Archive for February, 2009

Trends in Home Entertaining for 2009

February 26th 2009

Lime Green Table Setting

Small Intimate Gatherings: Goodbye to that guilt to invite one, invite all. Truth is, many couples cannot afford to entertain 40 dinner guests these days. This year will bring smaller dinner parties and a more intimate feel all around.

More home cooked Food: Bummer for the caterer, but more hostesses will be preparing their own food this year. The trend so far has been more refined menus prepared with more local grown food (which is almost always cheaper and fresher).

Vintage Is In Again: Hostesses everywhere will be calling up their mothers and grandmothers to borrow those old cake stands and punch bowls. This will not only save money but bring some life back into families’ vintage pieces.

The Good Old Pot Luck: Eating and Gathering will move back to its more communal roots. No longer will one person feel obligated to provide everything from appetizers to desserts. Friends and family will be more eager to pitch in and make it a group effort.

How will you change the way you entertain this year? Share your tips!
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Not a Natural Hostess? No Problem!

February 23rd 2009

Hostess Tips

Not everyone is comfortable in the role of hostess, yet at some point you will surely find yourself being one. Whether you are throwing a birthday party, hosting Thanksgiving dinner, or just having friends over for cocktails, these tips will help you feel a bit comfortable in those awkward fitting hostess shoes.

1. Make a Simple Plan- The key here is SIMPLE. It becomes easy to over think and over plan when it comes to entertaining guests. Your menu, cocktails, and décor should be minimal. It is better to do a few things (and do them well) than to over extend yourself and feel overwhelmed. For food: serve two appetizers, one main course, and a side salad. For cocktails, have beer and wine and skip the endless options. As for décor, simply gather a few vases of flowers and group them together. How simple is that?

2. Borrow- If you are not frequently hosting parities you may find that your collection of wine glasses and dinner plates are slim. Don’t stress, just borrow! I bet someone you know (your Mom, Best Friend or Grandma), has a fabulous collection of fabulous dinner plates or wine glasses. I suggest you call them about a week before and start rounding up what you can. This will make it so much easier for you and they will feel like they are helping, a bonus!

3. Keep Your Style True- If you would not typically host (or enjoy for that matter) a formal dinner party, please do not throw one. Your guests will only be as comfortable as the hosts, so keep it simple and stay true to your style. If burgers and beer are more your style- go for it!

Do have tips that help make entertaining less stressful? Share them with us!

 

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