After flying the nest, my friends and I began an almost weekly tradition of, what we like to call, Family Dinner. So what does this consist of? A crowd (of at least 5), good food (home-cooked of course), my antique dining room table, laughs, and wine.
Debates over the menu, day, time and availability all ensue over group text. After the dust settles, I proudly announce the menu with bated breath.
Drumroll please … today’s evening consists of a freshly prepared caprese (with blanched asparagus) salad to start. We’ll follow up with the main course of marinated flank steak, “eggplant parmesan” (recipe to follow in a separate post), and broccolini.
How does a young professional pull it all off?
/A/MY Rules of Entertaining:
- Plan the menu!
- Shop the day before
- Prep as much as you can
- Don’t bite off more than you can chew
- Not every part of the meal has to start from scratch
- Take some help where you can; accept a hand
- Clean up as you go
- Don’t skimp on tools and equipment
- Relax
- Have a glass of wine while cooking
What’s the verdict? Full tummies, memories shared & created, and a tradition that’s only to grow for many years to come.
Great post! I love your tip of having a glass of wine!