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.

Happy Thanksgiving!

This year’s Thanksgiving celebration is already looking different from last year’s as people are venturing out and gathering more. As we all get our sea legs back for entertaining and hosting bigger gatherings, I thought you might need some fresh ideas or reminders on how the heck to throw a party. I know if I were hosting this year, which I am not, I would need to retrain my brain on what I should be doing and when.

This post will be a compilation of older posts to help you access info in a pinch. It’s going to be chock full, so snuggle up with warm cup of tea, or a bottle of scotch, and notebook in hand. I also figured that everyone prepares the main meal their own way and has tons of turkey, stuffing, mashed potato recipes already at hand. You don’t need me for those. But maybe you need some ideas in these other areas.

Start your engines and prep, prep, prep.

While you’re prepping, grab a glass of vino and chill.

Let’s start at the very beginning, a very good place to start.

List Making and Prep

I can’t stress this part enough. Whether you handwrite, type or send voice memos to yourself, the important thing is to make a list, and keep organized. Especially with Thanksgiving because there are so many moving parts. As you can see, sometimes I handwrite, sometimes I type it out nicely in bullet points but I ALWAYS have a list.

Clearly without typing and spellcheck errors are made.

Sure this list may not be for Thanksgiving but it serves the point of always making a list.

The below link was originally written with Christmas in mind, and so some of the references point in that direction. However, it definitely has tips for general holiday hosting, as well as a good refresher for Christmas, which quite frankly is just around the corner. Skim through the post to find what you need, or take the time to digest it in its entirety. It might help get you ready for large consumption on Turkey day. Ha!

Holiday Hosting Tips - Less Stress

Table Settings

Now once you have figured out your menu, guest list and overall game plan it’s time to focus on the table setting. I know I’ve said it before, but it warrants repeating, especially now as we re-welcome our loved ones back into our homes in larger groups. Setting a welcoming table sets the tone. It doesn’t have to be glammed out it just needs some love. Even the slightest of care taken to enhance the table shows your guests how special they are. The below links give a variety of ideas from the casual to the elegant. No excuses, just do it!

Burst of Burnt Orange - A Fall Landscape

The below link is the mother load of table settings and floral ideas for a special fall occasion.

Thanksgiving Table Settings - Casual to Elegant

Florals

I get it, some you might think flowers are a waste. But gosh darn, they do bring a smile when you enter a room. I know for a fact that you don’t have to be creative to make a great floral display. A while back one of my mom’s friends helped me to organize a luncheon for their group. When I asked if she could arrange the flowers she quickly replied, Oh, I am not good with that. Well, all it took was an example for her to follow, her confidence grew and then she used her own creative eye. And just like that she gained a new skill. And so can you. If you go to the store and stare at the flower section and can’t imagine something from nothing then simply take a look at the images and links below for some ideas. I know you can do it!

This might not be a typical Thanksgiving arrangement, but it screams fall. The big cabbage heads are fun and bold while the baby’s breathe fills in the gaps and adds whimsy.

Florals can be big and make a statement or a single flower with a simple burst of beauty. Whatever your style there is an arrangement for you. The first link is one that requires some planning, various size vases and a variety of floral items to pull off. But it’s worth it, and best part, it will last you through the fall season.

Fall Themed Centerpiece

There are floral examples in the Thanksgiving Table setting link above, but below are two more links for inspiration.

Eucalyptus Burst - A Floral Spray

Maybe you don’t want to break the bank on florals. Mums are ubiquitous, affordable and come in a variety of colors.

Mums…the Word

Napkin Folding

What can I say about napkins that won’t sound like I’m a broken record? Ok, hit the replay button. It doesn’t take much to make a napkin look a tad more special than just plopping in down on the table. Sure there are oodles of videos on how to make a turkey or pumpkin out of a napkin. If you have the time and wherewithal, knock yourself out. I’m all for simplicity with a touch of pizazz. The link below demonstrates 5 basic folds then gives a variety of ways to enhance each. Hope this helps convince you that it doesn’t take but a moment more to fold a napkin.

Napkin Folding - 5 Basic Folds - Countless Options

Maybe you don’t need a place setting or napkin folding ideas because you are hosting a less formal, more casual buffet style meal. Here’s an easy way to corral utensils with an item that we all have stuffed in the back of our cabinets. The ever present florist vase.

Florist Vase = Useful Utensil Holder

Appetizers

Now here is a category I can really sink my teeth into. Pun intended. I love being creative with apps. I feel like this is where you can break from tradition and be a bit more adventurous with your offerings. As a matter of fact, one Thanksgiving, JuanCarlos and I decided to turn the holiday on its head, literally. We made the appetizer portion the main attraction serving 12 different offerings ranging from cold to hot which lasted 3 hours. Then the main meal was much simpler, and didn’t even include turkey! Extending the appetizer ‘hour’ allowed our guests to relax, eat leisurely and mingle to their hearts’ content. I think it was our best hosted Thanksgiving ever. So with that in mind, here are some appetizers that might stray from the norm for this holiday. Pick one, pick them all. Go crazy, it’s meant to be appetizing.

Contrast colors and texture to excite the palate.

Amuse Bouche literally means to amuse the mouth. And that’s what your first offerings should do. They should get the palate ready. An announcement to: Start Your Engines. Below is a variety of ideas that do just that.

Amuse Bouche…That’s not English, Right?

Pickled Offerings: I love serving quality store bought pickled items such as mushrooms, garlic, cornichon. These add a tangy punch to get the palate ready for more.

Marinated mushrooms with roasted red peppers

Skewers: This idea might feel more summer time but it doesn’t have to be. You can have warm skewered items or cold. They are easy to pick up and eat. And the best part about some of the below examples is they use store bought items plus can be made ahead, plated and placed out when guests arrive.

Potatoes & Pulpo (octopus) Skewers with alioli dipping sauce. Quality canned octopus skewered with boiled new potatoes.

Romaine Lettuce wraps with tinned Spicy Sardine and Grape Tomato/Cucumber Skewers

Boquerones (fresh anchovies) on Cucumber Ribbons

Grilled Shrimp & Avocado Endive Boats with yogurt cucumber dip

Sautéd Potatoes & Pulpo with parsley dressing on Endive

Oven Roasted Plum Tomatoes with Fresh Ricotta topped with herbs & olive oil.

And then there is the infamous Charcuterie/Cheese Platter. Sometimes putting this together can feel overwhelming. We’ve all seen them and they look amazing. But how do we compose an appetizing platter? Sometimes a simple step by step and visual helps us to create what may seem daunting. Here are some guides from me and a link from another master, That Cheese Plate.

The Art of a Charcuterie & cheese Platter

You can never, and I mean NEVER, go wrong with serving a charcuterie/cheese platter. There is always something for everyone. The beauty of it is that you can arrange it with anything and everything. Make it an appetizer platter, like the one below, filled with a variety of flavors and textures.

Boqueron/olive/cucumber skewers, roasted red peppers, spiced nuts, asparagus baked in puffed pastry, palmiers all mingle nicely among cheese and dry cured meats.

Abundance. Fill the platter and block each item in sections. It makes it look organized and appetizing. You WANT to dive in.

And now for even more appetizer ideas…

Smoked Trout Cucumber Bites

Boquerones = Bow ka row nays

Luscious Butternut Cream Crostini with Roasted Walnuts & Honey

3 Dips a Dippin’

I love this one because it’s a different take on crudité. And the dips are so flavorful that will keep on dipping.

Marinated Feta

This dish is an absolute winner. My customers love it as much as my guests. It is so versatile, creamy and tangy, spicy and delicous.

Fried Polenta Topped with Mushrooms & Goat Cheese
These fried polenta rounds are also a great vehicle for the above marinated feta. I’ve often made that combo and had not a single one left.

5 Appetizers That Impress & Relieve Stress

Maybe you have the task of figuring out what to serve a vegan during a holiday that rarely has offerings that will suffice. Here’s an appetizer that is hearty, earthy and fits the vegan bill.

Vegan Chick Pea Mash

And for our last category, because I’m sure by now your tea has gotten cold or you’ve run out of scotch. Either way, it was a boat load of info. But this last section is much needed and short.

Salads

Ok, let’s admit it. We all make the effort and serve them up on Thanksgiving. But how many of your guests actually eat it? I say offer up a salad that counters all the heaviness of a traditional Turkey dinner. Crunchy, refreshing salads will be a palate and belly cleanser. Try any of these.

Citrus. Salad Bowl

Versatile Crunch Salad

Cucumber Ribbons, Chunks & Cherry Tomatoes

Use a vegetable peeler to create ribbons from an English cucumber. When you get to the middle section after peeling, cut it into chunks. Add halved cherry tomatoes and mix with a herb vinaigrette.

Ok, that’s it for now folks. I hope these helped you and provided some ideas. I wish you all a safe and joyous Thanksgiving. May we each find health through nutritious food and spiritual love. Gobble Gobble.