No Fear Entertaining - The 7 Golden Rules of Entertaining
Follow these 7 rules to entertaining success:
1. Never let them see you sweat --
We never let our guests see us tense. If they see or feel any tension between us they are sure to become tense themselves. This is human nature. So if you are fighting and have people coming over put it on the shelf for a couple of hours and take it up after if it is still important. And whatever you do don't worry about the bread that you forgot to serve, or the beans that are still on the stove after dinner or the special dip that you made that is still in the fridge after the guests are gone. This happens to the best and it is usually because you are enjoying your guests too much. It is normal and forgivable.
2. It does not have to match --
Use what you have for service ware and place settings. We usually do buffet style meals. Remember all the serving bowls, platters, serving spoons etc. need not be the same pattern! Keep that casual laid back feel to it all. With large groups we ALWAYS use paper or plastic plates and cups. For smaller groups (maybe one or two families) or special holidays (Christmas, Hanukkah, Thanksgiving etc.) we will use real plates for the adults and paper or plastic for the children. You don't want the parents fretting over your fine china plate that Little Johnny is threatening to throw at Little Lulu. Paper and plastic clean up much faster as well giving you more time to sit and enjoy your guests after the meal!
3. Keep it casual --
Save the dress and ties for work functions. You want people to be comfortable in your home and how can they be comfortable if they are not comfortably dressed? As long as they are wearing a smile and are clothed all is good!
4. Keep it simple --
Sometimes the easiest meal is the most spectacular when served to a crowd. Think fried chicken. Any one can go to KFC (and who really wants KFC?) and get a bucket but who makes it for themselves at home? Everyone loves it but no one does it. That can make it really special served with all the fixings. Roasts done on a smoker or a grill are always huge hits! Hand made burgers, high quality hot dogs or sausage have wowed our guests before and always will! (Hint: very inexpensive)
5. Always, always, always include the children --
We are a close family and when we entertain we want everyone to be involved and included. Even when we know it is going to be a late night we set up places for the youngest ones to fall asleep. During the meal we make the children feel special (and give the parents a break) by setting up a separate area with kiddy tables and chairs. They love to eat with all of their friends and it helps give us all some adult time! We are lucky enough to have a large pool and it is a great diversion for the kids. You may also consider renting a bounce house or water slide. Tons of fun!!!
6. Avoid a theme at all costs --
I know it sounds harsh but we have all been to a Luau and do we really need to go there again? Remember that we want to keep it casual and easy. Going all over town to find tiki torches is not what I call easy and who really wants to wear a grass skirt and a coconut bra??? Skip the theme and concentrate on your food and beverages. Now I am not saying to do nothing. A few nicely and safely placed candles always help but don't go over board. No cardboard cutouts, piñatas, streamers, balloons etc. Concentrate on spending the bulk of your budget on the food and beverages. Now Holidays are a true exception to this rule. The 4th of July (my oldest daughter's birthday) just comes to mind! It is always fun to have a bit of decoration for the holidays. Another thing that needs to be remembered is that you will probably want to keep all those decorations that you just bought so now you will need to find storage for everything.
7. Be conscientious of your guests diet and religious restrictions --
They will truly appreciate being considered. We regularly have a vegetarian join us and it really isn't anymore work to make a hearty vegetarian side dish that she can eat as her main course.
1. Never let them see you sweat --
We never let our guests see us tense. If they see or feel any tension between us they are sure to become tense themselves. This is human nature. So if you are fighting and have people coming over put it on the shelf for a couple of hours and take it up after if it is still important. And whatever you do don't worry about the bread that you forgot to serve, or the beans that are still on the stove after dinner or the special dip that you made that is still in the fridge after the guests are gone. This happens to the best and it is usually because you are enjoying your guests too much. It is normal and forgivable.
2. It does not have to match --
Use what you have for service ware and place settings. We usually do buffet style meals. Remember all the serving bowls, platters, serving spoons etc. need not be the same pattern! Keep that casual laid back feel to it all. With large groups we ALWAYS use paper or plastic plates and cups. For smaller groups (maybe one or two families) or special holidays (Christmas, Hanukkah, Thanksgiving etc.) we will use real plates for the adults and paper or plastic for the children. You don't want the parents fretting over your fine china plate that Little Johnny is threatening to throw at Little Lulu. Paper and plastic clean up much faster as well giving you more time to sit and enjoy your guests after the meal!
3. Keep it casual --
Save the dress and ties for work functions. You want people to be comfortable in your home and how can they be comfortable if they are not comfortably dressed? As long as they are wearing a smile and are clothed all is good!
4. Keep it simple --
Sometimes the easiest meal is the most spectacular when served to a crowd. Think fried chicken. Any one can go to KFC (and who really wants KFC?) and get a bucket but who makes it for themselves at home? Everyone loves it but no one does it. That can make it really special served with all the fixings. Roasts done on a smoker or a grill are always huge hits! Hand made burgers, high quality hot dogs or sausage have wowed our guests before and always will! (Hint: very inexpensive)
5. Always, always, always include the children --
We are a close family and when we entertain we want everyone to be involved and included. Even when we know it is going to be a late night we set up places for the youngest ones to fall asleep. During the meal we make the children feel special (and give the parents a break) by setting up a separate area with kiddy tables and chairs. They love to eat with all of their friends and it helps give us all some adult time! We are lucky enough to have a large pool and it is a great diversion for the kids. You may also consider renting a bounce house or water slide. Tons of fun!!!
6. Avoid a theme at all costs --
I know it sounds harsh but we have all been to a Luau and do we really need to go there again? Remember that we want to keep it casual and easy. Going all over town to find tiki torches is not what I call easy and who really wants to wear a grass skirt and a coconut bra??? Skip the theme and concentrate on your food and beverages. Now I am not saying to do nothing. A few nicely and safely placed candles always help but don't go over board. No cardboard cutouts, piñatas, streamers, balloons etc. Concentrate on spending the bulk of your budget on the food and beverages. Now Holidays are a true exception to this rule. The 4th of July (my oldest daughter's birthday) just comes to mind! It is always fun to have a bit of decoration for the holidays. Another thing that needs to be remembered is that you will probably want to keep all those decorations that you just bought so now you will need to find storage for everything.
7. Be conscientious of your guests diet and religious restrictions --
They will truly appreciate being considered. We regularly have a vegetarian join us and it really isn't anymore work to make a hearty vegetarian side dish that she can eat as her main course.
posted by global take off at
11:03 PM
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