Dinner party know-how
Is entertaining worth the effort?
People are getting more isolated, and we feel we don’t have time to get together anymore. Entertaining is seen as stressful because of the Martha Stewart ideal that everything has to be perfect. We’ve lost the true meaning: What you serve isn’t as important as great company and good conversation.
Why do you recommend Friday night?
It’s a great time to celebrate the week’s end — you can relax and unwind. Saturday night parties put so much stress on the host because there is the expectation that you’ve spent the whole day preparing. On Friday night, guests feel like it’s a miracle you’ve pulled off a simple meal.
How about hosting a happy hour instead?
Cocktail parties are too much work. There are more details to fuss over and dishes to prepare. Dinner get-togethers actually let you sit down! You can make a simple meal, like roast chicken and vegetables, but it will feel like more of an occasion.
How do you plan your menu?
I can get hysterical about what to have for dinner since the possibilities seem endless. The simplest solution is to choose a star item to take centre stage, then work the menu around it. If the dish is complicated, then choose simple sides. If it’s rich and heavy, go for lighter accompaniments.
Can there be too many cooks in the kitchen?
I used to be a control freak and never let anyone help, but then I realized that it’s the best part! Have your guests put wineglasses on the table, stir the sauce or set out flowers. Getting people involved is the best icebreaker.
Should dishes be tried and true?
Don’t try out new recipes on your dinner guests. After all, you wouldn’t go skiing for the first time and invite people to watch you come down the slope.
And most importantly?
Make people feel comfortable in your home. Be calm, engage people in conversation and let them leave feeling taken care of. That simple kindness is more appreciated than you’ll ever know.
This article originally appeared in the November 2008 issue of More
