| Easy Holiday Entertaining
By
Beth D'Addono
Featurewell.com
‘Tis the season to party. At this time of year, most people typically
pull out all the stops, doing whatever it takes to celebrate the season in grand
style. But, lately, chilly glitz and excess are out, warmth, comfort and hospitality
are way in. Need a few suggestions to help you scale down and still throw a memorable
bash? Here are a few tips from the pros: “The idea of simplicity is
extremely underrated,” said Kathy Gunst, author of “Relax,
Company’s Coming,” (Simon
and Schuster, $25). “We watch entire television networks devoted to food.
Instead of easing our stress, all this culinary information makes it worse --
we think our food has to be perfect. Let’s get back to basics. The idea behind
entertaining is to extend our family table to include others, to share simple
food, wine and stories, to get to know each other on a different level. What it’s
not about is making foam sauces and trying to impress your guests.” The best
parties we’ve all been to have been thrown by a relaxed host/ess - not some
poor galley slave who has been up for three nights preparing the perfect menu
and creating an award winning centerpiece. “My advice is to make one thing
really well, so that your menu has a central focus, and then buy the rest -- the
bread, the dessert. If your friends want to bring something, let them,” said
Gunst. Preparing ahead of time is the key, said Dede Wilson, a party planner
and caterer who recently wrote “Christmas
Cooking For Dummies,” Hungry
Minds, Inc., $21.99). Wilson takes a no nonsense approach to all aspects of
entertaining with recipes, tips, shopping guides, lists, hints and shortcuts to
entertaining throughout the holiday season. “Lists are your friend,”
said Wilson. “Choose recipes that you are comfortable with and make lists
- lists for shopping, lists for order of prepping, timetables for the oven, you
name it, you can put it on a list.” Advance prep isn’t just cooking
-- she recommends taking out the skillets you’ll need, having your garlic
chopped, spatula, serving plate and tongs ready-- you’ll cut your stress
level by not having to root for what you need at the last minute. Starting with
a clean kitchen and an empty dishwasher is also a good idea. Don’t
fall into the trap of thinking ‘if I don’t do it, it won't get done,’
Wilson cautioned. There are lots of tasks you can delegate to other family members
that will not compromise the quality of your party. In fact, the party will improve
because you will be rested and ready to mingle. Like what, you ask? How about
polishing the silver, ironing the linens, setting the table, chopping onions,
whipping the cream for dessert and loading and unloading the dishwasher, just
for starters. Make ahead dishes, like lasagna, freeze well and reheat perfectly.
In a nationwide survey of lasagna-makers by Barilla Pasta, more than 40 percent
choose to serve lasagna for holiday meals, parties and potlucks, with November
to January seeing the most lasagna consumed from coast to coast. Also take advantage
of foods that require little prep, like a cheese platter or an Italian antipasto
made up of Italian deli specialties. When it comes to setting the scene,
put away the glue gun and go hunting. Gunst like to unearth basement treasures
and repackage them for the holiday. Fill a vase halfway with cranberries and add
a candle. Forage for pine cones and pile them in a decorative bowl, interspersed
with shiny red glass balls for an eye-catching centerpiece. Randy Auman,
creative director of Waterford Wedgwood USA, nominates fresh greens from the garden,
candlelight and a mix and match of family china as the elements that truly set
the stage for a memorable party. If you have a set of white china, use
it, he advises. “People are afraid of their bone china -- they don’t
realize it’s stronger than earthenware and stoneware, which chips easily.”
As for centerpieces, Auman suggests that you go on a field trip. Look in
the yard for fresh greenery, buy miniature apples for a touch of red, pull out
a few heirloom Christmas ornaments. Instead of buying linens, use a sheet, or
even a colorful quilt on the table. Fill a silver teapot with fresh red roses,
use a candelabra on a casual table. “Pull out that family heirloom and use
it,” he said. “What are you waiting for? Don’t worry about
having perfectly matched dinnerware and glasses -- mix and match -- it’s
more fun. “There are no rules for table design, mix and match styles that
reflect your lifestyle,” he said. Gunst, a busy mother of two, summed
it up this way:“We have overextended crazy lives. Let’s concentrate
on reuniting with family and friends on a simpler level. That’s what the
season is really about.” Do you have an event dilemma or planning
question for The Event Planner? You may send your pressing concern or wearisome
query to The Event Planner at the following email address: info@BlackSocietyPages.com.
While she cannot respond to each and every one, your question and a response may
appear on this web site.
| 10
Tips to a Simpler Holiday Party 1. The most important thing is to set
a budget and stick to it. Plan all aspects... who, what, where, when, and most
of all, how much. 2. If you're hosting a New Year’s Eve party, make
sure you buy your champagne or sparkling cider early. Don't wait until the last
minute. 3. To save time, consider supplementing your core dishes with prepared
foods, like mini quiches and cheese assortments, that look and taste like caterer-quality
treats. 4. If you're new to entertaining, start small with small groups
of people and a few core recipes. 5. Consider hosting an open house instead
of a formal party. Your guests can drop by during the appointed hours so seating
is less of a problem, and usually means less food and drinks are required. 6.
Buy decorations that can double as party favors for your guests. 7. Keep
a list of “Must Be Done By” dates and tasks so that nothing waits until
the last minute. Then, give yourself an extra half an hour to relax before your
guests arrive. 8. Plan ahead and do as much in advance as possible... cook
and freeze the food and simply reheat it. Also, set the table and decorate the
night before. 9. Shop early. Order your party trays and contract any services
you may need well in advance. Remember, it’s party season for everyone. 10.
Make clean up a breeze by serving your food in throwaway containers such as aluminum
foil pans and paper plates. Cut costs and dishwashing time by using fancy paper
plates and napkins instead of renting china or buying linens. |
