One of my favorite things to do is to plan a party. So when a friend sent me an email saying that she hated hosting dinner parties, and asking me to help her with some ideas, I was delighted.
For me it all begins with lists. There are two types of people in the world, list makers and those who just attack a situation when it arises. I don’t understand non-listers. How do they know what to do, where to go, what movie to see, or what book to read? Lists are an essential party tool, whether you are entertaining in your first apartment or you are a seasoned party giver. You can jot down ideas when you think of them. Once you have the basics planned, the world is your oyster. You are free to let your creativity loose.
My friend may not be so keen on my advice when I tell her that the first big dinner party I hosted in my new apartment in college pretty much had one dish. My roommates and I were lamenting the fact that you only get to have a big roasted turkey twice a year, and we decided a turkey party in February would be nice. There were four of us, and we each asked three guests. My job was to roast the turkey, the roommates were in charge of supplying fancy breads, mustards etc. to make turkey sandwiches. Another guest was bringing dessert. Had I roasted a turkey before? Absolutely not. So on a freakishly warm day in February, while my roommates tanned on aluminum foil in the back yard, I cooked my first turkey. Totally due to luck, not skill, it was a success! My tan may not have been spectacular, but the turkey was a beautiful golden brown. At the end of the evening it was picked so clean I remember thinking the intact skeleton could easily reside in the Smithsonian.
As a more experienced party giver, I realize that the most important list you make is the menu. Once you have that accomplished, the rest will fall in place. If you are a novice cook, pick a great main dish that you’ve made before, maybe not roast turkey. There’s nothing wrong with a practice run before the party. Remember a football team gets to practice before the big game. You do not want to be in the kitchen struggling with a dish while your guests are in another room either having fun, or starving. The rest is easy. Salad greens that are ready to throw in a bowl are available everywhere and the grocery store salad bar is your friend for easy toppings. A big loaf of crusty bread and a dessert you purchase make a lovely meal. Appetizers are a nice touch, but the dinner should be the star, so a couple of cheeses with crackers and grapes, if you are so inclined, are perfect. A bowl of nuts or a purchased dip with pre- cut vegetables would do as well.
Finally, and you don’t need a list for this, have a good time. It’s your party for heaven’s sake! Everyone remembers a fun evening with interesting people and great conversation. A charming host, even without a tan, is one who is happy and who is enjoying her company. If you can do that you can throw the best party in the world!
