Inviting guests into your home is certainly a big deal, but it doesn’t have to be stressful! Every hostess (beginner or pro) has the task of making sure that your guests feel welcome and leave the house satisfied with the nice conversation and of course the delicious food. Bee House Beautifulwe love to learn more practical hosting tips and tricks – and there’s no greater expert in the art of a gracious host than award-winning top chef host and author Padma Lakshmi. And her most important advice? It’s not worth getting stressed out. “If the host is relaxed, your guests are guaranteed to have a great time,” says Lakshmi.
As Host in Residence of Maison Boursin, Lakshmi invited us to her space to learn how to create an unforgettable dinner in your home, whatever the occasion. She also taught us the magic of cooking lofty Maison Boursin-inspired dishes (Boursin e Pepe is coming!). Read on below for tips you’ll definitely use for your next dinner party!
1. Cook smarter, not harder
“Whether it’s brunch or dinner, choose a menu where 70% your meal can be prepared the day before,” advises Lakshmi. If you usually find yourself jumping from your seat at the table into the kitchen, it will save you the stress of feeling like you’re at a cooking competition. Enjoy the evening with the guests you’ve invited to experience the evening with you!
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Plan your menu around preparing a tasty meal that shows you did your best without breaking a sweat with your guests. Make the sauce for a pasta the day before and have the pasta ready to go as soon as your guests arrive! It’s also great to have a charcuterie board ready with a mix of savory and sweet, tangy and salty with lots of texture. Lakshmi suggests having nuts, jams and chutneys on hand to dress things up.
2. Involve your guests
Help your guests feel like they’re part of the meal by completing tasks that aren’t a big lift, but are important enough that their contribution makes an impact. “I don’t like stiff parties that… So perfect. It makes your guests feel like they need to be stiff and correct. Nobody wants to be at that party,” said Lakshmi.
If someone asks, “What should I bring?” take them on, Lakshmi insists. Let your guests fill in the gaps in the meals or courses you’re not interested in. You can ask your friends when they come over to help you make a salad, guacamole, or even drinks. For the friends who don’t know each other, assign them a task that facilitates conversation. They will find something mean!
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3. Cut your flowers
Everyone loves a centerpiece, especially if it’s a beautiful array of flowers. But you need to be able to fully see the faces of your guests on the other side of the table! Decorating the table should be conducive to conversation, not make it more difficult. If your arrangement is too tall or gets in the way of bonding, trim the stems. Scatter the flowers that got away on the table for added drama. You can also add flair and depth by placing candles in different heights.
“Sometimes a more organic, simple floral arrangement is best,” says Lakshmi. “You don’t have to break your couch with flowers.” Bonus tip? If you have children at home, you can ask them to tear the petals off roses or daisies so that they feel a part of the process. When guests come to praise your tablescape, you can point out your hostess-to-be for their standout work.
4. Put your guests first
Whether it’s their favorite dish, furniture that caters to their comfort, or awareness of flower allergies, thinking about your guests as you plan ensures a smooth party. “Let your guest list dictate your moves in your home,” says Lakshmi.
This tip applies even if you expect when your guests will arrive! If you know your siblings are always late, wait a little longer before cooking the pasta. “Make snacks for the guests who are on time so they have enough to munch on,” she continues. Keep your dimmer lights low enough for intrigue and intimate conversation and no one will notice the wait.
5. Always have a party trick
For Lakshmi, keeping her guests on their toes is one of the highlights of the meal. The smartest way to do this is through scents! Lakshmi relies on this $12 kitchen essential from Amazon to keep her family and friends guessing. “I’m obsessed with using a microplane. It creates such fine types of lemon zest or Parmesan cheese or nutmeg – it changed my life.”
Deiss PRO Zester & Heavy Duty Grater
The zest of a lime refreshes a salad and adds a citrus aroma to your home. You can also stack scents by choosing fragrant flowers. Then burn incense an hour before the guests arrive and you have a custom scent without lighting a candle.
These helpful tips will help your guests take notes the next time they stop by. Finally, you can enjoy your thoughtful dinner plans in style and with ease.
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