Hosting with Melinda

One of the great joys in my life is to welcome friends to my home. In the winter, hosting cozy intimate groups at my tiny table, and in the summer outdoors, I have room for more. And of course, there's always Thanksgiving when the living room is cleared and we seat 16. Years ago I was under the false impression that everything had to be perfect. Coming from the restaurant business I knew what that looked like but it was a lot of work, dishes, glasses and especially stress.

As a first-born perfectionist I was an entertaining work in progress for many years. Deep down I knew that it wasn't about what it looked like. The point was to provide a comfy spot where we can share and be together. We need to do that. Remember Covid? So I started experimenting with recipes, making them for the first time for my friends - I like a little adrenaline so this was gratifying and creative. It got easier and I became more relaxed. Also, by the way, people actually accepted the invitation (sending out the invitations was the hardest part). 

I come from a long line of hostesses with the mostest. My mom who was a genius at "getting together" even though she didn't love to cook. And then there were my grandmothers: Virge who always lit candles to make it special and Margaret and her set of Haviland china that I now have and treasure. When hosting, I use some of the heirloom pieces and family recipes mixed in with some of my current faves. I sense my ancestral women (and my daughter who is a gifted hostess in her own right) - smiling approvingly. 

Recently I gathered some dear friends for Valentine's Day with talented photographer Meg Smith behind the camera. She captured the magic of the evening. As I share this, my hope is that it will inspire a few spontaneous invitations, trying out a new recipe or two and a foray into the cupboard for a few precious relics for your table scape. Our wines are quite literally made for dinner parties. Food friendly, they pair with everything, the bottle is beautiful and at a low ABV, have a glass or two! 

Please send or post pics, of your own hosting adventures, I'd love to see it all! 

xo Melinda

This silver rollover jigger was in my grandparents cocktail drawer. Lorenza's new NA Sparkling and Pentire Spritz is my new house cocktail. 

Vintage Dansk casserole of my mom's with a delicious Moosewood Lasagne. Bechthold Cinsaut and Lasagna are a marriage made in heaven.

Mom's silver spoons and perfect tray. Especially cool with the Bormioli Hosteria stackable glasses. Next month we release the 2023 Rauser Carignan

As mentioned, the glorious Haviland Cambridge in green from Grandma Margaret. 

A few finds from estate sales - three overlapping white damask tablecloths and the glorious decanter in the background. The three legged chairs are from Furniture Marolles, (a father-daughter business btw) handmade by my friend Ed Clay and inspired by the Artisans of Marolles in the 1950's.