Clearly, entertaining at home is chic and very, very “now.” It should be! It’s less expensive, healthier, and often more laid back. That is, for those of us who are attending, not hosting. Hosting can feel like a nightmare. But here’s the thing…it doesn’t NEED to be so stressful!
Prep, Prep, and Prep.
A meal that might generally take less than an hour to do on a normal night can often take me twice that when I’m entertaining. This isn’t a bad thing to me. It makes dinner more of an event and allows me to feel like I have control over the situation. I make lists, chop, cook, and assemble anything that can be done ahead of time (without sacrificing the food, of course!) Trust me, you’ll be thankful later when everyone walks in and thinks you’re an insanely calm domestic goddess.
Clean As You Go.
This is key, (not just when entertaining!) Do dishes and cleaning as needed. You do not want to be the frazzled hostess who is standing at the sink, cursing (among other things) as people start arriving. I tend to sweep every so often, especially after chopping something I know I got ALL over the floor.
Cook What You Know.
I so often want to try new ideas and recipes on guests, and my husband often reigns me in. As tempting as it can be, it’s a long shot that it won’t make you just slightly insane. Even if you execute perfectly, you’re likely to be a bit crazy about whether or not you over spiced or over salted. Cook something you know, something you love, and something that makes you seem effortlessly cool in the kitchen.
If You Can, Go Local.
Buying local, farmer’s market, or homegrown food gives everyone something to talk about as they marvel over the local cheese, gin, tomatoes or wine! Tap into what your area does well!
Have Cocktails READY!
Have the wine breathing, the beer chilling, and glasses out. If you’re not ready or plan to still be wearing your “Food is Fashion” apron while your guests are arriving, you’ll want them to start relaxing immediately. And, if you’re me (and yes, I do have that particular apron) this means telling them to serve themselves.
Pick the Right People.
You want people who are not only going to help the flow of the evening conversation-wise, but also those who are going to HELP! I can’t stand letting people help, but you have to let go…and let someone else do the dishes!
People, especially upon arriving, want something to do until their second cocktail kicks in–so let them!
Mostly? Just have fun and relax.
I (I mean you,) may spend hours worrying about whether or not so-and-so’s husband enjoyed the food. But for real? So-and-so’s husband isn’t noticing. He’s too busy having a good time. Get loose, have a glass of wine, and show your friends what a gracious hostess looks like.
Now, get to inviting!
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This blog was written for the CRAVE company by Jill Sites, owner of a wine and beer boutique called the Wine Shop at the Acorn in Southwest Michigan. Her wonderful blog, Eat it. Drink it., was born from a love of all things food and booze, and became a necessity after a year of posting recipes and photos on Facebook. Check it out here.
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October 3rd, 2010 at 2:21 pm
Jill’s advice is right-on! Success is in the pre-planning and prepping, and at the end of the day, it something goes wrong, not many people (if anyone) will see it so just relax! Thanks for sharing!