I hosted a dinner party this past Saturday as a thank you to friends who helped us produce six cooking shows. I almost forgot how much I love to host dinner parties. At-home entertaining adds quality to life. Extending your hospitality to those near and dear is a gift that you give to them. I have written in the past how important it is for hosts to concentrate on three main areas when entertaining. This is how I took my own advice!
The Food:
- I thought about my menu before I invited my guests and chose some special occasion recipes that would reflect my appreciation for the friendships. I served Crudites, Crostini and Goat Cheese Dip as an appetizer and roasted Beef Tenderloin, Savory Sauce, Autumn Salad, Parmesan Rolls, Potato Sage Gratin, Haricott Verts with Garlic & Almonds and Apple and Pumpkin Crunch pies. I also served Apple Martinis and wines.
- I organized and paced myself by writing down my shopping list and purchase items in advance. I also made my menu managable by purchasing frozen bread dough that I thawed and customized for the Parmesan Rolls. I purchased the pies freshly made Saturday morning from a great bakery and I buzzed through our Farmer’s Market to pick up the Haricott Verts Saturday morning so they would be at peak flavor. I get really excited about this stuff when I know my guests are going to love it! I also prepped the Goat Cheese Dip on Fri.
- On Saturday morning, I made myself a To-Do list which really helped keep me on track. I find this helps immensely so I am not too tired to enjoy my guests’ company when they arrive. It also helps me have everything done on time so I’m not flitzing around the kitchen in a frenzy.
- This meal tasted so yummy! Everyone seemed to thoroughly enjoy it. I find so much satisfaction when I know I can serve my guests a meal that would rival a delicious meal in a fine restaurant.
The Table: 
- As you can see from the photo, I kept things simple. An inviting dining table need not be extravagant. I purchased scrap booking paper to use as faux chargers/place mats. I used my set of 12 white dinner plates that I topped with inexpensive, decorative salad plates. Cloth napkins added to the “Special Occasion” feeling I wanted to portray. I used simple candles in votives for sparkle and chrysanthemums in clay pots for the centerpiece.
- I set up the bar on my Baker’s rack in the background.
The Tone:
- The host sets the tone for the party. By pacing myself, writing down my To-Do list and prepping recipes in advance, I had plenty of time to get dressed and ready before guests arrived. I was ready to greet them at the door when they arrived. Since I was relaxed, I was able to set the same type of tone for my dinner party.
The result was we had a fantastic time with each other. Nothing beats enjoying each other’s company along with great food/drink in an intimate environment. This gives all who attend something to look forward to and it just rejuvenates the soul!
Happy Entertaining!
Patricia Mendez
