The Art of Hosting and Decorating by Lydie J. Stassart

Author:Lydie J. Stassart [Stassart, Lydie J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781503540644
Publisher: Xlibris US
Published: 2015-03-21T22:00:00+00:00

Pot Luck

Pot luck and BYOB (Bring Your Own Beverage) although very popular in the States, are not customary in Europe. I am not a big fan. I find it more of a hassle to transport a casserole or plate to a dinner party, not to mention compromising the upholstery of your car seats, and then having the hostess clean your dish at the end of the evening. For all these reasons, pot lucks should be kept for family or very casual gatherings.

Hosting in a Restaurant

If you decide to host a dinner at a restaurant instead of your home for whatever the reason (you are not a cooking virtuoso, you are in the midst of a renovation, or you simply lack the space), choose a quiet restaurant that will appeal to your guests. When selecting a restaurant, consider atmosphere, menu, and convenience of location. Think of a restaurant as an extension of your dining room. Even if you have been to that particular restaurant before, I suggest you go there personally to choose your table and to discuss menu issues with the maitre d’, as well as the table setting. For a large group, preselect a menu including a choice of a vegetarian meal and be specific to what you expect.

Be sure to arrive before your guests. Do not greet them at the door, but at the table instead. The host selects the wines and the guests their meals. The host should choose one of the most expensive courses on the menu in order to not embarrass guests with expensive taste (as a guest, do not pick the most expensive course on the menu). If you do not finish your meal, do not ask for a doggy-bag!

For each dinner party, I take a picture of my table. I also keep a notebook with the date, menu, guests invited, and dress code. That way I avoid duplicating meals or inviting the same group of guests together again.

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