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✨ The Party Starts at the Front Door: First Impressions Matter

Have you ever arrived at a dinner party and the house looked dark?
And suddenly your brain starts spiraling…

Is this the right house?
Am I here on the wrong night?
Do I ring the doorbell… or quietly panic?

You’re not alone—and this is something that’s very easy to forget when planning a dinner party.

The good news? A few small steps can completely eliminate that awkward moment and set the tone before guests even walk inside.

🏡 Why the Arrival Matters

You’re not setting up for a magazine shoot—you’re setting the stage for a welcoming evening. Those first few moments help guests relax and feel confident that they’re exactly where they’re supposed to be.

A little intention goes a long way.

❄️ Simple Ways to Nail the First Impression

If there’s been weather, do a quick sweep of the porch and shake out the welcome mat.
In wintry conditions, sprinkle a bit of de-icer so no one slips or worries about footing.
Turn on exterior lights and plan to keep them on for the duration of the party. A lit house feels alive and inviting.

And don’t forget coats…

If cleaning out the coat closet isn’t realistic (cue the movie scene where everything avalanches out), create a simple alternative:

Use an inexpensive garment rack (you’ll find plenty of uses for it later)
Or assign your partner—or one of the kids—to help manage coats as guests arrive

✅ First Impression Checklist

Before the first doorbell rings, take a quick look:

✔️ Porch swept and welcome mat shaken
✔️ Walkway safe and clear
✔️ Exterior lights on
✔️ Doorbell or entry clearly visible
✔️ Coat area designated and ready

Once this is done—you’re good. Let the night unfold.

🥂 The Takeaway

When guests feel welcomed from the moment they arrive, everything else flows more easily. First impressions don’t need to be fancy—they just need to feel thoughtful.

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Here’s to warm welcomes, confident arrivals, and evenings that start off right!

Cheers,
Colleen 🥂

February 23, 2026February 4, 2026

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🍳 Breakfast You Can Prep Once (and Thank Yourself All Week)

I love anything I can prep ahead—breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks… all of it. And when I decided I wanted healthier mornings, I knew I needed something ready and waiting so I wouldn’t default to delicious, sugary cereal—or skip breakfast altogether.

That’s where these Bell Pepper, Bacon & Greens Egg Cups come in.

They’re the kind of breakfast that makes mornings easier and better. Grab one, heat it up, and you’re actually eating something nourishing before the day gets away from you.

🥔 Why These Work So Well

When I eat eggs in the morning, I like to add vegetables—or sometimes I’ll even make a breakfast salad. I also know my body well enough to know I need a little carb to feel satisfied. That’s why these egg cups start with a potato nest underneath.

Yellow potatoes are:

An excellent source of potassium (yes—more than a banana)
High in vitamin C and vitamin B6
Naturally fat-, sodium-, and cholesterol-free

Add in orange bell peppers (packed with vitamins A and C), leafy greens, and… bacon (because bacon is perfection), and you’ve got a breakfast that actually keeps you full.

Bonus points: these egg cups are gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free. And if you check your bacon ingredients, they’re Whole30 compliant, too.

🥓 Bell Pepper, Bacon & Greens Egg Cups

Makes 6

Ingredients:
1 Tbsp olive oil
4 small yellow potatoes
6 eggs, divided
⅛ tsp salt
⅛ tsp pepper
1 orange bell pepper, seeded
3 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
2 cups mixed greens, torn
¼ cup water

Instructions:

Heat the oven to 350°F.
Spiralize the potatoes using the smallest blade available, or shred them with a box grater. Transfer to a bowl, cover with water, and soak 5 minutes.
Beat 1 egg with the salt and pepper.
Drain the potatoes and press out excess moisture with a paper towel. Return to a clean bowl and mix with the beaten egg.
Oil the cups of a large muffin pan (6 wells) or regular muffin pan (12 wells). Divide the potato mixture evenly, pressing up the sides to form cups.
Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven.
Chop the bell pepper and bacon; tear greens into smaller pieces.
Beat the remaining eggs with the water until frothy.
Divide the greens, bell pepper, and bacon among the potato cups. Pour the egg mixture evenly over each.
Return to the oven and bake 20 minutes, or until eggs are set. Cool 5 minutes before removing.

Make it Easy on yourself with these shortcuts:

🍽️ Easy

Swap spiralizing/shredding potatoes for refrigerated shredded hash browns (just squeeze out moisture).
Use pre-cooked bacon crumbles instead of cooking bacon from scratch.
Grab pre-washed mixed greens to skip washing and chopping.

⚡ Easier

Skip the potato cups entirely and spray the muffin pan well—make these crustless egg cups instead.
Use frozen diced peppers or a frozen pepper/onion blend.
Crack eggs into a measuring cup or shaker to mix and pour in one step.

🙌 Easiest

Use frozen hash brown patties pressed into muffin cups as the base.
Swap fresh veggies for a bagged omelet or veggie scramble mix.
Use liquid eggs or egg whites—pour, bake, done.

🥂 When I Love These Most

These are perfect for:

Busy weekday mornings
Grab-and-go breakfasts
Meal prepping for the week
Anyone who needs a real breakfast without thinking too hard

Make them once, enjoy them all week, and remove one more decision from your mornings.

Here’s to prep-ahead breakfasts and starting the day feeling taken care of.

Cheers,
Colleen 🥂

February 18, 2026February 4, 2026

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🕯️ Set the Mood, Not the Stress

When you’re hosting a dinner party, it’s often the little things that make a difference. But we never want to get so caught up in the details that they take away from our enjoyment of the evening.

Lighting is one of those elements worth a few minutes of thought—and then letting go.

✨ Why Lighting Matters

Lighting depends a lot on the time of year and the time of evening you’re hosting. But here’s the bottom line:

There is nothing better than candlelight.

The moment you dim the chandelier and light a few candles on the table, the entire mood shifts. Guests relax. Conversations soften. Laughter comes more easily. It’s one of the simplest ways to make a gathering feel warm and intentional.

💡 A Few Lighting Tips to Keep in Mind

If you’re hosting a senior guest or someone with limited eyesight, keep the lighting brighter until everyone is seated to avoid any missteps.
If you have little ones—or are easily distracted—flameless candles are perfectly fine. The goal is ambiance, not stress.
I am absolutely in love with the new cordless battery lamps. Many are dimmable, come in dozens of styles, and are a great option when candles aren’t practical.

✅ Quick Dinner Party Lighting Checklist

Before guests arrive, take a quick look around and make sure you’ve covered these basics:

✔️ Overhead lights dimmed or turned off
✔️ Candles or cordless lamps placed and ready to light
✔️ Pathways and stairs safely lit for arrivals
✔️ Lighting bright enough for guests to see their food
✔️ Flameless candles swapped in if kids or pets are around

Once this is done—stop thinking about it. The mood is set.

🥂 The Takeaway

Lighting doesn’t have to be complicated. A little thought goes a long way—and once it’s set, you can move on and enjoy the evening.

✨ Subscribe so you don’t miss more real-world entertaining tips and weekly recipes.
✨Upgrade to paid so you won’t miss out on any of the fun dinner parties I’ve planned for you.
✨ Forward this email to a friend who love to entertain.
✨ Follow along for easy menus, decor ideas, and ways to make every gathering feel special, joyful and authentic.
✨ Download Dinner Party Menus here: MENUS
✨ Shop my kitchen here: SHOP
✨ Grab what you need at a discount: HOST
✨ Earn some extra income while you’re at it: SELL
✨ Watch what I’m making for dinner every day on Instagram
✨ Join my Slice, Dice & Dish Community on Facebook

Here’s to soft light, easy conversation, and evenings that feel as good as they look!

Cheers,
Colleen 🥂

February 16, 2026February 4, 2026

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🍊 Cocktails with Colleen: Blood Orange Honey Brown Derby

This one comes with a side of bloopers—and honestly, that’s part of the fun.

I thought I was set up and ready to film… and then realized I wasn’t. Instead of stopping, we decided to just roll with it. Real life, real kitchen, real cocktail. And if nothing else, this drink confirmed one important thing: I’m still not a bourbon girl.

That said… I’m committed. I’ll keep trying bourbon cocktails until I find the one that converts me.

And if you are a bourbon fan? You might absolutely love this one.

🥃 Why This Cocktail Works

The Brown Derby is a classic for a reason. The combination of citrus and honey softens the bourbon just enough, while still letting it shine. Using blood orange adds a slightly sweeter, more complex citrus note that feels special without being fussy.

It’s smooth, balanced, and ideal for:

A cozy night in
A winter dinner party cocktail
Or anyone who loves a spirit-forward drink with a hint of brightness

And the thyme garnish? Optional—but highly recommended for a little extra aroma and elegance.

🍊 Blood Orange Honey Brown Derby

Makes 1 cocktail

Ingredients

2 oz bourbon
1 oz fresh blood orange juice
½ oz honey
Optional garnish: fresh sprig of thyme

How to Make It

Fill a shaker with ice.
Add bourbon, blood orange juice, and honey.
Shake well until chilled, about 10–15 seconds.
Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass.
Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme and serve immediately.

➡️ Make it Easy on Yourself with this Shortcut

🔹 Make it ahead in a pitcher by make 4 servings at once. Combine 8 ounces bourbon, 4 ounces blood orange juice and 2 ounces honey in a pitcher. Mix with a bar spoon. Add ice 3½ ounces of the mixture to a cocktail shaker and proceed with step 3.

🥂 The Takeaway

Not every cocktail has to be perfect—and not every spirit has to be your favorite. Sometimes the fun is in trying, experimenting, and laughing when things don’t go exactly as planned.

Here’s to bloopers, honesty, and finding what you love one cocktail at a time! 🥃

Cheers,
Colleen 🥂

February 13, 2026February 4, 2026

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🍄 A Vintage Favorite, Reimagined: Mushroom Tarts with Potato Shells

As you know, I love paging through cookbooks—especially vintage ones. (And as I write this, I’m realizing vintage and antique are probably two different things. Vintage might mean the 1970s. Antique? Likely the 1950s or earlier.)

I especially love digging through my grandmother’s recipe box to see what she was making when she entertained. Time and again, I come across recipes that were clearly loved by all… but maybe not loved by all tummies.

This recipe is one of those—and that’s exactly why I gave it a modern update.

🥔 Why This Version Works So Well

Mushroom tarts are a classic bite-size appetizer we don’t see very often anymore—but when they appear, they’re always a hit. Traditionally, they’re made with phyllo dough or puff pastry. Delicious, yes—but sometimes heavy, fiddly, or not ideal for everyone.

Here, I’ve swapped the pastry for thinly sliced yellow potatoes. The result?

No dough to fuss with
Added nutrients
Naturally gluten-free
And I promise—you won’t miss the pastry at all

These are the kind of appetizers that disappear immediately once they hit the table.

✨ Make Them Your Own

If you’re feeling adventurous, this recipe is wonderfully flexible:

Use any type—or combination—of mushrooms
Swap in dill Havarti for a whole new flavor profile
Prefer not to cook with wine? Vegetable broth works beautifully

I also love serving these as a salad or first course alongside mixed greens dressed simply with light olive oil and red wine vinegar. When I do, I plan on 3–4 tarts per person.

🍄 Mushroom Tarts with Potato Shells

Makes 24

Ingredients:
Olive oil
1 lb fresh button mushrooms
1 medium onion
½ cup parsley
½ cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc)
1 dash hot pepper sauce
⅛ tsp salt
⅛ tsp pepper
2 medium yellow potatoes (about 2 inches in diameter)
4 oz Havarti or Monterey Jack cheese

Instructions:

Heat the oven to 400°F. Lightly oil the wells of a mini muffin pan and set aside.
Finely chop the mushrooms, onion, and parsley.
In a large skillet, combine the mushrooms, onion, parsley, wine, and hot pepper sauce. Cover and cook 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are tender.
Uncover and cook until liquid evaporates. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside to cool.
Thinly slice the potatoes (⅛-inch thick) using a mandoline.
Pat slices dry and place in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel and microwave on HIGH for 1 minute, until pliable.
Gently press each potato slice into the wells of the muffin pan.
Add about 2 teaspoons of mushroom mixture to each cup.
Cut cheese into ½-inch cubes and place one on top of each tart.
Bake 15–18 minutes, until lightly browned. Serve warm.

Make it Easy on yourself with these shortcuts:

🔹 Easy

Use pre-sliced mushrooms instead of whole to skip chopping.
Swap fresh parsley for dried parsley (about 2 Tbsp) to save prep time.
Shred the cheese instead of cubing—same flavor, faster topping.

🔹 Easier

Replace fresh mushrooms and onions with a store-bought sautéed mushroom blend or frozen mushroom/onion mix—just cook off excess liquid.
Use pre-shredded cheese to skip cutting and cleanup.
Microwave the potatoes all at once using a mandoline + stacking trick between paper towels.

🔹 Easiest

Skip the potato shells and use frozen mini phyllo shells or refrigerated biscuit dough pressed into the pan.
Use jarred mushroom tapenade or mushroom bruschetta as the filling—no cooking required.
Bake, melt cheese, and serve. Done. 🙌

🥂 Why I Love These for Entertaining

These tarts feel special without being fussy. They nod to the past, fit modern needs, and are exactly the kind of bite that makes guests linger a little longer at the table.

Here’s to old recipes, new twists, and appetizers that everyone can enjoy

Cheers,
Colleen 🥂

February 11, 2026February 4, 2026

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👧🧒 Hosting a Dinner Party with Kids? You’ve Got This

I recently received a great question and thought it was worth answering here—because I know it’s one some of you are quietly wondering about.

Q: I’m becoming intrigued and thinking of having a dinner party, but how do I keep my little ones busy while I’m prepping and during the party?

Such a good question!

💛 First, a Little Honesty

Full disclosure: I never had kids of my own. So I’m answering this authentically—from my experience growing up in a house where my parents hosted, and from helping friends navigate this exact situation.

And here’s what I’ve learned: involving kids makes everything easier.

🍽️ Before the Party: Put Them to Work (In a Good Way)

My mom involved us as much as possible and gave us tasks based on our ages:

One of us made place cards—sometimes even designing them if there was a theme
Another set the table
Someone else tidied up the dining room

Whether it was mixing cake batter or helping bake cookies for guests to take home, being part of the process made us feel important—and the entire evening ran more smoothly.

🎬 During the Party: Options Matter

When it’s time for guests to arrive, flexibility is key.

Set up three or four activity or game areas so kids can rotate
Create an age-appropriate movie night with pizza
If kids are very young, consider hiring a mother’s helper
Or start the party later so bedtime happens as guests arrive

For tweens and teens, consider including them in the party itself. Sitting at the table, joining the conversation, or helping serve teaches confidence and social skills. And when they’ve had enough? Always give them a graceful out.

🎨 A Favorite Idea for Any Age

This one works beautifully with a little planning:

Set up an art station—crayons, colored pencils and paper. While dinner is happening, kids create their artwork. Afterward, use painter’s tape to hang their pieces in a hallway or entryway and host a mini art gallery opening.

Guests can mingle, meet the “artists,” and learn about their creations. It’s charming, engaging, and surprisingly memorable.

🥂 The Big Picture

Involving children in hosting isn’t just about keeping them busy—it’s a teaching moment. It builds confidence, responsibility, creativity, and connection.

And you never know where those experiences might lead them later in life.

Here’s to messy tables, proud helpers, and raising the next generation of great hosts.

Cheers,
Colleen 🥂

February 9, 2026February 4, 2026

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