THE JOY OF ENTERTAINING…AT HOME!

 

Entertaining has become a lost art in our modern culture. Making reservations is certainly easy to do. Unfortunately, it means fewer people experience the joy that comes from inviting guests into their home.

 

America has restaurants of every ethnicity and style.  With the exponential increase of dining options, true entertaining has gone by the wayside. Today’s culture enjoys inviting friends to dinner but rarely into our homes. Don’t get me wrong — I enjoy going out to dinner!  Sometimes, you want nothing more than to sit down and be served. It can be great to let someone else prepare and clean up!  I still believe, however, that being invited into someone’s home is the ultimate compliment.

 

If you read food magazines, you’re familiar with articles from globe-traveling writers about the wonderful meals they’ve enjoyed. They highlight how their hosts make them feel like honored guests.  Why?  Because they’re in someone’s home!  In most parts of the world, homemade pasta, chowders, and fresh tortillas are made at home.   Here in the United States, they’re usually reserved for expensive restaurants. We may like the convenience, but we’re depriving ourselves of the experience.

 

Entertaining at home covers a lot of territory, so don’t panic yet!  Perhaps using the family china makes you nervous, or you think your dining service needs an upgrade. Rest assured, you can still host a truly special evening without worrying about china or polished silver.   Trust me, you don’t have to become Martha Stewart and hand-make everything to do it well.

 

The beauty and art of entertaining is in setting the mood, creating the perfect menu, and placing your guests center stage.  Our mothers and grandmothers exemplified true entertainment. For them, restaurant dining was usually a special day to be served…a way to celebrate a birthday or Mother’s Day.  The rest of the time they hosted dinner parties at home.  You can, too!

 

If you’re lucky enough to have a quiet Saturday to lovingly craft your perfect dinner, by all means, do it and enjoy every moment! For the rest of us, planning around two soccer games followed by Pilates, a haircut, and a trip to the dry cleaner…well, you may want to try something simple. Remember that you can host a wonderful party very easily by using high quality ingredients, inviting good people, and with a little bit of thoughtful planning. Your guests may remember a nice restaurant meal, but they will treasure the memories of being an honored guest at your home.

 

Viva Gourmet is here to help! The ingredients we feature are the same as those used in 5-star restaurants. Our ideas and recipes are here to inspire and prepare you for your memorable meal.  Not only can you do it, but you can savor it along the way. Long live the dinner party!