Reasons To Entertain
Life is far too busy to trust going with the flow.  We have to stop and make time for ourselves, our families, and being with our friends.  

When was the last time you entertained?  I hope the answer is that you recently entertained your friends and family.  But if you have to stop and think about it a while, please read on.

Reason # 1 - We are surrounded by easy options for entertainment:  television, video games, movies, Internet surfing, and more.  Unfortunately, quality conversation, human connection, and exercising the various components of our culture are missing from those activities, for the most part. Entertaining fulfills a need we have for human interaction (and arguing with your boss doesn't count).

Reason # 2 - Each time we entertain, we have an opportunity to teach our children about planning, consideration, manners, and competent human interaction.

Reason # 3 - We deserve the joy of anticipation, the joy of the event, and the joy of the recollection.

Reason # 4 - All relationships need time, space, and care to continue to thrive.

You may have a much longer list of why you haven't entertained.  You are busy, it costs too much, your house is too small, being painted, too empty, or not decorated, and so forth.  If you wait until everything is perfect, you will never entertain.  

If you are busy, choose something simple.  If cost is a consideration, choose organizing a "Bring Your Own" activity rather than hosting a meal or invite friends over for cards and snacks instead of a six-course meal.  Invite the number of guests that fit into your home.  Or hold a warm weather event in your yard or on your deck.  And remember that your guests come to see your and visit with your other guests.  Pleasant surroundings need not include expensive decor.


Product of the Month:  Salt Cellars

Guests should assume that the host of a dinner has prepared a meal with the seasoning he or she wanted on the food.  It is rude to ask for condiments and seasonings not available on the table.  However, a host may choose to allow that guests prefer different levels of salt on their food.  To avoid making guests ask for and wait for the salt shaker, hosts may choose to use salt cellars.

You may provide special salt spoons with the cellars, but it is not necessary.  According to Emily Post's Advice For Every Dining Occasion, the tip of a clean knife may be used to lift salt from a salt cellar.  It is necessary to use a clean utensil if cellars are placed between guests with the intention that they share.  If guests are provided with their own salt cellars, it is perfectly acceptable to take a pinch of salt with the fingers.

I suspect, however, that many people purchase and collect salt cellars to display rather than to use.  They are adorable, varied, and don't take much room to display.  No one can argue with that.  But they also make a wonderful addition to your table setting.  Try them at your next dinner.  Eliminate "pass the salt" while making sure that none of your guests are eating food that they deem to be under salted.  


Recipe of the Month:  Rosemary Walnuts

My mother and I came across this recipe during a workshop on making herbal bouquets given by Beagle Ridge Herb Farm.  Although my herb garden has run a little wild now, I stilll thoroughly enjoy using both dried and fresh herbs in my recipes.  This recipe works best with dried rosemary, but a few sprigs of fresh rosemary used as a garnish add to the aroma and visual enjoyment of the dish.

1 stick butter, melted
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 1-lbs. bag walnut halves
1 tablespoon dried rosemary
fresh sprigs rosemary, optional

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
Combine the butter and sugar in a mixing bowl.  Add the walnuts and stir to coat.  Add the rosemary and stir once more. 
Spread the walnuts on a baking sheet in a single layer.
Bake 20 to 25 minutes until the coating is set and the walnuts are toasted.  
Expect your guests and family to go "nuts" over this dish!


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