Some people might break out in hives at the mere thought of hosting a dinner party for a couple dozen people. Me? I orchestrate them! You may already know that cooking and entertaining are two of my passions. Put them together and I am in heaven – which is why I invited 20 trail-riding friends to a dinner party at my home recently.
I get excited by every aspect of entertaining, starting with menu planning. Great parties need great food – and I try to serve what I know my guests will like. A savvy hostess always tailors the evening – menu, company, ambience – to her guests’ pleasure. Bottom line: it’s the synergy of the people at the party that constitutes a successful event, so it’s important to invite groups who will mix well together. I also like to include friends who know my kitchen, because inevitably they’ll want to help.
In a “past life” I was a wedding planner, and now at the Ranch I often coordinate outside events with partners, so entertaining is second nature to me. Is it a lot of preparation? You bet it is! For me, the satisfaction comes in watching my guests enjoy themselves and each other as a result. And to hear them tell me they can’t wait to come back!
Until next time,
Roxanne Housley
Vice President of Sales & Marketing