RECIPES
Vintage1944
POSTED: Sat, 02/13/2010 - 11:26am
Entertaining at Home
Here it is a new topic and thread.This is my question....I would like to entertain six or seven people here.When I say my apartment is tiny ,I am not kidding.There is seating for seven or eight here.And I do owe some very nice people a meal.How do I go about it?Shall I do a buffet ?What should I cook?Finger foods only?Or do a roast and carve it prior to setting on the table?Dishes are not a problem.Other needs I can borrow.The main stumbling block is my perfectionism and my belief that I am a bad cook(which people say is not true)but I am so nervous and have high expectations.HELP!! JeanMIREILLE'S CALENDAR
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snorklee
POSTED: Fri, 03/09/2012 - 11:04am
Help
I would love to have some friends over for a casada party, but my house is so small. My table seats 4 comfortably, 6 uncomfortably, and it doesn't expand. Any ideas on how to fit 8 to 10 dinner guests in my house? Casada is a Costa Rican dish comprised of about 6 different dishes, so I might be able to do buffet style, but still... no place to sit, really. I have a couch and two papasan chairs in my living room. (long story... lol).Vintage1944
POSTED: Fri, 03/09/2012 - 12:35pm
Hi Deb
Marilyn's ideas are great.Perhaps 2-3 folding chairs would help.And as marilyn says arrange them so people can't clique togetherMost of all have fun.OXOMarilyn
POSTED: Fri, 03/09/2012 - 11:10am
casada party
If you have dining chairs as well as the living room chairs do it as a buffet. Use bowls and spoons if possible and people will be able to eat either sitting or standing. Push your table away against a wall to leave more room for standing and let them help themselves. It makes it more fun and gets people talking as they cannot sit in groups. Above all have fun.meneia
POSTED: Mon, 09/12/2011 - 4:30am
New Challenge - Pirate Food
So, I'm hosting an International Talk Like a Pirate Day Brunch. I'm a bit stuck as to what to serve. I'm thinking I could probably get away with caribbean inspired food, but I don't actually know what that is. I'm thinking about doing American-style biscuits, probably scrambled eggs, and at least one fruity rum based cocktail. Any suggestions?Marilyn
POSTED: Wed, 09/14/2011 - 9:54am
How about
B-B-Q'd spare ribs, they should go down a treat if you have a sweet and sour sauce with them. A bit messy to eat though. Lots of fruit would be good as it is a brunch.Vintage1944
POSTED: Mon, 09/12/2011 - 10:45pm
What fun!
How about Jerk Chicken?That is very Caribbean.Can you find Jerk spice where you are?Have a great time.OXOsnorklee
POSTED: Mon, 09/12/2011 - 7:41am
'Arrrrrrrgh.....
What a great idea! Maybe some "silver dollar" pancakes? lol. Grilled pineapple on skewers, and maybe some barbecued chicken legs, or some kind of fish dish? Maybe a "treasure chest" filled with silver and gold wrapped candies for a centerpiece? You always have the best party ideas, meneia! Have fun!meneia
POSTED: Wed, 09/14/2011 - 8:31am
Thanks for the Ideas
I like the pineapple idea, it's just turned warm here so I think that will go over well. I was actually thinking of seeing if I can get the chocolate coins that you get for christmas for a treasure chest. I'll have to think about the chicken suggestions. I don't really like to cook chicken as I'm terrified of salmonella.meneia
POSTED: Tue, 08/16/2011 - 5:14am
Tea and Wardrobe Consulting
I've invited a couple of friends around on the weekend for afternoon tea and to help me go through my wardrobe, to figure out what I can get rid of. I'm thinking of attempting macarons, or something involving lemon curd, as I have lots of lemons at the moment.meneia
POSTED: Sun, 08/21/2011 - 1:16am
Tea and Wardrobe Consulting - Aftermath
It went well. We had a three course lunch, with wardrobe sorting in between the courses. I'll have about 6 bags to get rid of (so far I just have piles, I need to bag them up). I did start crying at one point when my friends suggested that I get rid of a jumper that I'm apparently just not ready to toss yet. It can go in the "I don't wear it but can't bear to get rid of it" box.jas
POSTED: Sun, 08/21/2011 - 4:14pm
on not letting go
Good for you for NOT letting go until you are ready, and if you are ready. It can be really good to hold on to...and we forget them.Vintage1944
POSTED: Sun, 08/21/2011 - 1:40pm
Well done
6 bags full!Actually,going through a bag of things tops mostly)that a friend brought over for us to look through.May keep a few things and then pass the rest on to St.Vincent de Paul or the Sally Ann.oxoMarilyn
POSTED: Sun, 08/21/2011 - 12:59pm
Brilliant
Well done, 6 bags wow. I now the feeling of not wanting to part with things even if you know they will not be worn. I have a few things like that but will try to be strong when I do my season change sort out in September.snorklee
POSTED: Sun, 08/21/2011 - 9:21am
Wardrobe Catharsis and Lunch :)
Hi Meneia, what a great idea to have friends help you part with your "can't bear to get rid of" clothes. 6 bags! That's wonderful! Maybe I will try that to. I hang onto clothes like personal mementos of my life. :) The trouble is that they take up so much room!What did you serve for lunch?
meneia
POSTED: Wed, 08/24/2011 - 4:05am
For things that I really
For things that I really don't want to get rid of but won't actually use, I have a special storage box, so I don't feel bad about hanging on to some things for sentimental reasons. I also take photos of things that I want to remember but don't actually feel the need to keep. I served leek and beetroot soup with fresh baguette, grilled haloumi on braised cabbage, and lemon posset with shortbread for dessert.vickie2
POSTED: Wed, 08/17/2011 - 1:01pm
Sounds fun
Sounds like it will be a wonderful afternoon! What a fun way to clean out your closet! I love lemon curd. Have fun!Marilyn
POSTED: Tue, 08/16/2011 - 8:00am
Great idea
What a great idea, pity we are all not nearer together, it would be such fun.Have you tried making lemon posset. You could put it in small ramekins and serve with a few berries.
snorklee
POSTED: Tue, 08/16/2011 - 10:54pm
Marilyn...
I do wish that we all were neighbors. Can you imagine the dinner parties and soirees that we would have??? Tres chic and oh, so French. It would be lovely.Vintage1944
POSTED: Wed, 08/17/2011 - 7:26am
HI Deb
What fun we would have.OXOMarilyn
POSTED: Wed, 08/17/2011 - 10:51am
Dreaming
We can dream my friends. A virtual dinner party on FB perhaps!!!!Vintage1944
POSTED: Wed, 08/17/2011 - 11:26am
Oh yes!
a virtual dinner party.This time I will be there.Let's plan!OXOmeneia
POSTED: Tue, 08/16/2011 - 5:31pm
Lemon Posset
I haven't tried it but I think I have a recipe somewhere. I'll have to have a go.Marilyn
POSTED: Wed, 08/17/2011 - 5:56am
Meneia
It's really easy. If you cannot find a recipe let me know as I have one.meneia
POSTED: Thu, 08/18/2011 - 3:44am
Lemon Posset
I found a fairly simple recipe (cream, sugar, lemon juice and rind). It said to chill for two to three hours, but is it something I can make the day before and just leave in the fridge?Marilyn
POSTED: Thu, 08/18/2011 - 4:30pm
Not really
It is better made the day it is to be eaten as it tends to separate. If you make it late the previous day it may be ok. I have never left it overnight.meneia
POSTED: Fri, 08/19/2011 - 9:05pm
Lunch
Thanks. I'll make it tomorrow morning then, and just enough for the meal. It's now morphed into lunch rather than afternoon tea though, so I need to come up with another two courses. I'm thinking some sort of vegetable soup (it depends on what looks good at the shop) probably with freshly baked bread rolls, and then some sort of yet to be determined main. But I'm excited because I get to use my new fabric napkins.meneia
POSTED: Fri, 08/19/2011 - 9:12pm
Lunch
Found a recipe for baked tofu with white wine, mustard and dill. I can just put it in the oven when my guests arrive and pull out 40 minutes later. Perfect.Vintage1944
POSTED: Tue, 08/16/2011 - 7:35am
That is ...
a fine idea and fun too.Have a great time.OXOCourtneyK
POSTED: Sat, 03/20/2010 - 9:01am
Weekend Plans?
Anyone entertaining this weekend? I don't have anything really planned here other than a nice dinner with my husband tonight. On quiet weekends, I've been making a special dinner for Saturday night. Knowing that I have a nice meal to look forward to helps me make better choices during the week (usually). Tonight we're having roasted shrimp with homemade cocktail sauce to start, then filets au poivre with roasted potatoes and zucchini. And Mireille's flourless chocolate cake with raspberries and whipped cream to finish. Bubbly for me to start, then a Bordeaux with dinner.valerie51
POSTED: Sat, 03/20/2010 - 10:55am
Yummy!!!
I'm hungry now Courtney! I'm not entertaining, but I'm in Oklahoma for a week seeing my 6 kids and two grandbabies...so I get to be the entertainee!!! Thursday night they made me bbq meatballs and homemade french fries...and I ate on a small plate and had no seconds! Yesterday my 11 year old and I went to the store and had a "fast food" meal...I had a small serving of what I wanted and was completely satisfied. Last night I did make homemade pizza for my aunt, uncle, grandma, mom, and two of my kids...it got high reviews...and these people all think they are the best cooks ever!! Today my daughter is making me potato soup; tonight we are having girls night with salads and dessert. Tomorrow my 17 year old is taking me to lunch at Chili's. Monday night we are all going out for a meal together; then Tuesday I return to IL. It is great fun having a week here...no work, on break from classes...I just miss my fiance ALOT!