Set Up

A folding table can be moved and stored easily and is easy to dress up with a nice tablecloth. Position items strategically, so people don't have to return for forgotten items. For example, place extra napkins, cutlery, and salt and pepper shakers on both ends of the table and set up a couple of bread baskets. Keeping decorations to a minimum saves space for essential items, so consider wall hangings and cute napkins that add color and flair.

If you have a Keurig machine, set up a coffee station away from the main buffet area. You can include canned and bottled beverages to minimize cleanup or ask everyone to reuse their glasses. Ideally, you could set this up in the kitchen since there are bound to be some spills.

What to Serve

• Fruits and raw vegetables are easy to prepare and eat, making them perfect buffet food. Place unsliced peaches or apples in a bowl for a colorful, no-fuss dish. You can buy veggie trays that come in a ready-to-serve container for another instant offering.
• Bread is a buffet staple. Precut flavorful loaves from the bakery or serve hot croissants with butter, jam, and other yummy spreads. For board game parties or movie nights, lay out the fixings for sandwiches that guests can construct quickly before getting back to the fun. If it's a sports gathering, hang up team pennants and paraphernalia to set the mood.
• Salads hold up well on buffets, and you can include different versions such as Caesar's and tossed greens. 
• Baked ziti, lasagna, and other baked pasta plates are big hits and hold up well if there are leftovers.
• Serving chilled or smoked meats take off some of the pressure of trying to keep food hot.
• Cooked carrots, green beans, baskets of baked potatoes, and grilled asparagus are easy to keep warm in a chafing dish or with a can of Sterno to supply the heat.
• Consider a dessert bar where your family and friends can frost and decorate their own cupcakes. Add some pies and a cake for finicky guests who aren't interested in designing their own sweets.

Buffets are convenient for guests and help you maximize space in our apartments in Flagstaff. If you'd like to learn about our open floor plans, give us a call today!

The post Setting Up a Buffet for Easy Apartment Entertaining appeared first on Woodlands Village Apartments Blog.

Easy Spring Appetizers to Serve at Your Next Party

Roll-Ups

In spring, you want items that are light and comforting. Roll-ups are simple to make, easy to customize, filling and light, all at the same time. Grab a tortilla and add your favorite ingredients, such as avocado, hummus, turkey, ham, cheese and/or tomatoes. Roll the tortilla up and slice it up. If needed, grab a toothpick to hold it all together. Mix and match different ingredients to create a yummy snack for your guests. 

Mini Caprese Bites

Caprese is a popular and yummy appetizer. It is perfect for spring and summer, as it is light and refreshing. To create a twist on this classic appetizer, use baby tomatoes and tiny mozzarella cubes. Cut a baby tomato in half. Place the top on a toothpick, followed by a mozzarella cube, followed by the bottom of the tomato. Drizzle with a mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar and salt to complete the appetizer. 

Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are a springtime staple. You can stick to making these delicious treats in a traditional manner, or look online to find recipes that kick things up a notch. There are recipes that include throwing in peppers and jalapenos for a spicy kick to a traditional favorite, or recipes that include adding chicken or crab to up your protein intake. 

Do you love to entertain but don't love the space you currently entertain in? Finding a new place to live may be in order. If you are looking for apartments for rent in Flagstaff, Arizona, be sure to check out Woodlands Village Apartment Homes. We offer beautiful apartments that you will be proud to host your next event in. Contact us today to inquire about pricing and availability. 

The post Easy Spring Appetizers to Serve at Your Next Party appeared first on Woodlands Village Apartments Blog.

Few things are more welcome at the end of a long day at school or work is the sight of good pizza on your kitchen or dining room table. Fortunately, residents of apartments in Flagstaff don't have to be master chefs in order to craft a tasty pizza in their home kitchen. Following are just three basics of putting together a great pizza on your own or with help from your family, neighbors, or friends. 

Homemade Pizza Crust

If you've got flour, whole wheat flour, active dry yeast, and olive oil in your cupboard, you've got the ingredients for crafting homemade pizza crust. Making several pizza crusts in advance, placing them between pieces of waxed paper, and keeping them in the freezer until you need them is an excellent way to conjure up a pizza in your kitchen in less than half an hour. 

Grilled Pizza

Grilled ingredients such as Italian sausage, fresh mushrooms, onions, and sweet peppers combine to make great pizza toppings—this works best when using an outdoor grill. Simply place ingredients in a saucepan until the sausage is brown, pat down with paper towels to remove excess fat, and place two pizza dough circles on the grill. Carefully grill them on a lightly oiled rack and brush with olive oil when you turn them over. 

When pizza crusts are browned, brush them with pizza sauce, sprinkled them with your choice of cheese, top with the sausage mixture, and grill until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted. 

Flatbread Pizza

Flatbread pizza is the busy person's savior—simply brush flatbread with pizza sauce, add your choice of ingredients such as sliced meats, roasted vegetables, and grated cheese. Place it under the broiler until cheese is melted and the flatbread is brown and crispy.

Please don't hesitate to contact our office at your convenience for more helpful hints on getting the most from life in your Flagstaff apartment. 

The post Simple Pizza Recipes You Can Make in Your Apartment appeared first on Woodlands Village Apartments Blog.

Summer is the perfect time to take advantage of some of our awesome community features … including the grill! Here are some tips to help you host an awesome summer barbecue!

Burger, Schmurger!
Yes, everybody loves a good burger at a barbecue, but why not try mixing it up? Add black bean burgers for your vegetarian friends, and try jazzing things up with some tasty kabobs!

You’re the Tops
If you’re sticking with the standard barbecue fare (chicken, burgers, hot dogs, etc.), you can easily impress with some stellar toppings! Add blue cheese or bacon to your burgers. Make cheddar stuffed, bacon-wrapped hot dogs and brats. Pull out some untraditional toppings that your friends and family can use to customize their meal for a unique experience!

Theme Team
Pick a theme for your barbecue and decorate accordingly. We’re still waiting for someone to throw us a Game of Thrones themed BBQ … please, let it be you!

That’s Entertainment!
Break out some music! Snag some classic backyard games. Don’t expect your guests to entertain themselves (as awesome as you are at the grill … nobody’s THAT awesome). Make sure there’s plenty of entertainment to keep your party going!

Time is On Your Side
Make sure you plan, plan, plan! Marinate meats 2 hours in advance. Double and triple check your supplies a few hours before your start time. Budget time so you don’t over or undercook your food. And make sure folks aren’t sitting around too long before you feed them!

Happy Grilling! Share your perfect barbecue moments with us on Facebook and Instagram!

The post Be the Grill Master: Summer Barbecue Tips appeared first on Woodlands Village Apartments Blog.