Entertaining Tips: How to throw a tasty party

What is more inviting than comfy living room furniture, the smell of fresh baked goods and a crackling fireplace? Two things are guaranteed to make people feel welcomed: home cooking and cozy home décor. 

Whether you’re planning on hosting an intimate dinner date for two or prepping a holiday feast for the entire clan, score points with tasty treats and a guest-ready home. We asked the culinary and design experts appearing at the Calgary Home + Design Show how they use tricks of the trade to delight guests at every occasion.

Prepping the Palette:

When it comes to entertaining for an impromptu soiree, Paul Rogalski, culinary director and owner of Rouge Restaurant and Bistro Rouge, suggests whipping up a risotto with whatever is in the fridge or plucked from the garden.

To really wow your guests, chef David Bohati recommends a full three-course meal showcasing seafood, his go-to ingredient group. Welcome guests David’s way with a market fresh salad to start and an entrée guaranteed to impress even the most sophisticated of foodies, such as fresh roasted miso Sablefish in a truffle dashi broth. For the grand finale, try one of David’s favourite desserts: lemon curd and classic meringue to cleanse the palette.

Xavier Lacaze, chef and partner at Briggs Kitchen + Bar, streamlines his cooking process by sticking to these three simple rules:

1.  Stay organized
2. Don’t overcomplicate your dish and waste time
3. Season properly

Cozy Curating:

Now that you’ve got the cooking basics down, our design experts appearing on the Trail Appliances and HGTV Main Stages have some words of wisdom to make your next foray into entertaining appear (and feel) effortless.

Jonathan Scott, from W Network’s Property Brothers, wouldn't dream of hosting a party without setting the appropriate mood to make his guests feel right at home. Press play on the stereo, light aromatic candles and keep the drinks flowing, and you’ll win Host with the Most in no time flat.

Hear more décor tips from Jonathan when he appears on the Trail Appliances Main Stage at the Calgary Home + Design Show with brother Drew Scott on Saturday Sept. 21 at 1PM. Vancouverites can catch the brothers at the Vancouver Home + Design Show on the HGTV Main Stage on Saturday Oct. 19 at 1PM.

Lastly, don’t forget that it’s all in the details. Marie-Claire Williams, interior designer at Cardel Renovations, recommends giving your home a quick scrub down before guests arrive (let’s face it, no one really needs to know how much dog hair is usually stuck to your furniture). For those final touches, pick up a fresh bouquet and bottle (or two) of good quality Pinot Noir, and make your guests feel truly pampered.

See Marie-Claire on the Trail Appliances Main Stage at the Calgary Home + Design Show with Clare Gardner on Saturday Sept. 21 at 4PM and on Sunday Sept. 22 at 1PM.

For more easy entertaining tricks that are sure to treat and tantalize your guests, check out more of our experts at the Calgary Home + Design Show. Purchase your tickets online today and save $3 off regular adult admission. 

     

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