Entertaining Solo

Over the years I have watched most of my single girlfriends attend dinner parties rather than throw them. I have differed because the hostess in me can’t be held down, yet watching the hostess in many of my girlfriends lay low seems so unnecessary.

So just before you decide that couples have cornered the market on the humble dinner party, think again!

In Australia the weather is becoming cooler by the day and the smell of open fireplaces wafting  from cosy homes is in the air…this alone beckons soups, casseroles, friends and a drink or two. 

Whether you find yourself inexperienced in the world of entertaining, fearful of opening your ‘my decorator is out of town’ house or you just need to boost your shindigs, read on.

I have listed a few stellar ideas for the winter season (and the summer for our Northern readers) that will have your friends and family knocking on your door a little more…yet, if that’s what you’re afraid of, just skip this article!

Decide that you are not an ‘attendee’ of life, yet you are the girl that makes it happen. So dust of your barbeque, dig up that fondue set you’ve never used, get out your address book and get going!

Before we get started, always set a budget for each night, and DO NOT deviate. You will have a much better time at each event, knowing that you can put petrol in the car for the next month rather than watching your guests drool over the unnecessary Villeroy & Boch crystal goblets you just ‘had to have’.

Tips
• Flora – For those experiencing warm weather, the beauty of summer is that nature does most of the decorating for you. If you have a great garden or courtyard, decide to have dinner alfresco. If not, grab a big bunch of your favourite flowers to display inside. For a winter display, my personal favourite is bare branches in a tall vase. You can leave the base empty or fill it with dirt, stones, etc. Mine is filled with old champagne corks and a few tiny glittered sparrows attached which looks amazing.

• Décor – Don’t ever panic that the chairs or plates don’t match. Just give your party an eclectic theme. If you have a collection of old plates, give everyone a different one. If you are cooking a winter stew, don’t stress about matching serving dishes either…just place your pot of treasure in the centre the table as is.

• Lighting – I am a BIG fan of fairy lights. Use them whenever you can, don’t follow the unwritten rule that December is the only time they can shine! If you prefer tea lights and have no tea light holders, use old glasses, teacups or saucers. On their own, they may look odd, but huddled together in the centre of the table makes a gorgeous glow.

• Drinks – Invest into a drinks tub. My parents always use their laundry tub, but if you haven’t had time to do the laundry, you will need an alternative. Throw in a few bags of ice and you’re set.

• Music – Make a compilation that will last throughout the evening. I am personally grateful for my iPod…the days of excusing yourself to change discs a hundred times are over.

• Food – Keep reading THE FAMILY ROOM blogsite for year round recipes that are affordable and oh so easy. When your friends offer to bring something, allow them to. Drinks, cheese platers and desserts are suitable.

• Dress – Whatever you feel great and comfortable in, wear! Take time and make an effort, you are so worth it! That goes for your home as well. Tidy up and let some fresh air in before the night. For cold nights get a fire going. No fireplace? Stress not. Grab a small firepit from Bunnings and turn your backyard into something special.

• You – Don’t forget that the primary reason people are visiting your home is for you. Yes spend time on making the experience great for them, but don’t forget to shine. Hop out of the kitchen and sit and chat with everyone. Have fun!

Enjoy!

Michaela.

Tagged as: Michaela