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Nutley Journal - BP — October 2022 — 9
Hosting with elegance: 7 timeless entertaining tips Do you like to host get-togethers with friends? There’s far more to throwing a dinner party than having friends over for a delicious meal. Every detail from the food to wine to lighting should set the mood and make your guests feel at ease. If you don’t know where to start, Jordan Vineyard & Winery has your back. This French-inspired winery in the heart of wine country focuses on the timeless connection between food, wine and hospitality and is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. In honor of this occasion, Jordan has provided these easy tips for entertaining with warmth, style and elegance. Send out invitations Whether you send out cards or an evite, take some time to create invitations for your guests. The invitation should include a date, time and location. If you’re going for simple elegance, make sure the invitation isn’t overly busy and that the important information is visible and easy to skim. Start with the best ingredients Take the time to find fresh ingredients. Instead of picking up fruits and vegetables from the grocery store, visit a local farmers market to see what inspires you. Small ranches will often sell their meats directly to the public, and they will be fresher and more delicious than anything you’ll find at the market.
Dimmer switches, candlelight and strategically placed lamps can provide a bright but warm atmosphere. Try to avoid scented candles, as they can overwhelm or clash with the aroma of the food and wine. Let the music play Music sets the tone for a dinner party as much as the menu and decor, whether you’re planning an elegant, formal affair or a lively, casual gathering. Create the playlists in advance. You can make separate ones for pre-dinner socializing, dinner and post-dinner drinks to reflect the get-together energy. Keep the volume low to allow guests to chat without shouting over the music, or Photo Courtesy of Brandpoint turn the music off during the main course to allow conversations to flow freely. When you are getting married, there is often more to plan than just the Leave guests with great memories wedding and reception. There are rehearsal dinners, showers and famiTo make your dinner party truly memly meet-and-greets. Here are some tips to make these events perfect. orable, think of ways to preserve the gathDon’t overwhelm the wine Plan your pre-dinner ering’s special moments. If you have a If you’re serving special wines, curate a snacks and drinks Polaroid camera, leave it on a side table so menu that shows them in their best light. As your guests arrive, have snacks guests can take photos with each other The most successful pairings enhance and available in the common areas. A charcu- and have a physical memory to take home. elevate both the wine and the food. Every terie board with a light assortment of You can also encourage everyone to dish must be wine-friendly, from the crackers, cheese and meats is ideal for take photos with their phones throughout amuse-bouche to the dessert. grazing while guests mingle. the night and share a link to a digital Make it easy on yourself by choosing Set the mood with lighting photo album. Afterward, everyone can balanced wines with lower alcohol, and When planning a dinner party, think upload the moments they captured. it’s always wise to have both a red and a about the atmosphere you want to create. Preparation is key! These tips are an white wine option: Lighting should be slightly dim but not so excellent guide for crafting a dinner party • 2020 Jordan Chardonnay dark that people can’t see what they eat and your friends are sure to remember. • 2018 Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon drink. Try to avoid harsh overhead lighting. — Brandpoint
By: Sue Iacullo D’Ambola
360 Franklin Avenue Belleville, New Jersey 07109 Phone: Fax: (973) 751-7513 (973) 751-7486 E-mail: atouchofelevents@gmil.com
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