We’re all for twirling up the table and pulling out your best recipes, but skip the fuss!
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I’m always jumping at the opportunity to throw a dinner party for my friends.
But times have changedand with it, the way we entertain.
Credit:George Marks / Getty
Our clothes and manners are far more casual.
While the book is certainly outdated in many ways, the premise of easierentertainingis even more prevalent today.
In:Easy, laid-back hosting where the host actually gets to enjoy the party.
Credit:Southern Living Archives
Out:Over-the-top entertaining where everything is picture-perfect.
Truehospitalityis simply about making your guests feel welcome and comfortable.
Entertaining is about providinghospitality, bringing your people together around a table, and making memories.
Credit:Dane Tashima; Stylist: Christina Wressell; Design: Carmeon Hamilton
And if your meal is impressive or you set a photo-worthy beautiful table along the waythats just a bonus.
No one wants a host who isnt even present, plus it can incidentally make your guests feel helpless.
Focus on the people around your table rather than the place parameters and elaborate menus.
Credit:Alison Gootee; Styling: Raina Kattleson
Even a laborious bolognese fits the bill because it can be simmering long before guests arrive!
On the drink front, opt for pre-batched cocktails, help-yourself bar set ups, and wine.
If you know your guest loves a certain cheese, go ahead and put it out with the appetizers.
If someone has an allergy, take it into consideration when planning your menu.
And hey, use the good china and fancy wine glasses even if its just a Thursday night!
Its those small details guests actually remember laterhow you made themfeel,not how fancy your flower arrangement was.
Dinner parties are making a comebackand you dont need a special occasion to invite people over.
The heart of hosting is all about lingering around the table with your people.
Your house and meal dont need to be flawless to have a memorable evening.
As Betty Crocker put it in her book, Hospitality isnt a contest.
Its sharing the best you have.
And thats still true today.
