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Top 10 Rules for Entertaining at Home

Finally #2 and #1!!!!!

#2. Candles, Candles, and More Candles!

There is something so warm, gentle, and relaxing about candles. When talking with our clients about their floral and decor budget, we always suggest that you devote a good amount of your overall decor budget to candles. Number one rule when using candles for decor at a party, keep them out of high traffic areas.

FINALLY.... #1 (although they weren't in a particular order based on importance) :)

Let the Party Reflect Your Taste

Entertaining is really just about putting your taste and style on display. Your table is a reflection of who you are as a host, just as your wardrobe is a reflection of who you are as a person. If you've got a signature color, incorporate it in the table setting. Perhaps you're never seen in town without your pearls-- weave long strands of faux pearls with strung cranberries, and use the garland to outline the table runner.

Maybe you can't quite figure out how to parlay your taste into a decorating scheme or signature cocktail. Don't try to force it, or you'll only strike a false note. Crystal stemware and bone china won't look right in a room with Metallica posters on the wall, or if you're serving Buffalo wings and beer.

Let's not over think this point. As the hostess, the most important thing you can do is put your guests at ease. Ideally, you want your guests to know that everything has been taken care of -- they have all the flatware, glassware, plates and condiments they will need over the course of the meal, as well as enough room to eat comfortably and converse with other diners. A room full of cozy, well-fed guests equals one happy hostess. And during the frenetic holiday season, you couldn't really ask for more than that.

Top 10 Rules for Entertaining at Home

I have some catching up to do :)

#6. Invest in Cookwear

The quality of your food affects your dinner party the most. And some cookware is beautiful enough to do double duty as serving dishes. Glossy Dutch ovens, white Apilco dinnerware and even Pyrex dishes can go from kitchen to table. Passing around dishes family-style is a good conversation starter and makes the mood cozy.

#5. Create a Child-Friendly Zone

Many of us would love to throw an elegant party year after year, but at a certain point, even if you've been drinking too much champagne to notice, many of our friends become parents. If you entertain quite a bit and those friends bring fabulous hostess gifts, you might want to consider inviting their children to your next party.

You've got a couple of options here. You could hire a baby sitter to keep the kids entertained in the rec room or a spare bedroom. (Side note: Keep in mind that not every child will go for this option. The thought of being separated from mom and dad in a strange home might leave your littlest guest clinging to mom or dad.) Some board games, chicken fingers and a stack of kid-friendly DVDs will keep kids occupied long enough for their parents to enjoy a few cocktails and dinner courses. Or, you can set up a kids' table adjacent to the adults' so everyone can have dinner together. If you're going this route, keep a few things in mind. First, in case things get messy, spread a sheet or painter's tarp under the table. Second, kids will appreciate a special place setting, too, so add personalized place cards at their designated spots. An activity will keep them focused, so top the table with a long sheet of butcher's paper, and give the kids plenty of crayons to draw with. When you're ready to serve coffee and dessert over at the adults' table, supply the kids with a platter of sugar cookies, tubs of frosting, colored sugar and sprinkles.

Cater to the kids as much as you like, but don't let them use your fine china. Never put anything at a children's table that might cause you to be upset if it broke. There's some great plasticware on the market right now. Plus, it puts the kids' parents at ease if they don't have to be watching their child like a hawk.

#4. Linen Napkins

Nothing turns down the volume on an elegant dinner party quite like paper napkins. When you're entertaining, nice napkins are a non-negotiable. Choose off-white linens, the color shows fewer stains, party after party. The napkins should be soft but not leave lint all over your guests' clothes. A thoughtful hostess will have a stash of black napkins for guests wearing dark-colored clothing. To prepare your linen napkins for dinner service, you've got to iron them. (Yes, it's a hassle, but each little detail adds up to a perfect table.) Drape a terry-cloth towel across your ironing board to create an even surface, and iron with the weave of the fabric. Use a little starch to get a crisp finish; it will also serve as a stain-blocker.

As the hostess, there's a good chance you'll have to excuse yourself from the table during the meal to check on your chocolate soufflé or grab another bottle of wine. Mind your manners, and place the napkin in your chair -- not on the table or the back of your seat as some waiters are apt to do in restaurants.

#3 Home Decor

Adding little touches throughout your home adds an element of that is sure to keep your friends wondering how you can give so much attention to all of the little details. If your party has a theme or is based on a season or holiday use that as your starting point. If it's a Christmas party and you've decided to use red and white as your "colors" add little touches to the bar, the buffet table and even an arrangement of fresh red and white flowers in your restroom.

Top 10 Rules for Entertaining at Home

#7. Give Your Guests a Clear View

A centerpiece and/or candles should not block the view across the table. Yes, you can have a large centerpiece or tall candlesticks but move them off the table once people sit down.

Sure, the centerpiece is supposed to be the focal point of the table (more on that later), but it doesn't make or break a dinner party like good conversation can. And how do you talk to your fellow dinner guests when you can't see the ones on the other side of the table?

If you insist upon a towering, dramatic centerpiece, don't be a bad sport about moving it to a nearby credenza when guests sit down. And remember, if you're dining room isn't gigantic, you probably don't need a humongous centerpiece. Keep the arrangement in proportion with the size of the room.

Make sure to contact All Things Creative for all of your Christmas and holiday decorating needs. We are accepting last minute orders up until this Friday. 248.974.9412

info@atcbyrachel.com

Top 10 Rules for Entertaining at Home

#8 Expect Hungry and Thirsty Guests

Whether you're hosting a cocktail party or a dinner party, within the first hour your guests arrive, they're going to be putting down some drinks as they mingle.

You don't need a bar per se, but you do need to devote some area of your space to alcohol if your guests drink. To avoid traffic jams in your living room, it might help to stick the bar (whether it's a dresser you've borrowed from your bedroom, a console table or a proper drinks cabinet) in the corner of the room. The bottom line is that no matter where you put the bar, people will find it.

It is also recommended that you get a bartender for parties with more than 30 guests in attendance. At cocktail parties, anticipate that your guests will down two drinks apiece in the first hour, then one drink per hour for the remainder of the party. As for food, allot 10 appetizers per person for cocktail parties and six per person for dinner parties. Whether you're passing hors d'oeuvres or arranging them on a buffet, having plenty keeps guests happy.

You can crunch numbers galore to get rough estimates for your party, but don't get consumed by the numbers. A host who worries too much throws a tense party.

Top 10 Rules for Entertaining at home

#9. Think Outside the Dinner Table

As we learned in the previous post ample square footage is super important for your guests to be comfortable and enjoy the festivities. Just skip the seated dinner and host a standing-room party with heavy hors d'oeuvres and a signature cocktail.

Here are a few signature cocktail recipes and a list of hors d'oeuvres to make your holiday party the best ever.

Signature Cocktail...

White Christmas

• 1 1/2 ounces white chocolate liqueur
• 1 ounce Southern Comfort
• 4 ounces eggnog (homemade or prepared)

Mix all ingredients gently and serve in a cocktail glass. Sprinkle with chocolate shavings or cinnamon for garnish, if desired.

Christmas Cranberry

• 1 ounce cranberry vodka (or plain vodka)
• 1 ounce hazelnut liqueur or Amaretto
• 3 ounces cranberry juice
• 2 ounces orange juice (without pulp)

Combine in a cocktail shaker over ice. Strain into glasses filled with crushed ice and garnish with orange slices or frozen cranberries.

Peppermint Martini Recipe

Ingredients

• 5 ounces of Chopin vodka
• 2 ounces of white Creme de Menthe
• 1/2 ounce of Peppermint Schnapps
• Mini candy canes

The mix

• Pour all of your liquid ingredients into a shaker 1/2 full of cracked ice.
• Give a good 20 vigorous shakes and let the shaker rest for half a minute.
• Strain your lucious peppermint martini into 2 freezing martini glasses.
• Add a candy cane in each glass for garnish

Hors D'Oeuvres

Beef Tenderloin and Pear Onion Skewers

Recipes for skewered foods usually instruct you to broil the already-assembled skewers, turning each one individually to ensure even cooking. We find it more efficient to cook the unskewered cubes in a skillet, which allows you to easily flip them with a spatula. Plus, if you run out of time before the party, you can always just put out the beef cubes, the onions, and a pile of skewers and encourage guests to assemble the hors d’oeuvres themselves.

Ingredients

FOR THE ONIONS

1 (10-ounce) bottle cocktail onions
1 tablespoon butter
salt and pepper

FOR THE BEEF TENDERLOIN

1 pound beef tenderloin, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

PREPARE THE ONIONS

Drain the cocktail onions and soak them in a large bowl filled with cold water for about 1 hour. Change the water and soak for another hour. (This tones down the intense vinegar flavor just a bit.) Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring, about 4 minutes (the onions may lightly brown—that’s fine). Add salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.

PREPARE THE BEEF

Put the tenderloin cubes, garlic, rosemary, salt and pepper in a resealable plastic bag and gently shake until cubes are coated. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. When oil is hot, add the beef and sear until the outsides of the cubes are brown and insides are still rare, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

Put one onion, then one beef tenderloin cube, on each skewer or toothpick, so the hors d’oeuvres will stand up on a platter, each skewer sticking out the top. Serve warm.

Makes about 50 skewers.

Bite-Size Crab Cakes with Lemon Caper Mayo

There’s much debate about how to make the perfect crab cake. Some people will tell you that using saltine crackers or bread crumbs is heresy, but we find the saltines help the cakes hold their shape yet still let the crab flavor come through. This is one of those deceptively easy hors d’oeuvres that guests think you slaved over.

Ingredients

FOR THE MAYO

1 cup mayonnaise
4 tablespoons chopped chives
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon drained capers, roughly chopped
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
1/2 teaspoon liquid from the caper jar

FOR THE CRAB CAKES

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
pinch salt
1 pound lump crabmeat, drained and picked over to remove any shell*
1 cup finely crushed saltine crackers (from 25 to 28 crackers)**
vegetable oil, for oiling the baking sheet

*Use fresh or, if fresh isn't available, frozen, but not canned.
**You can use a food processor to do this, but we hate to haul ours out for one quick task. Our low-tech method: Put the saltines in a resealable plastic bag, squeeze out the extra air, and seal. Use a rolling pin to crush the crackers inside the bag.

Directions

PREPARE THE MAYO

Mix all the ingredients in a small bowl.

PREPARE THE CRAB CAKES

Preheat broiler.

In a large bowl, mix the first six ingredients until thoroughly blended. Gently stir in the crabmeat and saltines.

Form the mixture into 1-inch balls and arrange them on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Gently press each ball until it flattens into a cake about 1 1/2 to 2 inches across. Broil the crab cakes, turning once halfway through, until they’re browned on both sides, 5 to 6 minutes. Serve warm.

Makes about 40 crab cakes and 1 1/2 cups of mayo.

Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce

In this recipe, marinating the chicken makes it super-tender, so it’s easy to eat from a skewer. We’ve read instructions for soaking the wooden skewers in water to keep them from burning in the oven, but at the low cooking temperature in this recipe, ours have always been fine without soaking.

Ingredients

FOR THE CHICKEN

2 tablespoons dry white wine
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
3 large garlic cloves, minced
1 egg white
1/2 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips 3 inches long, 1/2 inch wide
salt, for sprinkling on the chicken

FOR THE PEANUT SAUCE

2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
3 scallions, finely chopped (white and pale green parts)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1/2 cup high-quality creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
2 tablespoons firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
36 wooden skewers

Directions

PREPARE THE CHICKEN

Whisk the first six ingredients together in a medium bowl. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Thread one strip of chicken onto each skewer accordion-style and place on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Bake until chicken is just cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes. Sprinkle lightly with salt.

PREPARE THE PEANUT SAUCE

In a saucepan, heat the sesame oil over moderate heat until hot. Add scallions, garlic, and ginger. Cook, stirring, until scallions are wilted, about 1 minute. Stir in 1 cup water and the peanut butter, soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes and bring to a simmer, stirring until the sauce is smooth. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature (it continues to thicken as it cools).

Serve the skewers warm or at room temperature, with peanut sauce and a bowl or plate to hold discarded skewers.

Makes about 36 skewers and 2 cups of sauce.

NO EFFORT Buy a commercial peanut sauce.
LOW EFFORT Buy a commercial peanut sauce and soup it up a bit by whirring it in a food processor with 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce, 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter, and 2 minced garlic cloves (adjust these amounts to taste).

I found all of these recipes a bunch more at http://www.purcellsisters.com/

Top 10 Rules for Entertaining at home

Top 10 Rules for Entertaining at home

We're helping you plan a successful holiday party.

#10.BE MINDFUL OF SPACE.

A good rule of thumb... You want your party guests to mingle, but you don't want them literally rubbing elbows. Check out this perfect formula to determine the perfect number of guests for a cocktail party. Divide the square footage of your home by five (the approximate number of feet each guest needs in personal space). That number equals how many people can fit comfortably in your home. Then, assume that 80 percent of your invitees will accept the invitation, but that five of those people won't end up coming. For example, if you've got 100 square feet of space in your home, you can fit 20 guests. But really, you can invite 25 because just 16 will plan to come in the first place, and one will claim to be violently ill the day of the party. :)

Now you can go ahead with confidence and plan the best "Ugly Christmas Sweater Party" anyone has ever been too :)

Remember to contact All Things Creative for all of your holiday party needs.

www.atcbyrachel.com/holidaydecor.html

How to set your table for the holidays

Here is a quick video from Martha Stewart on how to set your table for a formal dinner party or the holidays. ENJOY!

http://www.marthastewart.com/article/setting-the-table-101

YAY! The trailer is here

Check out this amazing trailer from our September 17th wedding. Two Penny Productions did an amazing job!

Patricia & Delomer from Two Penny on Vimeo.

Cufflinks for him

Buying a wedding day gift for your new husband or wife is a nice start to the day and could possibly serve as a future heirloom.

Etsy is an amazing (and my favorite) website for unique items.

Check out some of these cufflinks.

http://www.etsy.com/search_results.php?search_query=cufflinks&search_type=handmade

All Things Creative Holiday Home Decor

Let our little elves make your life easier! We're taking care of all the details to help you bring the North Poll to your house. Have the best Christmas party... EVER!!!

Check out All Things Creative Holiday Home Decor team to make your holiday season a little brighter this year. From beautiful mantels to festive tablescapes, we've got you covered.

http://www.atcbyrachel.com/holidaydecor.html