I have the same rules for planning any party – holiday or not. Make it easy, make it fun, spend time with every guest. Since I travel on business frequently it’s important to me to be able to enjoy all the special people in my life at one time without stress. By planning ahead and keeping preparation to a minimum I can relax and really enjoy my guests. Because I often include out-of-town clients with neighbors and family members at parties, my presence is essential to helping everyone get to know each other and find common areas of interest to discuss. If I’m stuck in the kitchen while guests are arriving, it creates an uncomfortable mood that’s hard to overcome.
After years of trying to show off my culinary skills by preparing crown roast of pork and flaming desserts, I’ve found that I can keep certain simple ingredients on hand and spend less than an afternoon with food preparation and be ready to greet and enjoy friends when they arrive. After all, my guests are there to enjoy each other. I just need to help them out by supplying food that’s easy to eat, beverages that everyone can enjoy and lively music to elevate their moods.
One of my favorite hors d’oeuvres staples is PIZZA! Not the delivery kind, but gourmet pizza that is so easy to make. I keep several Boboli pizza crusts in the cupboard and top them with different gourmet toppings. One might be topped with goat cheese, sun dried tomatoes and thinly sliced red onions – another with a mixture of cream cheese, fresh grated parmesan and sautéed Portabella mushrooms. A few minutes of preparation, a few minutes in the oven, then slice in thin wedges and serve.
Cream cheese is a great staple because of its versatility. I also use it as a base for my homemade hot pepper jelly (a combination of jalapeno peppers, cilantro, garlic and onions that’s also incredibly simple to make). I pour the hot pepper jelly over the cream cheese in the center of a plate and surround it with a variety of crackers.
To accommodate low-carb dieters I always serve a cheese plate with good gourmet cheeses – goat cheese topped with pecans, a Baby Swiss and Gouda that they can eat without crackers. Proscuitto wrapped around bite-sized pieces of cantaloupe, bowls of nuts, and a platter of sausages are also good low-carb finger-foods.
When I feel like getting fancy I get out the frozen puff pastry dough and wrap everything in the fridge. My favorite wrap items are bite size pieces of beef tenderloin, brie cheese covered in pecans that have been drizzled in maple syrup and roasted, and canned almond filling. Anything wrapped in puff pastry seems elegant, and it will stretch a small beef tenderloin into appetizers for 20.
Since most people will happily drink either wine or beer I buy a combination of red and white wine, Champagne (because EVERYONE loves Champagne), beer and soft drinks. The best wines to stick with are those that have universal appeal and don’t cost an arm and a leg. An inexpensive Shiraz is more drinkable than an inexpensive Cabernet, and a Pinot Grigio is lighter and easier to drink than a Chardonnay.
Some great choices in Shiraz are Rosemount and Lindeman’s. Ecco Domani and Bolla make nice Pinot Grigios, and all are under $12 a bottle. Champagne doesn’t have to be expensive either. Domaine Ste. Michelle Cuvee Brut is a pleaser at under $15. For a more festive drink add Crème de Cassis to your Champagne for a Kir Royale.
Music is another essential component of a good party. People may not even be aware that it’s there, but it keeps moods elevated if it’s lively. Your guest may not think they like Andres Segovia’s classical guitar or mountain music by John Hartford, but played as background music at a party it adds interest, and just makes people feel good.
The best rules for making sure everyone has a good time at your party are: circulate among your guests making conversation with everyone there, dance when the music moves you, and have fun yourself. If you’re having a good time, chances are everyone else will!
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