Mummy always said, Everything tastes better in candlelight!” And, I do believe it does!
Some hosts have a natural affinity for hosting memorable dinner parties effortlessly. Within moments of arriving at a home, you know whether it will be a jolly affair… or not.
I was asked what two elements a successful host should strive to master: joyful energy and elegant ease!
I realize how fortunate I was to observe my parents, who entertained constantly. We moved worldwide, and within two weeks, Mummy would host an elegant dinner party with ease… she had a gift. So, by osmosis, mimic, and practice, I learned. Stuart and I love to entertain. Several of you nudged me to share a few of our secret tricks!
Moments before our guests arrive:
We savor a few cherished moments and sip a glass of wine in anticipation of our guests' arrival. This is not always easy to accomplish, as there are always last-minute details one must attend to, right?! But, it is well worth the effort, if possible. We enjoy each other and admire the house's appearance in eager anticipation of our guests, before the party commences.
-Stuart selects the wines and will always pre-pour some glasses of red, white and also, some pink champagne and then, places them on a table near the door so he can greet guests with a glass of their choice straight away. Or, they can choose another drink to bring to them. By having a few glasses pre-poured, it is seamless to offer a drink to an arriving guest. (Let’s get this party started!)
Cocktail Hour:
~ If a guest has sent flowers in advance, I thank them and acknowledge the gift when they arrive.
-Have vases readily available should a guest arrive with cut flowers from their garden.
-When receiving a hostess gift, I thank them and place it on a nearby chair or table. You only need to open it after they leave. Your job is to greet guests.
~Most people like to stand and mingle because know they will be seated and stationary at dinner. Let them stand! Others may choose to sit down.
~People like to be close together; “herd animals” comes to mind! Let them be close! I laugh out loud because the hallway at Fox Hall is rawwther spacious, yet time and time again, I find clumps of guests squeezed next to one another inside the living room and hallway doorways. This is a natural instinct. Let them be!
-Turn the lights down exceptionally LOW, or turn them off, and light the candles in the dining room. Guests glow under candlelight!
After you light your candles, turn the lights off or dim them so the candlelight creates an enchanting space to dine.
~ To announce that dinner is being served, I go to the kitchen, retrieve the antique Swiss cowbell our daughter, Alexandra, gave us, and start ringing it as I walk toward the guests. It is loud yet charming! (In Palm Beach, I use my little red tinkling Salvation Army bell!) This tradition of ringing a bell always brings a smile and a sense of excitement for the next chapter of the evening.
Dinner:
~ Use place cards for your dinner guests or use my unique seating assignment technique.
~ PS Guests: Always keep a place card at your assigned seat; NEVER move it!
~ Have a tray of chocolates, candied ginger, or something sweet to pass after everyone has finished their dessert. It is unexpected, and most guests happily indulge!
~ Invite your guests to make a wish! As we adjourn to the next room, I occasionally invite lingering guests to choose a candle on the table and blow it out. A few of them stay, close their eyes, and blow the flame while wishing; it is such a sweet gesture. (By the way, this is an important, non-negotiable tradition that our children and grandchildren take VERY seriously. I often have to relight candles so everyone gets a wish. Little Stuie IV insists I light it several times… for many wishes!)
~ If you adjourn into another room for coffee or brandy, at some point, serve old-fashioned cocktail glasses filled with ice water or Perrier to your guests. Late in the evening, water is always appreciated.
Departure:
~ If you have additional cookies or sweets, wrap them up (preferably have this done before your party) and give them to your guests upon departure.
~ Always walk your guests to the door or elevator to say goodbye. If it is a single lady or elderly guest, the host should accompany them to the car.
Nighty-Night!
Take a moment to relish the evening before you go to bed. If you have staff to clean the dishes, lovely, but if not, do them in the morning. End your evening with happiness in your heart before you collapse into bed and count your blessings!
Xx
Holly