9 Tips for Simple Entertaining

My friend lived in a community where the women outdid themselves in making elaborate meals for company. But everyone preferred to the hostess who served a simple meatloaf and nothing else. She had something special as a hostess. It wasn’t the food, but it made people want to come back.

At the end of the day, a warm atmosphere counts for more than elaborate food and decorative presentation. You can spend your time making each roll into the shape of a turkey and layering your glasses with different colors of sorbet, but if you’re busy in the kitchen when the guests come, and the food is served lukewarm, what is the point? If you’re too exhausted to talk with people, and nervous in case everything doesn’t go as planned, your guests will feel uncomfortable.

Experience counts for a lot. If this is your first party, keep it small and informal. You may have great ideas, but it may not be wise to implement them all at once.

Always be aware of your guests, and sensitive to their needs. They will go away with a good feeling. As a side benefit, they’ll overlook anything that’s less than perfect.

My priorities for entertaining are listed below, in rough order:

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