My Mom always told me; ”If you are entertaining guests, cook for more than the people you are receiving! Worst thing is leaving your guests hungry”. Every time I am receiving, it’s like my Mom is with me because I always end up making more then expected!
Entertaining is really an art! Not only you need to be organised, but you need to also be in control of the logistics going on around the kitchen. Also, don’t forget your guests. If the host is not entertaining his/her guests, there is no point of receiving.
I say it often, food is life! – and let’s not forget wine! Food brings people together. This is why that when we entertain someone, there is often food, drinks or coffee involved. However, entertaining can become quickly stressful.
When entertaining, their is a lot of things to think about. This is why a good plan is important. Think out everything in advance. Not only this will give you a feeling of calm because you will be able to plan step by step what you will do, but it is also perfect to hunt down the specials on the food you need for preparation.
Step 1 – Set your date
Just to be on the safe side, set aside a few dates that works for you. This is a must before contacting all your friends to plan an evening. With several possibilities, you will insure that most people will be available for the big party.
When proposing your dates, start with the one that works best for you (come on, you are the one receiving! you can be a little selfish). If that date doesn’t work with most of your guest, propose the second one, and so on (making sure that you are not having this evening 6 months later). For sure, it will be difficult having everyone available at the same time.
Important thing to do when you are confirming your guests is to validate any food allergies. Nothing brings down a party more than having someone suffer from an allergic reaction. Yes, you may know your friends, but these are details you might not know. We often forget to ask these types of things. Better be safe than sorry!
Step 2 – The Menu
The menu is the most important portion of the evening. Remember, keep it simple. Yes you can go ahead and do an appetizer, main course and desert. As long that you keep everything simple and your selection combines well together.
Hint: Do not try a new recipe! Last thing you want is to do something you have never done before and risk a fiasco. Stay with recipes you know and trust. Remember, less stress possible. You want to be able to enjoy your evening with your friends.
The other important thing is to stay within your budget. If funds are limited, do not opt for the big steaks. Instead, you might want to get a very nice piece of tender meat you can cut into cubes and do brochettes. This is a nice alternative to serving a good piece of beef without emptying your wallet. If you are receiving in the Winter, you might want to get some stewing beef and whip up a nice beef bourguignon (I’ll try to get my Mom’s recipe, it is to die for… but the one I mapped there is also very very good). Think of your options.
The last time we received, we served a baked brie topped with chopped tomatoes and fresh basil & baguette as an appetizer. This was served with a very cold Rosé Wine. This just helped open the appetite. For main course, it was duck confit with side salad, served with a nice red wine. For desert, well, I cheated! I got an already made tuxedo cake. In my defense, I knew it was one of my guests favorite. I did add some chocolate covered strawberry which I prepared myself.
Step 3 – Success is in the details
We don’t stop to think of the details but it is also an important part of entertaining. Not everyone will drink alcohol. Insure you have alternatives such as sodas or non alcoholic beverages.
During the meal, several people will like to have some cold water. If budget permits, you can also provide the alternative of sprinkling water. Don’t hesitate to keep them available on the table.
Another thing that people like to have on the table is bread. Bread is what feeds people! As long you have bread, you have life! So insure you have bread available. If it doesn’t get eaten, don’t worry! We can make nice homemade croutons out of them, or better yet, you can make cheesy garlic bread with a nice pasta meal the following day.
Step 4 – Preparing your meal
Prepare as much possible before the last minute. Chop those vegetables, prepare the salad (without adding the dressing), put beverages in the fridge. The last thing you want, is to have guests arriving while you are prepping. Of course, guests might arrive while you are finalizing the appetizer, or yet checking on your main course. At least, everything is on a roll. Serve them a glass of wine, get yourself a glass of wine and start enjoying the evening.
Step 5 – The table
Plan out in advance your seating plan. This way you can make sure couples are sitting next to each other while maximizing male-female interaction. We all know that the men will tend to discuss together while women will gossip.
The placing of the table is key. Your table should be set and ready to receive your guests before they arrive. Decide on the type of serving you also want to use. Do you want to build each individual plates before service or have it family style with everything on the table. If you have it family style, people might feel more at ease to either take less or help themselves to another serving. Each time we have received we often opt for the family style. After all, friends are like family!
Step 6 – Serve & enjoy the company
Once you have cleaned the house (yeah, did not mention this portion but that needs to be done too), shopped, prepped & cooked, last thing you need to do is, ENJOY. Don’t forget the main reason why you done all this… to spend time with friends.
Yeah, there will be tons of dishes! But you know what, it’s OK because they will be there tomorrow morning when you wake up. So go ahead, eat, drink, laugh and most important of all, enjoy life!
