hosting an all american feast with a twist - gathering

I enjoy having friends over especially when there is a theme for the gathering.  Either a holiday or event that lends itself to specific decor or food.  It makes it easier for the hostess to come up with a menu as well as giving the guests an idea on appropriate attire

For a recent gathering of friends I decided it would be fun to go with an "all American feast" of hot
dogs, potato chips, ice cold lemonade and apple pie for dessert...with a pinterest twist of course.

It was so much fun scouring pinterest and my cookbooks for ways to give this classic fare a new look.   I wanted it to be casual finger foods and there needed to be a great cocktail because even though none of us are regular cocktail girls when we gather it's fun to have an excuse to try something new.

I made bacon wrapped little smokies for the hot dogs, baked cheesy potato slices with ranch chipotle dipping sauce for the chips, individual mini apple pies for the dessert and this delicious pink lemonade for the beverage.   It was so good!

I used those diner style red plastic baskets and lined them with classic red and white check paper inserts to serve the food.  I tucked a small white ramekin in each serving with the chipotle dipping sauce.  The drinks were served in classic ball jars with cute black polka dot paper straws.

I love finding new ways to reconnect with friends in person and an afternoon or evening like this takes no time to put together.  Most of the paper goods I keep on hand and I made do with whatever white and black serving dishes I found in the cupboard just to give the serving platters a cohesive look.  The flowers were just a quick mix of whatever was blooming in the garden but they add so much to the atmosphere of any occasion.

Life can be full and we all get so busy that weeks and months can go by when we don't see each other even though we live within a few miles of one another.  Nurturing friendships takes time and effort but I find it's always worth it.  Don't you agree?

xo, Patty

*All the recipes from this gathering (any many more) are available on my pinterest boards here.

If you need more ideas on having friends gather you might like my post on how to host a girlfriend gathering.