Your first dinner party

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33033, 28 September 1972, Page 11

Your first dinner party

When the hors d’ oeuvres aren’t made, the table isn’t set, and you’re only halfdressed—but the doorbell rings anyway, what do you do? Panic? Yes, but don’t let this happen to you. It’s not necessary if you follow these helpful pointers. No matter what the occasion, write down the complete menu—a week ahead isn’t too early. At the same time, jot down the serving dishes you plan to use so you don’t arrange the relishes on the only platter that will hold the leg of lamb.

Count on familiar recipes unless you’re an experienced cook. Also check your menu to make sure there isn’t more than one item that .requires lastminute attention. Never leave food marketing till the day of the party. It takes too much of your precious pre-dinner time and attention. You also run the risk of forgetting a vital item when it’s too late to make another trip to the grocery store. Check the table linen (it may need pressing) no later than the day before the dinner. Polish the silver if necessary, and get out any serving pieces that aren’t easily accessible. Do as much of the food preparation as you can ahead of time. Make a frozen salad or dessert, wash and chill salad greens, prepare a vegetable casserole that goes into the oven . and requires no watching. If it doesn’t inconvience you. set the dinner table the night before the party.

Above all, be yourself. Entertaining in a style to which you’re not accustomed is courting disaster, i