55th Annual Delaware Show

NOT FOR DINING ROOMS ONLY. The dining table, of course, is the natural location for a dinner. Buffet dinners can have guests seating themselves in your living room or family room or wherever. What about a cozy dinner for four on the screened porch? MAKE A TOAST. It is always a nice way to kick off the evening. Humor and brevity are always appreciated, and planning what to say is key. DRESSING FOR DINNER. Every host/hostess should allow enough time to get ready for their own party, with a little buffer time for just relaxing and checking everything one last time. PRACTICE, PRACTICE. I know it may seem redundant to say it again, but practice is the key. The more practice you have, the more confidence you’ll gain. SETTINGTHE TABLE IS EVERYDAY DECORATING. This is where you begin with practice. Hospitality begins at home, and setting the table with care and flair for yourself and your family is where it all begins. SURPRISE, SURPRISE. I think a good way to make any event memorable is to add an element of surprise. This can include a special cocktail you have made for the evening, your table design, an entertainment, a soufflé for dessert, or a small gift as a parting gesture. — 22 —