Entertaining With Dorothy Draper

“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.

Kimberly Whitman's book, Parties Around a Punchbowl, is a great book for more entertaining ideas.

 

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.