food | easy entertaining
EASY entertaining
Excerpts from
That’s Entertaining! Cocktails and Appetizers BY TIM & LORI LAIRD | PHOTOS BY DAN DRY
(from left) Lori Laird, Tim Laird, Dan Dry
L
ori and I have always loved throwing parties. It’s in our blood. Over the years we have hosted literally hundreds of parties. From the beginning we have kept a journal on every party we have hosted which includes: what we served, how much we served of each item, the signature cocktail recipe, qualities of beer and wine, who attended, dishes that were big hits and those that were less popular. This then becomes a great tool for planning future parties. We met John Carlos White, Food & Dining’s Publisher, in 2003 when he first introduced F&D to the Louisville Market. We became friends and John attended a few of the parties we hosted over the next few years. In 2008 John called to talk about a new concept for his magazine which included a column on entertaining at home: Easy Entertaining His concept was to have a column that would give the readers a step-by-step guide on how to throw a party at home like a pro. Including themes for most any occasion, a complete menu with recipes, tips, hints and even a signature drink for the occasion. Well that was right up our alley. We were intrigued with this concept and after several conversations we finally solid38 Spring 2017 www.foodanddine.com
ified the concept over a glass of Woodford Reserve. Our first Easy Entertaining column, Grilled Pizza Party, appeared in the summer 2008 issue of F&D. Eight years and over 30 delicious columns later, here we are. In 2010 we published our first book, That’s Entertaining!, a collection of 18 themed parties inspired by our Easy Entertaining column. Given our relationships that began with this magazine, we thought it would be appropriate to share our favorite recipes from our second book, That’s Entertaining! Cocktails and Appetizers. These recipes have consistently received rave reviews and are perfect for home entertaining. Try them when having friends and family over for brunch, neighborhood gatherings, birthdays, Derby, graduation parties and anytime you want to try something new. Cheers! Tim and Lori Laird You can find the books at local bookstores, wine and spirit shops, www.butlerbooks.com or Amazon.