Take a page out of Dorothea's book for your next shindig.
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There are many reasons to be thankful for Reese Witherspoon. Firstly, her portrayal of Elle Woods in Legally Blonde was life-changing for me, even if that wasn’t her Academy Award-winning role. That would come later with 2005’s Walk the Line, where she portrayed singer-songwriter June Carter Cash, wife of Johnny Cash. And it’s not just onscreen where she’s been making her impact in Hollywood. Reese Witherspoon’s production company, Hello Sunshine, has turned so many bestselling books into fantastic movies and TV shows that it’s hard to keep count. Yes, we have her to thank for Big Little Lies, Daisy Jones & the Six,Gone Girl and Wild.
So when she published her own cookbook, Whiskey in a Teacup, I immediately purchased it. Reese grew up in Tennessee, and there are a lot of great Southern recipes and pearls of wisdom in the book. Her book is filled with family recipes, and no one is more present throughout the book than her grandmother, Dorothea.
In fact, what stood out to me the most—in addition to the book’s bright pink spine, which adds a lovely pop of color to my kitchen—was a small sidebar on Dorothea’s hosting tips for dinner parties. These seven simple tips are pretty genius, and will help you ensure that the evening flows smoothly. Check them out for yourself, and use them as inspiration whenever you’re playing host!
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The Guest List Is Important
According to Reese, one of the most important decisions you’ll make about any party is deciding who to invite. “I always have to fight the temptation to re-invite the same gang who made for the last fun party,” she writes. “But you can’t have the same party twice.”
Dorothea’s Tip: Invite people of different ages and backgrounds to make conversation more interesting.
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Be Respectful of People’s Time
It’s true that everyone is incredibly busy, and especially so around the holiday season. But in order to guarantee that things run smoothly, communication is key—both from the host and the guest. When you do receive an invite to a party, RSVP as soon as possible. “A quick ‘no’ is better than a long ‘maybe’,” says Reese.
Dorothea’s Tip: Send invites or save-the-dates at least two weeks in advance.
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Organization Is Your Best Friend
There are a lot of tips for hosting success, but sometimes the most basic ones are the best. There never seems to be enough time on the day that you’re hosting a party, so planning is your best friend. It’s also the number one way to make an impact. “In my experience, it’s particularly nice to prepare a special meal in honor of someone,” says Reese. “Such as gumbo for a person from New Orleans or catfish for a friend from South Carolina.”
Dorothea’s Tip: Do as much in advance as possible, including setting the table and preparing the food.
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Don’t Sweat the Decor
Unless you’re having a themed dinner, simple is best when it comes to the table decor. You don’t want anything to detract from the beautiful food and drinks you have provided! Always keep some vases handy in case guests bring you fresh flowers.
Dorothea’s Tip: Decorate with fresh flowers and unscented candles.
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Keep Everyone’s Glasses Full
A well-stocked bar cart is a host’s best friend. Having a variety of spirits, liqueurs and other options keeps the conversation and energy flowing. And it’s always important to make an effort for anyone who doesn’t drink alcohol. “I usually have a nonalcoholic option like club soda with fresh-squeezed juice and a fun garnish,” says Reese. “It’s more cheerful than a glass of water or a can of Coke.”
Dorothea’s Tip:Have a fully stocked bar, as well as lots of ice and sweet tea, and both red and white wine for cocktail hour and dinner.
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Get the Timing Just Right
So when do you serve dinner? It’s hard to break up conversations when they’re flowing so well, but you don’t want to keep everyone there all night. Reese has an actual dinner bell that she rings to let people know when the meal’s started!
Dorothea’s Tip: Serve dinner about one hour after the start time on the invitation.
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Set the Mood
A good playlist is like an additional guest at a party. Only it’s the best kind of guest—one who makes you feel smart, funny and alive. There’s nothing better than sitting around chatting while an incredible song plays in the background. It’s one of those movie moments in real life!
Dorothea’s Tip: Put on Louis Prima or Ella Fitzgerald and let the party begin!
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