Tea at the Unicorn Wine Guild

Have you ever wished to entertain and then realized that you were seriously low on supplies or lacked them altogether?  Would you have loved to pay back friends and family for their kindnesses to you or expand your entertaining, but weren’t sure where to start? January is traditionally time for new beginnings.  Resolve to be more prepared for entertaining in 2010.  With the After-Christmas sales in full swing and the January white and organization sales coming up, now is the perfect time to act upon that resolution.

With pen and pad in hand begin by inventorying your china, stemware and flatware.  What do you need to complete your sets?  Also inventory your service pieces, linens and perhaps even your cookware.  For less formal events you may even want to stock some lovely paper goods. Next time someone asks you what you want for your birthday, anniversary or holiday, you now have an answer.  If what you want or need is quite expensive, begin saving for it each week.  This ”entertainment supply fund” could be financed by your rewards for reaching goals from another resolution such as smoking cessation or weight loss.  Watch auctions, yard sales and sales ads.  You may be able to obtain your desire at a fraction of full cost.

Organize by listing not only what you own but where they are stored.  Try to store them where they are easily accessible.   If you store in totes or boxes, number or label them.  Also keep your kitchen supplied with basics such as scone mixes, shelf stable cheeses, drink basics and food that can quickly be assembled into a repast.  When you use them, be sure to place them on your shopping list for replenishing.  You might even adapt a recipe to make it your signature dish. 

Just because your sets are incomplete should not stop you from entertaining.  Improvise, hold smaller parties with fewer guests or entertain less formally.  If what you lack is seating, consider a picnic.  The picnic could be on the floor in front of the fireplace, on the porch or patio, in the yard or at a public venue.  In February I was traveling through northwest Ohio and stopped at a deli chain for lunch.  In came a lady with a tote.  Out of the tote came a table runner, a bud vase and a cut flower.   She sat down with a book and began to read, but shortly she was joined by a dining companion.  I know the extra gesture was welcomed and brightened a dreary winter day.

Is your roadblock a lack of confidence or experience?  Volunteer to work on the social committee of your club or church.  Learn from those on the committee with experience.  Read, watch videos, “experiment” on your family.  Begin with a small, informal gathering and work your way up to a more involved event.  If you are most comfortable with the small event, there is no reason it cannot become your specialty. 

Is lack of time your problem?  Stick to simple, easy, menus and settings.  Schedule your event well in advance and make it a priority. Set aside a few minutes each day to  devote to the project and you will be well on your way to success.

Is money tight?  Organize a simple afternoon tea, ”dessert”, pot luck or even an evening of pizza and a movie. Invite your friends to your house for appetizers before attending a seminar or play.  Use your imagination and refer to those ideas you have collected.  Prepare food that does not use exotic ingredients.  Entertaining is more than showing off your cooking skills and possessions.  It is enjoying one another’s company. 

Begin reference files for such things as recipes, tablescapes and other party inspirations.  Dream, Plan and set a date.  There are many books and websites devoted to party planning.  Use the advise as a guideline and plan your own unique entertainment venue. 

Be sure to take photos and/or draw diagrams of the room and table arrangement when you do have an event.  Keep a journal with information of who was invited, who attended, what was served, what were the positive and what you would not do again, what you used as china, stemware and centerpieces and other notes.  You may want to note that Kevin is allergic to shellfish or that Madam X and Dr. Z should not be placed together as she wears perfume that causes his allergies to be exacerbated.  You might even go so far as to develop event sheets just like the big hotels.  These lists help keep you on track so that you are organized during the event.  They help you remember to get that extra ice or to serve the peas that are in the freezer.

Entertaining can be as expansive as a banquet for hundreds or as simple as a snack with your best friend.  With just a little planning, preparation and organization your event can be a success. Enjoy.