From a very young age, I’ve simply loved entertaining. I remember dinners cooked for my high school friends. A makeshift dinner table (aka the plank from my bed) when my friend Gina & I hosted in our first ‘real’ dinner party out of varsity. As newlyweds, we once had about 30 people for soup & bread squeezed into our 70sqm flat. The list goes on & on… And today I still love having guests over for a meal.
I’ve learnt lots about entertaining at home, so if you are keen to cook, entertain & wow your guests like a pro, look no further.
I’ve rround-up of the best tips for easy, but thoughtful entertainment – some are my own & others courtesy of my favourite people on the food & blogging horizon. Enjoy!
Tip # 1: Choose a Theme
A theme – no matter how simple – adds character to any occasion & provides more direction for your menu & décor planning. I’m not talking an over-the-top dress up party here. Think of a simple theme that will tie everything together like one or two colours, a country or something like ‘build-your-own-burger’. My latest favourite is to have a meal themed around the herb, rosemary. It is super easy to pull off, but will show that you’ve made an effort.
Rosemary basically grows in every South African garden & can be used in dishes, drinks, decor & even in farewell gifts for your guests. Plus it is good for the nerves! Simly brew a sprig of fresh rosemary in a cup of boiling water, add honey & you have a soothing tea to calm your nerves.
“Rosemary is full of flavour but can take over,” warns South Africa’s first Michelin-star chef, author & photographer, Jan-Hendrik van der Westhuizen, “so use it sparingly.”
Tip # 2: Keep Things Simple But Considered
“Less is more,” says my friend Karen Kelly owner & editor of lovilee.co.za. Her advice is to plan your decor & your dishes in advance. She is all about investing in white crockery & keeping your table neutral. “Start with white, brown, wood & glassware.”
“I love napkins & have a whole drawer full [of napkins] with cute patterns & colors that I keep for special occasions. Then brighten the table with cute napkins & greenery or flowers from your garden,” says Karen.
“We usually over-cater & over-plan unnecessarily. The whole purpose of entertainment is to spend quality time with your friends & family; not to eat yourself into a coma or to give yourself [more] gray hair!” she jokes.
Tip # 3: Do As Much As Possible In Advance
This sounds so obvious, but it is key if you want to be a calm, organised host. “For a couple of years, I presented cooking demonstrations for groups of 10-14 people, where guests also sit down to eat the menu I demonstrate. It was like entertaining while people were watching you – everything had to be perfect!” says Ilse van der Merwe of thefoodfox.com. “I would choose a variety of dishes, most of which are easy to prepare & do not require my full attention during the dinner. The less stress for the hostess / host, the more enjoyable the event! Make lists & start early. ”
Karen believes you should focus on your strengths: “Plan your décor as well as your dishes in advance. I’m not great when it comes to cooking, so my focus is mostly on the decor.” She usually tries to set up her decor the day before. She buys ready-made dishes & prepares only the necessary side dishes.
For me, being organised is about more than just the food or decor. I usually try to blowdry or style my hair the previous day or earlier on the day. It is also helpful to plan your outfit in advance. I find that I always end up getting dressed 10 minutes before guests arrive.
Tip # 4: The Right Guest List
Who you invite is just as important or even more important than the food & decor. Invite everyone well in advance & make sure your guests bring out the best in you & other guests. This also gives you plenty of time to plan around any food allergies or special diets.
Tip # 5: Add a Unique Touch With Interesting Place Names
A nice variation on common place names is to place a clue or interesting fact about each guest at his or her place, explains American blogger & hostess Molly Yeh of Mynameisyeh.com. Write something like “He traveled the furthest to come here” or “Can play 7 musical instruments” to get the conversation going! Or write the names on fruit like pomegranate or lemons.
Tip # 6: Watch the Weather
In South Africa we are privileged enough to be able to spend time outside even on autumn and winter afternoons. “If you want to entertain outside, make sure you check back in a day or so to ensure you may have blankets or outdoor heaters nearby if needed,” Karen says.
Tip # 7: Drinks & Snacks
Something to drink & a snack on arrival is a must, says Ilse. “That way the worst hunger pains are addressed, people relax & no one peers over your shoulder if the food is ready. A simple cheese plate with biscuits usually does the thing. Bread & pate are also a good option.
Having water available for guests is a non-negotiable. But instead of using regular lemon slices, why not season your tap water with fresh rosemary& few sticks of cinnamon.
Molly strongly recommends a make-your-own-drink station. This involves putting together a recipe & the necessary ingredients for guests to mix their own drinks.
Garnish your gin & tonic with fresh sprigs of rosemary.
Tip # 8: The Main Course
“A big pot of slow-simmering stew or curry wins everyone’s hearts as they walk in your door – it fills your home with a welcoming aroma. Whether it’s a meaty dish or not, as long as there are delicious flavors in the air, the battle is halfway won, ”says Ilse. [See Ilse’s Lamb & Tomato Ragu recipe on the website – the perfect comfort food.]
“Then choose a combination of dishes that do not have to be in the oven at the same time. If you like an oven-roasted meat dish, then choose side dishes that can be made on the stove (or a cold salad)& vice versa. For dessert, choose something that you can bake in advance (like a malva pudding) & can only heat quickly before serving. Or something like chocolate cubes with good coffee.”
A small takehome gift for each guest is very special; a nice tea towel with a sprig of rosemary tied on it or a bunch of rosemary.
“As table decor, remove the rosemary plant from its pot. Place it directly onthe table so that the oil & the roots are visible,” says Jan. Such fun ideas, right?
Yolandi ♥
Images: Andrea Caldwell for aZestyLife