Easy tips for holiday entertaining!
Cindy Fekete
(225)768-1840
Get in the Holiday Spirit
"If you go into a house and there's tension in the air, you can
practically taste it. Don't get edgy with family members if the food,
table, or flowers aren't perfect. It's the spirit of your home that will
linger with people long after they forget what you fed them. I'm not
suggesting it's okay to serve a tasteless turkey in a sloppy home, but
give yourself permission to have fun from the start — no matter what
happens — and it will be a lot more fun for your guests." —DANNY MEYER
Add a Fresh Scent
"A good smell in the air is an unconscious cue to everyone that
they're expected, that something good is in store for them, that they're
going to be taken care of. Sometimes I burn rosemary in the fireplace,
or put it in a cast-iron pan, light it on fire, and walk around the
house with the pan, letting the smoke and scent go all over the house." —ALICE WATERS
Light Scented Candles
"The minute people walk through the door, I want them to feel
enveloped. Of course, the smell of a roast or a freshly baked pie will
do it, but on days when I want to fix up a speedy, effortless festive
fragrance, I delve into my stash of scented candles. At this time of
year, my favorite has to be Ralph Lauren's Holiday Classic candle, with
its almost spruce-and-cinnamon scent. It's an extravagance, but one that
makes your guests feel spoiled." —NIGELLA LAWSON
Keep the Holiday Tunes Playing
"I have a well-programmed iPod with playlists for every mood, a
bevy of fragrant candles lit, incense burning around the house, and
dimmers on every lighting switch. I always have something chilling in
the refrigerator or iced in the freezer so I can serve a cocktail at a
moment's notice — before someone asks for a drink, it's ready to be
poured." —COLIN COWIE
Greet Your Guests
"The best way to make your guests feel welcome is to make sure
you're the first person they see when they arrive and the last person
they see when they depart. Greet each guest warmly and personally. I
also like to station a server at the door with a tray of drinks for
guests to help transport them into the party. Good hosts make sure to
prepare everything in advance so they can be guests at their own party."
—DAVID TUTERA
Offer an Appetizer for Nibbling
"Set the lights at a low, inviting level. Open the door with a big
smile and a hug. If the weather is bad, line up extra slippers by the
door so they can easily slip off wet shoes and get really comfortable.
Make sure there's plenty of space to hang up coats, so they can get dry
and warm before it's time to leave. Serve at least one hors d'oeuvre
fresh from the oven, so they feel the warmth right away. Think about
ways to engage all the senses. Aroma is so important, but it should be real
smells — a crackling fire, baking bread — not fancy perfumed candles.
Everyone loves flickering candles and fireplaces. When it comes to
sound, it's not just about music. There's such sensual pleasure in the
sound of a crackling fire or something perking on the stove. Everyone
will feel the hug of your hospitality." —LIDIA MATTICCHIO BASTIANICH
Prepare and Organize in Advance
"Be ready. Don't get caught wearing your robe. It's simple, but
your house should be clean and organized, and some music should be
playing so that guests feel like you're just waiting to open the door as
soon as they ring the bell. Greet them all with a warm smile and a hug
or kiss. Then, make sure they get a drink! I always have something with
Grey Goose ready-made — everyone likes that." —LARA SHRIFTMAN
Tips courtesy of HouseBeautiful.com
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