Tips & Tricks :: 10 Things NOT to Serve at a Dinner Party

Alysia — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 03:39:02 +0000

There are several people who I really admire. Ina Garten is one of them. She is the hostess with truly the mostess. Have you seen her houses?! I mean, really. East Hampton AND Manhattan. Niiice. She does have it all and seems quite happy. She cooks AMAZING food (I use a lot of her recipes for my events), hosts fabulous parties, she even laughs at her own jokes. She is totally my kind of person.

My most recent cookbook is Ina Garten’s Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics. Throughout the book, it lists tips in the way of top 10 lists. This particular list is great. I should email this list to everyone, because I’ve definitely had spinach in my teeth, more times than I like to admit. Here is her list, however, I left her commentary out. I’ve add my own comments, because I laugh at my own jokes too.

Double Fisting - For all events other than a dinner party, focus on snacks that can be eaten with one hand.
Bears eat Beets – I am usually the guest who will wear white and drop my plate full of beets on your off-white silk covered couch. For your furniture’s sake, don’t serve beets.
Three rich courses – Pick a menu that will balance your heavy entree or super rich dessert. You don’t want to roll your guests to their car.
In a Nutshell – With the percentage of people with allergies rising, be cautious and don’t serve food with nutmeats. Unless you keep an Epi pen around, I would advise against the Cranberry Nut Orange Zest Tea Cookies.
Garlic and Raw Onion Breathe – Don’t worry. The cast of Twilight won’t be knocking at your door. Try to avoid dishes heavily laden with garlic and raw onions.
Is there something in my teeth? – Yes. There. Is. If you serve it, then watch out for karma. Your teeth will have poppy seeds, spinach and basil in every possible crevice.
Corn on the Cob – This is another food item that loves to live in between your teeth. BBQ are great for this, but at a dinner party, cut it from the cob and serve in a nice bowl.
Smells fishy – Always have another food option besides fish available.
That’s Gutsy - In general, avoid internal organs. Unless (here is another exception), you are hosting a Fear Factory themed party. Then go hog wild. heh.
In the Raw – Avoid using raw beef or raw eggs in your dishes. Being the hostess and finding out you gave food poisioning is a horrible feeling.

What are your thoughts? Agree? Agree to disagree (my favorite)? Disagree completely. Leave your comments, I promise not to flame.

(image by Carrisa Katz)

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Etiquette :: A Toasting Tip

Alysia — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 22:21:03 +0000

The time has come and it is time for your __________ (insert speaker) to speak. You get a little sweaty and your heart beats a bit faster. You are unsure what your boss/friend/best man/mom/step-brother’s dog sitter’s girlfriend is going to say. Be aware of your body language, as I am sure your expression will be captured on film. Sigh of relief, the toast is over. It wasn’t that bad. Guests are toasting their glasses… But wait, don’t clink your glass, as the toast was directed to you. It is like buying your own piece of artwork, clapping at the end of your ballet recital, yelling encore for your drum solo etc. The best way to acknowledge the prost is to smile and hold your glass up as if you were “clinking” an invisible glass. Sounds silly? Of course it does, because everyone loves to clink glasses.

What are your thoughts?

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Tips & Tricks :: 10 Things NOT to Serve at a Dinner Party

Etiquette :: A Toasting Tip