For some, having people for a meal comes naturally. Maybe they grew up in a house where they saw their parents entertain. Maybe they have a gift to be super organized and calm while juggling with all the mobile parts to take a meal at the table. And then there are the rest of us, those who want to have people but have been tangled in all the reasons to report.
Accommodation does not have to be formal. This does not have to look like my games or others that you see on Instagram. The purpose of entertaining is to bring people together to spend time together, constantly the size of your home or your skill level. Even without the pressure of the comparison, it may be overwhelming to think of everything you have to do before and for such an occasion.
Host without all the noise
I want you to have people. So I asked my friend (and the generous host) Lisa To collaborate on a new entertainment series on Wit & Delight called “Come Over …” In each article, we will share all the essential information to organize a delicious party around a theme or a specific idea, including a chronology for the day before and the day of a detailed grocery list and recipes for each menu element. The series aims to facilitate the reproduction of these types of opportunities for your group of friends or family.
Lisa and I have cooked meals for a long time. It entertains beautifully and is a graceful and calm host for the big holidays and the small dinners. She is also an incredible cook and has developed her own recipes. She created all the recipes of this post! By collaborating in this series, we explore a richer approach to accommodation that combines our styles and our expertise.
Submit your email here To receive recipes, the list of complete grocery stores and accommodation.
Beyond cooking and entertainment, Lisa is the founder of Hackwith Design House And a multi-hyphenate designer who is good in everything she does. And, above all, she has confidence in her ability to create. I admire this about it because half of the Battle of Creation is ready to try.
Lisa and I wanted to keep each recipe and not in this series and achievable. It is entertaining without all the additional noise. It is a reminder that a simple approach to accommodation can always be special.
Come for … a relaxed dinner
For the first iteration, we organized a relaxed dinner which is easy, beautiful, delicious and memorable. A big order to fill but we did it! The menu of this relaxed dinner is supposed to be easy to bring to the table but always special. It is vegetarian, generous and delicious, so everyone will be satisfied.
Here is the menu, including a cocktail to start the evening:
- Vermouth Spritz
- Shaved fennel, grilled hazelnuts and arugula salad
- Creamy mushrooms
- Lemon panna cotta
Submit your email here To receive recipes, the list of complete grocery stores and accommodation.
5 tips for entertaining with ease
Whenever I organize a dinner, these are the things I like to keep in mind to ensure an evening with a low stress and pleasant.
1. Create a menu
We took care of this for you! When creating a menu for a dinner, I like to consider the number of people attended and the steps necessary to bring food to the table. This menu is perfect for up to six people, but can easily be extended without too much effort.
Here is another tip: if you cook a new dish and want to train, plan to test first. Make about a week before the party for your family or yourself so that you can make yourself comfortable with the steps.
2. Plan in advance
Plan the preparation so that you do not feel rushing on the evening of your dinner. Lisa and I gathered a chronology For what to be done in advance and lead to party, you have an idea of how to punctuate yourself and the evening.
For more advice on planning, creating a guest list and sending invitations, read this article: “How to plan a dinner: my best tips for simplifying the process. “”
3. Keep things simple
You do not need a table landscape or an elaborate atmosphere. When it comes to adjusting the table, I think that simple is always more elegant. For this dinner, we put the table with only a few things: a striped tablecloth, tapered candles and pieces of fresh fruit. We have added a flower arrangement to a nearby lounge area, set up A large reading listAnd let everything else go.
4. Ask for help
For this dinner, I introduced myself early to help Lisa before the other guests arrived. Do not hesitate to ask for help! It can reduce the last -minute stress and make the preparation process much more pleasant. The jobs you could give to your help include:
- Cocktail
- Vinaigrette
- Slice the fennel and the fruits for the salad
- Make the dishes that have accumulated during cooking
- Set the table
5. Go with the flow
If you plan in advance and do your best not to feel in a hurry, you should be installed to take the opportunity with your guests. All this to say, something is wrong. Rie, ask for help and remember that the best memories are often when something gets away from the plan. I have never organized a single party without something going on side. The dessert was not set, I forgot a place where music stopped working or rice burned. It's good. It happens to everyone. The more you host, the easier it becomes to follow the flow and have fun.
Submit your email here To receive recipes, the list of complete grocery stores and accommodation.
There is so much more to come! In the coming months, this series will continue – and it will not always be a question of dinners. We want to share how to organize a simple dessert party, an afternoon tea, lunch without cooking and friends, among other ideas. Stay listening!
Kate is the founder of Wit & Delight. She is currently learning to play tennis and is forever Test the limits of his creative muscle. Follow her on Instagram at @WitandDeLight_.
