be the perfect host/ess | . |
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More so than any other kind of fete, there’s something about a dinner party that just feels properly grown-up. Maybe it’s because these are the sorts of gatherings we remember our parents hosting when we were kids. Or maybe it’s just that the first time you throw a dinner party of your own, it’s an indication that you’ve finally passed one of the first steps on your way to being a responsible adult: being able to put that kitchen to use, and cook up a well-balanced and tasty meal. Still, feeding
yourself is one thing; suddenly finding yourself in charge of sating
the appetites of a small crew can leave even a good
newbie cook in a bit of a panic. Heck, even those with great culinary
skills can sometimes find themselves hosting the dinner party from
hell. Fortunately, by keeping a few things in mind, dinner parties
don’t have to be hopelessly stressful. Here are a few tips to ensure
your dinner parties are a smashing success… 2 Easy now. Keep the meal simple. Or at least simple-looking. Trust me, as someone who’s attempted overly elaborate meals in the past and has spent the earlier part of too many dinner parties in a panic that my schmancy spread wouldn’t turn out, I have learned this the hard way: dinner parties are most enjoyable for all parties involved when the host/ess isn’t a total stresspot. Yes, we all want to make a memorable meal for our guests. But a big part of what distinguishes a meh dinner party from a genuinely lovely one isn’t the food at all. Remember, as the host/ess, you set the tone for the evening, and if the vibe you’re giving off is tense and harried, your guests are not going to feel at ease, no matter how delectable and exquisite the main course. Choose a menu of good eats that you know you can pull off comfortably. Whether that means sticking with more casual foods and quick-and-easy dishes or just doing a bang-up job with the prepping ahead of more involved menus, the key is to make it all look and feel as effortless as possible. ---------------------------> lounge . nourish . host . laze . home . |