ENTERTAINING THE FRAMEWORK MAMA ENTERTAINS
Hostess with the Mostess KIDS
From one Framework Mama to another, evenings on the town are limited these days. Date nights take on a whole new meaning when you add in babysitter costs and are always combating lack of sleep. Trying to get another couple to enjoy an evening out with you… well, that just doubles the problems! With the introduction of children to our lives, perfecting the “dinner party” avec little people is the easiest way to remember our socializing of the past, treat our palates, and ensure we have the adult company we crave. These entertaining tips will help the Framework Mama throw a multi-generational dinner party, and still maintain her sanity:
FEED THE KIDS FIRST
As much as we want our children to enjoy all types of cuisine, a dinner party is not the moment to pull out the fancy food for little ones! Throw a cheese pizza in the oven and feed them before the grow ups sit down—if you want to treat them, make it a 3 cheese pizza! Simple is good.
SERVE A MAKE-AHEAD MEAL
The last thing you want to be doing is stirring pots and adding ingredients with a sticky toddler in your arms. Instead, choose fabulous dishes that can stew, simmer, or bake as your guests arrive! Try our Southwest Enchiladas and Mayan Chocolate Eruption on page 82 , for a meal even the pickiest of eaters will love.
CREATE A CAVE FOR THE KIDS
Find a place you can park the kiddies during the adult sit down. Add a TV with a pile of
DVDs, games and other kid-friendly activities to keep them entertained. Make that space transition from play zone to snooze-ville by adding blankets and other cozy items!
KEEP THE PORTIONS BITE-SIZED
The more successful family-friendly dinner parties include many small portions, served at varying temperatures and times. With frequent interruptions from the “little people” you need to be able to make dinner an organic and possibly lengthy event. Don’t put yourself in the position of pulling a soufflé out of the oven right when your guest’s child needs some parental interaction!
LAUGH OFF DISASTER
Problems will happen. Bringing two families with children together, and letting the kids run wild while the parents consume and converse, is not a fool-proof endeavor! Relax, enjoy this new form of entertaining, and clean up the mess (including the house and tired kids) the next day. The Framework Mama remembers that life doesn’t end with children, it is only enhanced! Don’t make excuses for having them, and make a point of including them in your life and activities. Kids need to know how to welcome guests (either formally, or by taking the other kiddies out to the yard to play!); by letting go of some of the formality, you will teach your children that hosting guests in your home can be done in a variety of ways. And remember, good food and great conversation go a long way towards making a memorable evening!
WRITTEN BY JULIE NOWELL