4/13/09

2 Stunning $100 Canvas GIVEAWAYS!


Take the time to read about 2 easy chances to win your own customized canvas print ...

You might recognize this beautiful canvas picture that I have hanging in my dining room, as it's the same photo used in my Reluctant Entertainer banner!


My husband took the photo of this goblet at our New Year’s Eve party this last year, and since then it's become an icon on my blog. 

Online Poster Printing took this photo and put it onto a 16x20 canvas for me!


It's made my dining room look a whole lot classier!


I love how the colors tie in to my green and latte walls.  

Online did a fabulous job making my “dollar goblet” POP! 

Thank you Online, and thank you Dollar Store! 

And notice the cool way it wraps around the frame?


Now you can WIN your very own customized canvas print - of your choice!

How to win a $100 (valued) print
Please share with me if the economy (or cost of groceries) has stopped you, or slowed you down, from entertaining?

It has caused me to think and plan and delegate more. What about you?

Comment – it’s easy
Just leave your answer to the question and the winner will be announced on Wednesday. Online will be in touch with you and you’ll be on your way to winning your very own canvas.

Second chance to win
Mention this giveaway on your blog, and make sure and #1 link back to me and #2 link to Online Printing (both mandatory to win), and your name will go into a special drawing to win a separate 16x20 canvas print!  Make sure and let me know if you do this.

I know that my friend Kristen, from We are THAT Family - was thrilled with her 16x20 poster print!

Have you thought about taking your family photo and putting it on to canvas like Kristen did?

Thank you Online Posting Printing, for being an advertising partner with Reluctant Entertainer!  

Inspired Room is giving away $100 CASH!  Wow!  I'm heading over right now to comment so I can win!

151 comments:

Shell in your Pocket said...

It still amazes me that the glass came from the dollar store!

Well, in terms of entertaining...we are big in going out with friends for dinner...we are doing less of that and more ordering pizza and pop in~
sandy toe

Have a great week~

Terri Steffes said...

I love the print!

I do a lot of preplanning. That step makes sure I stay within my budget much better than if I head off to the store without a list.

Unfortunately my blog is private so I will have to take my chances here!

Marci said...

Cool print!
I have not stopped entertaining due to the economy, we just entertain in a more casual fashion and delegate dishes out more. But the entertaining must go on!!!
I will mention your great giveaway on my blog for sure!

Kathy said...

No it definitely hasn't stopped me from entertaining. I just find ways to cut back in other areas or to save money with coupons. But I love to entertain and will always do it! =)
Kathy

Building Dave said...

Actually, I have just started entertaining! I didn't grow up having people over, so its not a habit, but I am trying to make it more of a habit these days. I actually had my husbands family over for easter lunch, and was going to pop over here to say "thanks" for the inspiration and encouragement today anyway.

Stacey said...

Hi Sandy! I would say that we are not entertaining less. We've always been very casual with our friends. We usually provide the main dish and our friends bring parts of the meal. It's really not that expensive. It just doesn't have to be fancy for us. I do try to catch things on sale.

Mrs. Jones said...

Hi Sandy!

I think the ridiculous cost of groceries has actually caused me to plan more, to cook/freeze ahead more, to buy meat on sale, and to have potlucks. I'm hosting neighborhood bunco next month, so I plan on doing the prep work next week instead of at the last minute.

Hope you had a great Easter!

~Heather

Kristin said...

love the canvas! I think we are actually choosing to entertain more in our home due to the economy vs going out to dinner...but I do think twice about what we eat, where I buy it, and how much the cost really boils down to.

Elizabeth said...

It's a lot harder to have people over now, so we've started having tapas parties. Each couple brings a tapa and a bottle of wine, and we have a feast! It's more fun than going out to dinner, and with everyone pitching in, it's not as costly as entertaining a whole group by yourself.

CandiceM said...

Beautiful print!!

Since my husband changed jobs and we moved (and took a drastic cut in pay) it has definitely changed how we entertain! I used to love making 'gourmet' dishes.... now 'gourmet' costs too much!! So this week I did a roast chicken (79 cent a pound!!), whole carrots (instead of baby carrots) and potatoes! Inexpensive and yummy! And they asked for the recipe :)

Lori said...

I think the economy is actually going to inspire me to have people over more often. I've recently been introduced to the world of couponing. I've just started, but it's allowing me to stock my pantry and fridge with things that will give me options on hand without the stress of making a special trip to the store -- for less money. Does that make sense?

I've just recently found your blog and have really enjoyed it. Thank you!

NeeNee said...

We continue to entertain. For casual get-togethers, I ask for everyone to bring their drink of choice and we provide the munchies. When our tomatoes start producing, we will have a lot of bruchetta!

Cathy said...

I LOVE the canvas!!
I have decided that entertaining is more about the people and not so much about what I can provide for them (food, etc.) Simple fare is just fine!!! :)

Anonymous said...

Thankfully I started living really frugally before our economy took a hit, so now, we are eating almost better than ever because I keep getting smarter. We actually entertain more than ever because we have friends who are struggling and we want to not only help them out but to spend time together and save money while sharing food! My friends have started calling me a "food fairy" because of what I have been able to do with very little :) It's been fun to help people learn how to stretch their money out and still have fun with friends.

KellyB said...

I think planning helps alot. I'm also not so worried about having enough. I used to have tons of leftovers. Also, if someone asks "What can I bring?" definitely let them bring something, even if it is just the ice!

Sabrina said...

What a beautiful picture!

I would say that I still entertain about the same amount... but where as before I would take on making everything, I have now been fine having friends bring things to share too. I still find that entertaining at home can be less expensive than going out.

nancy said...

I love that print. SOmething so
simple yet so elegant. We have
just become "empty nesters" so
the economy hasn't slowed the
entertaining, we can do more
now. Had 12 for Easter Dinner.

susan said...

We have always found it less expensive to entertain at home than to eat out (not to mention better), so the economy has not changed our habits in that way. I do find that I am a smarter grocery shopper these days. I love your canvas--It is so great that it is personal and has meaning just to you! Thanks for the Giveaway!

Heather said...

I have to say that the economy hasn't changed our entertaining habits at home, but it has reduced how many times we've met friends out at restaurants for dinner.

I'm going to post a link on my blog for this giveaway, I think it's a great idea!

Marci @OvercomingBusy said...

We want to entertain more! Everyone needs a break from all the bad news around us. I can't wait for grilling season to get in full swing. We love having a backyard full of friends and kids. Everyone brings a dish. We usually provide the meat...chicken, burgers, or kabobs...easy and economical. When good friends get together, the food is secondary anyway!

Mrs. Tolin said...

Beautiful picture. We have people over about once a week. We used to provide all the treats, including drinks, snacks or dinner, and desserts, but now we take people up on their offer to bring something. It's better for the pocketbook, but also makes entertaining easier.

Shilo said...

Lovely!
We still have lots of company,inspite of rising food costs! Our favorite way to save money is to have people over for brunch!

Kylee said...

What a great giveaway! I am just more creative now with my planning and being budget friendly. I have had to think of creative meals that are inexpensive such as a "load your own" taco bar, etc...

MJ said...

We've been entertaining at about the same rate, maybe a bit more because going out has disappeared.

What a nice giveaway.

Sharon said...

We haven't curbed our entertaining. We've just gone a little more casual. It's all about the time spent together anyway. Like the saying goes, "The most precious things in life aren't things". Our focus is more on family and friends spending time together.
Have a great day.
Sharon - slw_kerr@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

I have not cut back on my groceries. I made cut backs in other areas of our life.

For nine years I have faithfully planned a weekly menu. This keeps our grocery bill kept at a manageable level. I also believe if a person was to cut back with grocery items, a person would feel more hard pressed to buy pre-packaged or frozen meals.

Our grocery bill could be cut, but I do not want to sacrifice quality fruits, vegetables, etc. to save a buck. Honestly, I think I do very well with the menu planning. In our family of five, we spend around $550 a month in groceries.

Stephanie said...

Awesome canvas!

As for entertaining, I started asking guests to bring a dish, which is something I never wanted to do before (I'm a do-it-all type of person), but you know what, people don't mind! they want to help and it makes it much more affordable for us and we don't have to give up entertaining!

mary beth said...

I am trying to cultivate the gift of hospitality and am determined to do it, even if we have to cut back in some other areas and even if my meals will not be extravagant...I am encouraging my guests to bring a dish too, that helps! no more fancy centerpieces, just fresh cut flowers and little dollar store embelishments. love your goblet from the dollar store too!

lyn said...

I love canvas photo prints. I have the perfect picture that I'd love to have done on a canvas!

As for entertaining. Not only have I slowed down on how often I host events, I have also changed my "just bring yourself and a great attitude" ways. Now when guests ask if they can bring anything, I always have a special request. I really should have done this before, since I am NEVER one to show up empty handed!

Thanks for the giveaway!

michelle p. from wa said...

Let the entertaining continue! God has blessed us with the opportunities, should we take them, to build relationships with each other. Opening up our homes is such a real way to share who we are with each other. Sharing meals together is such a relaxing way to build relationships. I am learning that it isn't the meal that keeps them coming back, it's the friendship!

Cassandra Louise said...

I am amazed by how simple it is to create artwork! Something personal, yet, makes a house your home.

I pre-plan if we are going to be hosting. Or we have fun by making it a "pot luck" style get together. My favorite is dessert nights! I am more of a casual entertainer.

Anonymous said...

Love your poster print! That wine glass is beautiful and looks amazing in your dining room!

We have definitely cut back on entertaining due to the economy and Dave Ramsey! We are taking his Financial Peace University classes right now and are trying to learn as much as we can before we tie the knot! We cook more at home and if we go out we only go to some place where we can use a coupon to get our meal cheaper. We used to go out for a couple drinks on the weekend...now if we feel the urge to go out we mix our own drinks at home! Much cheaper!

Thanks for the opportunity!

Barbara said...

I've always loved entertaining. I haven't changed how often I entertain, but I've definitely simplified how I entertain. Simpler menus, simpler decor, cheaper options, still beautiful, tasty, and most important, still fun.

Unknown said...

what a beautiful way to display an amazing picture.

as for entertaining; i've always been a coupon clipper and love finding good deals at the store. the economy has forced me to me more diligent and given me more of a passion to stretch our budget since we don't have much these days. and now more than ever i appreciate entertaining in my home instead of going somewhere.

ps- i've linked your contest to my blog. find it here: http://andreaworley.blogspot.com

happy monday!

Cherri Engle said...

It has not slowed us down at all. Like some many said here, we just take more time to plan and pick and choose more carefully. You can't 'quit' socializing because of the economy, this is the time we need each other. (support, encouragement and just plain fun) Thanks for the give-a-way opportunity. The canvas is beautiful. I would love to win.

~ Lisa @ AbidingThere~ said...

The economy hasn't caused me to enterain less, just more creatively - finding things I have on hand to use instead of buying new stuff, inviting each guest to bring one ingredient for the sangria, everyone bringing a dish to share, etc. It has been a lot of fun and more relaxed.

Muthering Heights said...

My husband owns a small restaurant, so our income is entirely dependant on our number pf patrons. Our business has slowed a little, but despite a smaller budget, we were still able to entertain for Easter.

It's an interesting challenge to prepare a festive, delicious holiday meal that is also inexpensive, but I have had fun rising to the challenge!

Thank you for the entry! :)

MutheringHeights@gmail.com

Angela Sue Murphy said...

We do not entertain as much as we used to or would like to due to the fact that we still have our last home in MN for sale since we moved to TN in October 2007!! Yes - that's right... 2 mortgage payments for a very long time! YIKES! So when we do have friends over - it is somethine very economical or we all chip in a bring something. Casual is the key!! By the way, I LOVE your canvas - very classy and creative!

Have a super Monday!! :)

Anonymous said...

I wouldn't say the economy has slowed me down from entertaining. Mostly we just have to buy the food. I dress up the house/table with whatever we already have on hand. And food is always easy for me to justify purchasing.

sheridan said...

love the poster. I'm trying to be better about using what I have rather than buying more to feed friends and even my family. thank you for your site. I always enjoy reading what you have to say.

aggiemomof2 said...

I've always struggled with entertaining, but yes, the cost of food these days has impacted that! We still entertain close family but very frugally!
sylviarj at yahoo dot com

Lorie said...

Most of our entertaining is done with family. We have taken the approach of splitting things up when we have a party or celebrate a holiday. That way we still get to enjoy

J.J. said...

i just make things from scratch (which I should have been doing anyway) instead of buying things premade to heat up.

:)

Nice photo...love it!

Laura said...

Yes I'm definitely delegate more and am more selective with my menu planning to keep costs down. You are such an inspiration to me. Be sure to come over and read all about my Easter dinner!

Rhonda said...

I have to amdmit the economy has slowed down my entertaining. We are cutting back just about everywhere!

I would LOVE to win this canvas giveaway!

rhondamm@windstream.net

Ellen said...

Love the canvas! The economy has made me think twice about any money I spend, but entertaining is such a high priority. I probably splurge less on expensive meat/seafood, but money for entertaining is just part of the budget.

Carol Kennon said...

Love that canvas! Beautiful picture. I'm learning to let go of the thought that everything has to be perfect before people can come over and enjoy themselves!

We've not had friends over as much as we used to lately because of our busy schedule. It's mainly been family members lately, but our plan is to change that soon.

Anonymous said...

We're not such big entertainers as we have a young baby. When we do get together, it's something casual.

the BLAH BLAH BLAHger said...

I haven't slowed down my entertaining, but it sure has been a lot easier to say yes when people ask if they can bring anything! : )

The Crowder Family said...

Like you, the economy has caused me to change my entertaining. I too like to open our home to others and serve them, but now, I don't go all out as much as I used to. I love all of your tips, tricks, recipes, and stories. Thank you!

E said...

The economy has not slowed down my entertaining, in fact it has increased it. I feel like entertaining at home is much more economical then "going out", wether it's at our house or a friends we all come together in "pot-luck" fashion to make the cost easier, and I have found amazing ways to decorate for my entertaining through the amazing blogs I read. I really have enjoyed finding new ways to use items and becoming craftier than ever, in fact I receive more complements than ever about our entertaining efforts since we've "cut back".

If I win can use your Goblet photo?? I just LOVE it!

E said...

I also linked to your post and the website!

Rachel@oneprettything.com said...

It hasn't stopped me, just changed what we do. We've always been a 100% organic and local household (thanks California!) and we've seen our food costs shoot way up in the last year. Now instead of cooking everything myself, I take people up on their offers to bring food and drinks to our get togethers. I also make a LOT more vegan meals now. This is a lot of fun for company because it's something a little different from the norm and it gets everyone talking.

I've also noticed a lot of the local gourmet companies have been hurting this year, and whenever we can we have "appetizer" dinners, where we eat crackers, specialty spreads, cheeses and fruit instead of a traditional meal. This is really fun for company plus you're supporting something that many people are cutting back on these days.

sarah cool said...

I've definitely started utilizing farmer's markets and local produce shops and local butcher shops a lot more often - the extra 30 minutes it takes to stop by 2 or 3 stores (instead of just Kroger) is totally worth the 1) lower price and 2) better quality foods! :)

Anonymous said...

What a great idea! Being able to turn something we find beauty in into a piece of art that others can share in! Woo-hoo! Count me in!

Ellen Di Giosia said...

We have a firepit in our backyard, so we've taken to just inviting people over to make s'mores! We all have kids, so it's fun, cheap, and makes for very cute pictures. Oooh, maybe that's what I could put on a canvas!

Julia said...

Thats an awesome picture!! Love it!!

Lets see...instead of ordering pizza out, I think about making pizza when we have company. It tastes almost as good, but its much cheaper and it makes a cool house toasty!

lonnifay said...

I love to entertain & can't give it up so I've started clipping coupons. It's become a fun challenge to see how much I can save each week.

Emily in WA said...

LOVE THE PRINT! very cool way to preserve a special photo.

As far as entertaining goes, my hubby and i have done a bit of delegating when it comes to the menu. but mostly we find ourselves just scaling back on how complicated and expensive certain dishes are. if meat was on sale that week then we can splurge a bit on the side dishes or a fun dessert... and so on. Just this weekend, we hosted a group of yound girls from church for a sleepover. I thought the food cost was going to be outrageous... I was thinking about you as we wandered through the store - I was saying to myself, "how would sandy make this item stretch for eight?" ha! you have been a wonderful influence on me. thank you for your wonderful meaningful posts!

Emily in WA

Anonymous said...

We just had a baby so we're entertaining more and going out less so that bedtime is easier. :) Beautiful print!


chrisyullman@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I'd love to win!

beemarie75 at yahoo dot com

Sher said...

My entertaining style has not changed yet but in our circle we all take turns. I might go over on my budget one week but the the next week I save on a meal because we are have dinner at a friends house.

mamaredhead said...

It has definitely slowed us down - not so much that we don't entertain as much, but that we entertain differently. More relaxed get-togethers with friends that turn into potlucks (they're all in the same financial boat so we potluck no matter whose house we're at!), inviting people over on a Friday night for dessert and coffee, followed by games (instead of a full meal), etc.

Excellent giveaway, by the way!

Ellen said...

This is pretty timely for me. I just took a look at last month's grocery bill, and it made me gulp.

It is hard for me to figure out the right balance between being frugal and generous. It is very tempting to me to make a dish that makes extra, not so I can invite someone over, but so I can hoard the leftovers in my freezer. The rising cost of groceries feeds my stingy tendencies.

But I'm making some new resolutions. We're going to keep inviting people over, but I'm going to give them what I've already planned for and bought for for the week. It won't be fancy, but I won't be stopping by the grocery store for an extra $20 worth of groceries either.

And I'm going to stop apologizing for the food (a bad habit of mine that my husband hates), and not tell them how I got it on sale, and not confess that they're eating homemade frosting on their cupcakes that I froze from the birthday party a month ago. Smile and keep your mouth shut, Ellen. =)

Bonnie said...

Every time I read that your goblet came from the Dollar Store I keep thinking I need to check my local store next time I'm in there. Incredible.

Yes - the economy has definitely changed how I entertain and it seems in the same way it has for you. Instead of providing everything now, I ask folks to bring things. Even if it's just the dessert it makes a huge difference in a party budget!

Finally, I posted about the giveaway and linked back to you and Online Printing in my blog. Hopefully this link works. http://proverbs31vs8-9.blogspot.com/2009/04/canvas-print-giveaway.html

Anonymous said...

No, the economy has not changed the way we entertain...we do delegate and split the meal, but it has always kind of been like that...we are all young couples.

Precision Quality Laser said...

Wow..that is an awesome picture!

As for entertaining, we have actually started having people over more often than before. But, I have reduced my standards of having matching tablecloths, dishes, etc. I let it be about the friends rather than the furnishings. And we have potlucks rather than us providing all the food. One day, we may be at that point where we can afford to put out an elaborate table spread for 16, but we aren't there right now. So we are enjoying where we are and enjoying the friends we have in casual, comfy style :)

Thanks for the giveaway!

Traci@ Beneath My Heart said...

I was doing less entertaining until I found your blog, which led me to many other wonderful blogs. The ideas have inspired me with wonderful food and tablescapes to make without breaking the bank! Thank you!

I will mention you on my blog, I would love to have a couple chances to win a canvas with a picture of my four precious boys on it!

Thank you,
Traci
beneathmyheart.blogspot.com

Meredith said...

What a great giveaway!

We are still entertaining but I'm putting more thought into what I serve, keeping it simple and more casual.

Your print looks great in your dining room!

laurel said...

No, I the cost of food hasn't really affected our hospitality, and I am thankful for that. We put up a lot of food in the summer and my husband is a food salesman, so he can buy things for me in bulk at a great discount. We eat out of our freezer A LOT too.

Thanks for the cool give away!

Amber said...

I wish I entertained more but this is a couples area with a very poor selection of single men. So when I do have a get together it is well thought out and memorable due to money. But I think people just want to be invited, they don't care if it is peanut butter and jelly. And yes that is a possibility.

slip4 said...

We are still entertaining. There is just more thought that goes into the menu, and more pot luck dinners happening. The economy won't take away our desire to enjoy our friends! Love your gorgeous canvas! Hope to win one of my own...

Craft Tea Lady said...

Tons more planning and more 'potluck' style - it works well because everyone is in the same boat of understanding. :)

CraftTeaLady AT yahoo DOT com

Bird Stalker Photography said...

I have those same glasses! Actually we have just recently started doing entertaining, I think I will be doing a lot more scratch cooking because everything else is getting so much highter

Scate said...

We were entertaining 2-4 times per month - and brought it down to 1-2 times. We also delegate dishes or ask people to bring a bottle of wine. I also try to shop at the local Super Target instead of the gourmet grocer downstairs for the basics. We've been able to cut our food bill by about 25% - and enjoy it more due to better planning. Something we should have done a long time ago.

Graceandjoelroberts said...

We have stopped going to the grocery store for just a few things. We're learning to use all of what we have before buying more. Its actually fun and challenging!

dlh said...

I have switched grocery stores to one that you bag your own. I go there first and fill in with things from the regular store. I entertain about the same, wouldn't let a little thing like the economy stop me. I will mention your giveaway on my blog. Print looks great!

Anonymous said...

I don't know if the economy has slowed down my entertaining, but I don't hesitate in giving guests a task when they say, "what can I bring?". I used to think I needed to "do it all", but delegating actually saves not only money, but stress! Which ultimately makes for a happy party!

Kimba said...

Great post! And I love your canvas! It's beautiful.

We aren't doing less entertaining because of the economy but we are being more thrifty in what we do. More pot-luck and simpler meals. I actually like it this way.

Kimba

Ms. Tee said...

Wow, I had no idea that goblet came from the dollar store - and the photo is beautiful!

We haven't really changed much in the way of entertaining. We usually have each person/family bring a dish and that spreads it out a little. Have a great week!

Heather Anne said...

What a lovely giveaway - hadn't heard of Online Printing, but now I've got them bookmarked for future reference!
As far as entertaining, ours has been very limited lately because of my poor health, but just yesterday we enjoyed the company of a family of 6 for Easter Dinner. I did budget my dinner more carefully and chose a less expensive ham and planned smaller servings. I made the menu after I knew what was featured in the sale fliers and didn't decide based on what I wanted to have, but what was on special. All in all, it wasn't an expensive meal, but it was tasty, simple and so much fun to be offering hospitality again! I didn't feel pinched or deprived but enjoyed the challenge of working within the budget!

Amy - playhereoften.com said...

Looks beautiful!

We have been entertaining less...trying to keep to a food budget with guest is tough.

Melody said...

Wow, I love the print!

As for entertaining, we're still doing it, just opting for less-expensive, less-elaborate meals. We had friends over for Easter dinner yesterday, and with a $.99/lb. spiral-cut ham I froze two months ago, a chocolate pudding pie with homemade graham cracker crust, homemade rolls, Kool-Aid, carrot coins, and cheesy potatoes that they brought, the whole meal for 4 adults and 4 kids probably cost $14.00. Not too shabby.

Mary Beth said...

I'm still a little scared to entertain, but I love reading your blog. One thing I'm doing on our home is using WHAT I ALREADY HAVE in the freezer and pantry and also making meals with left-overs in mind.

GiBee said...

Well, the economy has caused me to rething my menus and simplify, but not to stop or slow down entertaining...

Raquel said...

we are doing more potluck style meals instead of me making the entire meal lately. and also we will do just appetizers, or just desserts to cut down cost. but we are not cutting down on hanging out with friends for sure

Jackie said...

Love the canvas! The downswing of the economy has not changed my desire to have people over. What I do find is that time is taken up with so many activities that it is more difficult to plan something. Spur of the moment seems to work best for me at this time.

Rachel said...

My fiance and I love to entertain and the economy hasn't stopped us yet. Usually when we have friends over we ask that everyone brings something. That way, we're not funding the entire party!

Daisy said...

The photo on the canvas is amazing! The economy has made entertaining at home more frequent because meeting friends at a restaurant is too expensive. Additionally, preparing meals at home is more creative because you think of menus on a budget. It's also more satisfying when I do it myself.

Erin said...

What a fabulous canvas!!
We are now just having hamburgers instead of steaks, and no one seems to mind.

Thanks for all your reminders that entertaining should be about enjoying time together. I thought of them this weekend, as I had family over!

Jenny said...

Great print. We still go out and we still entertain...definitely doing our part to help the economy but on a more laid back scale.

Soon, Then said...

Actually, we probably invite friends over for dinner MORE now than we did before. Nothing elaborate, but since my family's incomes haven't been affected by the economy, we enjoy inviting a friend or two over whom we know is struggling a bit, to provide friendship and support and a free meal for them. Its been great!

Nancy said...

I've been considering something new above my fireplace. This might be just the solution....IF I win!! Love your print...very classy, indeed.

We're watching our spending in all areas these days since my hubby lost his job. We've always been pretty casual entertainers anyway, which usually = inexpensive.

zeelandchick@sbcglobal.net

Kirstin said...

Whoo hoo...what and awesome contest.

As far as entertaining, I try not to let the economy stop me. I plan around our paydays, and make sure I have simple things to serve. I also delegate as well.

Kirstin said...

ooops, I also meant to tell you that I mentioned it on my blog.

GreatToBeGrammy said...

Great canvas! I'd like to have one of my 4 grandbabies!

ajandkj said...

We are entertaining as we did before. What has change is we are being even more creative like having a Middle Ages costume party using sweats and bathrobes. We are also doing more potlucks and enjoying the variety.

Erin said...

We used to take people out a lot after church on Sundays. Now with the economy, and my husband in commercial real estate, that is just not an option. On Saturdays, I make sure to shop for brunch food and then am able to invite people over after church. Much cheaper to cook up some eggs and sausage than to go out. If I am having a big meal, like Easter yesterday, with 20 people...I am not shy about asking people to bring something.

Thanks for all the great ideas on this site.

Anonymous said...

I'm still entertaining...mostly family...just asking them o bring a dish AND a bottle of wine...and a good time is had by all.

CarolS@wideopenwest.com

Courtney said...

beautiful photo. It looks great on the canvas.

the economy has definitely impacted our entertaining. We did not have our Christmas party, because it was just not in the budget. And yesterday, I hosted Easter, but our menu was very simple and I actual took my MIL up on bringing something as well.

Anonymous said...

I preplan my menu with store flyer and use coupons for things when available. We downsized our house last year, so I am still adjusting to the smaller space and how to have more people over. I still have many boxes to unpack, but I do not want to get rid of anything,yet?
Have a great week!!!
Crystal

Kay said...

What a generous giveaway! We still entertain but I do cut costs where I can. I pick the recipes according to the ingredients, and substitute less expensive when I can.

C Killingsworth said...

We haven't cut back on the number of functions we have at our house. But, the sit-down dinner parties have been limited. We opt to grill hamburgers and hotdogs now. It just seems wiser.

:) Great give-o-way!

Hattie said...

I am new to your blog. Love it! And I do love the print.

I love to have people over. Now, more that before, when someone ask "Can I bring something?", I already have a dish in mind for them to bring. I readily accept their offer.

Hattie From TN

Kim @ Forever Wherever said...

We just had a big party and everyone helped with the cost of the food. We had blue crabs and 4 people split the price. It made it much easier! In the past we would have paid for everything.

~Kim

Unknown said...

Sandy, I don't need to leave a comment to tell you how much I love your picture but if I won, I wouldn't turn it down.


Cynthia

Anonymous said...

We haven't stopped entertaining, but have definitely planned better and have done more of allowing others to bring something. And, I try to plan for leftovers. For example, I have grilled chicken so I if there are leftovers, I can add the cut up chicken to stir fry or make chicken salad for another meal.

Love your blog!
denise

A said...

Beautiful picture! Love the canvas!

We are staying in more, going out less. I love entertaining in my home for my family and friends. What better reason to hunker down and circle the wagons!

Magic Brush said...

I love, love , love this canvas and our entertaining has definately slowed down. We are having to stretch our food dollars unfortunately.

Betty Jo said...

My entertaining has definitely changed due to the economy. We do more pot luck dinners now. ♥

Liz said...

Actually, the bad economy has made us entertain at home a lot more and eat out less. Planning ahead definitely helps.

Love the picture!
Liz Butler

Jennifer said...

We are still entertaining the same amount. I am just finding creative ways to get coupons, shop the deals, buy in bulk, plan meals around what I have in the freezer, and continue to invite people over weekly. We have been blessed by what the Lord has given us so we want to pass it on to others.

MJ @ 517 Creations said...

I think that we are entertaining at home MORE because we are eating out less. :) That and we're trying to host friends in our home who are suffering from job losses due to the economy.

I would love a GC to make a canvas of my precious 16-month old son. :)

abnsigoslady said...

Not entertaining any less. Just couponing much more. I have discovered southernsavers.com and I have learned how to "work Walgreens." A new challenge! Bring on the guests...I have a coupon. Thanks. Laura

Christine said...

Wow, beautiful!

I don't entertain a ton, but I always liked having different moms and kids over for lunch occasionally. I have been scheduling playdates after lunchtime instead now to save a few bucks.

Kristine said...

I host a weekly small (large!) group, and other impromptu gatherings. Nope, the economy hasn't stopped us at all! Mostly people are just invited to share normal life with us!

Carol in Indian Springs Village said...

We are doing more at home - swapping meals and doing game nights at home with friends instead of going out to eat and movies. It has been a lot of fun to do this type of entertaining and we plan on keeping it up even if the economy comes back.

joanne said...

we are not going out as much. When we have friends/family over we are doing it less often but having 'bigger' get togethers, combining holidays/birthdays etc. Spreading out the work load a little more with the food dishes.

Thanks for this opportunity...and I am amazed that came from the dollar store. I thought you were kidding at first!

Michelle Bebe said...

Definitely entertaining less. Sadly. We loved to have people over and telling them, "Just bring yourselves, our treat!". Now we say, "Sure can you bring a side dish?" when people offer. I guess I am saying we do more POTLUCKS than we used to...not nearly as fun I think.

Mandy said...

Such a great idea!

Yeah, the economy has definitely effected us regarding entertaining. When we do we usually accept peoples offers such as can I bring...Sure you can!!! And we have smaller groups, which I have actually learned I really like and prefer! Funny, learning this through tough times...I suppose a blessing, huh!

The Blissfully Happy Housewife said...

It has caused me to THINK more about entertaining...I've tried not to let it stop me. I've just become a bit more creative...which is a good thing!!

Jamie

Linda said...

The canvas print is beautiful! Boy would I love to have one of my own.

I think the economy has put a dent in our style somewhat...not much though. We seem to do alot of "potluck" type of get togethers. That type of socializing seems to work for everyone.

Sophia said...

LOVE the canvas! The cost of groceries has definitely changed the way I do things...but nothing would slow me down! Life's a party! I now allow my guests to bring assigned dishes which helps immensely. Another thing that I've taken to doing is hosting my parties back to back... different guest lists but same or similar tablescapes. I change things a bit each night but it's made for much simpler and less expensive entertaining. Have a wonderful day!

Christy said...

I don't think the economy has changed the way I entertain, I long ago learned to cut back on what I offered at parties and such. Living frugally changed me more and I went that route years ago. Your picture is beautiful!

Julie said...

We've actually been entertaining more, rather than going out. Trying to meet more of our neighbors and enjoy our surroundings.

Kathryn said...

All of my entertaining previously had been going out to eat as my homes decor in modern garage sale and while technically clean is always cluttered with my crafting and sewing stuff and my son's guitars an music stuff, model cars and various other collections and don't think it would ever pass the litmus test for entertaining and having people over. as never know from week to week if my job will be eliminated, don't waste money in eating out at all anymore and stay home a lot more.

The upside is more home cooked meals, which is cheaper and healther and forces me to be more creative with meal planning.

Anonymous said...

I live outside the US in a place where hospitality is part of the culture. It doesn't matter that the economy is crashing - people will starve their families for days just to entertain guests with an 8-course spread.

I've been trying to bring some freedom to the culture - I still entertain frequently but I set an example by preparing simple meals, enough food but not too much, and using the best of what's in season for my table - that means a lot of root vegetables now. I also don't get caught up in having the prettiest serveware or the most up-to-date kitchen. People are happy because they get a good meal in a relaxing place where the hostess cares more about them than how perfect the pilaf is.

Janie said...

This economy has actually encouraged us to entertain more, although the form has definitely changed. We do more informal, cookout and pot-luck style entertaining. We also are planning more play dates at the beach this summer rather than our usual outings at local attractions/cafes/etc.

Kim @ Homesteader's Heart said...

That is a great prize!! We are going to be doing a family portrait soon and that would be a great thing to win.
To answer your question, the economy hasn't slowed us down for entertaining. Fellowship is very important to us and most of our friends have from 5 to 8 children so we usually have a crows even with one family. I've just learned to keep it simple. Casseroles go a long way and Sam's Club organic salad mix will feed the whole crew for just $3.97. So there are ways to entertain yet still have money in your wallet.
Blessings to you Sandy.
Kim

Edi said...

The economy has not changed our entertaining habits, such as they are. Entertaining for us usually means having one family over at a time for dinner.

The Cutting Edge of Ordinary said...

We used to go out and eat on Friday nights. We have cut that out, except for a few rare occasions. Now we save the moolah and use it to buy food to entertain.

Lisa said...

What a great picture and idea! I haven't had any major big parties yet but when warmer weather comes and I can grill out, there is certainly some in the works! Trust me, my son is anxious to help me throw a party, get the outdoor speakers back out and have some of his friends over too!! lol

Are we there yet? said...

Great give away. I have been looking at these to decorate our house.

The economic downturn has not changed our lives too much. I try to plan my meals better and look for bargains but I did that before. The one thing that has changed is that we are planning for the possibility that we may have to "help" my mom as she has lost half of the retirement that Dad left her. She just doesn't have the time to wait for an upturn and make the money back.

Ginny said...

I want those goblets! We always in 40 yrs of marriage had to watch our budget, because we lived on only one income. It never stopped us from entertaining. I believe with nice china, linens and candles, you can make a grilled hotdog look and taste like a filet mignon! Plus, most people are more than willing to bring a dish to pass. I also believe that people make the party, not necessarily the food.

lizzykristine @ Uplifted Eyes said...

I don't think we've entertained less due to the economy... in fact, I think we've entertained more. :) Life has seasons of more or less hospitality, and we happen to be in a "more" season, I guess!

I've always been a very frugal host, so it isn't a big deal to us as long as my husband has a job. ;)

Nicki said...

No, the economy hasn't stopped me. We never do anything real extravagant, so that helps.

Sara Neufeld said...

It has caused me to delegate more. When people offer to bring a dish, now I say "yes! what would you like to bring?" :)

GirlyFruFru said...

Beautiful piece of art...

JoAnne said...

I can't believe that is a dollar store goblet!! What a beautiful piece of art.

We have been fortunate in these tough economic times and haven't had to change our entertaining habits. And actually I think we would have cut back somewhere else as we love to entertain.

Anonymous said...

The last time we entertained was at the end of March for my 13 yr. old son's birthday. We had the party at home (we normally pay to have it at some expensive place) we ordered cheap pizzas using coupons (12 and 13 year old boys loved them) and I baked a homemade cake that was much cheaper than the ones that I normally buy. For entertainment they played video games. They had a blast!

Jill in Nashville

Anonymous said...

We have started hosting lower-class parties (more beer, less hard alcohol). :)

Holly Campbell said...

I haven't gotten up the nerve to invite anyone over yet, so I guess the economy hasn't affected my entertaining. . .I have made dinner for friends, and offereing to contribute to other occasions more, out of learning to be hospitable and think of others needs more than my own. . .

MH in OH said...

It's not the economy that stops me from entertaining, it's my shyness and sort of general "fear" of entertaining. That's why I read you - for inspiration and courage. :)
orangetriangle2@yahoo.com

Amy@theredheaddiaries.blogspot.com said...

Just have to say your pictures are awesome!!!

The economy has not caused us to change anything as far as entertaining goes. We are a one income family so being on a budget has just been a fact of life for the past few years.

Thanks for the great contest!!!

Holly Blocker said...

Wow, this really gives you something to think about! I have enjoyed reading everyone elses post! I have to say, times are tough for most people including myself and my family. You never know what tomorrow brings, I try to watch what I spend when it comes to grocery shopping! My mother and I started our own garden last year! Tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers and squash! Yes, its alot of work but nothing compares to the freshness of home grown vegetables! Not to mention, its FREE!!!

Robin @ The Rendered Nest said...

I would love to win...thank you for the chance!

We usually have get-togethers in which everyone brings a dish...shares the workload as well as the cost...so my entertaining has not changed much due to the economy!

Maureen said...

I think I have been most influenced by the "frugal bloggers" when it comes to entertaining. I have enjoyed reading about how folks have planned parties on a budget.

Thanks for the chance to win such a fabulous prize!

PollyS (marypauline at stankus dot com) said...

I have excuses for not entertaining and none of them are truly valid. It's just at this season in my life, entertaining is the last thing on my list.
Maybe I should reevaluate said list?

McMemo said...

Greetings From Toledo,
I also have a deep love of the glasses. They are from Libbey Glass here in Toledo. I own three sizes. The pattern is "Hobstar" and they were one of the historic Libbey patterns. The Dollar Tree has carried these and they are available here in Toledo at the Libbey Outlet. Apparently the historic collection was not a big seller and they are clearing these out=-- you could not pay for a finer glass!. Enjoy and I love, love, love your blog!
Maureen

Amber said...

We aren't entertaining less (yet!). Having others over for dinner is more economical that dinner out! We are doing more dessert gatherings though or simple dinners.

Rebecca said...

We entertain less but seem to enjoy it more when we do get to be together with friends.