The art of entertaining
Hello friends. Well tomorrow is one of our big annual parties at our home, our holiday brunch. Anywhere from 60-100 people will come and over a 3 hour window. I love this event, our biggest in number, and in a season where you should be welcoming those closest to you into your home.
Today and last night were "prep" days. We have been doing it for six years now so Arnie and I pretty much have it down pat. Last night we put the tables out (where the food will be), got the tablecloths on them and took all the serving pieces out. Here is a tip for you. When your parents or in-laws ask you what you want for your anniversary, think about what you need to entertain. We now have chaffing (SP?) dishes (the nice ones) in a couple sizes, a large coffee urn, beautiful platters, a punch bowl, a gorgeous etched glass juice dispenser and more from anniversary gifts. They are for the both of us and really help make entertaining so much easier.
Today was shopping day. I took the girls while Arnie and Ben went to hockey. We hit Sam's club first, then on to Meijer. Less than 2 hours total and we were done. Just in time for me to change and head off to a book signing from 2-4pm (thanks to those who bought my book at the Tri-County mall). Tonight I prepared the fruit salad and baked french toast to reduce the amount of prep tomorrow.
The key to big events like this is make it easy on yourself. We do bagels, muffins, munchkins (for the kids), fruit salad, yogurt, egg casseroles, baked french toast, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, coffee, OJ and other beverages. There is plenty of food for all ages, and we can enjoy it and not be cooking while people are here. Right down whatever menu you use and all the specific ingredients you need to make it (like if you put cheese in your scrambled eggs, what type of sausages you like, etc).
Keep the menu in a folder with the invite list and last years invitation (with the file name and location on it) so all you have to do is update the invite, send it out and take the list to go shopping. It is so simple there is no excuse not to entertain.
Can't wait for tomorrow.
Today and last night were "prep" days. We have been doing it for six years now so Arnie and I pretty much have it down pat. Last night we put the tables out (where the food will be), got the tablecloths on them and took all the serving pieces out. Here is a tip for you. When your parents or in-laws ask you what you want for your anniversary, think about what you need to entertain. We now have chaffing (SP?) dishes (the nice ones) in a couple sizes, a large coffee urn, beautiful platters, a punch bowl, a gorgeous etched glass juice dispenser and more from anniversary gifts. They are for the both of us and really help make entertaining so much easier.
Today was shopping day. I took the girls while Arnie and Ben went to hockey. We hit Sam's club first, then on to Meijer. Less than 2 hours total and we were done. Just in time for me to change and head off to a book signing from 2-4pm (thanks to those who bought my book at the Tri-County mall). Tonight I prepared the fruit salad and baked french toast to reduce the amount of prep tomorrow.
The key to big events like this is make it easy on yourself. We do bagels, muffins, munchkins (for the kids), fruit salad, yogurt, egg casseroles, baked french toast, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, coffee, OJ and other beverages. There is plenty of food for all ages, and we can enjoy it and not be cooking while people are here. Right down whatever menu you use and all the specific ingredients you need to make it (like if you put cheese in your scrambled eggs, what type of sausages you like, etc).
Keep the menu in a folder with the invite list and last years invitation (with the file name and location on it) so all you have to do is update the invite, send it out and take the list to go shopping. It is so simple there is no excuse not to entertain.
Can't wait for tomorrow.
posted by Millennium Mom at
6:50 PM
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