by Anna Post
asking to bring children, 234, 245
asking to bring extra person, 234–35, 246
attire and dress codes, 43, 195, 237–39
basic party manners, 241–42
at children’s parties, 220
double-booking parties, 248
hostess gifts from, 202–3, 230–32, 240–41
inebriated, 21, 245–46
keeping social diary, 244
late, handling, 147, 247
mishaps by, handling, 22, 250
not liking what is served, 247
offensive remarks by, 22
offering to bring food, 236
offering to help, 250
“payback” obligations, 243–44
removing shoes at door, 250
responding to invitations, 234–35, 246
thanking the host, 242, 243, 248
unexpected, handling, 20, 22
who break something, 22
who spill food or wine, 250
H
Halloween, 204
Handwritten invitations, 38
Hanukkah, 193
Helpers, 49–58
babysitters, 54, 201
bartenders, 54, 58, 246–47
caterers, 5, 55–57, 247
for children’s parties, 214
determining need for help, 9, 53
friends and family members, 50, 51–53
friends’ teens or college students, 50, 51–53
giving instructions to, 50, 51–53, 57
guests as, 50, 51
liquor licenses for, 58
professional help, 50, 54–57, 58, 246–47
servers, 54
tips for, 58, 246–47
Holiday parties, 191–205
checklist, 194
decorations, 192
family parties, 201
holiday open house, 194–96
hostess gifts and favors, 202–3
kid-friendly food for, 202
lighting, 192
menu, 196
music, 193
office parties, 200–201
planning early for, 192
Post family traditions, 203–5
seasonal scents, 193
simple or small parties, 200
Hors d’oeuvres*, 122–25, 135–36
Hostess gifts, 202–3, 230–32, 240–41
Hosts and hostesses, 15–24
basic guidelines, 15–17
children as hosts, 220
co-hosting parties, 23–24
getting guests to leave, 23
greetings and introductions, 17–19
handling accidents and mishaps, 20–22, 250
insurance and liability issues, 58
making small talk with guests, 19
Hot tray, 8
Houseguests, 223–32
arrival and departure times, 224
gift ideas for host, 230–32, 241
guest rooms for, 227–28
handling, when host has party invitation, 234–35
meals for, 225–26
offers to help from, 250
planning activities for, 224–25
previsit information exchange, 226
proper manners and behavior, 228–30, 249–50
saying no to, 249
welcoming into home, 226
Housewarming parties, 186, 240–41
I
Iced tea, 112
Insurance, liability, 58
Introductions, 18
Invitations, 35–48
addressing, 45–48
for children’s parties, 210–11, 216
for cocktail parties, 117
details and information on, 36
determining guest list, 36
for dinner parties, 139
by e-mail, 37, 235
by e-vite, 37–38, 235
extras to include on, 42
formal style, 39
handwritten, 38
for holiday office parties, 200–201
for housewarming parties, 186
inviting spouses and significant others, 246
by mail, 38, 235
matching with party style*, 38
“No Gifts, Please” on, 45
for open house parties, 186, 194
by phone, 37, 235
for potlucks, BYOB, and BYOF, 43–44
responding to, 41, 234–35, 246
for showers, 85
specifying dress code on, 43, 195, 237–39
what not to put on, 44
when to send, 40–41
J
Juicers, 8
Juices, serving, 112
K
Kitchen, tidying up, 70
Kitchen equipment, 7–8
Knives, 8
Kwanzaa, 193
L
Lanterns, 67
Lemonade, 112
Lighting, 65–67, 158, 192
Lists
guest lists, 36, 118, 210–11
party checklists, 32–33, 140, 194
shopping lists, 32–33
Living room, tidying up, 70
Luncheons, 89, 182
M
Magicians, 212
Mailed invitations, 38, 235
Maps and directions, 42
Mardi Gras, 204
Margarita glass, 108
Martini glass, 107–8
Menus, 77–94. See also Food; Recipes
Anna’s birthday lunch, 182
for barbecue, 159
basic guidelines, 77–78, 89–91
for catered meal, 56–57
for cocktail party buffet, 123
estimating food quantities, 87–88
for holiday open house, 195, 196
for outdoor party, 153, 159, 165
for picnics, 165
seasonal and local foods for, 9
seasonal fall menus, 79–80
for spring dinner party for eight, 144
for Sunday dinner, 176
for wine-tasting party, 135–36
Microplane, 8
Mixers, for cocktails, 106
Mixers and food processors, 7–8
Music, 67–68, 163, 193
N
Napkins*, 7, 71, 72, 75
Neighbors, 159
New Year’s Eve, 203–4
Notebooks, party, 34, 244
O
Open house parties, 186, 194–96
Outdoor parties, 151–72
backyard barbecue, 154–56
Outdoor parties (continued)
food safety considerations, 154
insects, handling, 157
lighting, 158
menus for, 153, 159, 165
neighbor considerations, 159
picnics, 164, 165, 172
planning for, 152
restrooms, 158
summer night music, 163
tableware for, 153
weather considerations, 157
P
Parties. See also Helpers; Party planning; Party spaces; specific types of parties
alcohol and liability issues, 58
basic advice for, 11–12
budgetary considerations, 8–9
buying party supplies, 6–8
determining type of, 35
frequently asked questions, 245–50
impromptu, 4–5
keeping a party sourcebook, 10
shopping resources, 10–11
Party goods stores, 11
Party planning, 25–34
checklists, 32–33, 140, 194
determining overall plan, 26–28
fun and games, 28
keeping a party notebook, 34
party timelines, 29–32, 121–22
Party spaces, 59–75
buffet table, 74, 75
childproofing, 214
children’s birthday parties, 209
choosing room or location, 6
comfortable temperature for, 66
flowers*, 6
2–64
lighting, 65–67
music, 67–68
non-floral arrangements*, 64–65
outdoor spaces, 61
preparty cleanup, 68–70
renting equipment for, 61
table decorations*, 73, 74–75
table settings*, 6–7, 71–73
transforming, tips for, 60
“Payback parties,” 243–44
Pet hair, 69
Pets, 44, 54, 214, 229
Phoned invitations, 37, 235
Picnics, 164–65, 172
Place cards*, 73, 142, 242
Place mats, 7, 71
Place settings*, 6–7, 71–73, 153
Plates*, 7, 71, 148
Platters, 7
Portable toilet, 158
Potlucks, 43–44, 152, 236
Pots and pans, 7
Professionals, addressing invitations to, 47–48
Punch, 112
R
Recipes, xiii. See also Cocktail recipes; Desserts; Salads and dressings; Soups and sides
All-Purpose Shredded Roast Chicken, 178
Ancho Chile Butter, 163
Basque Chicken Ragout with Sausages and Sweet Peppers, 177
Chicken Cobbler with Cheddar-Dill Biscuits, 179–80
Crisp Fried Sage Leaves, 84
Curried Cashew Chicken, 183
Herb-Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Mushroom Pan Gravy, 82–83
Horseradish-Crusted Hanger Steak with Roasted Garlic Aioli, 198
Mojo Shrimp Skewers, 124
Pineapple Skewers with Chile and Lime, 125
Post Family Favorite Marinade, 160
Romesco Sauce, 162
Salsa Verde, 161
Spiced Lamb Riblets, 124–25
Rental equipment and supplies, 61
Response cards, 42
Restaurants, takeout from, 5, 11
Restrooms, outdoor, 158
RSVPs, 41, 42, 234–35, 246
S
Salads and dressings
Balsamic Vinaigrette, 12
Basic Vinaigrette, 12
Bulgur Salad with Dried Cherries and Pumpkin Seeds, 167
Buttermilk Coleslaw, 160
Caesar Dressing, 13
Champagne Vinaigrette, 12
Melon Seed Pasta Salad with Roasted Asparagus and Prosciutto, 166
“Stand-Up” Salad with Green Goddess Dip, 197
Salad spinner, 8
Salt and pepper, 72
Scotch, 104
Sea salts, 94
Seating plans, 140–41, 242
Servers, 54
Serving bowls, 7
Sherry glass, 108
Shot glass, 108
Showers, 184–85
Silence cloth, 73
Silverware*, 7, 71–72, 75
Skillets, 8
Soups and sides
Cheddar-Dill Biscuits, 180–81
Creamy Mushroom Soup with Sweet and Hot Paprikas, 168
Garlic Mashed Potatoes, 84
Louise’s Spring Pea Soup, 145
Roasted Butternut Squash and Apple Soup with Sage, 81
Roasted Fall Vegetables, 83
Specialty stores, 10
Spritzers, serving, 112
Stationery stores, 11
String lights, 67
Sunday dinners, 174–81
Surprise parties, 182, 209
T
Tablecloths, 7, 71
Table decorations*, 73, 74–75
Table runners, 7, 71
Table settings*
buying tableware, 6–7
clearing the table, 149
for outdoor parties, 153
setting the table, 71–73
Takeout food, 5, 11
Tea, 112
Tea parties
beverages for, 113
menu guidelines, 90
mother-daughter holiday tea, 221
Thanksgiving, 204–5
Thank-you notes
for birthday gifts, 219, 221
for company party, 248
for formal dinner party, 243
for hostess gifts, 202–3
for overnight stay, 230, 243
for shower gifts, 185
for special occasion gifts, 186
Theme parties, 213
Thermal carafe, 8
Thermometers, instant-read, 8
Timelines, 29–32, 121–22
Tips and gratuities, 58, 246–47
Toasts, tips for, 189
Tongs, 8
Toothpicks, 120
Torches, 67
Traditions and special occasions, 173–90
anniversary parties, 187
baby and bridal showers, 184–85
being honoree at party, 190
birthdays for grown-ups, 181–82
blessings before the meal, 175
giving toasts, 189
group gifts, 188
hosting away from home, 187–88
housewarming parties, 186
Post family holiday traditions, 203–5
Sunday dinner, 174–76
Truffles, fresh, 92–93
V
Vegetable centerpieces, 64–65
Votives, 73
W
Warehouse stores, 9, 11
Water, serving, 112
Whiskeys, 104
Windows, 69
Wine
buying, 10, 96
chilling, 134
choosing house wine, 9
learning more about, 99
serving and pouring, 100, 132
sparkling wine and Champagne, 100–102, 134
specialty wine stores, 10
spilling, 250
tasting, like a professional, 132
wine and food pairings, 97–99, 134
wine-tasting menu, 135–36
wine-tasting parties, 131–36
Wineglasses*, 72, 107, 108, 133
Acknowledgments
Our deepest appreciation goes to our mother, Tricia Post, whose depth of knowledge and eloquence when speaking about entertaining found its way onto every page. We are also extremely grateful for the generous assistance given by Carrie Brown and chef Peter Brown of the Jimtown Store in Healdsburg, California, for sharing delicious recipes and wonderful advice on party style and “how to” catering tips for entertaining at home.
At the Emily Post Institute, Peggy Post, Cindy Post Senning, Peter Post, and Elizabeth Howell provided us with their support and expertise. Katherine Cowles was unstinting in her enthusiasm for this book from start to finish. Royce and Alexis Flippen were wizards at finding the fall line, so to speak, in our sometimes wandering prose, and Smallwood & Stewart has wrapped it all up in a fresh, fun design. Thanks to Sara Remington for the beautiful photographs.
Caroline Sutton, Ann Cole, and Mary Ellen O’Neill, our editors at HarperCollins, gave invaluable advice as to the structure of the book, and Mac Mackie kept us on track through the editing process.
Our Vermont team of experts graciously gave of their time and expertise. They are our number one “go to” sources for professional advice. Our sincerest thanks to Dale Loeffler of Catering by Dale for advice on working with a caterer; to Kris Engstrom and Britta Johnson of In Full Bloom for advice on arrangements and working with a florist; to Deborah, Joe, and Jennifer Jarecki of Scribbles, Vermont, for all things invitations; to Kevin G. Clayton of Village Wine and Coffee for advice on wine and wine pairings; and to Thomas Pierce and Michael Kehoe of Michael Kehoe, Ltd., for the last word on men’s attire.
Thanks to “Uncle Mac” Keyser and Louise Roomet for sharing their secret recipes with the world. And most of all, thanks to all the friends who have gathered us to their tables.
Also from The Emily Post Institute
Emily Post’s Wedding Parties
Do I Have to Wear White?
How Do You Work This Life Thing?
“Excuse Me, But I Was Next...”
Emily Post’s
Wedding Planner, 4th Edition
Emily Post’s Etiquette, 17th Edition
Emily Post’s Wedding Etiquette, 5th Edition
Emily Post’s Wedding Planner for Moms
Emily Post’s The Etiquette Advantage in Business, 2nd Edition
Essential Manners for Couples
Essential Manners for Men
A Wedding Like No Other
Playing Through: A Guide to the Unwritten Rules of Golf
Emily Post’s The Gift of Good Manners
Emily Post’s Teen Manners
Emily Post’s Prom and Party Etiquette
Emily Post’s The Guide to Good Manners for Kids
Emily Post’s Table Manners for Kids
Emily’s Everyday Manners
Emily’s Christmas Gifts
Emily’s Magic Words
Emily’s Sharing and Caring Book
Emily’s Out and About Book
Copyright
EMILY POST’S GREAT GET-TOGETHERS. Copyright © 2010 by The Emily Post Institute, Inc. All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. By payment of the required fees, you have been granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right to access and read the text of this e-book on-screen. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, down-loaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of HarperCollins e-books.
FIRST EDITION
Photographs © by Sara Remington
Styling: Kami Bremeyer
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Post, Anna.
Emily Post’s great get-togethers : casual gatherings and elegant parties at home / Anna Post & Lizzie Post.—1st ed.
p. cm.
Includes index.
ISBN 978-0-06-166124-2
1. Entertaining. 2. Cookery. 3. Etiquette—Miscellanea. I. Post, Emily, 1872–1960. II. Title.
III. Title: Great get-togethers.
TX731.P6675 2010
395.3—dc22
2009042532
10 11 12 13 14 WBC/WCF 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
EPub Edition © 2010 ISBN: 9780061992438
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