I’m not gonna lie, while the thought of entertaining excites me, it also gives me hives. I grew up with a mom who enjoyed entertaining and did a marvelous job of it, but was on razor’s edge during the entire process. She wanted everything to be perfect and her brood out of the way.
I can commiserate with that feeling. I’m already having butterflies at the thought of having Thanksgiving at my home this year. (We usually go out – no one trusts me with a turkey, or actually anything that happens in the kitchen.) I want it to be perfect. The timing of everything impeccable. The decorations pristine.
My fantasy dinner spread buffet courtesy of Elaine Maltzman.
Not gonna happen.
You know what? It doesn’t matter! I’m just trying to relax and remind myself the most import part is the family will be together.
(Oh, dear God, the family will be together!)
If that doesn’t work there will be lots of wine, yummy side dishes I can’t possibly screw up, and dessert. And, of course, incredible decorations! This year not only will we be celebrating Thanksgiving, but Hanukkah as well. Lucky me! The possibilities of decor are endless, and will go a long way in distracting what might not look, um, edible.
To help me with this culinary feat, I’ve asked my dear friend – the hostess with the mostess – Elaine Maltzman, who when not whipping up fabulous meals, is Director of Marketing for the enormously talented designer, Timothy Corrigan, for a few tips for making a fabulous holiday dinner. Surprisingly, it doesn’t include nipping at the cooking sherry. I’ve tried this – it doesn’t work.
She believes in planning ahead. Waaay ahead. Market lists, setting the table, arranging the buffet, mise en place (fancy shmancy talk for recipe prep), are done up to a week in advance and she has it down to a science. Bless her heart. It’s no wonder, when you walk in her door, she looks lovely, relaxed and in control. She doesn’t sweat the small stuff, neither should you.
Elaine suggests measuring out the dry goods ahead of time, placing them in Ziploc bags and including a list of what needs to be added on baking day. Some side dishes and desserts can be made a day in advance, so spend your time wisely, and don’t leave everything to the last minute. I’ve learned this the hard way.
Setting up the table and dessert buffet ahead of time, if you’re lucky enough to have the space, is a lifesaver. Elaine recommends turning glasses upside down until the big day, then give a quick wipe down to everything on the table the morning of your event.
Love the attention to detail. It’s the little things that make it special.
And, voila! The table is ready to go, all you have to do is get busy in the kitchen, and make yourself gorgeous.
Have any tried-and-true entertaining tips of your own? Please share in the comments below.
Is that Elaine’s table in the photos? She can’t possibly be set for Thanksgiving already – or is she? Or even more impressive, are you? Love Elaine’s suggestions. I’m also doing Thanksgiving for about 20 people at the same time I’m taking care of my 2 year old nephew for a few days – advance prep will be key for me. I’d better stock up on ziploc baggies!
Oh my gosh, is this your table already set? How is anyone able to set a table for Thanksgiving so early? I love doing Thanksgiving every year and I do it all. I don’t want anyone in the kitchen, just have them in the house and enjoying the company and football, etc. I do plan ahead by making my menu choice about a week before {every year I do something different} all my Thanksgiving meals are as organic as possible and healthy, sticking to fresh ingredients for everything. I do “vision” boards for my meal that day and have them made with pictures and recipes plus any “tweeking” I do them to add my own touch and create my own version. 🙂 So looking forward to this year because I love surprising everyone as they have no idea what to expect. But planning and prepping are key to a smooth Thanksgiving day 🙂
I appreciate a pretty table, but I can never pull it off. I’m lucky if I get a shower in before guests arrive.
Oh heavens no, this isn’t my table. This is Elaine’s table. While I’ll be sweating and freaking out the day of our dinner, she’ll probably be relaxing in a bubble bath from being so organized.
great tips, happy thanksgiving!
By now, I’m wise enough to know that I can’t handle the stress from all the balls that have to stay in the air to make a Thanksgiving dinner succeed. So…I order a lot of the food (don’t tell anyone!) and it makes things nice and calm(er).
Happy Thanksgiving to you!
My favorite part of any entertaining I do is setting the table – cooking is fun, but decorating is way better!
I have devoted my past three Friday blog posts to TG preparation, and this week will be the final installment if the Countdown to Thanksgiving. I’ve included shopping trips, do ahead work, food saftely and this week is final planning including (ahem) mise en place. If you’re curious please check it out @ http://chefsladtdiet.com
I’m hosting Thanksgiving this year, too. I’m planning to set the table WAY in advance, but I love the suggestion to measure out ingredients before the big day. What a time saver!
LInda, no matter how many Thanksgiving dinners I have prepared (we are usually just celebrating with the 4 of us in our immediate family since all other relatives are out of state) I am still searching for ways to get everything to the table at the same time and hot. These are amazing tips – thanks so much!! Good luck and enjoy.
Linda: Leave it to you to put a funny spin on preparing for the Thanksgiving. I’m both flattered and embarrassed that you featured my tips in this post. I’ll be sure to send photos of me soaking in the bubble bath and looking glamorous as I pull the 20 lb turkey from the oven (ya right!)
The tables are gorgeous. Elaine is beyond talented and organized. Does she make house calls?
I’m sure your dinner will be amazing with help from Elaine. These are great tips, especially the Ziploc bag tip. Have a great holiday!
I got a break this year. Thanksgiving was going to be at my house but my sister shanghaied it and we are going to her house, so she’s doing all the work for Thanksgivvikah!
What gorgeous photos. It looks like a lot of work, though. Lucky for me, I’ve got a standing invite at my sis-in-law and bro’s house. She puts on a gorgeous spread, too. Someday, if she ever passes the baton, I’ll be referring back to this great post, CG!
Never thought about measuring dry ingredients in advance. This is a great piece of advice!
I have to admit I love the prep. I love to get out all the lovely serving pieces and setting the table. I write down what we are having and check it before we think everything is ready to sit down. Prior to this last check, salads were left in the back of the frig, rolls still in the freezer, and hard butter!