Ideas for a Casual Get Together + a Recipe for The Best Shrimp Creole

Last Friday, I invited some friends over for a very casual get together. I asked everyone to bring one of their favorite dishes and come over to enjoy an evening of good conversation and good food. I made shrimp creole served over rice (recipe below) and chocolate pie. We had a wonderful evening and I don’t know about everyone else, but I ate way too much because the food was delicious!

One Universal Party Truth is that the first guest will arrive early and a half-dozen folks will squeeze into the kitchen for some unknown reason. This party was no exception, but because I had done everything ahead of time, I wasn’t stressed out and was able to relax and enjoy. I added the shrimp to the creole at the last minute and also decided to serve right from the pot on the stove. It worked out beautifully and I think everyone had a great time!

Cardigan & Jeans - Crazy Blonde Style
Crazy Blonde Life - Making Shrimp Creole

I served the creole in bowls over rice with a big green salad. I cooked the rice in my rice cooker several hours early and it kept beautifully! I absolutely love my rice cooker and it makes serving dishes like shrimp creole so easy! It cooks any kind of rice perfectly every time!

Guacamole - Crazy Blonde Life

Guacamole is always a crowd pleaser and especially when served on a beautiful handmade dish!

Vinegar for Salad Dressing - Crazy Blonde Life
Balsamic Vinaigrette - Crazy Blonde Life
Casual Get Together - Crazy Blonde Life

Guests go where the action isβ€”besides, they want to hang out with the host. Be ready with a hospitable setup.

Party Ideas - Crazy Blonde Life

I like to have several kinds of wine and have different containers to hold the bottles depending on my mood and the number of guests.

Good Friends - Crazy Blonde Life
Party Ideas - Crazy Blonde Life

We did migrate into our den for appetizers before dinner and then ate with plates on our laps…very casual!

Recipe

Cardigan & Jeans - Crazy Blonde Life

I was casual and comfortable and as usual dressed in jeans!

I wish that I had taken more pictures as the party progressed, but we were having such great conversation that I completely forgot about the camera! I guess that means the party was a success!

Thanks so much for reading today and for more recipes, be sure to check out my YouTube channel!

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