Wednesday, February 11, 2009

The Stress Less Dinner Party

The Menu

  • Greens with Quick Artichoke Vinaigrette
  • Orange-Coriander Roast Chicken with Red Onions
  • Green Beans with Roasted Nuts and Cranberries
  • Rice Pilaf with Sauteed Onions and Dill
  • Raspberry Sorbet with Whipped Cream and Meringues

Party Prep Checklist

3 hours before dinner

  • Make room for coats in a closet or on a bed.
  • Clear the coffee and side tables (stow magazines and books in a closet), and plump the pillows.
  • Put out clean towles and a scented candle in the bathroom.
  • Arrange the flowers.
  • Set the table.

2 hours before dinner

  • Prepare and roast the chicken
  • Chill white wines in the refrigerator and uncork reds.
  • Wash the salad greens and make the vinaigrette (but don't combine the two yet).
  • Make and refrigerate the whipped cream, and crumble the meringue cookies for the dessert.

45 minutes before dinner

  • Wash 4 pints of strawberries and arrange them in a bowl so guests can nibble on them before dinner.
  • Make the green beans.
  • Make the rice pilaf.

10 minutes before dinner

  • Prepare the pan drippings.
  • Dress the salad greens on individual plates.

Party menu from Real Simple, April 2008