We love a beautifully made bed with freshly pressed sheets, always fresh flowers, beautiful bottled water on the bedside table, and pretty toiletries in the guest bathroom. And have a list of conversation topics to keep the chatter razor sharp.Īdd candles to the front steps, pick some flowers for a tight arrangement, dim the lighting, straighten up the magazines, crank up the jazz, shave some ice, light a candle in the bathroom, and fluff the pillows. Crank up the music as the night goes along, and dim the lighting even further. Just keep the booze coming, and have the local liquor store that delivers on speed dial. We are big believers in semi-homemade dinners: Make a great shaved Brussels sprouts salad with Parmesan, walnuts, and truffle oil then layer in fried chicken and biscuits from Popeye’s with ice cream bars from Klondike for dessert. Instead, bring a bottle of wine or candle. Tip for your guests: Don’t bring flowers when you go to a dinner party because it takes the host/hostess away from the guests when they have to arrange the bouquet in a vase. We like to be prepared at dinner parties and spend as much time with our guests as possible instead of chopping veggies or poking at a chicken. Dim the lighting, mix a pitcher-or three-of a signature cocktail, crank up the music, set the table, and order in Chinese. (If you get a mini Hermes Eau d’Orange Verte bar, you know we really like you!) It’s easy and no fuss, no muss.Įntertaining shouldn’t be stressful. Plus, we put out a chic soap in the bathroom that we pinched from a favorite hotel. If someone decides to shack up for the night, we pick a few flowers from the garden, add a pitcher of water to the night table, turn on the table lamps for muted lighting, and layer in a few current magazines, including The World of Interiors and British Vogue. The Madcap Cottage gents love spontaneous stay overs by our friends, so we always keep one of our guest rooms at the ready with fresh sheets and fluffy towels (Amelie towels from Ballard, of course). We all need that fresh feeling, these are easy and inexpensive ways to achieve inner peace and make the house feel fresh and attended to before guests descend upon us. Cleaning out the pantry also is very satisfying and gives one the sense of starting new and gaining some control. I even like to rearrange a bit by moving tables, rearranging shelves and tossing things that are never used. Get your upholstery cleaned - it does wonders. The more you can make ahead, the more ahead of the game you will be. I pickle veggies and make salad dressings as well. Making in advance cuts the stress factor by about 100…I like to make cookies, pie crusts and soups in advance.
#Madcap cottage evening bedding plus
Plus everyone is in the kitchen chatting, drinking and eating, just the way I like it. It’s an easy way to serve lunch while you’re cooking the dinner menu. I make soup and leave it on the stove with stacked bowls. I love putting out a huge antipasto plate for lunch, with all the ingredients to create a sandwich - fresh baked bread and lots of olives and pickles. I leave a little box of chocolates on the side table and bottled water as well. I like to have new toothbrushes, sample size tooth paste, hand cream and toilet paper on hand so guests don’t have to ask. The bed should be freshly made, the room aired out and clean. Then try it out: Drive up or walk to your home as a visitor to fine tune the experience!Ĭookbook Author, Stylist, and Lifestyle ExpertĪ guest room should be much like a hotel room. I love lit lanterns - even in daylight urns with seasonal plants or fragrant flowers at the door. What quick updates do you suggest to make the house look welcoming and polished?Ĭreate a pretty moment where guests enter. Set out every single item you’ll need for serving so you’re not digging around for olive picks, a carving knife or dessert spoons.Ĥ. Do you have any advice for planning ahead? What can we do in advance? Set up the bar outside the kitchen and keep the offering lean: One pre-mixed cocktail or a simple one with a cool garnish or glass (like a Moscow Mule), plus wine and beer.Īssign a greeter to accept gifts and direct guests where to put their coats - you have other things to do!Ĭreate a charging station outside the kitchen to keep guests from being underfoot. What tips or tricks can you share for entertaining a large crowd? I always prep by doing the b athroom first! Because it’s OK to ask early guests to light candles or prep cocktails but never to neaten the loo!Ģ.
Meet them all and learn their tricks and tips for stress-free entertaining.
#Madcap cottage evening bedding full
We asked 12 of our favorite stylemakers how they prepare to entertain a full house of family and friends.
0 kommentar(er)
