perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
The big day finally arrives. The house is clean, tables set, music laid out, serving dishes in their place, bar is stocked, nametags printed. The freezer and frig hold all the components for tonight’s dinner for twenty. The beauty of this meal is that it is served room temp. Meaning I can set it all out right before the first guests arrive
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
One of the many gifts my mom gave me was showing me the importance of putting everything in its place. There is an air of elegance if everything is exactly where it is supposed to be. For a large party you’ll strike gold if you set out your serving pieces the night before. Marking each piece with an identifying post-it is a certain silver lining.
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
While passed hors d’oeuvres are best for a crowd, it’s prudent to have a few bites purposely positioned during cocktail hour. Strategically place a crisp crudités alongside a light herb mayonnaise. And nothing beats a savory nut alongside a creamy olive. The beauty all can be made a day ahead. Giving you plenty of time to whisk up
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
A super way to transition from cocktails to dinner- pass soup to your guests in small cups. For my party for twenty I’m serving a cold curried zucchini soup. I was going to use pretty decorative paper cups that I could toss away but because so many in attendance will be conservationists I was “cup shamed” into using china. Thankfully I have
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Entering the homestretch for the big party. Time to make sure the glassware is spot-free (an easy task if care was taken washing and storing it the time before). Check to see if any of the silver needs to be polished. Make sure the linens are clean, pressed and ready to go. Create a playlist or set out CDs for the evening’s music. And now is the
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
When entertaining a crowd it's best to get your “bookends” out of the way. Nothing beats an appetizer or dessert that can be safely stashed in the deep freeze. Because these pretty key lime tarts must be frozen, they are the perfect finish to my dinner for twenty. While impressive these little darlings take less than a half hour to make.
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Wherever I find myself, I’m happiest with a full dining room table. As a former professional chef and caterer I want to share what I’ve learned over the past three decades of entertaining. On this site you’ll find tricks of the trade to help even the most harried of you pull off a seemingly seamless fête. Come join the conversation!