Page 37 - The Hunt Winter 2021

Entertaining Essentials
IN SMALLER GATHERINGS, THE LITTLE THINGS MEAN MORE THAN EVER.
The COVID-19 pandemic might be compared to the Grinch
Who Stole Christmas, pilfering large-scale celebrations from
bar mitzvahs to weddings. This year, the emphasis remains on entertaining safely, with many hosts opting for smaller gatherings. Although the guest lists might be shorter, these soirees are long on style. Think fabulous food and drink, over-the-top decorations, and guests dressed to impress.
Berwyn interior designer Larina Kase creates holiday decorations in sets of three colors she mixes up each year. Examples include forest green, coral and pale blue; crimson, silver and Tiffany blue; or kelly green, gold and white.
She also recommends personalized party themes that will resonate with guests. “Have lobster as a throwback to a family reunion in Maine, have a wedding-dinner re-do with a similar menu, or create a wine-themed menu for wine-loving guests,” she says.
Kase’s entertaining essential: a bar cart, which can readily transform any space into an impromptu cocktail lounge.
Hosts of the Brandywine in White and Brandywine in Black pop-up dining fundraisers, Elizabeth and Vince Moro enjoy entertaining family and friends on a smaller scale at their farm in Chadds Ford. “We love to create a welcoming space where our guests get a feast for the eyes, appetite and spirit, especially as the need to cherish each other has become more essential,” Elizabeth says.
Food stations set up on tables and sideboards combine serving pieces and silver flatware in various patterns with gold or brass accents, like candlesticks and napkin rings. Vintage suitcases are stacked for use as occasional tables, handy spots to rest a glass of wine. “We light lots of candles and bring in natural elements from our farm like fresh greens, dried flowers, pheasant feathers, and rich plaids we collect in blankets, napkins and dishes,” she says.
Their recently discovered entertaining essential: vintage silver covered dishes from hotels. “Like the ones they used to have for room service,” Elizabeth says. “What a surprise for everyone to reveal what’s beneath.”
Local interior designer Glenna Stone serves signature cocktails, with a mocktail option for guests who don’t imbibe. “It’s something that can be tailored to be seasonal, like a spiced punch for Thanksgiving or the classic Poinsettia through December,” she says.
Stone encourages clients to think of their formal living rooms as lounges where guests can congregate. “It’s a great place to hang out before or after a meal,” she says.
And when the party’s over, send each guest home with a parting gift. “For something non-edible, mini succulents make a great take-home token,” says Stone. Keep beautiful small boxes on hand to send people home with extra cookies, pastries and other bite-sized desserts—and get them out of your house,” she says.
Stone’s entertaining essential: fresh flowers. “They’re one of my favorite ways to bring in an organic element,” she says. “For a tabletop in particular, I love doing a few smaller low arrangements rather than one large one. They make the table feel more intimate, and it’s much easier to carry on conversations.”