10/3/07

Simple Dining

Does it really matter about being proper? I mean, who really sets the rules when it comes to entertaining?

Do we have it in our minds that things have to be perfect, look a certain way, or that entertaining has to be in a formal setting – before we’ll even consider it?

Simple dining is sometimes the most enjoyable. Put together a simple, time-saving menu (my roasted chicken recipe is VERY easy and you do the prep ahead of time, pulling out of the oven when the guests arrive), delegate out the rest of the dishes you’d like to serve, put all of the food on the table, or even the bar counter in your kitchen, and SERVE!

Restaurant-like dining can be very stressful to the hostess, and time consuming, especially if you plan it with many courses, such as appetizers, soup or salad, an entrée, and dessert. Unless you have a 3-4 hour period to stretch it out, who needs all of that food anyway?

The most important thing you can do is spend time with your guests!

So break the rules! Keep it simple! Don’t over-complicate things when you can serve up family-style or buffet-style menus!

(The last of our 2007 garden tomatoes!)

8 comments:

Kerry said...

Yes, simple is best for both you and your guests. I find myself sometimes having regrets after a guest leaves that I was too busy working on the details of the meal to get everything perfect than spending time with my guests. Good reminder.

anya* said...

great reminder to ENJOY our guests!

and what yummy looking tomatoes? what will you do with the green ones? do you have a recipe in mind?

tammi said...

That is one area where I've done well, although I realize I've humbled myself a little over the years and been increasingly content with offering only what I have instead of trying to outdo myself. I used to really try and impress and now, I still want to cook delicious food (obviously!) but other than maybe making a second, simple side dish, we generally don't eat any differently with company than we do by ourselves.

That roast chicken recipe sounds DELICIOUS!! My in-laws will be here for Canadian Thanksgiving this weekend -- maybe I'll have to give that a try!

Sandy said...

What to do with green tomatoes?

Put them in a paper bag and let them ripen up. Then I'll roast one last pan of tomatoes and freeze! YUM!

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Hey, Sandy, I'm always happy when you stop by to see me! I know, those Pottery Barn catalogs have a lot of eye candy.

Love those pics of the last tomatoes. It's always sad to see them go. You always inspire us with your wonderful entertaining ideas.

Rhoda

An Ordinary Mom said...

Simple dining and simple living. I think we tend to hurry and make things too complicated in this society.

GiBee said...

I couldn't have said it better... simplicity frees you up to enjoy your company!

Anonymous said...

People do not seem to entertain as much as they used to. Great post.

MT