The Fine Art of Entertaining

EntertainingWhoever speculated that folks are having fewer house parties than previous generations has not met our friends.

Here in the South we’re in the midst of a hospitality Renaissance. We can hardly pass a weekend without languishing around a board of charcuterie in a neighbor’s dining room or spending an evening with friends around a fire pit, wrapped in blankets and sipping on cider. Heralding hosts are looking back to traditional tenets while letting go of the strictness of etiquette that can make formal entertaining such a chore. We’ve seen the humble art of DIY turn to its own form of competitive excess. Now we’re craving a simpler kind of entertaining that’s part homespun and mostly full of joy. As we wax expectant for the holiday season, let’s dream up friendly feasts, tea parties, and smart soirees that bring the rich and fantastical into our family homes.

thanksgivingA FEAST FOR THE SOUL

Perhaps nothing says “welcome” more than a Thanksgiving table. And as much as we love turkey and pumpkin pie, there are other ways to bring bird and pie to your table. Shake things up and consider serving a roasted chicken and a flaky pot pie. Try rice instead of dressing. A vegetable salad instead of green bean casserole (okay… maybe in addition to the casserole).

Whatever you choose to serve, do so with a mix of new and old pieces. Mix fine silver trays and heirloom china with retro glasses and post-modern vintage vessels. Because your guests are ultimately coming to spend time with you, not just your food. Let your personality shine, and break bread with a smile.

Pot pies: Paul’s Pot Pies. Roasted chicken with raspberry sauce, rice, bean salad: Kiosco. Fresh bread: Australian Bakery and Cafe. Cheese straws: The Local Exchange. Wine and wine holder: Marietta Wine Market. Cotton arrangement and linens: Church Street Market. Table setting and servingware: Katie Mae’s Klassy Flea and Antique Mart. Table – Chairs – Furnishings: Windsor Pine Woodworks. Original Art: Shelly Minchew.  Shot on location at Windsor Pine Woodworks.

tea

TEA FOR TWO … OR MORE

It’s a shame, but few of us have sat down for a proper tea service in… well, a while. There’s something about slowing down and enjoying the company of fine friends, fine conversation, and fine china. But don’t think it has to be a finger up fuss. Serve nibbles on fun holiday tableware. And don’t be afraid to mix tea cups and saucers. It allows your guests to choose the set that best complements their personality (plus, it’s a handy way to keep track of which cup belongs to which guest).

Offer a mix of sweet and savory, as many of your guests will be coming before or after other engagements. And make sure you can enjoy the time with your guests, as well. Prepare as many items as you can ahead of time so that you only have to heat up and plate up before guests arrive.

Food and tea service provided by The Vineyard Cafe. Sleighbells provided by Dupre’s Antique Market. Table accessories provided by Doodlebugz.
Shot on location at The Vineyard Cafe.

nye

SWEETS & SPIRITS

There’s just something about a New Year’s Eve party. The evening is ripe with anticipation as we let go of any unfinished business and focus on the possibility and promise of the new year. And who can have a bad time when bubbly is involved?

This year, pull out all of the platters, plates, and serving dishes that sparkle, and load them up with sweets that are sure to delight. (After all, resolutions start tomorrow.) Cakes, tarts, fudge… tonight, you can be as decadent as you want to be. And when the clock strikes midnight, make sure your eyes are shining as bright as the bling on your buffet.

Lemon meringue tarts with toasted meringue and candied lemon: Miss Mamie’s Cakes and Cupcakes. Put a Fork In It Desserts and cake wih buttercream icing: SugarPlum Visions. Assorted fudge: Ye Olde Christmas and Candy Shoppe. Decor: Dupre’s Antique Market. Champagne: Marietta Wine Market. Shot on location at Dupre’s Antique Market.

Nothing says Southern like hospitality.
Make sure you’re doing it right.

 

Of Space and Place

  • Provide fresh starched cloth napkins, but skip the decorative napkin rings. Whether silver-plated roosters or herbs hand-tied together with twine, those napkin rings are just going to end up in a heap in the middle of the table while everyone enjoys their dinner.

  • Skip towering table centerpieces and opt for photo-worthy sideboards or mantels instead; this makes for easier eye contact across a table.

  • Designate places for coats and purses; always have more than enough clean drinkware; stock the powder room with all the niceties.

Mind Your Manners

  • Phones are the enemy of conviviality. Solve this problem by helping people with their coats and designating a friend to take photos. The coat room means folks will be more likely to leave phones in their purses or coat pockets and the roaming photographer ensures that they’ll stay there.

  • Whether you send bespoke paper invitations or a group text, make sure you have a plan for parking or transportation.

  • If you’ll be hosting a large crowd, give your neighbors a “heads up” with small hostess gifts.

Oh, and…

  • Plan your playlist ahead of time.

  • Consider queueing up a classic holiday movie on mute as ambient background entertainment.

  • Games are back! Have a family game night, or keep cards or classic boardgames out where folks can start their own play.

  • Take advantage of the South’s mild winter weather; plan outdoor activities – just have extra mittens and blankets handy.

  • Will your event be kid friendly? Let people know ahead of time! There’s nothing worse than showing up with a gaggle of kids who have nothing to do or planning for an adult’s night out and spending it consoling a moody toddler.

All images provided by Hadley(s) photography