There's something gratifying about allowing expected social etiquette to lapse. When you set out the nice plates and pop the best bottle in the house on, say, a random Wednesday night, your guests will feel like a million bucks. And if your ultimate hosting goal isn't to make your guests feel welcome...well, you're hosting for the wrong reasons.
Now, I'm not saying you have to break the bank by showering guests with opulent stuff. Nope. Instead, I'm suggesting you use what you have to make them feel really, really special.
Here are a few simple, quick tips to surprise your guests in ways that are certain to make them feel like the guests of honor.
Make place cards for the table, even for just 1 or 2 guests. It's not about coordinating seating; it's about having your guests see their own name and feel special. Write or print out their name, then affix the paper to a piece of fresh fruit or an interesting twig, flower or greenery from outside.
PHOTO: Martha Stewart
Drop a raspberry or blackberry in the bottom of empty champagne or wine glasses. This adds a pop of color, and when filled, the fruit garnish floats.
If you plan to serve wine, buy "splits" (mini bottles) and place one at each table setting for the first cocktail. You can also attach a name tag to each bottle and use it as a place card as suggested above!
PHOTO & IDEA: The Peak of Tres Chic
This is a super simple one I've seen on a number of Pinterest boards. Veggies are elevated when served in unique vessels, like these martini glasses, vases and tumblers.
CREDIT: Cocoa and Fig
Present each guest with an individual dessert. People love having "their own" of whatever treat you're serving. Serve store-bought cupcakes on saucers with fresh fruit garnish or chocolates. If you're making dessert, divide batter or filling between ramekins and bake or chill as directed.
Whatever the day, whatever the occasion, you can make it a special one with these special tricks.
Cheers!
I've started "charging" my friends. Now, before you think I'm a horrible person, let me explain! I love cooking and entertaining, and when I do, I go all out. Everyone always wants to bring something, but I always turn them down because I've always got my full menu planned out, and a forgotten side dish, or sub par dessert could really throw off the evening. I'm particular about my cocktails as well, I like them to really match and compliment my menu, so it's hard to accept someone's offer of bringing something, then start in with a barrage of demands and criteria they should meet. So, I've start asking friends to bring $5 or $10 when they offer to bring something. They would've spent it anyway if they'd brought a dish or cocktail, and now they don't have to do any work at all! As a host, you fully expect that you are investing the money and preparation and giving the gift of a wonderful meal to friends, but it's also nice to recoup at least a little of the cost.
ReplyDeleteThat's a very fair and open approach, Anna. If you want to connect it back, you could collect funds, save them and eventually use them for, say, a nice piece of serving ware or cookware that you can continue to use to host. You're right - folks always want to contribute, and this is another way to do it.
DeleteI love the tips and recipe you provide and so I've nominated you for a Liebster Award!!
ReplyDeletehttp://creatingmyniche.wordpress.com/
Lotto scratch offs at each place setting ;)
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