Party Prep: The Table

The invites have been sent, the RSVP's are confirmed, in a few more days the excitment and the exhiliration will come to a crescendo as guests arrive to your party. The addage that the beginning is a very good place to start, may sound redundant but think of the basics for entertainment, consider the number of attendees you will need at least one cup, wineglass, plate, and set of utensils for each if you are providing more than finger foods. The likelyhood of every guest drinking a martini, or brandy is minimal, but water and wine are standard requests don't take the chance of being ungratious or ill prepared. Worst case scenario is that you will have to wash a glass - and there are only slightly worse mood killers. Roaches and Cat hair (or any pet residue for that matter) would qualify, and dearest friends this is not a competition we want to enroll ourselves in.
Cleanliness is tantamount, this is why pre packaged foods and catering are such staples - if the store or service is reputable your own name will not be sacrificed. Of course, the extremely brave and talented, enjoy making each canape, and planning the minutia; as it also lets me control the look, theme, and flavor profile. We mentioned theme earlier for decorations, and I continue it in the food as well, not merely in tone but in taste.
I like to use red berries for Halloween because the sanguine hues are reminiscent of blood, Cheesecake covered in cherries can look like bloodshot eyeballs to a vivid imagination, with a very basic skimming technique fantastical webs can be created in the surface as well.The trick to this tempting treat is pulling a toothpick through rings of melted chocolate.

I am also extremely fond of Banfi's Rosa Regale -- a unique red sparkling wine. Aromatic with a hint of rose petals and raspberries, Rosa Regale is delightfully vivacious and festive. An elegant aperitif on its own; strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, trifles and hazelnut tortes are also elevated by this frothy wine. Its charms extend across a palette of occasions and food pairings, from savory to sweet.

I always buy extra, as it appears at nearly all my festivities in some form. And it makes a great welcome to the neighboorhood, or host(ess) gift.