Happy Friday, gang! Can you believe we made it through another week? Spring is in full bloom in Georgia, so it’s time to enjoy the great outdoors, whether it’s your backyard, a park, or just a stroll around the block. Oscar loves this time of year too and spends hours in his yard chasing squirrels, barking at the deer, and sitting on the grass surveying his turf. Me? I love to putter in the garden. Or I’ll bring my computer outside and work on a project or two, basking in the warm sunlight. Any excuse to head outdoors is welcome this time of year. I will say the South puts on a brilliant show come Spring with blooms and new growth at every turn. But that means there are lots of messes to contend with when Mother Nature is finished, so there are many opportunities to be outside in the yard.
The weather has been cra-zy the past week with temps in the upper 70s to low 30s and a few thunderstorms in between. Mother Nature can be fickle this time of year, but I stole a few glorious moments between the rain and cool temps in my backyard. I love to invite family and friends over this time of year to savor the sunset. Entertaining never has to be complicated. It just takes a bit of planning. I let Trader Joe’s do the heavy lifting whenever I’m short on time. And I always keep a snack or two tucked away in my freezer that’s ready to serve in minutes. Today, I’m sharing a few of the best Trader Joe’s appetizers, and a delicious Sangria recipe perfect all Spring and Summer long.
Sangria is easy to make at a moment’s notice, and it makes a big enough batch to serve unexpected guests. A bottle of red wine and fruit is all that’s necessary. I like to add triple sec into the mix for flavor. The recipe below calls for orange juice and sugar, but I decided to modify the recipe to eliminate both ingredients. Guess what? The Sangria was just as delicious without the extra sugar.
Mix orange juice, lime juice, sugar, and triple sec in a pitcher until sugar is dissolved.
Add the wine and fruit.
Chill for about an hour before serving.
Notes
I used fruit that I had on hand (pears, apples, strawberries)
The Best Trader Joe’s appetizers
Trader Joe’s has some of the best dips in town. My favorites are Mediterranean Hummus and Artichoke & Jalapeño Dip. Add some veggies, and you have a crudités platter that’s easy to throw together at a moment’s notice. Crackers, bread, and chips are all easy additions that will please your guests.
Today’s outfit is a variation of my style uniform, the 4 B’s (blazer, button-up, blue jeans, and ballet flats). Utility jackets (old, similar here and here), whether green or khaki, are the perfect third layer come Spring and fall when the temps are on the cool side. Double denim, lovingly referred to as the Canadian or Texas tuxedo, is in play today with a chambray popover from J.Crew and paint-splattered blue jeans from Ralph Lauren. Add a pair of loafers (old, similar here and here), and I have a prep in my step today.
is the Founder and CEO of Style at a Certain Age. She writes Sundays-Fridays on all topics ranging from fashion, health, wellness, home design and more.
I think it is awesome that you can entertain outside all ready. I woke up to a dusting of snow, in
Minnesota this morning. Probably only 1/2 inch, but still snow. Say hi to Oscar and give him a pat.
The four “B’s” can serve us well. I need to remember this phrase. Maybe I should post it in my closet. Isn’t Trader Joe’s great for so many things? You look cool, calm and collected in the face of unexpected guests stopping by. Always good to have a little nosh on hand, and you look great!
Great food and fashion! I’ll try your Sangria recipe.
Also, thanks to you, I just pulled my penny loafers (Bass brand) out of my closet … good classic!
Oscar is the bomb! Love the simple, healthy spread — and we’re finally getting sun in RI today after the same kind of yo-yo weather you’ve had. I love summer Sangria, but it’s fattening. You have lots of OJ, so omit the sugar. You won’t even know it’s not there.
I always enjoy the variety and information in your posts, Beth. Today’s post was a great reminder of how easy and simple entertaining can be. After all, hosting guests is all about the fellowship!. 😊
It’s nice to see you and Oscar out in the yard again. The dip assortment looks so appetizing and I love those carrots of many colors! Trader Joe’s is a real treasure and I, too, keep a supply of quick fixin’s in the freezer. You are radiant in that blue.
Thank you for the appetizer ideas. Easter company trays are on the horizon and a quick idea from Trader Joe’s is appreciated. What wine did you use for Sangria……any red?
I think it is awesome that you can entertain outside all ready. I woke up to a dusting of snow, in
Minnesota this morning. Probably only 1/2 inch, but still snow. Say hi to Oscar and give him a pat.
that’s one of the reasons we moved to Georgia. no snow in April…. hangeth thou in there!
The four “B’s” can serve us well. I need to remember this phrase. Maybe I should post it in my closet. Isn’t Trader Joe’s great for so many things? You look cool, calm and collected in the face of unexpected guests stopping by. Always good to have a little nosh on hand, and you look great!
having some goodies on hand keeps me calm and collected! isn’t Trader Joe’s the best?! from flowers to desserts they have it all.
Hi Oscar!
Great food and fashion! I’ll try your Sangria recipe.
Also, thanks to you, I just pulled my penny loafers (Bass brand) out of my closet … good classic!
i never get tired of my loafers! such a classic shoe!
Oscar is the bomb! Love the simple, healthy spread — and we’re finally getting sun in RI today after the same kind of yo-yo weather you’ve had. I love summer Sangria, but it’s fattening. You have lots of OJ, so omit the sugar. You won’t even know it’s not there.
i omitted both the orange juice and the sugar. honestly, you don’t need either as the fruit will sweeten the Sangria on its own.
I always enjoy the variety and information in your posts, Beth. Today’s post was a great reminder of how easy and simple entertaining can be. After all, hosting guests is all about the fellowship!. 😊
you are so right, entertaining is about the fellowship. what would we do without our friends and family?!
It’s nice to see you and Oscar out in the yard again. The dip assortment looks so appetizing and I love those carrots of many colors! Trader Joe’s is a real treasure and I, too, keep a supply of quick fixin’s in the freezer. You are radiant in that blue.
Thank you for the appetizer ideas. Easter company trays are on the horizon and a quick idea from Trader Joe’s is appreciated. What wine did you use for Sangria……any red?