Lindsay Likes...To Entertain

The two most important tips to entertaining at home: stash away all crap and always present food and/or drinks in a pleasing manner.  My Mom taught me these vital entertaining lessons by example.  Growing up as one of Mom's party apprentices has really had its benefits.  Sure, sometimes I wanted to scream as Mom ran around the house doing such crazy things as emptying trash cans in bathrooms no guest would ever use, picking up stacks of papers and tossing them into very random closets or feverishly vacuuming the carpet in an off-the-beaten-path bedroom.  Together with my Sister and my Dad, I sometimes stood back in amazement and even in a bit of fear as Mom did her last minute "quality control" checks around the house just before guests arrived.  But, Mom can't be stopped.  No matter the occasion or the crowd, if Mom's entertaining, everything has to be just so.  Anything worth doing is worth doing well.  Maybe that's why every time I get ready to have people over, I find myself doing the exact same things as Mom.  The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

Mom not only taught me how to entertain, but also instilled in me the importance of careful preparation and of attention to detail.  For example, it's always best to make a "to do" list the night before any event you are responsible for, whether it be at your home or at another venue.  The use of sticky notes may also be helpful to jog your memory in the midst of any last minute chaos.  For holiday dinners, set the table the night before, clean any glasses looking dirty or dusty, move in or out chairs and tables, pull out the necessary serving pieces and always review your menu to make sure you haven't forgotten anything.  Just when you think you have things all ready, there's probably something you've forgotten.  At 2AM just as you're leaving the kitchen, leave yourself a big note with underlining saying something like, "Lemons, Pick up cake, Flowers."  Oh yes, the list never has just one thing on it!
 
I know what some of you who know me are thinking.  When do you host these dinners that I'm not invited to?  Don't worry you weren't given a social cut, although I love to entertain, I've yet to master the art of cooking.  My Mom and my Sister have spoiled me by preparing me tasty meals and by always asking me, "What do you want me to make you?"  Although I think I do know how to cook (I even make somewhat decent things from time to time), I prefer to let others with more savvy and skill make the food.  But, with all the years I've spent watching others cook and for even serving as my sister's sous-chef here and there, one of these days I will come out of my shell and just maybe even like to cook.

I like to entertain even if I don't prepare all the food or host big dinners.  Especially, I love filling my house with friends and family.  I like when everyone comes together to kick back, have some drinks and share some stories and laughs.  In my house, like my parents', the main goal of any party is fun.  In fact, when I look back on my childhood some of my best memories are from get-togethers with family and friends-for Valentine's Day, Halloween, Fourth of July, Birthdays, Anniversaries and Graduations.  In our old house on Blue Sage, I remember sitting on the sun room floor on Valentine's Day eating Nomad pizza with family friends; I remember covering the kitchen floor with newspaper and spending hours carving and decorating pumpkins (with Dad's help of course) with a slew of family and friends.  As we got older, Mom and Dad graciously hosted graduation parties for both me and my sister.  By entertaining, whether for four people or 100, you provide a perfect place for people to have fun, to interact with other people, and to make memories. 

My style of entertaining may not find it's way into Martha Stewart Living nor lend itself to the fanciest or the most exciting parties, but my style is mine.  I love to find fun and exotic candy at World Market when I have people over (www.worldmarket.com/).  I then come home and place the different sweet treats around in small bowls.  I'm also a fan of putting out snack foods like popcorn and goldfish.  When possible, I like to have some sort of unique drink.  But, I always always have flowers or even a flower somewhere in my house.  They add a little pop and sophistication to what may sometimes appear to be a juvenile spread (well except for the alcohol usually on hand).  Certainly I know there's lots for me to learn about entertaining (especially the part about cooking), but thanks Mom for teaching me pretty much all I've got to know. Hmm...that reminds me, after having people over last night, I better go move the half-dead plant I left hiding in the laundry room!

I like to entertain.