How to Host a Dinner Party — Without a Dining Room

August 18, 2016 1:31 pm

Don't have a traditional dining room table? You'll be happy to know that there are still a number of other ways to have your friends over for dinner. Here are a few smart tips for hosting a dinner party even without a dining room.

  • Think buffet-style. Avoid the sit-down feel right from the beginning by serving your food buffet style. This not only embraces the lack of a traditional dining room, it even makes it more fun.
  • Plan the menu accordingly. Since you don't have a large table, you'll want to avoid a really formal meal. This isn't the time for prime rib and multiple sides; rather, it's the perfect opportunity for a taco bar, a heaping bowl of pasta or dress-them-yourself burgers.
  • Embrace your outdoor space. If your rental comes equipped with its own private outdoor space (or even a shared outdoor area), it's the perfect opportunity to take your meal al fresco. Bring along a tablecloth, a few candles for ambiance and some recyclable plates that don't require much clean-up.
  • Take it to the floor. Toss some comfortable throw pillows around your living room and instruct your friends to gather around the coffee table.
  • Turn it into a theme night. If you're worried about the informal feel of eating on your couch with guests, turn your dinner party into a cozy theme. Pop in a movie for a laid-back movie night, or grab some board games for a dinner-party-turned-game-night.

Category: Miscellaneous Tags: , , ,


Juergens Park: Spend a Sunny Afternoon Outdoors

August 11, 2016 1:32 pm

The next time the kids are feeling rambunctious, take them on an afternoon getaway to Juergens Park. This well-maintained family park is located in a convenient location right in Tomball, and it contains just about everything you could ask for in a neighborhood park. The lighted pavilion makes a perfect spot for summer picnics and even casual kids’ birthday parties, and it’s large enough to accommodate all of your family and friends. There’s a great barbecue pit inside for cooking up an outdoor feast, and 40 large picnic tables ensure that there’s never a seating shortage.

The park also offers a half-mile paved walking track, a basketball court, and a volleyball court for those who want to work out, as well as water fountains all over the grounds. The park’s three playgrounds are some of its best features, however, offering hours of fun for kids of all ages.

Juergens Park
1331 Ulrich Street
Tomball, TX 77375
(281) 351-5484
www.ci.tomball.tx.us/index.aspx?NID=339
www.facebook.com/pages/Juergens-Park/134427406604199

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Twirl a Fork Into Fettuccine Alfredo at Gianna Italian Kitchen

August 4, 2016 1:31 pm

While Gianna Italian Kitchen is not quite out in the country (it’s located in one of historic Tomball's small shopping plazas), regular customers single out the hometown atmosphere as a highlight of this Italian eatery. Perhaps the only thing Gianna’s customers appreciate more, in fact, is the food itself. That said, don't let the strip mall exterior fool you: the majority of patrons praise the quality and value of Gianna's meals, with some even saying it's the best Italian food they've ever had! Standouts on the menu include house-made garlic bread, crab-stuffed mushrooms, and the rich, creamy fettuccine Alfredo.

Take note that Gianna Italian Kitchen does get busy, particularly on weekends, so make a reservation or you may need to wait a half-hour or so for a table. The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner.

Gianna Italian Kitchen
28301 State Highway 249
Tomball, TX 77375
(281) 290-6676
giannaitaliankitchen.com

Category: Restaurants Tags: ,


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