We’ve had a couple days of cooler temps and a beautiful breeze which has me dreaming of Fall dinners in our backyard. While I know summer is still here, it sure is fun to think about enjoying Sunday dinner with the family and even needing a blanket. I’ve partnered with Walmart to share a few ways to make opening your home very simple plus a go-to soup recipe that our entire family loves.
A LOOK TOWARDS FALL
There is something about eating dinner outside that just feels different. I still look back at the nights we entertained friends outdoors and love the memories we made. There is no question the evenings seem to linger a bit longer and the conversations go a bit deeper. Today I am sharing a couple of tricks that keep things looking great but the prep work to a minimum.
KEEP THE ARRANGEMENTS SMALL
It’s easy to create a table that looks really lush and full by filling small glasses with flowers. One bunch of flowers can fill two or three glasses. I also like to incorporate my fall faux stems (this arrangement is so pretty). Keeping the flower arrangements low and small means they don’t interfere with the conversation. And the best part is that you can bring them inside and place them in different parts of your home to enjoy.
The pretty runner can be used on either side and adds warmth to your table (and it comes with the darling napkins and napkin rings).
BORROW FURNITURE FROM ANOTHER ROOM
Just because you are entertaining outside for an evening doesn’t mean you need outdoor furniture. In fact, my favorite thing to do is use what we have in our home. These chairs have been wonderful so far and they make for a comfy evening outdoors. And it’s easy to bring them back in at the end of the night. This table has served us well for over two years now.
ADD A BIT OF LIGHT
Whether you use real candles or battery operated, adding light to an outdoor table is key. It instantly adds that warm and cozy vibe. These gold candle holders come in a set of three and the orange candles are perfect for fall.
HAVE BLANKETS CLOSE BY
Anyone else get chilly quickly? While my husband will never reach for a throw, my daughter and I love having them. This little table was part of this outdoor set and it is a nice spot to have blankets ready to go. These cream and taupe plaid throws from Walmart are a nice fall addition that go with everything.
MAKE A ONE DISH MEAL
My biggest tip is to keep dinner to a one dish meal. Whether it’s a pasta dish or a hearty soup, keep it simple! Especially if you are having a decent number of guests. Plus that makes clean up in the kitchen a breeze. More time to enjoy your guests. This Salsa Verde Chicken Soup is a crowd pleaser. It’s beyond easy, quick, and so flavorful. Using a cutting board for setting down the dish and toppings works really well. This round one is also lovely.
This oval baker has a lid so your soup will stay warm. It’s also great for apple crisp!
Simple & Delicious Salsa Verde Chicken Soup
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 30 oz chicken bone broth or chicken broth
- 2 cans Great Northern Beans, rinsed
- 24 oz salsa verde, divided (18 oz, 6 oz)
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tbsp chili powder seasoning blend
Optional Soup Toppings
- cilantro
- sour cream
- tortilla chips
- lime wedges
- avocado slices
Instructions
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Cook and shred chicken. This can be done a day ahead. Or you can use rotisserie chicken. I like to use the Instant Pot.
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If using the Instant Pot to cook chicken, add the metal trivet to the bottom of the pot. Place chicken breasts on top. Pour 6 oz of salsa verde on top. Using the pressure cook setting, set time to 10 minutes. Once it is done, manually release the pressure after 6 minutes of resting time. Carefully take off the lid and move chicken to a cutting board to shred.
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In a large Dutch oven, add chicken, rinsed beans, garlic, cumin, chili seasoning, remaining 18 oz of salsa verde and 30 oz of bone broth.
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Stir ingredients together. Place lid on top. Heat on a medium for about 10 minutes. After ten minutes, stir and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Serve immediately with toppings of your choice.
If you want to see more details about this soup recipe (and photos of the ingredients I buy) you can check it out here.
cutting board | flowers | runner | chairs | holders | candles | dish | throw | table
Here’s to savoring the last couple of weeks of summer while get excited for the crisp fall nights. Let me know if you give the soup recipe a try.
Question: is no other liquid required to cook the chicken? Just the 6 oz. of salsa verde? Appreciate your time!
Great question. Are you doing it in the instant pot? I sometimes pour 1/2 cup of water in the bottom, set the trivet in and then the chicken. Then the 6 oz of salsa on top. That works really well.
I love to make this soup. It’s one of my favorite meals!