One weekend not long ago we had different groups of friends over for three separate occasions. On Friday evening, one of our dear friends visiting from Haiti came by to have pre-dinner wine and snacks with us. On Sunday morning, we had waffles and bacon for a playdate with one of my college besties and her family. On Sunday evening, my childhood bestie (and neighbor) came over for zucchini lasagna, salad and chatter. The hubby, who is much more of an introvert than I am, never even bats an eye anymore. The constant ebb and flow of guests is our new normal since moving back to the DC area. We find ourselves awash with friendships old and new, and we feel so, so grateful and fulfilled by them.

Whether it’s an evening shindig or brunch morning, there are ten entertaining essentials I use to get ready for our friends, variations of which are pictured above. The coastal theme is easy for anyone to duplicate and provide neutral basics entertaining on any occasion (picking entertaining gear with bold, loud colors can mean that sometimes your “basics” end up clashing). About an hour before our guests are due to arrive, the hubby scampers around picking up loose toys and making sure our house is tidy enough not to scream “THESE PEOPLE ARE CRAZY,” while I do the following:

1. Devise a plan of attack and initial set-up.

   I tie on a clean apron and make a list of all of the prep work that needs to be done before our guests arrive. Then, I set up plates, glassware and utensils. Right before the holiday season, I bought a utensil caddy for containing flatware. I told the hubby it was a silly purchase, but after months of cramming flatware into random vases and tall glasses, it’s really nice to have designated container for guests to grab their own forks, knives and spoons. I also set out my wine opener so that we’re not searching for it, mainly because most of our guests come blustering in these days yelling, “I NEED WINE.” No judgment, that’s just the way it is.

2. Prep basic appetizers.