A few Hosting Tips this Winter

So…got dinner plans?

Have you noticed these past few weeks, that there’s an ambrosia of beautiful scents and smells surfing the air? No, it’s not in your imagination…we smell it too! Cinnamon on sweet acorn squash, vanilla topped tarts, and a heavy mix of intriguing soup spices waft into our noses as we go about our daily business. Yes, the time for special dining with friends and family has begun, and for many of us, that means a few hosted dinner parties of our own. What’s that you say… you don’t feel prepared?? Well, worry not! Rosella’s has got a few tips for your magical evenings, that are sure to impress any enthusiastic bon vivant.

Decorations

Whether you celebrate the holidays or not, it’s always nice to have a few inviting enhancements about the dinning room for added visual pleasure. Consider if you’re doing a theme or not, and hang up something everyone can notice and discuss together. This helps for an easy conversation starter, and will immediately lighten your guests moods.

A music playlist

Play a jam that everyone enjoys! If you search your “archives,” you could probably recall a time when a party felt off or a bit awkward because of the music, or repetitious genre that just would not let your fun-loving self relax. Often times when hosting for friends and family, we find ourselves itching to recruit others on our faves. Don’t let this kind of tune-sharing bring your party to a grinding halt. Instead, consider asking your guests ahead of time what some of their favorites are. When you’ve got a play list like this going, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the enthusiastic mood it can bring to any mixed group of people!

Re-arrange the furniture

It’s a good idea to know exactly how many guests will be attending your evening of delight, and not just to make sure there is enough dinner ware and hors d oeuvres available. You want your company to feel right at home for the evening. Positioning chairs and sofas in a way that friends and family can have an easy conversation is another must-do to a successful gathering…and while you’re busy recreating a few rooms in the house, consider keeping out a few games or intriguing books on some coffee tables nearby. Those with a shy disposition will be eternally grateful.

 A toast to remember

As host or hostess, it’s tradition to make a tribute to the dinner and guests you’re celebrating. A few mildly sentimental words related to your party and the occasion will do just fine. A bit of theatrics isn’t necessarily a bad thing either…but do try to stay within the guidelines of the mood you’ve set for the evening. There’s no shame in planning a joke either…just make sure it’s something everyone can appreciate. And of course, when toasting with Rosella’s fine wine, it will definitely be an occasion to remember! Come by our tasting room, and try out the perfect fit for your perfect bash!

~Cheers