Art of Entertaining: The Essentials

Give us a reason, and we’ll plan a dinner party. Birthday? Dinner party. Work promotion? Dinner party. Change-of-the-seasons or just-because? Yes, that sounds like the perfect reason to host a dinner party! (And one reason that’s right around the corner.) There’s something intoxicating about the combination of good food, good friends, and classic hospitality.

Are you dinner-party prepared? Having the right supplies in your entertaining arsenal is crucial to making the experience stress-free and enjoyable. Besides the basics like wine glasses and napkins, there are a few entertaining investments that are worth it.

Beautiful China
We have a theory that all food tastes better when served on a beautiful surface – and we haven’t been proven wrong yet! Nothing makes entertaining more worth-it than being able to showcase your gorgeous good china. If you have a set, don’t let it languish on a shelf or in a china closet! Take it out and put it to good use. Don’t be afraid to break away from traditional white – choose color!  For tips on presenting beautiful plated dishes, read Art of Entertaining: Food and Plate Design.

Image via hgtv.com

A Good Cookbook
In this day and age, it’s easy to rely on technology for recipes and cooking tips. We all have a Pinterest board of recipes and foodspiration, after all! But investing in a classic hardbound cookbook serves three purposes. First, you know that all of the recipes will be good if they made it past the chef and the editor. Second, cookbook pages are usually easier to work with (and much more forgiving of tomato sauce splatters or floury fingers) than a device that needs to be charged, has popup ads, etc. And third, cookbooks have a classic aesthetic appeal that your guests will admire.

The Bar
A well-stocked bar cart is one of the secrets of effortless entertaining. Stock it with a citrus juicer, a fine mesh, a julep strainer, a jigger, a muddler and a cocktail shaker. Build up a liquor collection of 50%  staples and 50% top-shelf treats so you’ll be prepared for any occasion, any guest, and any drink request. For tips about building your own at-home bar, read Art of Entertaining: The Well-Stocked Bar.

Image via dallasnews.com

Wood, Marble or Slate Cheese Board
Appetizers and hors d’oeuvres are probably the first thing your guests will be served as they enter the party. Make sure your presentation makes a good first impression. An elegantly designed cheese board elevates antipasti, bruschetta, and other small bites. For tips are creating the best cheese board, read Home Entertaining: The Art of Cheese.

Entertaining is a snap when you have the right pieces. Don’t skip these essentials! The more you love them, the more motivated you’ll be to put them to good use and show them off.