There is nothing I like more than throwing a good party. I’ve always enjoyed entertaining but over the years, my idea of a good party has changed considerably. In college, parties consisted of frozen appetizers and big pots of pasta with semi-homemade sauces, punches spiked with cheap vodka and decorations procured at Wal*Mart (on one particular shopping excursion my roommate and I were buying fake snow and a few other frivolous party necessities and our cashier candidly informed us that she couldn’t afford a Christmas present for her kid. That was awkward).
Now, my parties are slightly more elegant…or at least, my cooking skills have improved considerably and I can afford better vodka. The one thing that hasn’t changed is that when you want to feed a crowd, there is no better bargain than pasta. I’ve mentioned before that my business (and therefore my income) is sometimes unpredictable, so whenever I entertain I have to take budget into consideration. Sam’s Club recently challenged me to create a menu on a budget for a holiday party or get-together and their timing couldn’t have been more perfect.
My assigned budget was $60.00. I decided to make a simple garlic bread, mixed green salad and a pasta dish that’s been on my “must try” list for weeks. I had New Year’s Eve in mind when I shopped but this would be a perfect for a date-night dinner or girls’ night in. For a grand total of $60, I purchased:
-Heartland 100% Whole Wheat Pasta Combination Pack: $4.62
-Eggland’s Best Grade A Large Eggs: $3.57
-Artisan Fresh Baguette: $2.78
-Colossal Garlic: 2 pounds $5.98
-Argitoni Parmigiano Reggiano: $11.64
-Byrne Dairy Heavy Cream: $3.38
-Organic Spring Mix: $4.19
Oscar Mayer® Bacon: $11.58
Cupcake Chardonnay: $7.98
GRAND TOTAL: $55.62
Because entertaining is certainly easier when you have fun gadgets to use, Sam’s Club has offered to give one lucky In Good Taste reader a new KitchenAid Professional Stand Mixer. To enter the giveaway simply leave a comment on this post telling me about the best party you’ve ever been to. Or tell me your favorite tip for entertaining on a budget. Or tell me how good looking I am. It’s all up to you.
For additional entries:
- Become a fan of Sam’s Club on Facebook. Leave a separate comment on this post letting me know you completed this.
- Become a fan of In Good Taste on Facebook. Leave a separate comment on this post letting me know you completed this.
- Tweet the following: “I’d love to #win a @KitchenAidUSA Stand Mixer from @SamsClub and @MarisCallahan.” Leave a separate comment on this post letting me know you completed this.
- Share the link to this giveaway with your Facebook friends. Leave a separate comment on this post letting me know you completed this.
All entries must be received by midnight CST on Tuesday January 10th, 2012. Winner will be chosen via Random.org and notified via valid email address. Thanks for entering! UPDATE: THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.
*Sam’s Club provided this giveaway however I did not receive compensation for this post and all opinions here are my own.
Now, let’s talk pasta.
Whole Wheat Linguine Carbonara
Serves 4
Adapted from Weight Watchers
What You Need
8 oz uncooked whole-wheat linguine
1/2 cup diced pancetta
1 medium garlic clove, smashed
1 large egg white, beaten
1 large egg, beaten
6 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp table salt, or to taste
1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground, or to taste
Cook linguine according to package directions; drain and set aside.
Meanwhile, heat a large nonstick skillet over a medium-low heat. Add bacon and garlic; cook, stirring frequently, until bacon is crisp, about 4 to 6 minutes.
Add linguine to skillet; toss well and remove from heat. Add eggs and cheese; toss well to coat (the hot pasta will cook the egg). Season to taste; serve immediately. Yields about 1 cup per serving.
Print This Recipe
{ 257 comments… read them below or add one }
Well, I think you spend your money wisely!
Hmmm.the best party??? I think my husbands surprise 39th birthday party. I got alcohol poisoning! I suppose that means I must have had a good time!!!!
Awesome giveaway!
liked sam’s on FB
Just became a fan of Sams!
liked in good taste on FB
Just Tweeted!
your goregous!!! and your a rock star in the kitchen!!
Already a fan on Facebook! Can you tell I need a new mixer???;)
Searching the ads for meat that’s on sale and building menus around that is how I generally save money while entertaining. Or at least it helps you justify more special ingredients.
I’ve made this dish once before for a weeknight dinner for me, but used orzo instead of pasta: it was great!
Would LOVE to win a mixer
Potlucks are the best way to entertain on the budget! and you’re gorgeous!
Maris – you’re absolutely terrific and so’s your Mom. Can’t think of the best party offhand, although when I was with KPMG we had a pretty good one someplace I can’t even remember. But my first company picnic with Lambda has to take the cake.
I threw a Mexican Fiesta party for my mom. We had a small family gathering and everyone loved the buffet style dinner of guacamole, chips, pulled pork, tacos, mexican rice and more!
I’m a fan of Sam’s club on facebook!
I liked In good taste on facebook
tweeted!
https://twitter.com/#!/mmirnanda/status/155407947760025601
facebooked the giveaway
Ohh I LOVE Carbonara! So easy to make and edit
My tip for entertaining on a budget–have some solid go-to dishes that aren’t too expensive. I do a jar of chili mixed with cream cheese and topped with shredded cheese as an inexpensive dip, always goes over quite well 
I think great people make a great party. All the best parties I’ve been to have seemed “easy” from a hosting perspective ~ put out some little nibbles, turn on the music, keep the glasses full ~ and mingle mingle mingle!
Fingers crossed over here ~ I’d love to add some new tricks to my repertoire with a new mixer!
And I’m a fan of In Good Taste on Facebook
What an amazing giveaway. I’ve been dying for a stand mixer for years now
To be completely honest – the best party in terms of food that I’ve ever been to has been one(of many!) that my mom threw when I was still living at home. I don’t know if that’s incredibly sad or not, haha.
I’m a fan of In Good Taste on FB
a tip: make it a potluck!
Great Recipe! If I didn’t already have my menu for tomorrow night’s pot luck set I’d make it for sure!
I love this Maris. What a wonderful bargain dinner party idea. I’m in Canada, so I can’t enter, but had to stop by and say “hi”. Have a great weekend.
The best party? Had to be the Mother / Daughter Christmas parties at my daughter’s church! Lots of yummy food, music, games, and friends!
outofthemist AT gmail DOT com
I LIKE Sam’s Club on Facebook as Terri P
outofthemist AT gmail DOT com
I LIKE In Good taste on Facebook as Terri P
outofthemist AT gmail DOT com
1/6/12 Tweet:
https://twitter.com/#!/GeorgiaMist/status/155434334160044034
outofthemist AT gmail DOT com
wow! what a great giveaway! I won’t enter bc I already have one and want to share the goods with someone else but someone will be veeery lucky!
The best partiest I have ever gone to have been at my husband’s aunt and uncle’s place. They usually throw wonderful dinners with amazing food! They are my hosting inspiration, that’s for sure!
I now “Like” In Good Taste on Facebook!
And I tweeted here: https://twitter.com/#!/KaraEvs/status/155437943958417408
For my 34th birthday I hosted a homemade pizza party for my best friends. I made everything from scratch. I cooked and cooked and cooked. I was so tired, but so happy. Everything turned out great, everyone had a great time and everyone loved my pizzas.
Best party? Entertaining on a budget? You’re hot, Maris. ;D
I tweeted the giveaway
Best party I ever attended – my wedding reception!
I tweeted the giveaway @icywit
I liked In Good Taste on FB.
love the recipe!!! and i’d LOVE to win a stand mixer. i am finally doing enough baking that i think it’s time to retire the old hand mixer!
the best dinner party i ever went to was this one:
http://theactorsdiet.wordpress.com/2011/07/09/osteria-phyllis/
i’m still licking my lips.
just shared on my facebook wall:
http://www.facebook.com/theactorsdiet
my wedding!
I like you on Facebook. Always have! You’ve been quiet lately – miss you!
Entertaining on a budget? Have your friends bring wine, hit up the day-old bakery. (You’re toasting it anyway!) And pasta, which you did. I already like you on Facebook. Also, you have the face of an angel.
And I’ll share this on Facebook!
my grandmother’s birthday party
This is tomorrow night’s dinner. This recipe looks amazing!!!!!
I have liked in good taste on facebook:).
I have liked Sam’s Club on Facebook.
I have shared this link on Facebook.
Does it count that I already am a fan of In Good Taste on Facebook?
I just shared this on Facebook!
Pasta is always a great party option – this looks really yummy! The best party I have ever been to might have been this past New Years Eve. A potluck with good friends turned into an impromptu dance party, it was so much fun!
First-you are gorgeous inside and out. Second, I love me some Cupcake wine and third when entertaining buy in bulk at sam’s Club!
My all-time favorite appetizer is scallops wrapped in bacon. Simple and sooo yummy! I don’t really have any good tips, but maybe if I won a Kitchenaide, my skills would improve!
I also friended Sam’s Club on FB.
I am now following you on FB.
the best parties that I attend are my family’s annual Christmas Eve night of food & games. I love home-cooked and appetizer foods!
tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/thatShortchick/status/155459866419404800
The best party i went to was a New Years Eve party a few years ago that was hosted by a chef, I have never had better food!!
like sams club on fb
jenzen69atyahoodotcom
like you on fb
jenzen69atyahoodotcom
tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/jenzen69/status/155466491142217728
jenzen69atyahoodotcom
fb post
http://www.facebook.com/jhhuey/posts/166775580096534
jenzen69atyahoodotcom
My aunt used to throw great parties. One of her tips was to prepare the food in advance and then hire a couple of students from the local university to come and do the final preparations and serving. While the latter is not in my budget, I definitely take prep times into consideration. Preparing to entertain can be made so much easier if most of your work can be done in advance.
My best tip for entertaining on a budget? Host a potluck.
I’m a fan of Sam’s on Facebook!
I’m following you on Facebook.
Cocktail making on a budget? Make regular hard liquors look sophisticated by using local, seasonal fruits infused into them and serving with ice and tonic water! Cheap and easy!
I am a fan of Sam’s Club on FB
I am a fan of you on FB
I tweeted! http://twitter.com/#!/nella22/statuses/155477902245367808
I shared on FB
I’m a horrible hostess, but a wonderful cook…. and I’ve even more wonderful with a beautiful new professional stand mixer. Pretty please and thank you!
I am definitely a fan of Sams Club on Facebook…. Twitter, too!
I Tweeted about the giveaway via ItsYummilicious on 1/6/12
I’m a Facebook fan of your page!
I shared the giveaway on my Facebook wall
The best party I was a part of was a progressive dinner party. We started at the house where the parents would be leaving their kids and went around enjoying everyone’s Christmas decorations and yummy food!
I’m a single mom so no parties for me except kids ones
I do gotta say the best parties are good old fashioned in the home parties. I don’t get spending 700 bucks on a 3rd bday party out at a commercial place!!
Sams facebook fan!!
I “liked” Sam’s Club! (I really do like them too!)
Fan on fb of in good taste
Tweeted that I want to win!!
@corpusdlc
I shared on my fb wall!!
Maris, you are adorable and I love this blog. Thank you to Sam’s Club for this generous prize!
I’m now following In Good Taste on Facebook!
Great recipe! I like ones like this for dinner parties where the food is not complicated but comforting and a crowd-pleaser!
I “like” Sam’s Club on Facebook, too!
I tweeted about this giveaway!
I tweeted the giveaway! @kay819
I love to keep it simple and casual while entertaining on a budget. Like w/ your pasta, you don’t have to feed everyone NY strip steaks and expensive alcohol….you can make something simple and delicious for a lot less time and money.
hgrossman at cableone dot net
I went to an ALice in Wonderland party once. We thought it was just a tea party but it ended up being a mad hatter tea party and it was so much fun. Everyone was dressed up and the food consisted of high tea appetizers and scones and then there was a buffet with ALice themed food. It was the best!
follow sams on fb: carolyn gonzalez
follow you on FB; carolyn gonzalez
My tip for entertaining on a budget is plan your menu ahead of time and try to get some good sales. Also use coupons for what you can. It all adds up to savings!
I follow Sam’s Club on twitter @rsmstahley
I really can’t think about tweeting when I am trying to say that I follow Samsclub on Facebook. Sorry.
I tweeted https://twitter.com/#!/rsmstahley/status/155515520215552001
Found my way here from the actor’s diet facebook. Not sure about the best party I’ve ever been to, but the new years party I went to this year was pretty great – it was in a lovely Brooklyn apartment, catered by the korilla bbq truck (parked right outside), and we were served whoopie pies after our champagne toast at midnight!
I also tweeted (@NatchB)
The best party I’ve ever been to was my sister’s 40th surprise birthday. People still talk about it with delight:)
I tweeted about the giveaway as @Bibberche.
Well done Maris! The dish looks so appetising and you cannot tell that it was done on a budget!
The best parties are usually on a budget because you are forced to be creative! Good for you… the pasta sounds heavenly! I don’t need a mixer , I just got a new one for Christmas… but what a great give-a-way!
Hi Maris! I love Sam’s Club and pasta is a great way to entertain on a budget. Their organic spring mix and great parm are often in my frig. In our group of friends, we always offer to bring an appetizer, salad or dessert to friend’s homes. There have been so many wonderful parties over the years but the most fun include a little dancing
I’ve liked Sam’s Club on Facebook.
I’ve already Liked you on Facebook.
I just tweeted about your great giveaway – https://twitter.com/#!/savoringtime/status/155650515965976576
Yum – this looks delicious! I’d say the best party is any night out with Maris
I will definitely try this recipe for my next party.
What an incredible giveaway! And way to go on this challenge…your linguine looks amazing (who doesn’t love carbonara???). My favorite party of late was one we went to last night…at a fellow food blogger’s house. She made a HUGE array of fantastic dishes…I could have sampled all night long…a foodies’ dream meal!
Yumm – perfect for a book club night!
Hmm, the best parties would have to be summer bbqs after a day at the beach…no stress and lots of great food and drinks with family and friends!
What a wholesome and comforting pasta dish!
Well first I must comment, without any prompting, on just how adorable you are. But because I don’t expect that pandering to really work…I’m trying to think of the best party I’ve had. I entertain SO much it’s hard to choose but I would have to say it was a fundraiser for Susan G Komen that I did two years ago. It was all appetizers and a cake that is still memorable. A local wine shop worked with me to provide some amazing selections for both the appetizers and desserts and I was able to raise money for a great organization while also enjoying good food and wine with friends. Yes, that was perfect!
My favorite parties involve just hanging out with people at home (theirs or mine), low-key style. Exciting, huh?
my favorite party was where everyone had to bring a dish and something to drink. everyone shared everything and it was so fun!
i’m fbook-less till the superbowl but i’m pretty sure i’m a fan. regardless i’m a fan in real life! so good to finally meet you over xmas!!!
Liked sams on Facebook!
Became a fan of in good taste
Best party? My best friend’s NYE party! Champagne, games, great food, and so much fun!
My favorite tip for entertaining on a budget is to have potluck party
fan of Sam’s Club on Facebook
Jessie c.
https://www.facebook.com/tcarolinep/posts/2535066692113
https://twitter.com/#!/tcarolinep/status/155724573625679873
fan of In Good Taste on Facebook.
Jessie c.
You are beautiful! My tip for budget entertaining is to keep it simple, use affordable and wholesome ingredients.
I like Sam’s Club on Facebook as Elena Istomina
I like In Good Taste on Facebook as Elena Istomina
shared on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ingoodtasteblog?ref=ts&sk=wall#!/permalink.php?story_fbid=263441460389273&id=100002433695748
tweet: https://twitter.com/#!/ElenaIstomina/status/155741776437706754
This recipe looks great and what a fabulous giveaway!
I tweeted about the giveaway and liked on Facebook
This is my first time visiting your blog and I LOVE IT! Thank you so much for the giveaway I have been wanting one of these for a while now! my tip for entertaining on a budget is to use coupons and buy in bulk like from SAMS! thanks again!
ashleygatewood1(AT)gmail.com
I am a fan of Sam’s Club on Facebook (Ashley Hatten)
ashleygatewood1(AT)gmail.com
I am now a fan of In Good Taste on Facebook (Ashley Hatten)
ashleygatewood1(AT)gmail.com
https://twitter.com/#!/shuggysmommy/status/155748955643326465
ashleygatewood1(AT)gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/ashleygatewood1985/posts/318763118146411
shared on facebook (Ashley Hatten)
ashleygatewood1(AT)gmail.com
thanks again
I think you listed the main one..pasta and salad is a great way to feed a crowd on a budget..
I can’t wait to try your linguine carbonara
The best party?!?! My wedding reception! It was such fun!
I also am excited to make this pasta! Sounds wonderful!
Mm this looks great. Best party has to be last year’s Christmas party. Lots of great food and family. Entertaining on a budget: potlucks!
Liked Sam’s Club on FB!
Tweeted about the giveaway.
I am a fan of Sam’s Club on FB
I just became a fan of In Good Taste on FB!
I shared on FB-but I don’t tweet or twitter!
The best parties are when my friends and family are all around-and my kitchen duties are pretty complete. Then I can relax and enjoy their company!
The best party I’ve attended was the pre-game VIP party just prior to Super Bowl 38 in Houston back in 2004. I got to help judge the BBQ Brisket Cook-Off and it was awesome!
That really is a great party meal… and no one would even know it was such good value!
I’m a fan on facebook:-)
The best party I’ve ever been to was my best friend’s wedding reception. Nothing compares!
My favorite dinner party was probably the one my friend and her husband who is a chef did for me and my husband the day before our wedding . Chantrelle Risotto delish!! They are amazing . We had great wine great food and 15 people at their large table!
I don’t know about the best, but we used to throw an open house for the neighborhood that took a month of prep, including a week of 12-hour days making everything from scratch. It was exhausting, but great fun and well-appreciated.
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/saladgoddess/status/155836737262858240
I wanted a KitchenAid mixer for Xmas so bad but Santa didn’t grant my wish…
Really hoping I’ll win one! 
And Thank you!
I became a fan of Sam’s Club on Facebook, gladly!
I tweeted about this giveaway! https://twitter.com/#!/lilysheng/status/155843489261821952
When I’m on a limited budget and entertaining for a small crowd, I usually end up using cheaper cuts of meat and braising the main entree, like braised shortribs, braised brisquet, pork shoulder or pork butt, or even chix thighs.
My best tip for entertaining on a budget is to get your guests involved …and have each one bring a dish. It’s also a great way to try something out of your regular food routine and acquire new recipes.
I follow Sam’s on facebook (Rust Hawk).
I am one of your current facebook followers (Rust Hawk).
Tweeted https://twitter.com/#!/rusthawk/status/155868108488310785
FB post http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=339722346057856&id=100001156831237
My best tip for entertaining is to relax! Whenever I get stressed I want to buy stuff to make up for it. Totally unnecessary. But I do have some great wine glasses as a result,.
Great post, Maris, love it and can’t wait to try the recipe.
What a great looking carbonara! Maris, you look beautiful, but I will make a comment on the best party I’ve been to. A few years back I’ve been to Francisco Coppola’s Fall Harvest party in Napa. It was just amazing. The catering food was gorgeous (not typical so so catering) and of course we get to drink quite expensive wines as much as we want to (we have to pay for the event even though we have membership)… the atmosphere and decorations…and everything was just perfect. I will never forget such a fun night. Anyway, this is a great giveaway! I have a stand mixer already so please don’t include mine.
What a fabulous dish! It is awesome how one can prepare such gourmet faire even on a limited budget. Best way to do it is of course shopping at Sam’s Club!
I liked Sam’s on FB.
I’m a fan on Facebook!
I just tweeted your giveaway, but I don’t know how to add the link here
That pasta looks incredible. I used to work at a private home in NYC in the kitchen — serving, cleaning up, etc. That woman threw the most incredible dinners. She was a real pro.
This pasta looks delicious! I am so far behind on my blog-reading, but it looks like I missed some great recipes.
I’ll have to catch up!
My favorite parties are actually always family Christmas parties. The food and drinks are never better, and you can’t beat the decorations!
Love this dish, especially that you created it on a budget (Something I need to get better at!) As for that Kitchen Aid mixer, you’re gorgeous Maris
. Happy New Year!
Entertaining on a budget : If I am making a yummy meal for a group of people sometimes I use a slow cooker. You can use cheaper cuts of meat because they get so tender. Same thing if you do up a good marinade and let the meat have a good soak before a BBQ.
I like you on Facebook
tweet
https://twitter.com/#!/mamaflutter/status/156061266773934080
I like Sams on Facebook
Best party ever was the one where I met my husband. It was a Be Your Own Superhero party and he was dressed as Bike Messenger Man, I was Captain Takeout.
Your pasta looks so wholesome and delicious! And on a budget too?! That’s fantastic. Entertaining on a budget can definitely be a challenge but Sam’s Club always is a first stop on my list to help with the savings. Great recipe! As a baker, I could always use a new mixer!
YAY!
I certainly could make good use of a mixer, considering the wicked voracity of my vernal ways… It would be running around the clock!
As for the ultimate party, it would have to be my family’s Christmas gatherings. Apart from the obvious alluring Christmas spirit and the soothing feeling of familial belonging, it is undoubtly quite a joy to witness dear old grandpa expressing his penchant for the whiskey…
The best party I’ve ever been to was a dessert get together my friend hosted. I got there and then the doorbell rang she asked me to go get it bc it was Christmas carolers I joked I hope they don’t want a tip and standing outside was almost all the ladies from our church. They were throwing me a surprise baby shower. It was a great party full of food fun and fellowship.
I am a fan of Sams Club on FB
Christine J Mayfield
I am a fan of In Good Taste on FB
Christine J Mayfield
tweeted https://twitter.com/#!/BeeBubbaBella/status/156078210600288256
Shared on FB
https://www.facebook.com/BeeBubbaBella/posts/230233247052377
I am following in Good Taste on Facebook.
wow, the linguine looks delicious! i love entertaining on a budget… but it never seems to happen for me.. lol. the kitchen mix is an awesome giveaway maris!
the best parties i’ve been to are the ones where good friends get together, eat, drink, laugh, and play games.
i follow in good taste on fb
i shared the link on fb too
The best party I have gone to was, surprisingly, a party just for employees but offsite so we could relax and not worry about “the brass”. Everyone brought either their special snack foods or something to drink. That party fostered a lot of bonding among employees.
chrisdeglen(at)gmail(dot)com
I like Sam’s Clue on Facebook. Debbie Christie
chrisdeglen(at)gmail(dot)com
Shared on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=194459337316809&id=100002582315135
chrisdeglen(at)gmail(dot)com
I like you on Facebook. Debbie Christie
chrisdeglen(at)gmail(dot)com
@chrisdeglen tweeted:
twitter.com/#!/chrisdeglen/status/156104178505224192
chrisdeglen(at)gmail(dot)com
Well if you want to count the party as my wedding that was the best party I have ever been to. I had a great deal of fun and so did my husband. It was 13 yrs ago but still it ranks right up there.
Yum, looks great! Indian food is great for serving at a party if you’re on a budget because there are so many tasty vegetarian options!
My favorite tip is not to overcook. When there is too much food in the end, it is usually distributed which might or might not be consumed by the guests later or the hosts are forced to finish the food in the following days.
Also some things just cannot be reheated and hence will be wasted.
bvbabybv at gmail dot com
I like Sam’s Club on FB as Jo Sue
Tweet:
https://twitter.com/#!/bvbabybv/status/156181345842900992
I like In Good Taste on FB as Jo Sue
I love my families tamale parties, everyone helps with the cooking.
first of all, this pasta looks/sounds incredible. making it again anytime soon?
best party ever? any of yours!
and i tweeted!
My entertaining ace in the hole is to purchase a box of Puff Pastry sheets, cut them up, fill them with everything from cold cuts and cheese to brie and jam, even bits of candy bars. Glaze them, sugar them, dunk them in fondue. So much fun can be had with puff pastry.
I have liked you on fb.
The best party I ever went to–oddly, I only remember the hummus, the pavlova, and the conversation. I can’t remember the actual meal.
pasta carbonara is one of my favorites, it is really simple and delicious, I really like your photos
The best party I went to was in LA when I was 18. It was a 4th of July party. The thing I remember the most was the flag cake. It was the first time I ever had it and it was yummy.
I am a fan of Sams CLub on facebook.
I tweeted.
https://twitter.com/#!/LOLILUVS1/status/156306765590437888
http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=147117348734533&id=100003177327043
I like In Good Taste on facebook.
I love this post! Entertaining does NOT have to be a huge expensive ordeal as long as you plan carefully! This carbonara sounds absolutely delicious…a definite crowd pleaser.
My favorite entertaining tip is to make simple cost-friendly appetizers, like hummus or other dips and bruschetta. You can make big batches for not much money!
love this! yes, pasta is for a crowd, and this recipe looks bonkers!
What a fantastic dish and giveaway!
Your pasta looks wonderful. It is a wonderful way to feed a crowd and I’m sure all at your party enjoyed it. I hope you have a great day. Blessings…Mary
I’ll tell you how good looking you are—gorgeous! Now give me the mixer
Pasta looks delicious!
I like Sam’s on FB.
And I obviously like you on FB!
Tweeted!
Every year we have an AWESOME halloween party. It is potluck and always amazing!!! Food drink, and a dressed up old Victorian house = perfection!
tweeted!
I’m @bellacake
I now follow you on FB!!
My best entertaining tip – When putting food on a buffet. Put down one table cloth, turn bowls, and containers upside down. Place a second table cloth over the items. Now you have a table with differetn heigths which adds interest and makes more room.
My favorite party was the bachelorette party you so graciously hosted (I know kissing up won’t give me any further chances at winning…so it’s the truth).
I’m a fan of In Good Taste on FB!
…and I tweeted!
I twittered about this giveaway!
…and I LIKE you on FB!
…and I LIKE Sam’s Club!
Best party – family gathering of 30ish people in our small 1000 sqft townhome. We had family stuffed into every corner! Although I spent most the time in the kitchen we had a GREAT time taking, laughing & cooking! The cook had WAY too much wine! But all were happy, full & joyful. Not an easy crowd to impress. But there were all very complimentary &even tried the new dishes we brought to the table. Good time.
For me, make ahead foods are key for a party! Trying to cook too much right before a party can be disastrous! That pasta sounds so yummy! And you are good looking
Great pasta dish Maris…simple and so tasty. Like the light version
Hope you have a wonderful week ahead!
I think one of the best parties I’ve been to is 2011 New Year’s Eve party…it was the first time I got a bit tipsy! hee hee.
Shopping at Costco for a large party really cuts down on cost.
bahahah… how good looking you are? That was AWESOME. Well, obviously you are an angel. I’ve been to a few dazzling party, but I’d say the my latest birthday PJ party was one of the best yet with lots of tasty bites!
liked Sam’s club on FB
I tweeted this giveaway!
one tip i have for entertaining on a budget is that i like to reuse decorations & buy plates/cups in bulk so that they last for parties in the future. also, i like to buy ingredients in bulk as well that i know i’ll use a lot, definitely saves.
Wonderful dish, one we would eat any night of the week! And party? Party? We rarely go to parties, to tell the truth…. I have to say I love small intimate “parties” just with families or my Plate to Page girlfriends around the barbecue at one of their houses!
Love this dish and I hope that you are doing well!
Carbonara is one of my favorite pastas. Perfect for a party. My favorite party was my daughter’s wedding. A perfect day.
I tweeted your giveaway.
YOU ARE SOOOOOO GOOOOOD LOOOOKIN’!
My favorite party would have to be my 40th birthday. I had 35 of my closest friends, a table full of amazing food and it was just a blast. I will never forget it. This is an awesome giveaway Maris. Love it.
Liked Sams Club on FB
Liked In Good Taste on FB (why did I not already? Hmm)
One tip for entertaining on a budget (and going green!) is to purchase inexpensive dinnerware at IKEA, and then reuse for every party. If you entertain a lot, you will recover the cost of paper plates quite quickly. I have a set of 40 plain glass IKEA plates that get a ton of use. I think each one was 95 cents!
Love the addition of eggs to this pasta dish!
I tweeted. http://twitter.com/FarmgirlGourmet/statuses/156775770994393089
Just tweeted!!
Wow, I came over here to see how you are doing and you are giving away a mixer, sweet. I’d say the best party for me was when I got so drunk I threw up on my brother-in-law’s shoes, probably wasn’t the best party for him! I love Sam’s I wish they had one closer to me. Hope you had a Happy New Years.
-Gina-
My favorite tip for entertaining on a budget is….COUPON. There are coupons out there for almost everything!
thanks!!
Manda
avalenti6936 at yahoo dot com
The giveaway is closed Maris but somehow I had to comment anyway on this delicious pasta. It is good to know how to entertain on a budget. So often we go overboard and it is not necessarily all about the gourmet food but about the company.
Best party I have ever been to was a Halloween one by my aunt, she goes all out with decorations and food, she always makes a big cauldron of bouja.
Wow, look at all the comments you’ve got
The pasta looks really awesome!
Happy Thursday!
the best party i been to was my sister Halloween party. Had had amazing drinks, apps and desserts that went with theme. PS LOVE your blog
friend with sams on facebook
facebooked in good taste (samantha garcia)
shared on facebook
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1521631227