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    Anne Boninsegna’s Tips for Hosting a Dinner Party for the Holidays

    With the holidays approaching, it is time to start planning if you are hosting a large gathering for your family and friends. Often, just the thought of providing a delicious meal to a party of ten is enough to bring on anxiety. Don’t fret! Anne Boninsegna, co-owner of The Kitchen, a participatory dining experience in German Village, offers her advice on hosting a wonderful dinner party.

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    “I think the most important factor in hosting a family style dinner is having enough serving pieces,” she says. “If you do, you will not have to get up from the table and refill platters, and you will be able to keep items at the correct temperature.”

    When planning your menu, think about how much space you have to keep hot items. If you have a small oven, it would make sense to have more room temperature or cold items to serve.

    “Find recipes that can be made in advance, even several days, so that you can focus on a few key items that are best made the day of your party,” says Boninsegna. Asking your guests in advance if they have any dietary restrictions will make sure that your party is a success for everyone.

    Go through your recipes and make sure you have enough platters of the correct size. If you do not own enough and want to keep your budget focused on the food, head to a thrift store to pick up an eclectic mix. If you want a colorful mix, Wasserstrom’s The Source in the North Market offers many vibrant pieces of Fiestaware.

    “Or, ask your friends and family to bring over a few of their favorite platters, bowls, and plates a few days ahead and showcase their pieces on your holiday table,” offers Boninsegna.

    Will this be the first time you are hosting a large group of people?

    “Stick with the basics!” she says. Make favorite recipes or ones that you have made several times or had several times.

    “Your guests will be more impressed and appreciative of recipes that are well executed over things that might be more cutting edge or unique.”

    If you have special family recipes, Boninsegna suggests asking a family member to serve as your “guest chef” as “sometimes authenticity tastes better than fancy ingredients.”

    Seasoned chefs will probably want to try something different, or put a new twist on an old favorite. “I recently saw a recipe for Crab Hush Puppies that would be an excellent side dish for Thanksgiving if you have the skill to fry hush puppies to a tender golden brown,” she says. “Making garlicky greens and cheddar grits will give the full Southern experience.”

    What makes it onto the table at Boninsegna’s home?

    “I think vegetables, even in their simplest state, are some of the most beautiful and delicious family style dishes. When thinking about how items pair, just be sure you have a variety of vegetables, starches, protein, and of course the dessert food groups…fruit, pumpkin and chocolate!”

    If you are hosting a gathering of family and friends this holiday season, try Boninsegna’s Sherry Vinegar & Molasses Glazed Carrots. “They are easy to pass around the table and look lovely on a platter.”

    Sherry-Vinegar-&-Molasses-Glazed-Carrots

    weilands-market-01From November 3 to November 9, Columbus Underground is Cooking at Home with new recipes, food trends and stories that will inspire you to try new dishes in your kitchen. Cooking at Home is presented by our friends at Weiland’s Market, a family-owned, independent business in Clintonville since 1961. Weiland’s offers a wide range of foods and beverages, fresh meats & seafood, a full-service deli, artisan cheese, wine, beer & spirits, specialty groceries, homemade EZ Foods and deli salads, and catering. For more information, visit www.weilandsmarket.com.

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    Anne Evans
    Anne Evanshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-evans/
    Anne Evans is the Co-Founder and Director of Operations for The Metropreneur and Columbus Underground. She regularly contributes feature stories on both sites, as well as Mega Weekend each week. She has started and grown businesses, created experiences, forged community partnerships, and worked to create opportunities for others. She loves meeting new neighbors and those making an impact in our community. Want to connect?
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