IT’S ABOUT HAVING FUNThe truth is that entertaining has nothing to do with spending large amounts of money or impressing people. It’s about creating memorable moments and having fun. None of your close friends are going to judge your efforts or send their dinner back to the kitchen. Your guests are there to enjoy being with you, and they’re grateful that you’ve invited them.
The secret to hosting a wonderful party is remarkably simple: Create a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where people feel welcome. And it all starts with you. If you’re a nervous, anxiety-ridden host, you’ll end up with nervous, anxious guests. But, if you set the mood, relax, and enjoy yourself, so will your guests. Beyond that, here are a few of my guide-lines to help you along the path to effortless and elegant entertaining.
EFFORTLESS, ELEGANT ENTERTAINING:
HOW TO GET
STARTEDKeep it simple and small. Don’t make your first attempt at hosting an elaborate five-course dinner for 30. Invite one or two couples over and prepare an easy menu—or let your favorite restaurant help. Here are four of my favorite ways to entertain:
Cocktails and appetizers: This is fun before going out to see a show with friends. All you need is some crusty French bread, a few fabulous imported cheeses, howls of toasted spiced nuts, and marinated olives served with a glass of wine or champagne. Another idea is to grill a variety of interesting sausages, cut them into bite-size pieces, and arrange them in a chafing dish, with small bowls of sweet and spicy mustards for dipping. Set them alongside a bottle of your favorite red wine. Follow that up with some delicious smoked salmon with rye bread and puff pastry sausage rolls (our recipe is on the following page). Use our handy "Cocktails, Anyone?" checklist as a guide for stocking the bar.
Late-night dessert: After dinner or an evening at the theater, invite a few friends over for coffee and a favorite dessert, such as a fresh fruit tart from a local bakery. Try serving an aperitif such as cognac along with a selection of good cigars.
Afternoon tea: This is an easy and elegant way to entertain larger groups informally. What you’ll need: An assortment of fine teas, a few colorful garnishes such as orange slices, sugars, and cinnamon sticks, a selection of English-style fingertip sandwiches (tiny egg salad, tuna salad, and salmon-and-cream-cheese sandwiches with the crusts removed and the bread flattened work well), pastries from your favorite bakery, and a batch of delicious, easy-to-make cheese scones with cream and jam (I’ve included my recipe), and my mother's favorite sausage rolls.