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You’re Invited to Dinner
By Jane Steele
Photography by Darren Phillips Photography
 In my book of rules, there never needs to be a reason to host a dinner party. Usually, I call people up and say, “I just cleaned my carpets. Can you come to dinner?” However, the perfect excuse to gather together at the table recently occurred on a cool, fall evening at the home of Kate and Cinco Feuille. In honor of her 34th birthday, Kate invited some of her closest friends and their mothers to join her for a celebration dinner.
After kicking her husband and three small children out of the house, Kate finished setting the table, opened the wine and roamed the house lighting candles. As both chef and invited guest, I busied myself in the kitchen trying to remember what I had forgotten to bring along with me. It was, fortunately, not a long list and this brings me to my first word of advice: ask for help when you need it. There is always someone out there who loves you and will be willing to stop by your house for the seared pears that you left sitting on the counter. In this case, it was my mother, who was also an invited guest. In your case, it could be a spouse, who doesn’t like to cook, but enjoys running to the store because it means they won’t be asked to run the vacuum, change a diaper or wash the lettuce.
As the guests arrived, the hostess offered wine and set out the brie and poached pear appetizer we’d prepared earlier. Two of the guests, Julie Tarwater and her mother, Merryanne Summerford, came to the kitchen to help prepare the first course. It is important to note that I am not a fussy chef. I want my food to look pretty, but I don’t want to spend too much time worrying about how I should plate it. Julie and Merryanne agreed and quickly set about slicing and re-heating the seared pears for a simple salad. The plates were brought to the table, guests were seated and the party really started.
The age of our guests ranged from 34 to 65. Topics discussed included cursing children, mothers who taught their children those curse words and grandparents who couldn’t believe that their daughters were saying things like that in front of their children. I often find the dinners I enjoy the most are the ones where formality is thrown out the window. The table should still be set properly, but the conversation can wander anywhere.
It is important to know your guests’ likes and dislikes. Food allergies and aversions are everywhere, so be courteous and ask your guests if there is anything they’d prefer not to eat. When my husband started law school, we invited some of his classmates to dinner. Although I had asked people if there was anything they or their date didn’t eat, I still had someone show up who was a vegetarian. She spent the evening sulking in a corner and was the first one to leave. I think there were other things going on between her and her boyfriend, but I know when she finally walked toward the door I had to resist an urge to hand her a card from my therapist. Not because she was vegetarian! She just seemed to be a lousy girlfriend.
Fortunately, everyone who gathered around Kate Feuille’s table that evening wanted to be there. Kate made sure to offer a nonalcoholic beverage for her guests who didn’t drink alcohol but for those who did, the wine flowed. When guests ask if there is anything that they can bring, I always say, “Bring a bottle of wine.” If you are fortunate enough to have a cellar, you might not need to do this, but I operate in the real world where a nice bottle of wine is like a gift from the gods. I accept it heartily and appreciatively.
As our fine, fall dinner wound to a close, a toast was offered in honor of the birthday girl. Glasses were raised, thoughts were offered, and a new group of friends dove into thick slices of chocolate birthday cake. The night was almost over, but at that moment, I know each of us were happy we’d been invited to share in this meal. So I urge you to pick up the phone and invite a friend to dinner. It doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive, although that’s fun too. It should just be easy—and when in doubt…grill!
If you would like more information about Jane Steele’s cooking classes e-mail her at simplygourmetelpaso@yahoo.com
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