Keep the Focus on People with Easy, Relaxed Entertaining
Keep it easy and relaxed when entertaining. Whether you are having a few friends, or a party, there are a few lessons I have learned from my mistakes.
Nothing is worse than watching the clock an hour before guests arrive, knowing that you are not going to be ready. No chance to change your clothes before they come in the door, and, half the items you bought ingredients for are not going on the table.
I love to entertain, so figuring out the secret of stress free get-togethers became crucial. So I did a lot of soul searching first, to see why this kept happening. Here is what I found. I cared more about what people thought, than the experience they were having.
Don’t get me wrong, the food was delicious, (what got on the table) but that was not my focus. It was the quantity of food, the vast number of dishes I made, and the presentation. I treated it like a competition, but no one was competing but me.
Then we were invited to a friend’s home for lunch and I was amazed at how wonderful the entire experience was. It changed the way I think about entertaining. It is not the event, it is about the people!
When we arrived at their home, most of the work was done, sourdough bread made that morning, cookies fresh from the oven, leaving the house smelling of cinnamon and vanilla, and a cold orzo dish with vegetables from her garden.
We sat and chatted over iced tea on their porch, then went for a walk to see their garden. There, we picked the salad ingredients together and went back to the house to chat while dicing and slicing vegetables. It was perfect!
It was simple dishes, delicious food, great company and a very relaxing afternoon for everyone, even our hosts.
So, here is my take-away. You can mix and match to suit your style, dietary needs and occasion.
You don’t have to be done when guests arrive
It’s okay if something is still in the oven. Smile and make it look intentional. Give them things to do. Remember they are there to be with you, not watch you have a melt down
Have a cheese board
Whether it turns into a large charcuterie board for 30 people or a small cutting board with a couple of cheeses, some nuts, grapes and crackers. This gives you time to sit and relax, and if something is in the oven, you are not stressing about it
For a small dinner party I have a Brie with a Toasted Walnut Plum Conserve, from plums my neighbor got from her tree. And a Havarti. Next, just add whatever you like! Have fun!
For a group of 8-10. More people coming, just add more cheeses and crackers and fill in with dried fruit, fresh fruit, and I added a caprese salad in the center to use up some of my tomatoes.
Make a salad
No matter the time of year, occasion, how many people are coming, you can’t go wrong with a basic, colorful salad. If you are lucky enough to have a garden, go for a walk. Either way, you can have them help you make the salad if you like.
Come up with about 5 go-to dishes that are easy, can be made ahead of time and fit the season or occasion.
For instance, in the summer, I like to use produce from my garden, so a lovely tomato pie or roasted veggie tart are perfect. Have them in the fridge, ready to pop in the oven when they arrive and then you have 30 minutes to relax with a glass of iced tea, wine or a cocktail.
Another option is a delicious grain salad like a curried rice salad with hummus on the side. You can also try a pasta salad like an Asian sesame noodle salad or a tortellini salad with fresh veggies and topped with parmesan. The key here is that all of these are better made a day ahead.
For winter, have a go-to stew. I have many that I like, such as a curried sweet potato stew with chickpeas or a portobello stew topped with mashed potatoes.
Or choose a wonderful soup that can be put together in a crockpot or made the day before. Soups are always better the next day! Some of my favorites are a spicy tomato soup topped with grilled cheese crouton or a curried butternut squash soup. Get the feeling that I love curry?
Add a loaf of fresh baked bread, either from your oven or at a local bakery. A lovely baguette with olive oil for dipping or an artesian round loaf with softened butter.
And finally, make a batch of cookies the day before or have the dough made and bake about an hour before guests arrive. No time…then just pick up something at the bakery.
Remember, this is not a competition!! What you want them to remember is the time they spent with you, not how much food you made.
Bon Appetite!!
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