There's no doubt I enjoy entertaining. I love planning a party, but it can be stressful prepping the day of especially when you throw watching kiddos in to the mix.  I learned the hard way of how long it takes to prepare for a party on a Saturday when you're taking care of 3 young kiddos.

If you want to have friends over but you're easily overwhelmed by planning and hosting parties, I've got the perfect solution for you. Throw a simple wine and cheese party! Here are a few tips on how to put together a no-fuss get together with your friends!

Photos by Brooke Taelor Photography

1.) Choose a Date/Time/Guests
How big is this party going to be? Are you inviting all of your girlfriends or just a few. Are men invited or is it a Girls Night Out? Weekend or Weeknight? This would be a great party to throw for The Bachelorette finale! Don't worry about sending out a special paper invite, simply create an event on Facebook with all the details. For this party I simply texted my neighbors the details!


2.) Don't Pick A Theme
Themes are where I go down a bunny trail when planning parties. I get wrapped up in a "theme" and can't stop buying and crafting things that would be perfect for that specific theme. Keep it SIMPLE and don't worry about a rustic party, chalkboard style party, etc.  Stick with simple napkins, plates, and serving trays. Don't worry about mix and matching.


3.) Don't Overspend
Shopping for party food is where most people get overwhelmed. You don't need special pairings, and extremely pricey cheese to have a good time. I went to my local HEB and grabbed the following; Brie, Blue Cheese, Parmesan, Sharp Cheddar and Gouda. I bought salami, dark chocolate, grapes, olives, and dried apricots to mix it up. You don't have to buy all of these things to keep your guests full. I was eating these leftovers for days after the party. Don't forget the crackers! Ask your guests to bring a bottle of their favorite wine, and this will keep your expenses down.

4.) Gather Serving Trays & Wine Glasses
Over the years I've collected serving trays, cutting boards and bowls that are great for serving food at parties. They have been extremely handy when throwing last minute get togethers with friends. Taking a bag of chips and pouring it in to a pretty white ceramic bowl immediately makes it look like you've got it together. Or taking store bought brownies and placing them on a cute cake platter...BOOM...immediate Betty Crocker status. The vase, wine glasses and serving ware in this post are from At Home. They have hundreds of serving ware styles and items to choose from!


5.) Relax & Have Fun
Put on some fun music, dress casual and chow down! This is a perfect no fuss party that doesn't take a ton of effort to prepare or clean up for.
 

Photos by Brooke Taelor Photography

I added fresh pink roses to bring in some summer decor. I'm excited to partner with At Home to give one lucky reader a $50 gift card to their store! All you have to do is comment below with how you would bring Summer indoors! (Open to US residents only, must be 18+, Winner will be chosen on 8/1) 

Feel free to pin this post using the image below so you remember next time you're party planning!