The Art of Hosting and Decorating

By Rebecca Pavlenko and Lydie J. Stassart

One way or another, whether at the occasion of a childs birthday party, a weekend at the lake, a luncheon, a neighborhood holiday party, a breakfast gathering, or a lavish soire, we are all bound to entertain. Entertaining should not be considered a burden; it should be fun and enjoyable. No matter what the local customs are, there is a universal savoir faire. It is usually around a table that ideas are exchanged, new projects are started, and friendships are made. I want to share with you some guidelines, ideas, and tips I have learned over the years while entertaining on both sides of the Atlantic, and to help you acquire those skills, no matter what your entertaining abilities are, to turn a dinner party into a memorable evening for you and your guests. I will also incorporate some designing rules and ideas as far as lighting, furniture placement, colors, and accessories. As a little girl, I remember watching my mother and grandmother set tables, wondering how you could go from a simple wooden table to such an elaborate dcor. It was magical, and I was fascinated by the artistry of it all. As I grew up, I spent endless hours leafing through decorating magazines, scrutinizing every detail of interiors. I hope to share my passion and pass down what I have learned to my daughters, granddaughters, and now you.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Mar 19, 2015
• ISBN: 9781503540286

Rebecca Pavlenko

Lydie Stassart was born and raised in Brussels, Belgium. She is an interior designer, a member of the American Society of Interior Designers, and an accredited stager. After living in New York City for a few years, she moved to Minnesota, where she lives with her family. She shares her time between Miami, Florida, and Nice, France. She has been the honorary consul of the Kingdom of Belgium for the last ten years, and she was the president of the Minnesota Consular Corps for two years.

Book preview

The

Art of

Hosting &

DECORATING

Lydie J. Stassart

Photography by Rebecca Pavlenko

To my granddaughters:

Camilla, Athena, Lydia, Sienna

Copyright © 2015 by . Lydie J. Stassart 705316

Library of Congress Control Number:   2015901630

ISBN:

Softcover    978-1-5035-4027-9

Hardcover    978-1-5035-4026-2

      EBook    978-1-5035-4028-6

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Rev. date: 03/12/2015

Xlibris

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

Table of Contents

Introduction

PART I: Hosting a Dinner Party

Invitations

How to Make a Phone Call

Setting the Table

Tablecloth

Plates

Silverware

Glasses

Salt and Pepper

Napkins

Candles

Flowers

Table Décor

Table Seating

Place Cards

Menu

How to Create a Menu

How to Serve Plates

Cheese Plate

Dessert

How to Select, Store, and Serve Wines

How to Read Wine Labels

How to Cure a Hangover

Water

How to give and receive flowers

PART II: Advice for a Rookie Hostess

Choosing your Guests

Welcoming your Guests

Introducing your Guests

The Toast

Do’s and Don’ts at the Table

Smoking

The Table Conversation

Outdoor Entertaining

Buffet

Pot Luck

Hosting in a Restaurant

Holiday Celebrations

How to Remove Stains

PART III: Weekend Invitations

Hosting your guests for a Weekend

Being Hosted for a Weekend

PART IV: Traveling

How to Travel

How to Greet People

How to Pack a Suitcase

PART V: Staging your House for Sale

PART VI: Design Tips

Lighting

Color

Fabrics

History of Furniture

Furniture

Antiques

Rugs

Accessories

PART VII: Recipes

Butternut Squash Soup

Coq au Vin

Chocolate Mousse

Pâté de Campagne

Chicken (drumsticks) Marbella

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Introduction

One way or another, whether at the occasion of a child’s birthday party, a weekend at the lake, a luncheon, a neighborhood holiday party, a breakfast gathering, or a lavish soirée, we are all bound to entertain. Entertaining should not be considered a burden; it should be fun and enjoyable. No matter what the local customs are, there is a universal savoir faire. It is usually around a table that ideas are exchanged, new projects are started, and friendships are made. I want to share with you some guidelines, ideas, and tips I have learned over the years while entertaining on both sides of the Atlantic, and to help you acquire those skills, no matter what your entertaining abilities are, to turn a dinner party into a memorable evening for you and your guests. I will also incorporate some designing rules and ideas as far as lighting, furniture placement, colors, and accessories. As a little girl, I remember watching my mother and grandmother set tables, wondering how you could go from a simple wooden table to such an elaborate décor. It was magical, and I was fascinated by the artistry of it all. As I grew up, I spent endless hours leafing through decorating magazines, scrutinizing every detail of interiors. I hope to share my passion and pass down what I have learned to my daughters, granddaughters, and now you.

PART I: Hosting a Dinner Party

Invitations

Invitations can be extended by phone; however, do not leave a phone message because you want to talk to your invitees directly. For a more formal event, I always send a written invitation. Unless the invitation states that you may bring a guest, your invitation is for you alone. Specify the date, time, and address, as well as the dress code. Nothing is more embarrassing than showing up to a party overdressed or underdressed. The dress codes are: business attire, casual attire, or black tie/formal attire. Incidentally, gentlemen, black tie does not mean wearing a black neck tie. It means your penguin outfit: a tuxedo. Stick to the basics; I am never sure what festive or casual chic attire means. For first time guests, a map and/or directions should be included. An invitation should include an RSVP (Répondez S’il Vous Plaît), either by phone or e-mail. I do advise against Regrets only because you will never be sure that your invitation was actually received. Guests should respond within 48 hours (unless traveling) to accept or regret. Calling to reconfirm a few days prior