I don’t know about you but I’m a tad rusty on entertaining these days. I know I keep repeating myself about this point but it’s true. I went from hosting parties every month to hosting 4 times in past 3 years! To say that my skills are dull is an understatement. As you may have read from the last two posts, we recently hosted two small gatherings for friends and family, and I was actually nervous. For the larger one (just 8 people including us) I had serving platters spread out across the dining table, staring at them in a frozen state, unable to make a decision on what to use. Seriously, how pathetic. But as with any skill, practice is the key to keeping it sharp, and for regaining it.

So as we approach the thick of the holiday season, I felt like I needed a refresher course, and thought it might be helpful for you, too.

There are some key notes to keep in mind, so you don’t lose yours.

Keep it manageable. Don’t try to take on too much. (I should take my own advice.) Make simple but appetizing platters.

A platter of dry cured meat with some cucumber slices makes a festive appetizer.

2. Prep as much as you can ahead of time. Whether it be cutting, chopping and placing in containers until needed, or cooking ahead time. Look at your whole menu and devise a strategy that spreads the work out.

Pre-cook whatever you can then just reheat.

Arrange your food items on the trays or pots and have them at the ready.

Chop, slice and place in containers or bags, then labeled for easy assembly.

3. Know when you need help, AND then ask for it. (Whether from your family/friends or if you need to hire an extra set of hands.)

Have everyone chip in helping to get the meal to the table.

4. Avoid trying new and untested recipes. It only adds to the stress. (Again, advice I rarely take myself)

Simple potato mash. Nothing complicated but still delicious.

5. When making the guest list think about the mingle factor. We may not have seen some of our friends and family for awhile but that doesn’t mean we need to jam them all in for one occasion. Maybe think about spreading your hosting events out. For instance, one year when we hosted Thanksgiving and were at capacity, we hosted a Friday after Thanksgiving dinner with a separate group. Smaller more manageable groups are easier.

6. Set the table days in advance. I have found this removes so much of the last minute stress. You could be finishing up in the kitchen when guests arrive but you don’t have to worry that the table isn’t set when they walk through the door. (Side Bonus: I love walking past a beautifully set today several days beforehand. It inspires me and plain ole brings a smile to my face.)

Set a pretty table. By doing this way ahead of time you can include all the details without being under time pressure.

7. Set up a Drink Station so your guests can easily help themselves. One less thing.

Keep it simple. You don’t need to provide a full bar.

Have enough glasses out so everyone can help themselves without having to ask where are the glasses!

8. Decor. This is a tough one for me because I love florals and making a space look beautiful and inviting. Naturally there are much less fussy ways to decorate your table or home. I always try to do this portion way ahead of time. Do what is within your comfort zone.

**Fall Theme Centerpiece** - a tray of visual interest.

I love creating big floral arrangements. I just can’t help myself.

9. Menu planning/Budget Planning/List making: All important elements to keep you sane.

And in case that short list wasn’t enough, below are links to some previous posts that you might find helpful.

Thanksgiving Reminders, Appetizers & More

Thanksgiving Table Settings - Casual to Elegant

Napkin Folding - A Few Festive Ideas

Napkin Folding - Five Basic Folds - Countless Options

5 Appetizers That Impress & Relieve Stress

I hope these tidbits help refresh your entertaining memory. I wish you all a thoughtful, grateful Thanksgiving filled with love and laughter, health and happiness.

If you are wondering about our plans, since we have been busy with a new business venture this year we aren’t hosting, but instead hoping for invites. If you need to fill in two chairs, we are available and taking requests. I promise I’ll bring something yummy.