Dinner for 2…Or 20.
From time to time, I find myself unable to suppress my desire to emanate one of Barnard’s most successful graduates, and impress my classmates and the world around me. I’m not talking about finally realizing the classic dream to pen a great American novel, like that of Zora Neale Hurston, or attain the level of influence and international power Jeane Kirkpatrick did during Ronald Reagan’s administration. No, I’m talking about successfully mastering a skill that would place me under far more local scrutiny from my friends. I’m talking about turning to (despite her other faults) the definitive guru on all things finished, polished, and classic to do it. I’m talking about throwing a dinner party, and turning to Martha Stewart for help.
One thing I have come to realize through looking at some of her tips is that small details are what add up to make the perfect dinner party. It is the attention to the little touches that are often unrelated to the sensitivity of one’s pallet that make a dinner party memorable. (Rejoice, mediocre cooks!)
The Simple Things
A simple thing one can do to add quick and easy class to a dinner party is to arrange a simple centerpiece. Of course, you won’t have the full materials, or extent of time to necessarily make the “Yuletide Topiary” winter centerpiece suggested for a wintertime gathering on Ms. Stewart’s website. While your tabletop may not be a “fanciful winter garden,” as Mama Martha would ideally have it, you can still buy a bunch of fresh, seasonal flowers, pumpkins, or holly and arrange it all with some ribbon in the center of the table. Guaranteed most of you friends will be extremely impressed that you took the time and thought to buy flowers and are invested in all areas of their sensory enjoyment. Visual stimulation? Check.
Set The Mood
Another simple idea outside of the food department is to create a playlist that will set the tone of the party. Easy, smooth jazz or some soft Norah Jones will make your guests feel instantly comfortable and promote a relaxed atmosphere. Your musical choice can also be a conversation starter among guests who may just be getting to know each other, and, as long as it isn’t deafening, will promote the exchange of ideas and tastes, and allow people to deepen friendships.
Dessert Anyone?
A final subtle and nuanced touch is to put dessert in the oven while eating dinner. Whether it has to fully bake, or just be warmed up, the smell of lightly browning sweet things in the oven will make the guests excited about the rest of the meal, make the food that you’re serving taste even better, and leave your place smelling delicious long after the meal is over, and then long after the guests are gone. Now that’s smart.
The Numbers Game
Finally, common sense provides the last cautionary: do not invite more people than your apartment can comfortably fit, or than you can feed. People won’t be happy leaving hungry, or feeling claustrophobic. Although it may feel wrong to leave some people out, everyone present will generally have a better time in more intimate company. And if you feel too badly about leaving some people out, throw another dinner party! Once you become an entertaining legend ith this easy, foolproof formula for success, you’ll find yourself wanting to throw a lot parties, and having a lot more friend for whom to throw them!
(Special thank to Martha Stewart, and http://www.marthastewart.com)