In a world that can sometimes seem harsh—especially when we turn on the news—nothing makes us feel more civilized than hosting friends in our home. It truly is one of life’s greatest joys. I, for one, always have a better time at my own gatherings when I know my house feels cheerful and hospitable. A few thoughtful details can transform your home, be it humble or grand, into an inviting retreat. Here is a bit of guidance.
Your whole house does not need to be party ready. I love it when my hosts offer to show me around their entire house. But I certainly don’t expect a tour. No one does. At my house, it’s just understood that certain areas are not for public viewing. I focus on creating ambience in the rooms where people will gather.
Clear the clutter, keep the charm. Minimize clutter on your countertops and surfaces, then give them a good going over with whatever household cleaner you like. Add a vase of tulips (I get mine at Trader Joe’s), a potted herb, a bowl of citrus. You don’t need to go overboard with decluttering, darling. It’s your home, not a hotel lobby.
Party lighting 101. Turn off your overhead lights and swap in 15-watt bulbs for your lamps. The effect is instantly warm, intimate, cozy. The softer glow creates a flattering, candlelit mood that makes guests feel more relaxed and gives everything—and, most importantly, everyone—a soft, polished look.
And OMG! Cordless lamps! Rechargeable lamps are an ambience godsend. You can plop them down in all kinds of tricky spaces, like entryways and dim corners, without worrying about outlets and ugly cords. I found online some handsome, easy-to-install wall sconces and picture lights for my dining room. I control them with a remote and charge them like I do my phone. I’m so weary of the word “gamechanger” but that’s what they are.
The impact of good scent. The way your house smells is important—it’s one of the first things guests notice, even subconsciously. That’s why real estate agents tell home sellers to bake a batch of brownies before a showing. Scented candles are my go-to (some are cloying, so always test them first). Sometimes, for a homey, nostalgic feel, I simmer a pot of water with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and citrus slices an hour before guests arrive.
Bar setup made easy. A tidy, thoughtfully arranged bar invites guests to help themselves and prevents bottlenecks. Arrange glassware, ice, liquor, mixers, and garnishes in a way that makes sense for your space. If it’s just cocktails and not dinner, consider using your dining table as a bar station. Even if you have an icemaker in your fridge, buy ice. If you’re having more than 20 people and you have funds for it, hire a bartender.
For God’s sake, relax. Before guests arrive, pour yourself a drink, turn on your favorite music and remember that people will have a blast. You will never regret having this party.
Party Spiff-Ups
No Electrician Needed
Cordless, rechargeable lamps provide instant ambience anywhere in your home, without messy cords or complicated installation. Visual Comfort Terri cordless lamp, $449, available through Rensen House of Lights.
Spray. Wipe. Done.
Mixture Hard Surface Cleaner, made in KC, keeps countertops sparkling and streak free, and comes in ten fragrances. Salt & Sage is my fave. $10.99 at madebymixture.com
So Chill
This smart-looking rattan ice bucket would add a polished, self-serve touch to your bar setup. $115, at Diebolt’s in Gillham House.
Tray Chic
Use a handsome tray or two to organize glasses on a self-serve bar. Keep glassware simple; use one or two types of glasses. Scalloped edge rattan tray, $125 for a set of two, available at RSVP in the Village. Luminarc 21 oz. stemless wine glasses, $18.99 for set of four, available at Prydes Kitchen & Necessities.
Go Nuts
Set out pretty little bowls of snackie things here and there. It’s so hospitable! Beatriz Ball’s Vida bamboo bowl, $60 for set of four, available at Blair & Blythe.
Pre-Batch Cocktails
A pitcher of sangria or make-ahead Manhattans (or just water!) would look appealing in this pitcher. 64 oz. Eternity Pitcher, $92, available at Terrasi Living.
Merrily’s Spaghetti & Meatballs for a Crowd
Pork ribs add amazing depth of flavor to store-bought marinara sauce.
Serves eight to ten, depending on appetites and what else you are serving.
- 4 26-ounce jars inexpensive marinara sauce (I use Scimeca’s)
- 25 – 30 pre-cooked meatballs from your grocer’s butcher case (again, I use Scimeca’s)
- 1 package “country-style” pork ribs, approximately 2 lbs.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 1 large onion, medium dice
- 2 pounds spaghetti noodles
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
On the morning of your party, pour all the marinara sauce into a large slow-cooker, add diced onion. Add olive oil to a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Add pork ribs and saute quickly, until they are brown on all sides. Add to marinara mixture.
Set the slow cooker on low, and let marinara/pork mixture simmer all day. After about 8 hours, pork should fall off the bone (if any), and you can remove bones from mixture. Use a large spoon to separate pork into tender chunks. The sauce can continue to cook, it won’t burn. About two hours before you plan to serve, add meatballs to sauce mixture.
Twenty minutes or so before serving, cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain. Arrange a generous pile of noodles on each plate, top with marinara/pork sauce and two or three meatballs. Sprinkle liberally with Parmesan cheese, drizzle a little olive oil over all and serve.
Ask Merrily: Find answers to all your entertaining questions.
Q: We have all white furniture in our living room and dining room. Is it okay to not serve red wine to guests? If so, how do we tactfully tell someone who brings a bottle of red wine that we’re not going to serve it?
A: Yes, it’s perfectly fine to skip red wine if you’re concerned about spills on your white furniture. If you invite them, they will spill! As the host, you set the menu, and that includes the beverages. When guests bring red wine, thank them graciously and say, “This looks wonderful! We’re going to tuck it away to enjoy another time, but tonight we’re just serving white wine and cocktails.” Most guests will understand.
Do you have a question about entertaining? Email it to mjackson@inkansascity.com