Published on July 20, 2018 | Last Updated on July 20, 2018

I have been a huge fan of Courtney’s for years now. She has amazing taste for all things entertaining! I know I’ve said this before but I’m pretty sure if we met in person we’d instantly become best friends. Her blog was one of the first I ever read and she’s inspired me in more ways than I can count. If you don’t follow her already, I highly suggest you do so! Without further ado, meet Courtney!

WHAT DO YOU ALWAYS KEEP ON HAND THAT IS QUICK TO SERVE? 

I love to keep all the makings for a simple charcuterie board on hand. You don’t have to worry about turning an oven on – heck, not even a microwave. Grab a wooden board or serving tray and display cheeses, fruits, nuts, crostini, and you’re all set! 

PRETEND YOU JUST GOT A CALL FROM YOUR COLLEGE BESTIES AND THEY’RE STOPPING BY IN 2 HOURS… WHAT DO YOU WHIP UP? 

Well, likely that charcuterie board. 😉 But also Frozen Grapefruit Rosé – it’s one of my favorite websites on my site. It’s simple to make and so refreshing, especially when it’s hot! Truly though, any fun cocktail and a few snacks is all you need for a good time! Keep it simple! 

IF YOU HAD DAYS TO PREPARE FOR GUESTS, WHAT WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY?

I’d likely come up with a fun theme and set a coordinating tablescape. Perhaps it would be something seasonally themed like “tropical vibes” or “flamingos” along with the perfect snacks and drinks. I love nothing more than an excuse to whip out my favorite dishes and glassware! 

IF YOU COULD HAVE A DRINK (COFFEE OR COCKTAIL) WITH ANY PERSON DEAD OR ALIVE, WHO WOULD IT BE?

My grandmother! She was such a wonderful influence on all things Southern. I remember eating peach cobbler in her kitchen watching her make biscuits. I love to weave in my Southern influences and she’s the reason! As for someone famous, likely Princess Diana.

DO YOU HAVE A NEVER FAILS CROWD PLEASING RECIPE? 

My crowd pleasing recipe is definitely my brown sugar pie! Last year, I had a “pie party” and displayed lots of different pies for guests. This pie was the first to go, and it’s not even an especially pretty pie. Simple looking, but absolutely delicious! 

WHO INSPIRES YOU MOST WHEN IT COMES TO ENTERTAINING?

My mother! I grew up watching her style tablescapes and have them photographed for a hopefully one-day book called “Phronsie’s Tables” (her name is Phronsie). While the title was a little different, she was my right hand gal for my Entertain In Style book. She’s been throwing parties for decades, and she can style a table better than anyone I know. I love that we can work together on Pizzazzerie!

ABOUT COURTNEY

Courtney Whitmore left her full time job as a career counselor to launch Pizzazzerie.com in 2010 to share entertaining inspiration and ideas with her readers. Growing up in the South, Courtney has always loved the art of presenting classic Southern foods with a modern twist and setting a tablescape with lots of pizzazz.  Her expertise has been seen in Better Homes & Gardens, HGTV.com, Ladies Home Journal, AOL’s DIY Life, Access Hollywood, and MarthaStewart.com. She is the author of 3 cookbooks – Push-Up Pops, Candy Making For Kids, and Frostings. Her first book, Push-up Pops (March 2012) was named one of Amazon’s Top 100 Hot New Releases! Her latest book Pizzazzerie: Entertain in Style released in the fall of 2017.

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