In our neighborhood Drinks in the Driveway are a well-established tradition. Weather permitting, we meet once or twice a month, every time in front of a different house, to share a bottle of wine, meet people from the neighborhood, and have a relaxing chat.
It is a little bit too early in the afternoon for my schedule, so I am not able to attend that event often, but I love the idea, which truly shows how open the Americans are. When I think about the countries I lived in, I do not think it would have been possible in England or Switzerland, and even less so in Poland.
But why not to apply this revealing idea into your lifestyle? Just invite some friends and neighbors that you wish to know closer for drinks, make some snacks, and spend a nice evening, chatting with them and getting to know better the people you meet in the elevator, or while collecting mail. It does not take much--a bottle of wine or two and half an hour in the kitchen--and they will be impressed not only with your private library, art collection, or the fashionable Italian sofa, but also with your hospitality and your culinary talent. And next time, encouraged by your success maybe they will host a similar event.
Here are some easy ideas to help you put quickly a few attractive snacks on the table. It would be great, if you are a passionate cook and tried to prepare all of them, but even one could be appreciated, as it is all about a kind gesture and creating good atmosphere. These recipes will also work for holiday parties and other informal social occasions.
Party Ideas
1. Prepare blue cheese and pear snacks.
2. Wrap bacon slices around mushroom tops and bake for 20-30 minutes.
3. Wrap stripes of Prosciutto over avocado and arugula pieces.
4. Using wooden picks attach prosciutto to figs.
5. Make some mushroom crostini.
6. Wrap cooked shrimps in bacon and bake until it becomes gold.
7. Serve a plate of good quality cheese with pears or figs jam and Marcona almonds.
Enjoy and have a wonderful weekend!
