The most important thing for having a party is that the hostess is having fun. I'm very organized. I make a plan for absolutely everything. I never have anything that has to be cooked while the guests are there. The only thing I might have to do is take something out of the oven and carve it.
I'm a caterer, interior decorator - a lot of hobbies people don't know I do.
I don't know when pepper mills in a restaurant got to be right behind frankincense and myrrh in prominence. It used to be in a little jar that sat next to the salt on the table and everyone passed it around, sneezed, and it was no big deal.
The table robbes more then a thiefe.
You can't have a good Thanksgiving meal without a little bit of ketchup on the side.
When hosting a party, move any clutter from the space where you're entertaining.
Arranging an official dinner in an embassy is a little like writing a script for a play. The prolog is the guest list, often the most difficult part of the whole creative operation.
I hate perfect centerpieces and formal tablescapes.
For holidays, I like doing special cheery touches around the table, like color-coordinating the plates and napkins to fit the theme.
I love Anthropology for kitchenware - they make the best bowls, plates, cutlery etc.
If you feel like you can't throw a party, just put a timeline together. There are always little things you can do ahead of time - like washing and pressing linens and bringing out your tableware. Check them off as you complete them.
The best thing about summer entertaining is it doesn't have to be fancy - and you can eat outdoors. You can use a tablecloth or just a piece of fabric you love. You can't go wrong with white candles; put them in jars or hurricane vases.
