kozy & co: Summer Celebrations

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With Memorial Day weekend quickly approaching, I've got summer celebrations on my mind. I'm a party girl at heart, and I would never pass on an opportunity to entertain, but let's be honest, with three young kids, it isn't always easy for me to put together anything too elaborate.

These days I'm totally into keeping it simple when it comes to organizing a party on a whim.

I'm talking about foods and drinks that can be quickly thrown together, but still please a crowd... that way I can spend more time wrangling kids and enjoying everyone's company, and less time in the kitchen.

I don't know about you, but I'm a total snacker. My kind of party is the kind where there are a bunch of finger food options... that way I can graze as I please. Dips are totally my jam, which is why I'm loving the new line of Chobani Mezé Dips™... I mean who doesn't love dip?

Mezé dips are my favorite starting point when I'm looking to throw together a super simple spread for an impromptu gathering. The dips come in four globally inspired flavors in 10 oz. sizes; roasted red pepper (which happens to be my favorite), three pepper salsa, smoked onion parmesan (which is totally a bolder, lightened up spin on French onion dip!), and chili lime. Mezé dips combine real vegetables and rich, creamy Chobani Greek yogurt, and they're made with only natural, non-GMO ingredients, so they're nutritious too... without skimping on flavor, which makes me feel more than okay about serving them to both my kids, and our guests. They are crafted for sharing, and will definitely stand out at a party.

Now that I've discovered Mezé dips I like to keep a few different flavors on hand in our fridge for when random friends stop by, when we feel like snacking, and for when we have small gatherings planned... like this coming weekend.

We are hosting friends for Memorial Day, so I stopped by our local Walmart, where I found our favorite flavors of Mezé dip in their deli section. I snagged a few flavors, and then threw an array of dipping options into the basket to go along with them. That way when our guests arrive, it will be a breeze for me to simply pop open a few containers of dip and serve them up with some veggies (carrots, celery, and bell peppers, that I will cut up ahead of time), pretzels, and pita chips, set out in bowls, alongside my favorite sangria.

I also picked up some some holiday appropriate decorations and festive paper goods to set up a patriotic tablescape. I plan on sticking with a simple red, white, and blue theme... items that I can break out again if we decide to entertain on the 4th of July as well!

Having both the food and drinks set out in a buffet style setting is a great way to encourage your guests to help themselves. I like to place beverages at one end of the table, along with cups and some fun paper straws... then close by I arrange the Mezé dips and snacks, along with small plates and napkins.

It's about as easy as it gets when setting up for company!