Entertaining Made Easy: 3 No Fail Tips for Rave Reviews
Somehow, despite all my efforts to avoid entertaining, I became the fire of the mostest hostess. How did this happen? I had, over time, become experts in avoiding this duty with a whole list of excuses, too busy, too broke, too small or home miserable, can not cook, or just too lazy. But if you accept the invitation of others, sooner or later have to do the same. This is how I learned to do without pain entertaining and enjoyable.
1). Start small. Nothing will kill your enthusiasm or stress you out like trying to pull off a big party as your first effort. Invite 2 or 3 friends over after the movie and serve wine or a pitcher of your favorite cocktail with a few easy appetizers. A frosty batch of Raspberry Vodka Lemonade… crispy Chicken Cutlets, sliced and served with barbeque, honey mustard and teriyaki dipping sauces…lean Sausage, grilled or broiled and sliced into rounds…throw together a platter of green and red Grapes, Strawberries, a hunk of good Cheese, some Crackers…and boom, you’re done and you look like a genius.
You don’t even need utensils, just pretty toothpicks, small plates, and some napkins. Rim your cocktail glass with sugar, and put slices of fresh lemon, raspberry and a mint leaf in your lemonade. Never serve straight out of the box, always take a minute to transfer to a plate, beautiful dish or bowl. Some supermarket flowers and a few votive candles are inexpensive, but elegant touch. A meeting of this kind is smooth, fun, intimate, comfortable and affordable. Your friends may even be inspired to try hosting the next night at their place!
2). Divide and conquer. You want to organize a special occasion Dinner Party. Maybe it's the birthday of a friend or Thanksgiving. But you're a bit intimidated by the cost of the kitchen, and coordination. Never fear, here's how to get to speed. Sketch of a menu by category: appetizer, soup and / or salad, main hall, starch side, side vegetable and dessert. If budget permits, to establish a base bar. If not, offer a cocktail or a fresh Sangria by the pitcher, something like apple juice without alcohol, and water and coffee or punch. As host, you must provide the main course, unless you have a friend who is known for this dish and wants to stay. If not, ask your guests if they have a specialty you would like to bring to the game.
Most people ask if they can bring something anyway, and we are pleased to contribute to a dish, you can prepare with confidence and received excellent reviews in the past. Even clients who can not cook can manage a salad, a bottle of wine or a store bought dessert. That should leave the responsibility for cooking only 1-3 in most menu items. You can make it even easier by special order the main course. For example, many places offer delicious baked ham, grilled or fried turkey and honey are always delicious.
Make your home warm and inviting with comfortable seating, soft lighting and, of course, fresh flowers and candles. Play jazz, Sinatra, or other cool background music in order to stimulate conversation. And last but not least, put a good meal. I would not be here the use of paper. Instead of leaving your best china and glassware. If you do not have enough place settings, see if a friend has some dishes that complement yours, borrow for the night, and combined. Otherwise, buy cheap boxes of plain white plates (try Wal-Mart, Target and Costco) to work with what you have. That's it, you're good to go. Instead of being exhausted, you can relax, spend time with your guests and enjoy your own party.