I like to entertain and before I had kids I was a go-all-out kinda gal. You know, the weirdo who would spend weeks pouring over recipe ideas and table-scape plans. I’m not talking frou-frou or fussy , this is me we’re taking about, but let’s just say that BK (before kids) I took a lot of time with my party preparations. Now I’m lucky if I can even remember napkins but my love for entertaining still remains strong. I love being with people and sharing a good meal.

Entertaining does not have to go out the window after you have kids. Sure, you need to change your strategies and even though I always entertained casually, my definition of the word “casual” has gotten more loose since I had kids. And you know what? I sort of love keeping it loose and relaxed. I have more fun preparing because I’m not stressed and in turn, my guests get a more focused, less frazzled host. Everyone is happy and well fed regardless of how many days it took me to prepare or how many courses I serve.

In the interest of keeping things simple, my go-to meal plan goes like this:

Signature Cocktail/Mocktail

Small nibble or antipasti plate

Main Course

Dessert (ask guest to bring to make it even easier)

This plan is foolproof and so easy yet it still feels special and even luxurious. No matter how much time I have to spend on preparations, I always want my guests to feel special and welcome in my home and the above strategy always does the trick. It allows you to actually enjoy your guests, and after all, isn’t that what really matters?

We recently moved into a new home and have been entertaining family and friends and I’ve already managed to have two separate dinner parties in the midst of unpacking boxes and exploring our new town. ANyone whose ever moved knows it ain’t easy and entertaining while unpacking seems insane. And it kinda is, but we loved having people over to break us from the packing insanity and it made our house feel that much more homey. Best of all, I did it without feeling stressed or anxious. A good time was had by all and the food was delicious if I do say so myself.

Like good Italians, we schlepped our fig tree all the way from our previous home in Brooklyn to New Jersey Using our figs in an appetizer to serve to our first house guests seemed only natural. The sweet tender fig set atop a crusty piece of bread with melty cheddar is one of my favorite appetizers to make and it’s always a hit. I love how the salty sharpness of the cheddar pairs with the sweetness of the fig, top that off with a drizzle of flowery honey and you have yourself one divine appetizer in less time than it takes to bake up frozen ones out of a box. . It goes perfectly with any beverage and is a nice nibble before the main course.