Throwing a dinner for family and friends is a really nice way to make your life, and the lives of the people you love, feel a little bit richer. Here are our tips to help you make a successful and uncomplicated event for everyone.
Stick to the cold stuff. If you’re cooking up different dishes, try to make just one or two hot dishes, this will make it easier to prep, serve and cook everything perfectly.
Keep it simple. There’s no need to overdo it when you invite someone over. Cook whatever you’re comfortable with. However, make sure you spend a little extra time on the plating, as this is something people really notice and appreciate.
Dim the light. Nothing creates a cosy ambiance like a well lit room or outdoor space. Make sure to get some candles. If you don’t want to splurge on flowers, go outside and pick some greens for the dining table.
Separate the dining table from the food table. Definitely makes for a more harmonious dinner. This way everyone can decide when, how much and what they want to eat. Also a lot less messy when the food is not being passed around... or having to interrupt good conversations by asking someone to pass something over.
Make sure you have fun and delicious non-alcoholic options. Indirectly encouraging people to drink less alcohol is always a good thing, especially if you know they have a car ride home. If you pour the drinks in a nice glass, most people won’t even miss their cocktail at all.
Big dinner, small dessert. Small dinner, big dessert. Most people don’t enjoy the feeling of being excessively full. Try to balance by offering a lighter dessert after a heavy meal, and vice versa.
August Dinner Menu
Burrata with yellow heirloom tomatoes, with homemade pesto, fresh basil, olive oil and lemon zest.
Figs with chèvre, thyme, nectarine and soy soaked almonds.
Melon with stracciatella, dried cranberries and crushed pistachio.
Pasta with homemade tomato sauce.
Sliced melon, figs, olives.
Affogato with caramel for dessert.
Pesto Recipe
3 bundles of fresh basil
3 dl extra virgin olive oil
1 handful toasted and salted cashews
1 tbs pistachio
1 ts sumac
1 clove of garlic
1/2 ts salt
Zest and juice of half a lemon
Mix everything with a hand mixer.