Hosting this Memorial Day?

Hi Gingis!

Memorial Day weekend is just around the corner (next weekend ;)), and the smell of barbecue and the sound of laughter are practically in the air! It's the perfect time to gather friends and family, celebrate the long weekend, and kick off summer in style. But let's be honest, the thought of hosting a crowd can sometimes feel more daunting than delightful.

Don't worry, we've got your back! Successful hosting, just like creating a beautiful spread of small plates, is all about a few clever tricks and a little bit of planning. And speaking of deliciousness, we have a fantastic new recipe for Fish Shawarma Pita Tacos to share with you this week, which would be excellent on any Memorial Day feast table!

To help you throw a truly memorable and stress-free Memorial Day bash, we're sharing a few of our go-to secrets – the kind of insider tips that will make you look like a hosting pro without breaking a sweat. And guess what? You'll find a treasure trove of these gems, from prep-ahead wonders to effortless entertaining strategies, within the pages of our upcoming cookbook, Eat Small Plates!

Our Top Tips for a Relaxed Memorial Day Celebration:

• Be a Batching Boss: Instead of playing bartender all day, why not pre-batch your signature cocktails? Think big pitchers of refreshing sangria, crowd-pleasing margaritas, or a summery gin fizz. Store them in the fridge, ready to pour over ice. Our personal favorite is a class Limonana. Pre-batch the base of the Limonana and then blend with ice when you are ready to serve for a super satisfying slushi! Less fuss, more fun for everyone (including you!).

• Host a PITA PARTY!: You make the pita and you ask your friends to bring all the fixings to put inside. Feel free to send them some inspiration. They can bring beautiful leaves for a Spring Salad Pita or maybe ask them to bring a beautiful fillet of fish to make our Ceviche Pita Sandwich! The options are endless.

• Ice, Ice, Baby!: You can never have too much ice, especially on a warm holiday weekend. Stock up early and have multiple coolers ready to keep drinks icy cold. Running out of ice is a host's worst nightmare – avoid it at all costs!

• The Post-Party Peace Plan: Let's face it, the aftermath of a great party can look like a small tornado hit your living room. Consider treating yourself to a cleaning service for Monday morning. Alternatively, rally your closest friends for a "cleaning party" – promise good music and leftover snacks as incentives!

• Potluck with Panache: Take the pressure off yourself by making it a potluck! To avoid a random assortment of dishes, give your gathering a fun theme. Think "Red, White, and BBQ," "Mediterranean Mezze," or a "Summer Salad Spectacular." This keeps things organized and adds a playful element to the meal. Eat Small Plates offers 100 delicious small plate recipes that can inspire a fantastic themed potluck!

Ready to Unlock More Hosting Secrets and Master the Art of Small Plates?

These are just a few of the little tricks that can make a big difference when you're opening your home to loved ones. In Eat Small Plates, we share our years of experience in creating delicious food and fostering warm, welcoming gatherings for anywhere from two to two hundred guests. From make-ahead appetizers that will wow your crowd to effortlessly coordinated menus, our book is your guide to becoming the generous and relaxed host you've always wanted to be.

Pre-order your copy of Eat Small Plates today and get ready to elevate your entertaining game! Imagine effortlessly gliding through your next gathering, confident that you have all the tips and recipes you need at your fingertips.

Sending all of our love!

Best,

Ben & Zikki