FAMILY & HOME
TIPS FOR FALL ENTERTAINING
By SUSAN BLOCK
The busy days of summer are winding down. Days are shorter, the
evenings cooler, and the party has moved indoors. I have always
loved entertaining at home, and it’s so much fun to mix it up with
family and friends, new and old. Here are a few ideas to make it
easier for you, and more enjoyable for all.
THE MENTAL PREP WORK
For who or what are you having the event? The occasion may
determine the menu and in turn, the menu may help you decide
whether this is a sit-down dining room soiree, a living room cocktail
party or a casual buffet in the family room. Decide how you want to
set up the bar – make it easy for guests to help themselves after you
have offered them their first beverage.
THE TABLE
Always my first decision - I like to decide the look I want for the table.
Don’t just think flowers in a vase. Look through your house with a
fresh eye and build a “tablescape.” Try the flowers in a pitcher on a
stack of books; add some small potted plants. Have serving dishes at
different levels, and don’t be afraid to serve crackers in a round glass
and the dip in a footed compote. You probably have hidden treasures
that will start a conversation. Be creative and have fun experimenting.
You never know what you can use.
AMBIANCE
Everyone looks better and the party feels more intimate with SOFT
LIGHTING. Turn down the dimmers, lower the wattage in the light
bulbs and add lots of candles twinkling everywhere. There are great
battery-operated candles for you nervous types. Light a fire in the
fireplace and keep the music soft.
KEEP IT SIMPLE
You do not have to be a gourmet cook to be a successful hostess.
If there is one particular dish you love to make, do it. Or present
your favorite carry-out meal on beautiful serving dishes with some
garnishments, and no one will be the wiser. Real glasses and pretty
china make everything more special. Most friends won’t mind
washing a glass or two or loading up the dishwasher.
THE POWDER ROOM
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Plenty of absorbent hand towels and great scented soap is a must.
I like to put out a pretty holder of toothpicks. . . . nobody wants to
see spinach dip after dessert. A pretty candle and plenty of TP are
always a good thing.
ENJOY YOUR OWN PARTY
Have fun! No one will know what didn’t come to fruition. As the
hostess, you set the tone for the gathering. Harried and flustered can
be contagious. Be sure to introduce everyone to one another and use
your guests names in your conversations, or am I the only one that
didn’t catch the name the first time? IT’S JUST A PARTY, and the
guests are there to enjoy your company, not to check to see if that
chair was delivered last week or if your cleaning lady is any good.
If you burn the main course, have a good laugh. That’s why they
invented Grub Hub. Keeping it light-hearted and simple will make
entertaining an enjoyable experience for all, and you’ll look forward
to doing it again.
GAZELLE STL
Susan Block is the owner of The Designing Block, located at 7735
Clay ton Road, between Hanley Road and Brentwood Boulevard. She
has over 35 years of experience in interior design and prides herself
on helping to find the per fect mix of old and new to suit individual
personality and lifestyle. Susan is known for adding the right touch
of beautiful patterns and bold textures with the per fect amount of
sophistication, warmth and approachability. She also carries a wide
variety of jewelry, gifts and home accents. Like her on Facebook and
follow her on Instagram @TheDesigningBlock.
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