perfecting the “done before they arrive” dinner party- a work in progress
When faced with a big event it’s best to break it down into manageable pieces. Hosting a large party can be daunting, if it’s for business the stakes can feel higher. There are certain expectations for a work-related affair such as a prompt schedule, accommodating a range of diets, and providing a format that is conducive to the business at hand.
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perfecting the “done before the arrive” dinner party- a work in progress
The other night we had some dear friends over for dinner that have some significant dietary restrictions. When I first surveyed the list Billy Preston’s “nothing from nothing” ran through my head. Then I spied this past Sunday’s New York Times Week in Review on the kitchen table. Mark Bittman’s lead article broke my abstraction
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perfecting the “done before the arrive” dinner party- a work in progress
Entertaining you want to take some risks but also hedge a few bets. Old wines are a wild card. You can dust them off, stand them up, but until you uncork them what they hold is an unknown- could be a home run or has-been. Most often there is little in between.
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what's for dinner- cooking for the fam
My oldest is flying home today, which is officially now Dayton.A weegie board would have come in handy in booking everyone’s return flights. With home a moving target for the last few months I did my best to guestimate where to pick up my travelers. But with plummeting stocks and falling house values what’s a couple airline tickets.
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perfecting the done before they arrive dinner party- a work in progress
Drinks were a hit. Almost like train schedules of yore- right on track. Guests arrived at 6:05 and the tracks were clear by 7:09. My new friends and folks loved meeting one another, and the short time frame left everyone wanting more (always a plus). While I knew I didn’t have to worry about this capable group of meeters and greeters
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perfecting the done before they arrive dinner party- a work in progress
Here’s a secret. If you find yourself having back-to-back parties consider doing the same dinner twice. Tonight we are having a couple over for dinner… and another couple Saturday night. One way to cut the stress in half is to duplicate the menu. Believe it or not most of the work in entertaining comes from planning and prep.
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what’s for dinner- cooking for two
The most challenging thing for me about moving is trying to keep on top of my daily grind while packing up 16 years of a former life, and doing all of it long distance. Not only am I boxing up the home where my two daughters grew up, this blog is moving to a new site. Same address www.andshecooks2.com, but soon there will be some exciting changes
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what’s for dinner- cooking for two
Certain times call for a little celebration. Getting a signed contract on a house in a declining market is undoubtedly one of those moments. Making reservations is certainly one option but these next few weeks are going to entail an abundance of dining out and carry out. Tonight calls for a special moment to toast what is sure to be
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what’s for dinner- cooking for two
What’s a girl to do? It’s nearly impossible to preplan a season menu given the way these temps are fluctuating. What was I thinking roasting a dinner last night? I literally melted in front of my 450 degree oven, the outside mercury reaching 98. Who would have guessed, given the morning walk called for mittens.
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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!