Heres what to know before hosting your next dinner party.
Garten: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images.
Ina Garten may be the queen of hosting.
Photo:Garten: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images. EatingWell design.
And the Barefoot Contessa even has a television series titledBe My GuestI mean, come on!
Before the holiday season, take note of Gartens three pieces of cant-miss advice below.
Make a Meal You Know
This is less obvious than it sounds.
While trying something new can be impressive, sticking to what you know will reduce the stress of hosting.
I would never make something for the first time for guests, Garten shares.
That would be too scary!
Thats why she stocked up on white oval restaurant platters when she first started regularly hosting.
I knew instinctively what a difference it would make, she writes.
The food would look better on white than on a platter in a color or busy pattern.
The food would stand out, not the platter.
This, she noticed, was beautiful to look at and enticed guests to help themselves.
With the Barefoot Contessa on your side, you know you cant go wrong.
