(Ray)
(Fogra 39)Job:07-30969 Title:FW-Gluten Free Entertaining
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12 GLUTEN-FREE ENTERTaiNiNG(Text)
Prep for the Party
It took me years to accept that I’m not Martha Stewart. When I used to entertain, I’d
spend so much time and money trying to make every detail perfect, stressing out for a
week just to throw a dinner for my friends, and running around cooking, serving, clearing,
chasing around guests with coasters and napkins, and then cleaning and loading the
dishwasher all while my guests were still around. I finally realized that everyone has less
fun when I do this and I don’t get to enjoy myself because I’m running around like mad,
stressing that everyone’s glass needs a refill and that the kitchen looks messy. My friends,
who are there to spend time with me, only see a stressed-out version of myself, too busy
to have a conversation and socialize. Once I let go of this notion that everything needed
to be perfect, parties at my house were so much easier and enjoyable for everyone. I relax
and have fun and everyone else does, too. The key to being a great hostess isn’t perfection.
It’s about letting your parties reflect your own personality and style—not Martha’s.Set the Scene
Music, lighting, and décor all help set the scene for your event. Think about the mood
you want to set and the feel you want your party to have. For most dinners and cocktail
parties my formula is the same: simple flower arrangements in the main space where
guests will be, plus one or two stems in a simple vase in each bathroom. I choose music
that is fun and relaxed, but nothing too slow or sappy, which can give the party a sullen
feel (I love services like Pandora and Spotify for this—they can help make selecting the
music effortless). I use soft lighting and light unscented candles anywhere there will be
food and drinks (scented candles can interfere with your sense of smell and taste, because
the two are so closely linked). If you must use a scented candle anywhere, the bathroom is
a great place! Additional details like pressed linen napkins can make your party feel extra
special without a lot of effort. Does all of this sound like a lot to remember? If you do a lot
of entertaining, these details eventually come as second nature, but if it just feels too fussy,
remember: The most important thing is that your party reflects your own style, and that is
what will make you and your guests have a great time. If you’re a really casual entertainer,
flowers in the bathroom might seem ridiculous to you and will feel pretentious to your
guests. Just do what feels good and authentic for you!(Ray)
(Fogra 39)Job:07-30969 Title:FW-Gluten Free Entertaining
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