Why You Should Entertain at Home

It’s the Super Bowl this weekend and you should have a party.

People don’t entertain in their homes much anymore. Maybe it’s just my experience because I live in NYC and most apartments are the size of generous walk-in closets. However, even before moving here, it was rare that we’d be invited over to a friend’s. Instead, we met for drinks or reserved a table.

But entertaining at home is more personal. You are sharing your private space. You are demonstrating that your guests are worthy of forethought and effort. No waiter is there to serve as a third-party distraction or drop a check signaling that your time is up.

I’m guessing you are now thinking to yourself, YES, that’s exactly why I don’t have people over. Too scary.

However, there is no better time to start than the Super Bowl. The evening’s entertainment is already built in. People don’t have super high expectations about the food. As long as you have cold beer, a few snacks, a comfortable couch (or cushions on the floor), and a TV, you’re set.

Not convinced yet? As a private chef who regularly prepares memorable meals for 15 in just a few hours, and who prides herself on her ability to throw together a last-minute gathering, let me share a few tips on how you can do it and actually have fun in the process.

Party-Hosting Hacks

1. Plan the right menu. The right menu..
   • Is easy-to-execute. Choose one that can be made almost entirely ahead of time. You should be able to enjoy your party with your guests.
   • Includes components that can be store-bought and/or delegated to friends. Don’t be a hero. Find a prepared foods purveyor you like and use it. When friends ask what they can bring, actually give them something. People like to contribute.
   • Keeps your guests’ preferences in mind. It’s nice to ask if they have any when you extend the invitation just so you make sure everyone feels taken care of. When in doubt, serve a BYO meal (build-your-own). People of all ages enjoy customizing their own dish.

     

     • Here are several Super Bowl-appropriate easy menus:
       • BYO Chili Bar (easy cooking)
         • Your favorite homemade chili with bowls of full fat Greek yogurt or sour cream, sliced avocado, thinly red onion, pulled store-bought rotisserie chicken (if chili is vegetarian), shredded cheddar, cilantro, baked tortillas strips and/or brown rice, and lime wedges
         • Delegate chips/salsa/guacamole, a simple salad and dessert
       • BYO Sandwich Bar (minimal to no cooking required)
         • Fresh French bread and a selection of high-quality thinly sliced meats and cheeses, store-bought or homemade chicken-salad or egg-salad, shredded romaine, sliced tomatoes and red onions, pickles and/or pickled vegetables, hot peppers, mustard and mayo
         • Delegate potato chips and a fun dip, a simple salad and dessert
       • Antipasto Party (minimal to no cooking required)
         • Cheeses – gorgonzola, Grana Padano, mozzarella and taleggio
         • Meats – salami, mortadella, capicola and prosciutto
         • Grissini, focaccia and crackers
         • Cherry tomatoes and sliced cucumber
         • Giardiniera, olives and pepperoncini
         • Grapes and/or sliced apples
         • Marcona almonds and/or pistachios
         • Delegate any of these components and/or dessert
       • Pizza Delivery and Homemade Salads (concentrates all effort on one or two special salads)
         • Depending on your friends’ appetites, figure a quarter to half pizza per person. Call an hour before guests arrive. Spend your time making one or two different special salads that would complement the pizzas. Try this kale, roasted wild mushroom and avocado salad and a shaved fennel, arugula and celery salad with toasted walnuts.
         • Delegate dessert.
2. Enlist the help of your guests. With the exceptions of doing the dishes, most people like being assigned a duty while at a party. Who doesn’t like a sense of purpose? Good assignments are drink duty (making sure everyone gets a drink quickly and stays topped up), easy chopping and plating of dishes.
3. Lay out serveware, and set the table or wrap silverware in cloth or paper napkins up to a few days ahead of time. This gets your wheels turning about what you need to do and eliminates any last-minute scramble to find that right dip bowl or platter.
4. If the clean-up is what stops you from having people over, use disposable stuff. Eco-friendly disposable bamboo plates are an attractive and sturdy choice. It’s nice to use your own flatware but if you don’t have enough, there are plenty of great looking options.
5. My golden rule: No matter what, always have a drink in hand, candles lit and music on as guests arrive. This signals to your guests that you are relaxed and having fun and they’ll follow suit. Even if I haven’t showered, unpacked the groceries, etc. I’ll do these three things.

Above all else, have faith that your party is going to be awesome. When you invite people over, it’s your responsibility to provide the venue and organize good drinks, food and a little entertainment, whether that’s the game or a solid playlist. It’s your guests’ responsibility to show up and have a good time.

Let this Super Bowl be your gateway into home entertaining for all occasions. Let’s #bringbackthedinnerparty!