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In the South, Autumn is a thank you gift we receive for making it through the sweltering heat of summer. It’s a reason to celebrate life and enjoy time with our loved ones.

This year I’ve planning an outdoor party with the vibrant colors of Fall and a fun Macaroni and Cheese Bar as the stars of the show. I’m sharing fabulous party planning tips for Holiday Entertaining that you can use to host your own Fall or Thanksgiving Party!

Holiday Entertaining Tip #1 ~ Plan a Simple Menu

After planning lots of parties for my children’s birthdays and family events, I know the most important tip for holiday entertaining is to plan a simple menu. One main course, a few finger foods, and a super simple dessert is all you need for a great party.

With my party supply list in hand I head to our local Walmart. I know that it will be a one stop shopping trip for me. The first stop is for Barilla Pronto Penne Pasta. The quick cooking pasta will make a creamy one-pot pasta dish for a fun Adult Macaroni and Cheese Bar.

Pepperidge Farm Distinctively Delicious Crackers paired with a variety of cheese and olives are always  a hit. Pepperidge Farm Chocolate Collection Cookies for dessert rounds out the meal.

A quick trip down Walmart’s wine aisle for Mark West Pinot Noir {Honey’s favorite} and Clos du Bois Cabernet Sauvignon. We always enjoy the great selection of premium wines available at Walmart. There is a wine for every party and pallette right there on their shelves!

One-Pot Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

• One box of Barilla Pronto Penne Pasta
• 1 cup of Colby and Monterey Jack Cheese Blend
• 1/2 cup of Process American Cheese, cubed
• 3/4 cup of milk
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 Tablespoon of Mayonnaise
• 1/2 Teaspoon of Mustard
• Salt & Pepper to Taste

Begin the macaroni and cheese recipe by cooking the Barilla Pronto Penne Pasta according to package instructions. I love how this yummy pasta is finished in about 10 minutes and there is no draining once it’s done!

Once the pasta is tender simply add all of the other ingredients and stir until combined. It transforms into one big pot of creamy cheesiness. Yum! Barilla Pronto helps make your pasta mealtime prep faster and easier – all in one pan!

Holiday Entertaining Tip #2 ~ Hunt Your House

My goal for holiday entertaining is to always spend as little money on party decor as I can. One way to save money is to hunt your house for any and everything you could use for your outdoor party. Search for linens, tableware, pillows, blankets, candles, and whatever else you might need.

Have your kiddos haul everything outside then beg your husband to cut a few pieces of firewood. You will need them for the next party planning tip!

Holiday Entertaining Tip #3 ~ Create a Unique Centerpiece

Artfully arranged flowers are fabulous. But they are also expensive and a tad hard to make {at least for me}. Instead of flowers I kept with the outdoor fall theme and adding wood slices to the center of the table. The wood makes a unique centerpiece paired with a tall metal plate stand and a few plates.

Small dishes of macaroni and cheese complete the look. These little vintage ceramic casserole dishes were passed down from my grandmother. It makes my heart so happy to use them for our holiday entertaining.

Holiday Entertaining Tip #4 ~ Mix It Up!

Colorful linens and pretty tableware make me happy. I tend to hoard collect these things just in case there is an occasion to celebrate ~ like a Fall Outdoor Party! All of these pieces get mixed up to create an interesting tablescape.

My collection is made up from inherited pieces, a few new pieces, and lots of thrift store finds. The amber glassware is from my mother. She inherited from my grandmother. The amber plates are new and I love them! 

You can’t go wrong with white dishes so I’m always on the hunt for more. Food always looks good plated up on them and they are perfect for any holiday entertaining. All of the napkins were also found at my local thrift store.

 

Holiday Entertaining Tip #5 ~ Make It Fun!

We all love macaroni and cheese but turn it into a Mac & Cheese Bar with lots of yummy toppings and you’ve got fun! Our party guest got to play with their food and created their own mac & cheese concoctions using the following toppings: roasted red peppers, bacon, crispy fried onions, and green onions.

Our guests loved welcoming the season with this fun outdoor fall party. Thanks to one-pot Barilla Pronto Pasta the Macaroni and Cheese Bar was a huge hit! Everyone loved pairing the food with Mark West Pinot Noir  and Clos du Bois Cabernet Sauvignon.

Is it your turn to host a fabulous Fall or Thanksgiving party? Make sure your use these easy party planning tips for Holiday Entertaining!

Did you know that Walmart will be having wine tastings as well as Barilla and Pepperidge Farm demos throughout November and December at select stores? Check out the Simple Entertaining Hub to find a demo near you.

You won’t want to miss all the inspirational holiday ideas they’ll be sharing!

Visit Ashley @ 3 Little Greenwoods’s profile on Pinterest.

      I link up with these fun parties!

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