Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms. My mother, who was a fabulous hostess, taught me so much about entertaining at home. I dedicated my book, The Book of Entertaining at Home, to her.
As I began to entertain in my own home, one memorable idea that my mother taught me is to keep a notebook with the details of every party that I host. It could be hard copy or digital. Sure, it sounds like a lot of work, but it is so very helpful and only takes a few minutes to jot down. I recorded the date, the guests, the menu, a few notes about the menu and what the guests liked, and what I wore. Sounds funny, right? Not really. Before I kept the party book, a friend came to another dinner party at my home a few years later. She surprisingly remarked, “Oh, you made the same main dish the last time I was here.” Of course, I didn’t remember that, but I quickly recovered and said, “You enjoyed it so much last time, I thought I’d make it again for you.” We do seem to repeat our best dinner party main dishes. I often review the book to get some good menu ideas and not repeat the past menus with the same guests. Also, it’s like a diary of friends and family. I can look back and remember the cuisine of years ago.
Another great idea that my mother taught me is to write out the menu on an attractive piece of stationery or blank card. You could place it on a small easel or right on the table. Sure, this sounds a bit too formal these days. But I can tell you, everyone, and I mean everyone, loves the idea when they see it. I once attended a small sit-down dinner party, and I took a small portion of the first course, so I could save my appetite for the rest of the meal. However, there was no “rest of” the meal. So, it’s such a effective idea to let the guests know what’s coming. One Mother’s Day, my daughter gave me a porcelain menu stand on which I can write the menu with a felt pen and erase it after the party. What a great gift!
To this day, I still keep the party book and still write the menu for dinners, lunches, brunches, and buffets. Thanks, Mom, and thanks to my daughter, Noelle. Great ideas.
Maureen Molé is the author of Entertaining at Home, a product spokesperson, and lecturer. Follow her on Instagram#Entertain_at_Home_with_Maureen, or email MaureenMole@optonline.net.