3 tips for hosting a casual lunch

I've always loved having guests over, especially for a meal. for me, the combination of cooking, decorating the table and providing food and entertainment to people I love equals pure fun. And I've been in "hosting mode" especially since our move. So the second I made my job deadline last week (it seems like months ago somehow), I invited my extended family for an impromptu holiday lunch.

Here are my tips for having guests over for a fancy lunch without losing your mind over it:

1. Try the unexpected- The event Kelly Moore hosted in NYC made me want to layer different patterns and textures. I just threw together some tableclothes, that you won't necessarily pair intuitively. Some candles on top adds interest, and a trifle dish filled with etrogs (citrus fruits) as a centerpiece? Unexpected and you get amazing scent as a bonus.
2. Use your best- What are you saving your best dinnerware for? And the silver? This is just the occassion to bring them out and enjoy them.
3. Make do- In a perfect world, I'd have a pantry filled with rows and rows of fancy cloth napkins, extra dinnerware (a la Martha stewart)  and of course, gorgeous dining chairs (preferrably these). But we live in reality, and paper napkins and plastic chairs it is... Don't let the facts discourage you from hosting! Just prop 'em in the best way you can, and when you get better equipment - you can always invite your guests again.

Do you have any good tips for hosting?

Comments

[Will]

Great to see that you found inspiration from Kelley Moore's fabulous dinner party tablescapes! Your tips are really helpful, Chedva!

[Kim@Chattafabulous]

Number 2 -so true! I have beautiful china and serving pieces that never see the light of day! What am I waiting for? My favorite entertaining tips are candlelight and music! So great for setting the mood!

[Belly]

Thank you, Will and Kim.
Kim- thanks for adding your tips! So true- nothing like candlelight and the right music.

[Carol Schiller]

I love this! My kids know we always use our best dishes for company (unless we are eating outside).

One thing my kids love to do as part of "dressing up" the table: make placecards for each guest. They go all out coloring guests names, decorating with glitter, etc. Even though people always end up sitting wherever they want, my kids love doing it and it really makes the table look colorful and approachable. Plus, somehow being part of the decorating makes the kids more likely to help tidy up before guests arrive too.

[Belly]

Thanks for chiming in, Carol.
I loved your tip! Doable, makes the kids feel like they contributed to the event (hence they want it to succeed = better behavior) and adds instant charm and personality to the table.