Entertaining is a great way to connect or reconnect with family and friends. I recently hosted a brunch for family members I see once or twice a year. I really wanted it to be a relaxing time where we could visit, catch up with one another and enjoy good food. I had a simple menu in mind, one that would be easy to prepare and serve. My menu consisted of: a baked egg and cheese casserole, an egg casserole with veggies, a trio of breakfast meats, stuffed french toast casserole with homemade syrup, biscuits with homemade orange butter, white gravy, chocolate gravy (it's a Southern thing!), a fruit platter, store-bought mini eclairs, coffee and orange juice.
When I went shopping for the food, I was tempted to add more foods to the menu: sweet breads, muffins, donuts, more fruit, etc. But I kept my wits about me, and remembered the old acronym K.I.S.S. — Keep It Simple Sweetie. I realized that the more items I added to the menu, the longer I'd be in the kitchen and the less time I would have to spend with my guests.
Keeping your menu simple when entertaining really is the key. It allows you to spend an appropriate amount of time on the food you serve, but keeps the main focus on the reason for entertaining: spending time with and enjoying your guests. Your guests may forget what you served, but they will remember the conversation, reminiscing and laughter.
Party tip: Want to save even more time when entertaining? Hire a caterer to help or pick up a party cake.
[…] K.I.S.S. Keeps Stress Down When Entertaining […]