MAKING A HOME Hints for the hostess

Press, 29 November 1976, Page 12

MAKING A HOME Hints for the hostess

PRUDENCE ROTHENBERG This is the time of year for entertaining friends at home. Some parties will be merely drinks and nibbles for a few; others will be dinners for many guests. Both kinds need thought and organisation. So sit down and think how you can save time and energy well before the event. Floral decorations are important as a welcome to guests. You can arrange your flowers the day before the party and top them up with water next morning. Choose flowers that either harmonise with or complement your colour scheme. Aramge them carefully. Cut the stems at different lengths and put one flower in a vase at a time. Do not overcrowd the container with too many blooms.

If your entrance hall is large enough, put a welcoming vase of flowers on a table. In your sitting room place a large vase on the mantelpiece. Then all you will require will be a few posy bowls on side tables. MAKE LISTS Make two lists — one for the work you can complete the week before the party and one for shopping. If you have a deep freeze unit prepare as much food as you can and store it. On

the day of the party you sould only need to buy perishable goods. The most popular and easiest party to organise is a cocktail party. Everything you need can be prepared and put out before your guests arrive. The food can be set out on a large table or on side tables round the room.

Platters of hor d’oeuvres, nuts and olives are most acceptable as nibbles. But if you are holding a preChristmas party during the week I advise you to make plenty of sandwiches. Men who have been working all day and have been too busy to have lunch will be hungry. Make sure you have plenty of ashtrays placed around the room. INTRODUCTIONS As the hostess good conversation can depend on you. When you introduce your guests do so clearly. Introduce the man to the woman. For example: “Mrs Smith. I would like to introduce Mr Jones.” Tell them a little about each other. “Mrs Smith has just returned from overseas. Mr Jones is an expert gardener.” In this way you leave them with something to talk about while you greet new arrivals. Your husband should be attending to the drinks, but you should also know how to pour them. (There are measures obtainable.) It is a poor hostess who give guests a stronger drink than they require.

If you intend to hold a dinner party, plan your menu several weeks ahead. Do not try out a new recipe on guests; let the family be the “guinea pigs.”

Place an attractive centre piece in the middle of your table and make sure it is not too high or it will be difficult for guests to talk over iL Guests should be invited to a formal dinner party 10 to 15 days in advance and not less than five days ahead.

Make it clear what time you expect them to come — 7 p.m. for 7.30 p.m., for example. This lets guests know exactly what time the meal will be served. SEATING Plan Where everyone is to sit. Write out a list and memorise it There’s nothing worse than playing “musical chairs” before sitting down to the first course. If the party is for a special guest remember that a woman sits on your husband’s right; a man sits on your right. A stimulating argument over the dinner table can be fun. But make sure it does not get out of hand. Have the courage to say: “This is dangerous ground and I am much too fond of everyone at this table to allow it to develop into an argument.” Courteous guests will talk to the persons on either side of them and not only to the one who interests them most. SMOKING Unless there are ashtrays on the table do not smoke between courses. At a

formal dinner where there are toasts do not smoke until after the toast to the Queen. Whatever type of party yoy give, be it a buffet luncheon, a drinks party or a formal dinner, keep these points in mind:— Give all your guests a warm welcome. Introduce them thoughtfully and put them at their ease. Set attractive tables. Make sure the food and drinks are just right. Be relaxed enough to enjoy the party yourself. RELAX Most hostesses suffer from tension before their guests arrive. A busy housewife has ail her usual basic chores as well as getting ready for her party. That is why it is so important to do as much as possible for a party in advance. When there are other household commitments it is difficult to take 10 minutes compete rest after dressing before guests arrive, but try to do so. If you drink, have one while you are waiting. At times I have been tired before opening the door for a party and have sipped a drink while in the bath and spent an extra five minutes in it, just relaxing.