Filed under: Fun Stuff, Parties & Entertaining
Need to do some last-minute entertaining? These easy dinner party ideas will help you plan a no-fuss, thoughtful evening.Help me! I have unexpected guests coming over for dinner in a couple hours, but with all the other prep work (cleaning, organizing, etc) I have to do, I'm worried about pulling together an "effortlessly" delicious dinner.
Home Rescue: We turn to interior design and entertaining extraordinaire Baroness Monica von Neumann for advice.
To get you through the dinner party doldrums, the Baroness offers some simple steps to make it look as if you've been party prepping all day.
Photo: Alamy
1. Set your table with simple style. "People take for granted the look and appeal of a place mat," the Baroness says. She suggests keeping a set of stylish place mats on hand to use for impromptu dinner parties. If you can, add chargers as well -- lay the place mats, then top with a charger and dinner plate. Don't forget the napkin rings. "Even the simplest napkin ring makes a difference," she says. "If you don't have any, use ribbon. Roll your napkins and place in the center of the plate."
2. Cheating is encouraged. Not much of a cook? You can still impress. Ordering takeout is okay in necessary circumstances, the Baroness says. But etiquette lesson number one: The food should be presented in serving dishes. Number two? "If it's not asked, don't mention it," she says. "There is no need to inform your guests that you didn't cook this." If you are asked, be honest. "Your guests will be grateful for you opening your home to them."
A few things to keep in mind: Don't order things that will get soggy or won't serve well. Order at least 30 minutes before your guests arrive and use the proper method of heating the food to ensure the dishes aren't ruined. "No matter where the food comes from, presentation is key," she says. "Whether you cooked it or not is irrelevant."
3. Don't forget a centerpiece. Use whatever you have on hand or items that you can buy quickly and cheaply. Whether it's a hurricane lantern filled with lemons or a vase of colorful Gerbera daisies, a dinner table doesn't feel complete without a centerpiece.
4. Serve wine and hors d'ouevres instead. The Baroness suggests keeping things simple with no-fuss appetizers. Think: Serrano ham, olive oil and manchego cheese on slices of crusty baguette. Or an anti pasta platter with green and black olives, sundried tomatoes, cheese and prosciutto.
Lay this out over the platter for everyone to enjoy while having a glass of wine and a cocktail. This is an easy and elegant way to make it look like you spent much more time preparing this than you have, she says.
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