I just finished reading "Be Ready When the Luck Happens" and I loved it. Thank you for sharing and by the way, my birthday is also Feb. 2. but I am a bit older than you. take care, and please continue writing more of your precious cookbooks as I have everyone of them and thank you for teaching me how to cook. Marsha Schaffer
I just finished it on audio book. Loved it so much I bought a hard copy too! When I recommend it I say it’s the best business book disguised as a memoir.
The audio book was an experience, I loved it too! And 100% dare I say manual for life? I didn't want the book to end. I am re-listening as I recipe test and create 🥰
I’m laughing as I read how the wonderful Ina prepares for a dinner party because I’ve been doing the very same things for years, makes me feel good! Yet like she says I still get nervous on the day. Not because I think everything should be perfect, but I don’t want disaster either.
I’d add these tips, too, to avoid looking frazzled as guests arrive. An hour or more before they’re due be showered and presentable. Half an hour before have any snacks out, nuts, olives, and drinks ready. That way you’ll look good and your guests will be happy while you may have to do last minute tweaks.
Touche on the tension-relieving plan-aheads! For my last big gathering's day of I was able to take time for nap/relax due to making a time study for each task before guests came. It was a game changer. Love learning from you, Ina.
Thank you so much for your lovely, lively and generous post. I always watch you and you make cooking and baking look attainable even for a slow 83 year old. You give me ideas on how to freshen long standing recipes. I appreciate everything Ina! And you’re fun too!
Thank you Ina! I must have absorbed your party tips by osmosis over the past few years. I am a really nervous party dinner hostess! One thing I’ve started doing is keeping party notes , menus, decor, napkins and dishes used and after party recap in a sectioned notebook. It helps “pull out” ready info ahead of time especially for big holiday parties. I just signed up so I hope to learn more from you! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and wisdom.
Hi Ina. Like everyone I love all that you do. I too spread out “to do” list. I would love a seasonal entertaining book with simple menus. Half my challenge is what to make that compliments.
I also have to ask if you have help prepping and cleaning up? That’s my biggest challenge. 😀
I totally agree with your comments Christie that half the challenge is coming up with the menu of complimentary sides that can be made in advance and/or cooked along with the main. My current project is to record all my past menus in a journal with the corresponding recipe references as I put a lot of effort in compiling these. I usually have a number of cookbooks open with recipes flagged when I am entertaining 😂.
Very smart to make lists/plan ahead for dinner parties. I try to make anything in advance that I can. And with this absurdly hot weather, cooking less and eating lighter is key!
Thanks for sharing your life with usIna! It’s obviously apparent, and genuinely appreciated that whatever you do- it’s done with love. Thanks for years of Inspiration.
I love having you in my mailbox! I have all of your cookbooks and having made so many of your recipes, people now consider me a wonderful chef!!!! Thank You…..Your’re The Best ❤️❤️
Thanks for the tips, Ina! I hope your interview with Christine Baranski means there’s another season of Be My Guest coming soon ❤️
Dear Ina:
I just finished reading "Be Ready When the Luck Happens" and I loved it. Thank you for sharing and by the way, my birthday is also Feb. 2. but I am a bit older than you. take care, and please continue writing more of your precious cookbooks as I have everyone of them and thank you for teaching me how to cook. Marsha Schaffer
I just finished it on audio book. Loved it so much I bought a hard copy too! When I recommend it I say it’s the best business book disguised as a memoir.
The audio book was an experience, I loved it too! And 100% dare I say manual for life? I didn't want the book to end. I am re-listening as I recipe test and create 🥰
I’m laughing as I read how the wonderful Ina prepares for a dinner party because I’ve been doing the very same things for years, makes me feel good! Yet like she says I still get nervous on the day. Not because I think everything should be perfect, but I don’t want disaster either.
I’d add these tips, too, to avoid looking frazzled as guests arrive. An hour or more before they’re due be showered and presentable. Half an hour before have any snacks out, nuts, olives, and drinks ready. That way you’ll look good and your guests will be happy while you may have to do last minute tweaks.
Touche on the tension-relieving plan-aheads! For my last big gathering's day of I was able to take time for nap/relax due to making a time study for each task before guests came. It was a game changer. Love learning from you, Ina.
Dear Ina.
Thank you so much for your lovely, lively and generous post. I always watch you and you make cooking and baking look attainable even for a slow 83 year old. You give me ideas on how to freshen long standing recipes. I appreciate everything Ina! And you’re fun too!
I also agree completely with you, too!❤️🙂
Thank you Ina! I must have absorbed your party tips by osmosis over the past few years. I am a really nervous party dinner hostess! One thing I’ve started doing is keeping party notes , menus, decor, napkins and dishes used and after party recap in a sectioned notebook. It helps “pull out” ready info ahead of time especially for big holiday parties. I just signed up so I hope to learn more from you! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and wisdom.
Greatly appreciated. 😇
Hi Ina. Like everyone I love all that you do. I too spread out “to do” list. I would love a seasonal entertaining book with simple menus. Half my challenge is what to make that compliments.
I also have to ask if you have help prepping and cleaning up? That’s my biggest challenge. 😀
Thanks.
Christie
I totally agree with your comments Christie that half the challenge is coming up with the menu of complimentary sides that can be made in advance and/or cooked along with the main. My current project is to record all my past menus in a journal with the corresponding recipe references as I put a lot of effort in compiling these. I usually have a number of cookbooks open with recipes flagged when I am entertaining 😂.
Very smart to make lists/plan ahead for dinner parties. I try to make anything in advance that I can. And with this absurdly hot weather, cooking less and eating lighter is key!
Looking forward to more in your tv series of guests. It’s my favorite show 💕
Playlist doesn’t come up on Spotify
It worked for me. Maybe try this link? https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2IRPOFWBvVe1V9lrdeqlmh?si=R31PgaRkSNa9nNQFF83rVg&pi=9OiZX55yQiuax
Hi Ina! Thanks for the Playlist and the tips. I too hope there is another season of Be My Guest coming soon.
Thanks for sharing your life with usIna! It’s obviously apparent, and genuinely appreciated that whatever you do- it’s done with love. Thanks for years of Inspiration.
I love having you in my mailbox! I have all of your cookbooks and having made so many of your recipes, people now consider me a wonderful chef!!!! Thank You…..Your’re The Best ❤️❤️
LOVE your playlist - thank you!
I swear by postit notes when setting up. Also am a list/ timeline maker! It is much less stressful when organized. 😎👍🏻
You gave the sticky note tip in one of your cookbooks and I used to do this…you reminded me to start this again.