Entertainment by Grandma
She served chilled cocktails and hot plates. She encouraged walking around with a book on your head before dinner and she was a grande dame of sophisticated entertaining with various linen tablecloths, napkin ring holders, and cut glass water goblets.
I learned about the shortcuts when in college I asked my mom for Grandma’s famous pumpkin pie recipe. She pointed me in the direction of Libby’s canned pumpkin.
In the 50s, she was a working mom, a teacher. Like most working moms, she learned that taking shortcuts on food prep didn’t make a meal less homemade. It gave her time with family and less to worry about in the kitchen. All she had to do was set a nice table and enjoy the evening.
I tell this story not to “out” my grandmother as a short-cutter, but to show that a memorable meal is more than good food. Cloth tablecloths, real plates and silverware, drinking from glass, good food mood music, conversation skills, champagne or prosecco. Your guests and family will remember meals if they have a good time. Obviously, the food plays an integral part. But the presentation- in a gracious and bubbly atmosphere- is what will create the memory. Below are some budget-friendly options for entertaining.
Tablecloths
Irish linen is best. However, these are expensive and traditionally given as wedding presents. You can find regular cotton tablecloths at thrift stores, flea markets, and many other places. Here’s a fun yellow lattice print tablecloth from Target. You can also pick up a flat bed sheet and iron it out. Cornstarch will give it that more durable texture.
Silverware
Matching silverware isn’t necessary. Flea markets are great for this, as is any home store. Target has sets under $20, also. You just want it to feel sturdy and solid in your hands.
Napkins
Cloth napkins are the height of sophistication. Look out for the seasonal sales at Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, etc. They do not run too much more expensive per napkin than what you’d find elsewhere.
Napkin Rings
I’m awful- I never use my napkin rings. There are some really pretty napkin rings out there in the flea markets. I prefer to tie a ribbon or piece of twine into a bow, and maybe stick a spring of something in it. (Rosemary is fun.)
Glassware
Do not invest in expensive glassware. If you ever register for something, you can have other people buy it for you. For water and such, the classics are inexpensive, and mason jars are fun. Unless you’re a real life “grown up” you probably do not need different glasses for red or white wine. We can make do with a versatile all-purpose wine glass. If you have no glassware at all, get a terrific starter set at a good value.
Flowers
A bouquet of daisies from the bodega is $3. I just got some nice peonies for $10.
Good food mood music
It’s totally within bounds to ask musically-inclined amigos their thoughts on food music, or to brainstorm a mix. Just make sure there’s no german electronica with breaks of profanity. Serge Gainsbourg or Prince are good for dinners a deux.
Prosecco
It’s cheaper than champagne. You can get a decent bottle for $12-$15. It makes the meal feel like a special occasion, so there is no excuse not to serve it.
