My parents are downsizing and that means purging.
The first thing my mother and I tackled was her cookbook collection. I came across, The Gourmet 8, published in 1969 by a group of women dedicated to gourmet cooking and a high standard of entertaining. It would be the precursor to Diane Clement’s successful series Chef on the Run.
Flipping through the pages made me nostalgic. I couldn’t remember the last time I hosted a party, was it Christmas 2019? I love to entertain and it’s been so long, I miss it. When we can open our homes again I’ll need to get my mojo back, so I turned to the Gourmet 8 for some advice.
“The key to being successful, is a confident and a well-organized hostess.”
Hum I thought, that’s going to take some work. COVID-19 times have meant cooking for two and organizing the take out menus.
When planning a guest list they suggest, “Vary the personalities in order to avoid the monotony of seeing the same old faces.”
This will not be a problem since I haven’t seen the same old faces except on a computer screen for over a year. Any new personalities will do, I’m not fussy anymore.
“Two weeks before the party check your liquor supply.”
This is where my hostess skills continue to excel as my pantry is always stocked with pandemic essentials, like endless wine and port.
They advise, “To avoid being over obsessed with cleaning, remember the guests are not on a house inspection tour, they are there to enjoy fine cuisine and stimulating conversation.” Not a problem, my house hasn’t been cleaned properly in a year since no one has come to see it.
“Mix the couples when arranging a sit down affair to make the conversation more versatile.”
Considering how many marriages are on the rocks right now, mixing couples might encourage some playful flirting. This will be fun.
The Gourmet 8 sets out a dinner party schedule, cocktails and appetizers at 8 p.m. Dinner served at 9 p.m., followed by dessert and liqueurs at 10:30 p.m. This may be a problem because by 10 p.m. I’m in my jammies ready for bed. Must train for this.
They encourage hostesses, “To learn to be daring, and to be different.”
See liquor supply for the courage to fulfill that suggestion.
“Careful timing is essential like a director timing a play, every minute is important.”
That’s a recommendation for most things in life, especially during these tough COVID times. Take note ladies and gentlemen our homes will be open for business again soon, so get ready.
Ingrid Abbott is a freelance broadcaster and writer who walks by her dining room and wishes you could all come over for dinner.
