hosting duties
and so it begins, my favorite hosting moments of the year….
products: west elm tableware and farm table. florence balducci for anthropologie.anthropologie. david shrigley. daylesford glasses. fishs eddy. abc carpet and home.
Thanksgiving: the kickoff to the most wonderful time of the year. And for myself, the most magical moments of my duties as a hostess. Food, Drinks, Sweet Treats, and most importantly, happiness and joy around the table. I kickoff each event with a detailed map, color palette and the floral arrangement that complements the vision. The menu is always curated with my Mom’s old recipes, hello favorite mashed potatoes… some Martha Stewart Holiday go-to’s, a collection of French treats and the celebrated bird. It is always complete chaos but some of my most cherished memories.
I have had butternut squash soup explode in my face, learned what an emulsifier comes in handy for quickly, overcooked the stuffing, had a cake fall apart within minutes of guests arriving, and had Owl eat a cake right off the table, in front of the guests! These events have never deterred me from hosting a meal for friends and family. They make the memories that more special. I still can smell that orange-chocolate cake as Owl licked his chops and was looking at me with pure love and bliss from the tastiest treat he had ever sampled.
Perhaps my favorite part of the whole event is setting the table the night before. I press all the linens and carefully mock the arrangements of florals. The scent of fresh-cut greens giving a nod of the celebration to come. I passionately polish my favorite Florence Balducci dishes and always smile at the whimsy illustrations of the festive forest friends. I make sure all the silverware is shiny and ready for the feast ahead. The checklist with a fresh Sharpie Marker and boxes waiting to be checked off. I re-read all the recipes so there are no surprises, or is there an emergency run to Whole Foods first thing in the morning. A signature setting for table seating with initials, mugs or even sometimes an art piece or Polaroid. It is always the little details that make me giddy to welcome in the party.
Sips ‘n Snacks at the ready. Wine and Mocktails ready to be toasted. The Main Event. Desserts and Coffee to wind down. My face will hurt from smiling, the cardio of the day. My kitchen will be put back in order and the dishes neatly stacked and ready for Christmas. And as I close my eyes that night, I begin to plan the festivities for Christmas, the color palette of the gifting, the cookies that are going to be made and the supplies I need to wave my magic wand and sprinkle joy all around.
