"Ina Garten, also called the Barefoot Contessa, knows a thing or two about throwing a dinner party. She literally wrote the book on entertaining, " Barefoot Contessa Parties!," where she describes her love of hosting and cooking for company. In it, Garten admits to throwing her fair share of "truly awful parties," but luckily for us, Garten readily shares her knowledge, and we can learn from both her mistakes and decades of experience."
""You're holding a cocktail having a perfectly nice conversation and someone offers you a grilled scallop served in a martini glass. Now, what exactly are you supposed to do with your drink?" asks Garten. In her case, she'd sadly opt not to try the scallop due to a lack of enough free hands. While modern-day caterers don't usually use martini glasses as serving dishes these days, Garten definitely has a point."
"Another genius entertaining rule that Ina Garten never breaks is to abstain from trying out new recipes for company, as you want to be sure the food you're serving is tried, tested, and delicious. Among other things to avoid serving at a dinner party, Garten lists foods and drinks that can stain like red wine or beets, although this is specifically for buffet-style"
Hosts should avoid serving appetizers that require two hands because guests often hold drinks and cannot manage both. Offer easy-to-eat passed hors d'oeuvres that guests can pick up and consume with one hand to maintain a comfortable mingling experience. Do not test new recipes for company; serve only tried, reliable dishes to ensure consistent, delicious results. Avoid buffet items prone to staining, such as red wine or beets, to prevent ruined clothing and messy cleanups. Practical menu choices and simple presentation make entertaining smoother and more enjoyable for both hosts and guests.
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