Feature

Tip of the week: How to host a last-minute dinner

Don’t experiment; Cut the prep work; Let the numbers decide; Dress the part

Don’t experiment. The “key to spur-of-the-moment entertaining” is serving a meal that’s “rustic but really well-made.” Pick an entree you’ve mastered: “No one wants to watch you sweat it out attempting a wildly complicated Julia Child recipe.”

Cut the prep work. “Hors d’oeuvres should be simple”: cheese, charcuterie, and some olives. The same goes for dessert. Any fruit in your kitchen can be the basis of a “quick crumble.” Or just serve ice cream sandwiches on plates.

Let the numbers decide. A salad and entree will do if it’ll be just you and a friend. Add a dessert if there’ll be three dining and an “easy side” for four.

Dress the part. No matter how simple the food, use china and crystal if possible. Guests should feel they’re “eating a little better” than they usually do.

Source: Allure

Recommended

6 marvelous homes with great kitchens
House
Feature

6 marvelous homes with great kitchens

The Check-In: How to plan a trip to Antarctica
Penguins on an iceberg
Feature

The Check-In: How to plan a trip to Antarctica

The Week contest: Seaweed invasion
sargassum seaweed.
Feature

The Week contest: Seaweed invasion

6 worthwhile homes in Iowa
House.
Feature

6 worthwhile homes in Iowa

Most Popular

5 toons about Trump's possible indictment
Political Cartoon
Feature

5 toons about Trump's possible indictment

Florida principal forced to resign over Michelangelo's David display
The statue of 'David' by Michelangelo.
Controversy Over David

Florida principal forced to resign over Michelangelo's David display

Pope Francis updates sex abuse laws for Catholic Church
Pope Francis.
Francis Fights Back

Pope Francis updates sex abuse laws for Catholic Church