The Basics for Entertaining in your Home // Events
There is nothing like a great party, one that perfectly celebrates the occasion, expresses the creativity of its host, and serves as a joyous gift to everyone there. While even the world’s greatest entertainers don't strive for perfection, they do revel in the details, and taking the time to plan makes all the difference.
Entertaining is a refreshingly democratic affair. It does not matter if you can barely boil water or if you’re a talented chef - with little enthusiasm, planning, and creativity, you’re capable of just about anything.
THE BAR
It’s as predictable as Champagne on New Year’s: Upon arrival, guests always head straight to the bar. There’s a reason for this - the mere act of holding a glass, even if its filled with club soda or water, puts people at ease.
Bar Basics:
Always hint in the invitation if its a wine & dine event or if it’s a smaller dinner to let your guests know what the expect.
If drinks are your husbands domain, step aside and let him shine. I would simply ask how can I help.
Keep some basic items handy at your bar. I always have water in a pitcher if flat and may or may not garnish it with lemon slices. I often have sparkling water, limes, some sort of juice, tonic and ice.
For big parties, I usually have a white or red sangria - this is where my Latin flavor comes out.
Glassware
For big parties I usually prefer to buy the clear plastic tumblers and for smaller dinner parties I use my glasses.
If you don’t have enough of the same glass style for your guests, don’t panic! Get eclectic and mix in different styles to make it seem intentional - no one will notice!
To finish it off, keep those wine glass markers handy to personalize each person’s glass, especially when drinking all of the same wine.
Bar-ware
I tend to have a couple of corkscrews around and wine spouts for pouring.
I am obsessed with design cocktail napkins. I’m always on the look-out for cute cocktail napkins. My tip is to keep a bin of them around your house for when the occasion arises.
THE FOOD
Food plays a starring role in every party, whether it’s a simple cheese plate or a Thanksgiving feast. If the thought of cooking for large groups gives you pause, fear not. These strategies will help you plan what to cook and save time in the kitchen, helping even first-time cooks stay cool in the kitchen.
Plan your Menu
Every party meal begins with a flash of inspiration, an inkling of what you’re in the mood to eat and share with your friends. These general rules will help no matter what foods you crave.
Use readily found fresh ingredients, so cook with vegetables in season. Be realistic and don't over do it in the kitchen unless you find cooking exciting. Friends and guests are always thrilled to be invited and they certainly don't or shouldn't care whether you peeled every shrimp. Outsource some of what you are serving. Desserts are always easy to buy and have great stories of where they come from.
Preparation
When cooking for large groups, don't make any dish that requires great precision or last minute maneuvers. Also, don't make too many different dishes or you will spend much of the evening in the kitchen.
Shop early and prepare as much of the food as possible. Plan the use of your oven ahead of time to avoid last minute kitchen crazy.
Save simple tasks for last. Its unrealistic to think that you can have every detail in place when the doorbell rings. Leave easy steps like dressing and tossing the salad, warming the bread, & slicing meat for when guests arrive. These tasks are contained, tidy, and easy to do while chatting with friends. They may even want to help!
The Cheese Plate or Charcuterie Board
This is my favorite part of entertaining. It's easy to pair with your favorite choice of beverage and easy to do. Just writing about it makes me want to have a party.
When cheese isn't the main food being served, plan for 2 or 3 ounces per guest.
Take cheese out of the refrigerator an hour before serving. This will let the flavors unfold so guests can eat at its peak.
Another favorite about a cheese plate is that it can start as an appetizer and then be used for dessert. Expect a future blog post just on cheese plates! It’s my number one party favorite since it can be scheduled last minute, everyone likes it and I have so many tricks for them to be easy on the family budget.
THE TABLE
The table is the center of the action, the place where guests and hosts convene for the main event. A smartly set table helps guests mingle effortlessly long after dessert is served. A timeless hint: Don't strive for perfection. Mix styles, colors, and materials until you strike a balance between festive and functional.
Tableware
A good number to aim for if you have enough storage is 12-16 place settings.
For those who want to be precise, a dinner plate should be 10 ½ inches in diameter; salad, dessert, or cheese plate 8 inches; and bread & butter 6 inches or smaller. Shallow soup bowls 6-10 inches in diameter should be good for soup, pasta or stew.
Keep basic flatware knife, substituted for a steak knife, spoon and fork. Other key pieces are salad forks, dessert spoons and bread & butter knives. And, use your serving dishes, boards, fancy serving utensils, pitchers of water.
Each place setting requires at least 2 glasses: one for water which holds at least 6 inches of water as well as one for red or white wine.
Linens
When choosing tablecloths, runners, place mats,and napkins it’s important to factor in the look of your dishes, glasses and flatware plus decor. I chose white plates as my wedding registry and it's been fun having them as my neutral pieces for decor. I have paired them up with different colors, patterns and textures.
Serving styles
There are 3 different ways of serving dinner parties.
Family style: the food is brought out in large serving dishes and placed on the table for the guests to pass around. This is great for casual and semi formal dinners.
Plated: the food is arranged on individual plates in the kitchen and brought out to guests. This is great for a slightly formal dinner or when there is no room for serving dishes on the table.
Seated Buffet: the food is laid out on a large table. Guests serve themselves and sit down to eat at a fully set table. This is great for weddings, and other large formal gatherings.
Finally, Standing buffet: guests serve themselves from a buffet, then stand or sit wherever they want , including sofas, stairs, and cushions on the floor. This is good for big groups for an informal meal.
SETTING THE VIBE
Depending on the size and mood of your gathering and the amount of effort you’re willing to put in, embellishments can range from understated to over the top. Regardless of your event, there are four elements you’ll need to consider when throwing any party:
Music
Customize the soundtrack. A dinner might begin with a light jazz and segue into Latin music. Brunch pairs nicely with classical, folk, or bluegrass. A cocktail party could evolve from reggae and light hip hop to pop or disco if the guests want to start dancing.
Lighting
Rearrange lamps in order to create an even glow throughout the party.
Make sure the bar and food have enough lighting so guests can serve themselves without spilling and breaking stuff.
Dimmers are great for setting that special mood and are inexpensive to get at hardware stores.
Keep surrounding rooms dark where the party is not being held. This keeps guests where you want to keep them!
Use candles...lots of candles.
Furniture
Rearrange and spread out surface areas. Scatter large throw pillows or pouffes for additional comfortable seating.
Flowers
Keep things streamlined. A dizzying combination of shapes and colors is inelegant.
Stick with monochromatic flowers or a few shades in a similar palette.
Shapes and textures should compliment each other & never fight for attention.
Spend less without sacrificing style. Buy big blooms and place them in clear bowls of water. Use greenery, herbs and colorful fruit to decorate.
Do not use flowers next to food that have an overpowering smell.
You made it! At the end of the day - just get creative and have fun with it. These tips are here so you don’t have to worry about all the little details, but make sure to make this party your own! And, if this stresses you out too much - no worries, just reach out to me and I’d love to help you throw the best party, no matter how big or small.