Cooking for Company/ Guests....do you get nervous? - Page 2

Mominohio · ‎08-08-2010

No I don't anymore. When I was young I did.

I learned the trick is to stick with what you know and what you do well.

I Don't invite more people than I can handle, and don't invite people (if you can get away with it) that will be picky or judgemental. I Don't go beyond my comfort zone, or look to be impressing people with things that aren't in my wheelhouse.

It's never a good time, if you are sensitive, to try new things or get in over your head with complicated menus or too many dishes.

And if there is dish that becomes a flop, it isn't going to be the end of anyone's world. People should be coming to enjoy the company and fellowship, the food should just be an enhancement of that.

If one is really concerned because of lack of skill or time, there is always catering or food prepared by a restaurant brought in to keep the stress level down.

house_cat · ‎03-09-2010

I don't get nervous....... until the doorbell rings and then I start second-guessing all my choices.

~ house cat ~

Gooday · ‎03-23-2010

I'm a good cook and an organized cook. I stick to the basics and what I do well.

However, at 65 (it's not that old I know), I have lost the enjoyment in it. I can't do more than two couples at a time and mostly we have one couple because she is always having us over.

Mominohio · ‎08-08-2010

@Gooday wrote:
I'm a good cook and an organized cook. I stick to the basics and what I do well.
However, at 65 (it's not that old I know), I have lost the enjoyment in it. I can't do more than two couples at a time and mostly we have one couple because she is always having us over.

@Gooday

I hear you!

I prepared food for 50 a few years ago for my son's graduation. I was having an open house, and was firm about all the food being home made.

I though it was going to kill me.

Weeks of pre preparation, and my mom and I in the kitchen for 12 hours the day before.

It was a huge success, and I only had the one kid, so whew! never again for that!

homedecor1 · ‎03-09-2010

No actually I totally enjoy it! I host a ladies lunch once a month which I really look forward to as I love to cook!

I've always hosted every big holiday and special occasions at my home up north. Now my sons are doing it with their wives -- at first it was kinda "hard to let go" but now I'm enjoying being a guest.

I'm a very organized hostess. Everything is prepared the night or day before (except for the main course) but by the time my guests arrive -- Its ready to go!

I clean up as I go and I have a "list" of things to do for the gathering. My menu is always hanging up on the fridge so I don't forget anything!

Enjoy! Sounds delicious!

Sooner · ‎03-10-2010

I make a list of everything to do and the time to do it, so I'm pretty cool! I have no problems trying a new recipe either because I've cooked enough to make it work some way!

I also try to make things that finish in the oven or can hold for a while so I'm not scurrying around at the last minute. Maybe a shrimp dish where I have it done, let it sit on the stove and put the shrimp in just a few minutes before I serve it. Pork in the oven is great too.

Carmie · ‎10-25-2010

I don’t get nervous and l love to cook, but I would be a happy person if everyone would stay out of my kitchen while I am cooking.

It seems everyone has to be in there blocking my way, asking if I need help asking about recipes and bugging me.

I always put appetizers in the dining room and invite everyone to sit in there...you can see into my kitchen from there, but everyone still hangs out in the kitchen no matter what I do or suggest.

homedecor1 · ‎03-09-2010

@Carmie

I'm laughing at your post because I'm always complaining I miss my big kitchen now that I downsized to a galley style (open concept den/kitchen area)....yet, when I entertain almost everyone congregates in those 2 rooms and there is room for at least 30!!!

I hear ya ... I tell them please get out!!! They mess up my "entertaining karma!" lol

CLEM · ‎03-09-2010

I used to be really good at it. I once even made lunch for one of the Rockefeller's who was head of the Rockefeller Foundation. We had applied for a grant where I worked and I was told by the Dean of the School that I was in charge and could use any caterer. In my youthful arrogance I decided I could do it better myself. Also present were the deans from 4 other schools and a chairman of a department.

Well, it was a great success to the point that Mr. Rockefeller jumped up and kept pumping my hand and thanking me. I guess he loved food.

Nowadays, I have 3 friends coming to lunch next Tuesday and I am all freaking out about it.