Giver Not A Foodie
Friends always assume I’m a massive Foodie. I’m not. Yes I scratch cook every single day for my family. Yes I’m a pretty OK cook. Yes I love to break the tedium of 20+ meals a week through delving into my many cook books. But I don’t see myself as a Foodie.
I see myself as a Giver. A Giver of Experiences. Every meal is a chance to share a moment with another human being. And in that moment is a chance to share an intimate thought, an idea, a question and the chance to keep growing. Isn’t that what Mother Nature wanted for us - to grow?
To this end, I’m passionate about entertaining. I coerced my husband into buying us a Californian home that had the biggest patio we could find - it was just crying out to be enjoyed. Consequently, my home is regularly filled with people eating, drinking and generally patting each other on the back for simply having the good fortune to be living in or visiting Southern California. San Diego is big on boasting - the climate demands it.
My 5 tenets for entertaining
When you can, have linen.
Don’t keep china and cutlery for special occasions. Use it. Every meal is an occasion.
Be comfortable letting guests bring dishes. It allows you to entertain more often.
Be impromptu. There is always someone who hasn’t got a commitment either. You know those nights are always THE best ones!
Never use disposable anything. Take the time and wash the dishes afterwards. Mother Nature will thank you for it.