How to be the perfect healthy HOSTESS while pinching pennies

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Hello all! So it's nearing the end of Summer and you want to have one last pool party or BBQ. Traditionally here in the U.S., the first thing that comes to mind is the food and drinks. The one thing your guest will remember is -Was the food good?

There is a very simple formula along with a few rules to apply to make sure you do not break the bank, and your guests never know you spent as little as $20.00 on your elegant and delicious spread. (Yes -$20.00!!!)
Now, what do you remember about the last event you attended?
​My secret formula :
Visual+Aroma+Taste+Sound=Entertained guest
Close your eyes and think of the last Summer event you attended. Okay, you have to read the rest of this awesome blog so open your eyes. What do you remember?

The moment you arrive at the address the aroma from the grill is usually the first thing that engulfs your olfactory senses and as you get closer the sound of music will either invite you in or it may send you home early.
Think VATS and appeal to the all the senses

• Visual-Set the mood with soft lanterns or candles for the evening. Set the scene, and be artistic with the visual presentation, vegetables in tiny dishes are appealing rather than on a simple paper plate.

• Aroma-Add a couple of drops of your favorite essential oil to the candles or lanterns 10 minutes before guest arrive and use caution to select an oil that is GRAS as well as a relaxing bug repellent. For example Lavender Angustifolia and Rosmarinus Officinalis have constituents that will both create a relaxing and inviting atmosphere for humans and repel mosquitoes. [1,2,3] (See below for my preferred blend)
• Taste-Fresh herbs bring food to life. Take your time cleanly and safely preparing each dish and I suggest using food tents on the day of the event to keep dishes protected from debris that may fall from trees or other humans. Place foods like seafood on ice and eat right away to avoid any bacteria growth. Another safety tip is- know your guest before preparing the menu. For example, I have a dear friend who is so allergic to shellfish she could not even be in the room where it is being cooked. Especially if it the very first time your guest is coming over it is polite and safe to ask do you have any allergies to foods, herbs and essential oils. Clean safe food smells and tastes great.

• Sound-Whatever music you choose it should not be so loud that guest can't hear one another. Classics are great for mixed crowds or even try a little classical or jazz to set a more relaxed tone.

Let's rewind do not forget to clean your home top to bottom. You do not get a take back if a guest opens a closet while looking for the restroom and chicken feathers, dust and old electronics from the seventies fall topple onto their head.
Here is another tip- an old fashion phone call is a more endearing way to build anticipation for the event as well as make sure your menu agrees with your guest. After you have addressed any needs of each guest (btw this can be done via R.S.V.P. if there are special dietary needs)It is time to really get busy.   

In my experience, people do not like it when you announce the food is healthy. They will not show up or simply decline to even taste. On the other hand, if they show up and it smells and tastes great when they want the recipe and thus healthy cooking becomes infectious.

Rule 1- Just because you are a health enthusiast does not mean your guest will be too.
Rule 2- Keep your menu simple include meatless options.
Rule 3- Preparation is key, start 3-4 weeks ahead.
Rule 4-Know your guest. (Any allergies/special diets)
Rule 5- Hunt down free and discounted sale items.


Preparation is key to start before you go to the grocery store.
1st Take inventory of the ingredients you have. Include the ones growing in your personal herb garden.  This is a delicious -free way to spice things up with zero cost.
2nd Plan your menu
3rd Make an ingredient list
4rd Use local sales flyers, coupons and rewards programs to cash in savings
5th Shop & stick to the list

If you have more than one stop be mindful of where the stores are located so you save energy time and money. After you have gotten the sales items home think which dish can you prepare 1 or two days ahead?

In-depth thought process to employ-

• Key ingredients are grilled foods, cocktails, and tasty snacks.
• Use a tablecloth in a warm inviting color or colorful inviting decorations.
• Use a Light aroma in the background in a diffuser, nothing overpowering.
• Light the area with candles and add a couple of drops of Essential Oils.
• (caution oils are flammable make sure does not contact the flame)

Sample menus items to try -

• I have included bonus recipes including my very own roasted Turmeric Chicken Wings.  (See photos below for links/recipes)

• Grilled chicken strips drizzled in Rosemary and honey
• Roasted Chicken wings in a flavor infused turmeric, vinegar marinade
• Meatless nacho cheese dipping sauce.
• Fresh salsa is quick and easy to make the same day.
• Buckwheat noodles
• Turkey meatballs in a savory garlic bbq sauce
• Roasted veggies on the grill drizzled in olive oil
• Sushi
• Plantain balls or bunuelos with guava for a sweet treat
• Fresh veggies and fruit ….in tiny cups presentation is everything
• Pasta cups… small serving in shot glass size cups are healthy can be gluten free depending on roasted potatoes in mini platters
• Different types of Salads potato salad/ fresh fruity bitter greens with fruits
• Meatless casseroles like squash or eggplant

Next:
Choose 2-3 types of meat
Choose 2-3 salads
Choose 2 make-ahead dishes

Choose Beverages-
Lemon water with anise
Mini herbal mocktails
Punch -Juice some fresh fruit and -replace sugar with honey, coconut sugar or maple syrup
Frozen ice cubes with sprigs of mint are refreshing and make your guest feel special
Choose Desserts-
Parfait desserts with Greek yogurt- chilled or frozen
Or homemade fruit bars

So how is all of this $20.00??

• Dollar tree for cute party trays, shot glasses, frozen fruit
• Shop grocery clearance with coupons on double coupon day
• Always read the flyer before you shop
• Go to your local Korean Grocery store for the best prices on fresh vegetables and herbs if you're not growing any yet;-)

Why do we love turmeric?
In addition to its uses for inflammation; arthritis; stomach, skin, liver, and gallbladder problems; cancer; and other conditions it is a pretty color. -MedlinePlus
This is a great substitution for overly salty fried chicken and it will have nutritional benefit for your guest.[4]

Enjoy your party!!!
Next time I will share with you the best places to buy natural products. ​
Enjoy your party!!! I hope these tips and recipes living your next healthy yet thrifty event. Here at G.V.N.S. we hope to deliver health conscience advice and tips weekly through our blog post. Soon we will be announcing our grand opening.
Our home-based office will offer a spa-like setting to encourage relaxation and health science education through, homeopathy, iridology, aromatherapy, herbal remedies and whole body support. We intend to assist the community with a wealth of information on aging, pregnancy, health optimization, MVA support and other life coaching areas that health science can offer support for effectively. “Not all solutions are in a bottle.”-G.V.N.S.
Please enjoy and feel free to comment if you have additional ideas or a topic you would like more information on. I look forward to hearing from you!
Next time I will share with you the best places to buy natural products. ​


References:

[1]Ozcan M. Chalchat J (2008)Chemical composition and antifungal activity of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) oil retreived from:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18654909

[2]Rašković A. Milanović, I. Pavlović N. (2014)Antioxidant activity of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) essential oil and its hepatoprotective potential retrieved from:
​https://bmccomplementalternmed.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1472-6882-14-225​
.
[3](2010)Plant Profiler retrieved from:
https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/life-science/nutrition-research/learning-center/plant-profiler/lavandula-angustifolia.html

[4](2016)NCCIH Turmeric retrieved from:
https://nccih.nih.gov/health/turmeric/ataglance.htm

[5](2016)NCCIH Tea tree oil retrieved from:
https://nccih.nih.gov/health/tea/treeoil.htm

[6](2017) Medical News Today All about Rosemary retrieved from:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266370.php

[7] Fletcher J. (2018) What is the best way to treat scabies? retrieved from:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321335.php

[8](2018) 15 Amazing Benefits of Castor Oil retrieved from:
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/seed-and-nut/health-benefits-of-castor-seed-oil.html

[9](2018) 15 wonderful benefits of Witch Hazel retrieved from:
​https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/witch-hazel.html
​