(as published on www.outinamerica.com)
Casual Dinner Planning
Rodney Smiley
February 2, 2005
If you’re like me, throwing a dinner party is not merely about the food, it’s about making your guests feel comfortable, well taken care of and happy. Sure there’s no better compliment to give a chef than “My, that was tasty” or “I’ve eaten so much I think I will explode”, but part of your guests truly enjoying a meal includes the behind the scenes details: table setting, service and presentation.
During the Holiday Season, formal dinner parties, cocktail soirees and get-togethers are the norm. However, there’s nothing that says we can’t throw a fantastic casual dinner party in the middle of winter, is there? Now that we’ve successfully navigated the Holiday Party season, and few weeks have passed, it’s the perfect time to have friends or family over for a simple dinner.
And no matter how simple the meal you are preparing, you and your guests will enjoy it all the more if you sit down to an invitingly set table and your dinner is attractively served.
But this does not mean that the table must be elaborate or fussy. Quite the reverse, for the trend today is toward simplicity.
It does mean, however, that everything must be bright and shining – silverware spotless, dinnerware sparkling and glass, clear. If you’re using a tablecloth, it should be pressed and clean and not too fancy: remember, simple is better.
The modern tendency in entertaining is toward greater freedom and simplicity, relaxing the elaborate affairs of many courses. Table decorations should be less formal, and service should be based on ease rather than regimen.
Don’t out-do yourself: never attempt more than you can handle, or more than your kitchen (and you) are prepared for.
Don’t have more guests than you can easily take care of: a big part of your guests enjoyment of a dinner party is the feeling that they are being taken care of, and over-inviting leaves you scrambling to serve everyone. Eventually, someone gets left out and doesn’t enjoy the evening.
Attempt only dishes that are within your culinary skill. If you wish to try something fancy, do it for yourself on an off night and save the tried and true dishes for your dinner guests. The most distinguished entrees are simple and done with ease.
Plan ahead – if you have portions of your meal that aren’t time sensitive, prepare them a few hours ahead. Spend the final minutes right before the meal preparing dishes that must be served fresh from the stove or oven.
Give your dinner party a bit of whimsy – if you have the capability, print up small menus to place at each table setting. Your guests will find this extra touch amusing, and it gives your dinner a personal touch.
Keep table decorations low, but keep candles high. Don’t feel confined to standard taper candles – use all different size pillars but place them on inverted vases or small pedestals. The intention is to draw your guests eyes up, away from the table and influence conversation.
Don’t be afraid of self-service: if your dinner guests are a close knit group of friends, serve the meal family style. Large bowls and platters filled with great food to share is a wonderful and familial way of eating. It reminds your guests of family meals when they were younger.
Keeping these few tips in mind will help you pull off a fantastic meal and an even more fantastic experience for your guests.
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