No Worry Entertaining

Now that you have seen what a No Worry Home membership can do for your peace of mind as a home owner, we’d like to apply some of the same principles to at-home entertaining.

Whether you enjoy hosting a crowd or prefer small, intimate dinners for 4 or 6, being prepared is the key to relaxing and enjoying your own party as much as your guests. Here are a few ideas that work for us.

Unless you’re catering the event, hiring a chef, or are one, create a menu from recipes you have prepared successfully before, with the kitchen equipment, serving platters and utensils you already have on hand. Sharpen your knives.

Inspect your pantry for the condiments and spices you’ll need and add any missing items to your shopping list. Chances are you already have a supply of non-perishable items like rice, pasta, canned tomatoes, beans and broth. Draw up a complete list of ingredients for every dish you plan to serve.

Prepare as much as possible in advance, e.g. soups, sauces, salads, garnishes, and refrigerate all that need to be kept chilled. While you’re making room, take the opportunity to clear your refrigerator of leftovers and foods past their prime.

Adopt the French culinary practice of mise en place, that is, having all the ingredients measured, prepped, and gathered on your workstation before you begin to cook.

Chill beverages that require it. Make extra ice. Limit your cocktail choices and garnishes. Keep the appetizers simple: nuts, olives, cheese and crackers.

Whether buffet or sit-down dining, set your table early. For table service, decide whether you’ll plate for each guest or pass serving dishes, and organized accordingly.

Empty your dishwasher. Clear your countertops. Have extra dish towels and/or paper towels handy.

Clean or have your home cleaned a day or two beforehand. Declutter. Make sure your powder room is well-stocked and the coat closet, if you have one, has extra hangers and hooks. Add a bouquet or two of fresh flowers. Create a playlist for your sound system.

Keep rambunctious pets corralled for everyone’s sake. Get a sitter for small children, or maybe organize a sleepover with the grandparents. Skip the nightcap for designated drivers. Relax and enjoy your no-worry entertaining. You got this!