“Have you ever considered how much ridiculous pomposity surrounds the word “entertaining? And the idea that you must do this and you must do that?”
— Dorothy Draper, Entertaining Is Fun
All you really need is…
A hostess who expects to have a good time.
Your party begins with you. You set the tone.
Nothing is worse than going to a person’s home and finding the host frazzled, and hunched over a hot stove trying to finish a meal. It's hard to eat, drink and be merry when the host isn't having a good time.
Keep it simple, especially during the holiday season. No one will complain about a cheese and charcuterie plate.
Remember, it's about spending time with family and friends.
Some clever touches which give your home a party feeling.
Good music is a must, of course, but a party punch makes life easier as the host
Sangria is quick, easy and always a crowd pleaser.
½ cup Sugar
2 bottles dry red wine
6 Tbsp brandy or triple sec
Add a mix of sliced apples, oranges and strawberries. Let sit for at least eight hours, top with soda water to serve and voila! You're done.
Some element of unexpectedness.
It’s easy to add a little whimsy to a party with the array of clever cocktail napkins, wine charms or temporary tattoos as party favors, but take it one step further by incorporating a theme.
Costume parties when it isn’t Halloween are always a hit, but if you don’t want to make your guests go hunting for the perfect outfit, you can create the theme your food and drinks.
Appetizers like pigs in a blanket, a cheese fondu, or a gin and tonic Jello mold, along with cocktails like a vodka gimlet or sloe gin fizz are retro favorites that are always sure to please Mad Men and The Marvelous Miss Maisel fans alike.