Yesterday’s post was about making a convenient coffee bar for your guest. In today’s post I thought I would share a few ideas I like to have on hand for when an unexpected guest drops in.
Even if someone drops in it is always nice to have some kind of beverage for them to drink. Most people will usually not want something to eat, but will almost always have something to drink.
Even a glass of water can be made more special by adding fruit to a pretty pitcher of water.
You can use any fruit that you like, but I like to use strawberries, blue berries, black berries and some wedges of pineapple. It is not only pretty, but really tasty.
I always have lemons, and limes on hand to add to sparkling water. I love Blue Italy sparkling water, it not only taste good but the bottle is really pretty.
Another good little treat to keep on hand is Trader Joe's mini Almond Biscotti. One little cookie with a cup of coffee is a special little treat.
When serving hot chocolate a topper of whipped cream is always a fun addition. A sprinkle of cinnamon is a wonderful touch, and adds just the right flavor.
None of the above ideas are anything grand, or costly, but ideas that we can all do for our family, and friends. I have these things on hand all the time, and I make sure I do them for myself as well.
I keep them in the door of my refrigerator for easy access. You will notice the two bottles with latched tops,these hold my simple syrup for drinks.
Simple syrup is such an easy thing to keep on hand, and makes it so much easier to put sugar in cold, or hot drinks.
To make simple syrup you add equal parts sugar and water. You bring it to a boil to make sure all the sugar is dissolved.
Cool it, put it in a covered container, put it in the refrigerator. It will stay good for a month, or so.
I read some people put in a little bit of vodka in it to keep it from going bad. That helps too add a longer shelf life.
You can become creative by choosing a fun container to keep it in, or to serve it in.
I use the latched container, or if I want to get a little fancier I will put it in a pretty clear glass container, like the little striped container on my tray…….
(You can see the container on the left of the silver bowl)
Another thing I like to do if I have more than one guest is to have coffee cups out and available.
My Mom took a class years ago on how to do a proper tea. The lady that taught the class was from England. She taught my Mom how to stack coffee cups in a way that I have never seen before, or since.
Take a stack of four saucers and four cups, lay the cups side ways on top of the saucers. Place the handles of each cup in the mouth of the cup next to it………..
You now have a decorative stack of four cups that only take up the room of one cup and saucer.
These are just a few simple, easy ideas to make impromptu entertaining an easy task.
I love for people to drop in on me. I figure if they drop in they truly came to see, “ME!” So if you are ever in my neighborhood know that you are always welcome, and you will get something nice to drink!!
