Farra Mirón
Pay attention to the details. If you have to use disposables, opt for plain paper and stamp something personal on them. Try to use real flatware: It will always make a difference and is minimal cleanup. If you’re purchasing store-bought food items, present them in your own dish with a great serving piece.
Make a list. Planning is important no matter the size of the party. The list doesn’t have to be elaborate, but make notes and work backwards from the time the guests arrive, always including time for yourself to get ready.
Make your table warm and inviting. Add a runner or two horizontally to a table or layer tablecloths. Just don’t make the table too pretty to sit at or to move something. Pile on the plates and special pieces and don’t worry about the space; the more people moving around dishes and glassware, the better.
Look flawless. Choose an outfit that can transition from prep master to hostess. And if you normally wear heels, don’t swap them for flats just because you’re the hostess; rock ’em!
Design menus around your commitment level. If your goal is to create the most perfect and tastiest meal, then do it! If you would rather not think about the menu, make it easy either by buying your faves from a restaurant or serving just a cheese plate or dessert.
Be a part of the party. A successful party is one in which everyone is enjoying themselves, hostess included. Interact with your guests. Don’t spend all night tidying up after them; only clean up if it works with the flow of the party.
Don’t over-pattern or over-style. When in doubt, go with all clear or all white pitchers, platters, and serving pieces, and offset them with colorful fabric or napkins. Too much pattern will look messy.
You’re always a hostess. Always keep a bottle of wine, coffee, tea, sugar cubes, nuts, fresh and dried fruit, honey, and a specialty bar of chocolate on hand to serve to impromptu visitors. You can create a simple fruit plate using these items by arranging freshly cut fruit, dried fruit, nuts (even trail mix, if that’s all you have), some fresh raw or creamed honey, and chopped pieces of chocolate on a wooden cutting board.
