| Affordable Entertaining Elegance |
From "Party at Home"
episode PAH-213 |
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David McMillan, a caterer for An Original Occasion in Beverly Hills, says that hosting a tea party is an easy way to entertain guests while keeping costs at a minimum. The secret is to schedule your event between meals at the traditional teatime, 4 pm. At this time of day it's easy to keep guests satisfied with the smaller portions of food that are served. In addition, almost no maintenance is required after the food is set out. McMillan says that the idea is to serve finger foods that can occupy your guests as they mingle. He takes simple foods and uses his artistic sense to create menu items that represent a traditional English tea. These basic dishes will keep party costs low and give your guests the flavor of England. - Candied nuts are easy to prepare and can be placed at various locations around the house. Simply saute your favorite nuts in butter and add sugar. Stir until the mixture caramelizes, and let cool (figure A).
- Cheddar and walnut dip combines the historic tastes of Cheddar and port wine that tie in well with an English tea. Serve with a large basket of snack crackers.
- Miniature sandwiches are traditional fare at tea parties. They are small, dainty and well flavored. Spread a mixture of cream cheese, scallions and watercress on your favorite bread and cut into small pieces for an open-faced treat. Or spread a mixture of mayonnaise and mustard on the bread, add smoked turkey or ham and garnish with sliced red grapes (figure B).
- English scones are similar to our biscuits but tend to be much richer. Sugar, butter and cream are added to flour, and the baked scones are served with preserves and fruit (figure C).
- Small pastries and cookies are also traditional fare at tea parties and will add the perfect amount of sweetness to your special event (figure D).
McMillan says that once you have prepared your dishes in advance, there are many simple things you can do to create an elegant environment: - Light candles to create instant elegance and a relaxing atmosphere.
- Use this opportunity to show off the family china, silver and linens that are normally stored away.
- Add texture to your table by hiding boxes or cans under the tablecloth to create different levels on which to serve your food.
- Bring in some greenery and flowers from outside to decorate your table and accent the food dishes (figure E).
When you are trying to work within a budget for your party, McMillan says, do as much on your own as possible and buy in bulk. With careful planning, you will create an affordable elegance that you can enjoy along with your guests.
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