Hostess with the Mostest

The weekend.
Time to relax and see friends.
Catch up over a civilized meal, a glass of wine.

But how do you tend lovingly to that beef tenderloin and your children at the same time?

Trish Magwood, Savvy Mom’s expert foodie from dish, says to start by readjusting your expectations and those of your guests. Pick a menu with high impact and low time commitment like the main course recipes Trish has shared with us. (Stop upping the ante with your gourmet club. Last month they did crown roast and this month you want to try your hand at stuffing quails?)

If you want to have a good visit, make a pact with your friends to keep things simple. (Like take them up on the offer to bring something.) 

The number one key to easy entertaining is being organized. You need a hook or a theme, a menu, a list and a planned time for shopping. (Picking up en route home is a bad idea; it always takes longer than you think.)

Pick a menu that allows you to make some things ahead and don’t be afraid to ‘cheat’ with some things you didn’t make yourself. For example, double a batch of curried carrot soup, freeze one for later. Spend your day-of-dinner time on the centerpiece of the meal, with something like Herb-Crusted Beef Tenderloin (with a make ahead sauce) accompanied by Grilled Leeks with Dijon (if you have the time). Add a simple spring salad, some mashed potatoes or oven fries and you’re all set. 

Set the table with runners (who has ironed tablecloths?) and bud vases for flowers (reduces arranging time and cost). Make the bar self serve so you’re not playing barmaid or ask one of the guests to be in charge of filling up glasses. (Remember, this is casual.) Set out simple nibbles such as salty edamame.

Dessert? Make life easy with a platter of assorted squares and cookies (that you picked up at the local bakery or, even better…someone brought for you). Mix with fresh berries, when in season, and enjoy your friends’ company. You have earned it. 

And the kids—oh yeah. If you can arrange it, bring in a neighbourhood teen to help with the baths, bottles and books. Adults can take turns with responsibilities—one couple hosts, the other pays the sitter. This is not the night to enforce rules—let the videos run on repeat and suffer the consequences the next day!

Bon appetit.

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