to have others around and fellowship with them.

Thanks

will email you...

sharon

jenny said...

Count me in!!! Love your new look! :)

Kathleen Grace said...

Wow, what a great new look and a great give-away!

Lura said...

Looks great!

Anonymous said...

I love the new look, Sandy!!!!!

Thanks!
Dawn S
striblin@yahoo.com

Lynda said...

You can never have too many cookbooks or too many tea towels! Both of which I don't have many of to begin with. LOL. I have always wanted to have a lot of both. Ahh. My dream kitchen!

Nicole said...

YOu never cease to amaze with your kinness and thoughtfullness! you have such wonderful ideas! thanks for the chance at winning such an awesome prize! love the new look :o)

The Harrell Family Adventures said...

I am a newbie to your website but I love your Tapas giveaway. This is really a good idea to try with guests. I have posted your site on my blog too! Thanks for all of your ideas :)

Anonymous said...

Love the new look!