You want to be my friend now. I know you do. And it’s okay because lots of people do, if only so that I will feed them.
Last weekend I had a pre-holiday healthy food soiree with my girlfriends. I am not one to bring people together from all the different worlds I inhabit, but if there is one thing that can bring world’s together peacefully (big important people, you listening?), it is food; delicious, wholesome, prepared with love, home cooked food.
In following my very own Holiday Entertaining Tip, there were no decorated foods. Only fresh, from scratch dishes. I am sure some of my guests were a bit wary coming to a nutritionist’s house for lunch, thinking it would be an afternoon of rice cakes and carrot sticks, but that was not to be and they certainly did not leave hungry.
My main rule for entertaining is that I will not serve anything that I would not eat myself. I do not serve wine, or plastic bottles full of diet pop, even if that is what my guests would prefer. I will not buy fancy breads or spend a fortune on stinky cheese. Nor will I serve anything on disposable plates or force people to eat with plastic forks. Food does not taste it’s best when eaten off of paper and plastic.
It is my job to nourish and that is just what I do.
Over the delicious food, connections were made, cards exchanged, food enjoyed and recipes requested. What I heard so much of as my friends were leaving was how nice it was nice to be somewhere where they knew they could eat what they wanted, that everything was made fresh, there were no hidden weird ingredients and that there was nothing bad or guilt inducing. Just simple, great food and amazingly great girls. How do you get an invite next year? Be sweet. Be friendly. Be in my life.
Do yourself and the people in your life a favour this holiday season. Spare them them the temptation of holiday indulgence. Have people leave your party feeling as good, if not better than when they arrived. Keep the food clean, healthy, fresh, delicious, and most importantly, simple.
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I love that top photo! What a stunning space.
This sounds like “my” kind of party! I entertain the way you do–never serve anything I can’t eat. Everything looks fabulous–but where are the recipes?? Do we get to see the menu (please)?
I still think I look pregnant in that pic. Also, I still think a glass of red wine every day is good for you.
However, I’m in agreement about being a selfish host — I never serve tapenade, blue cheese or Chardonnay at my parties because they’re all gross, according to my taste buds.
Such a fun get-togeth! I think your apartment is as cool as your job and your wardrobe… but you already knew that
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