Things my mother did teach me

The Art of Entertaining

We always had guests in our home when I was growing up- formal dinner parties at the dining room table, family sing alongs on Christmas Eve, and relaxed picnics in the back yard by the lake. Last night, I was catering a dinner party for an ambassador and his wife, and I realized the little tips I’ve learned from my mom that are instinctive to me.
Please, mothers and fathers, teach your children by example, and continue this tradition of welcoming guests into your home.

Here are some tips my mother taught me- thanks, mom!!!

• Find out in advance (if possible) if any of your guests have dietary restrictions..shellfish allergies, for instance. Be prepared to alter your menu to accommodate any restrictions or preferences.
  
  
• Greet your guests at the door with a warm hug or hand shake…take their coat and welcome them into your home.
  
  
• Have the candles on the dining room table
  
  
• When passing appetizers, offer the guest a cocktail napkin first
  
  
• Always warm your dinner rolls- it takes 5 minutes and there’s nothing more welcoming than a delicate warm roll with sweet unsalted butter
  
  
• When there is prominent guest of honor, server him or her first... then continue counter clockwise serving first the women, then the gentlemen.
  
  
• Always clear the salt and pepper sets from the table before you offer dessert
  
  
• When serving coffee from a silver coffee/tea pot, fill it with hot water 30 minutes before serving. When it is time to fill it with coffee (of course, empty it first) it will be warm and ready.