How to coordinate a dinner for guests?!
I have the whole menu planned out already; some of it I can make ahead of time, but the entree is a delicate fish dish. I'm afraid my tilapia will be ruined if I put it in the oven while I entertain.
Is it better to be cooking when my guests arrive, or to have a break after the first course while I whip up the main course? It just seems rude to me to leave my guests and make my boyfriend (who barely knows them) to do all the entertaining.
Any tips for juggling dinner and guests? How do you coordinate your dinner parties?
Thank you!
Answers: I would appreciate some advice: I do a lot of cooking, but I rarely entertain. I've invited a friend & his new girlfriend over for dinner this weekend, and since this is the first time they've been to our place, I'd like it to be nice.
I have the whole menu planned out already; some of it I can make ahead of time, but the entree is a delicate fish dish. I'm afraid my tilapia will be ruined if I put it in the oven while I entertain.
Is it better to be cooking when my guests arrive, or to have a break after the first course while I whip up the main course? It just seems rude to me to leave my guests and make my boyfriend (who barely knows them) to do all the entertaining.
Any tips for juggling dinner and guests? How do you coordinate your dinner parties?
Thank you!
Start the fish after a bit of visiting with your guests...entertain with wine and appetizers.
I know that you would like to make your complicated dish, but honestly, when I have guests I make sure that I prepare something that can be done in advance. There are plenty of dishes that do not require your total attention while you have guests, and it is best to do those dishes so you don't seem rude or have to leave your guests.
But if you insist on going with your tilapia, I would suggest that you cook while the guests arrive. Once the "party" starts you should not leave your guests in between courses for a long amount of time.
Everyone congregates in the kitchen to visit anyway, I am sure they would not be insulted with you finishing dinner while they visit. Part of the party is being able to visit! I prefer doing it that way because I don't want to immediately make my guests sit down when they first get there. It is nice to be able to have them mingle and visit. Also, being that it is just the four of you, it is a more intimate party and would certainly be acceptable. Good luck!
Pop it in the oven before your first course. If it's done before your done eating just excuse yourself breifly and tent your tray with foil paper. It should stay moist and warm.
is your kitchen big enough to entertain, what i do is sometimes, set out a c ard table with nibbles etc you cook and can still entertain same time
One of my main considerations when I am entertaining is whether the guests can be left while I cook. Since your boyfriend does not know this couple and your kitchen is too small to entertain in while you cook, I suggest you rethink your menu and plan something that can be prepared ahead and is not going to be ruined by sitting in the oven a bit. You might be able to make the tilapia still with another recipe that you can prepare the dish ahead and then put it in the oven to cook while you greet your guests and serve cocktails and then the first course.
Remember with entertaining that you want your guests to feel relaxed and welcomed into your home. The meal should be relaxed and not rushed into. Thus a menu that allows for flexibility in serving time and allows you to be out of the kitchen is very important.
Hope you enjoy your dinner party! Entertaining is great fun!
The question is whether you can have the fish nearly ready, excuse yourself for 5 minutes (max) and slide it in the oven, then rejoin the party while it cooks.
Choices: have the boyfriend whip up the main course, or plan a meal that doesn't require so much time from you.
You just can't serve the same foods a chef or caterer could if you're going to be a good hostess, sorry.