The art of entertaining
Written by Promenades Beauport | November 28, 2022
Hosting a party for the festive season can be a real challenge! But let’s not forget that what really matters is enjoying some quality time together in the warmth of our homes. Are you the host this year? We urge you to be kind to yourself and offer you some ideas to turn your party into a magical memory for you and your guests.
The menu and the accomplice
From the outset, we suggest asking your guests to confirm their attendance at least three weeks before the date of the reception. We do it for the restaurant, so why not do it for this special occasion? Also remember to include a food restriction confirmation in your invitation to avoid unpleasant surprises!
With your guest list in hand and food restrictions in mind, think about the menu. What do you feel like cooking this year? Indulge yourself! Perhaps you want to revisit the classic turkey or discover the taste of wild goose? Review your favorite blogs or dig out your favorite cookbooks for inspiration. Establishing your menu will allow you to plan ahead. Find a partner to help you. It will be much more enjoyable to do things together! Your sidekick could help you with the shopping and act as official photographer, for example. The idea is to have someone you can count on to support you with the preparations and the evening.
The table and the atmosphere
Two weeks before the big night, get out your decorations and fine tableware to set the table according to your menu. This will help you get inspired and imagine the atmosphere of your evening, as well as identify if you are missing anything. You can then go shopping or ask your friends and family if they can lend you the missing items.
Remember that the basis of a good atmosphere is conversation. So be bold and assign seats to your guests and separate couples at the table to stimulate discussion. A board game could also fuel the discussions and add spice to the evening. With your seating plan in hand, consider your decor through your five senses. Smell and taste are already satisfied thanks to your cooking, but what music will you play, what lighting will you use, what will be the ideal temperature to ensure the comfort of your guests? Is your mom always cold? Prepare a blanket or slippers for her…
Finally, think about the flow of movement of your guests and designate spaces to ensure good circulation and avoid bottlenecks in the kitchen. Provide a corner where the little ones can have fun and a room where they can go to sleep when the evening progresses. Identify the room where you will welcome people for drinks and decide where you will hang your guests’ coats and put their winter boots. Want a touch of class? Print your menu and place cards and put a small gift on your guests’ napkins. Mini pots of honey, homemade hot sauce or a sweet treat you like will be perfect.
Simplifying the big day
A week before the reception, invest your energy in simplifying the big day. Identify the household chores you want to do, note down the menu items you can prepare in advance and the shopping you still need to do. By getting an overview, you will be able to plan your week better. Above all, don’t forget yourself in all this! Plan how the day of the reception will go and allow time to relax before the guests arrive. It will make all the difference!
Once you have made your plan of attack, delegate at least two tasks to someone else. Your accomplice can support you, but you could also designate your father as the person in charge of fresh bread! The holiday season is a time for helping each other out, so don’t hesitate to ask for help!
The big day
On the morning of the big day, set the table as early as possible. You’ll get into the mood right away! Finalize the menu as much as possible and go out for a few minutes before the guests arrive. You will be ready to welcome them with a cocktail and appetizers in your festive setting!
Gather your photos and share them with your loved ones who could not be there once the evening was over. With blended families and children growing up, getting everyone together for dinner can sometimes be a real headache. Sharing these sparkling moments and sincere wishes will instill a little Christmas magic in everyone’s hearts.
