How to Plan Elegant Meals for Your Special Guests

If you have house guests for an extended stay, feed them well. Be willing to go the extra mile. Presentation is everything.

Instructions

1. 

   If you want to try new recipes do so weeks before your friends are scheduled to arrive just in case you need to tweak your menu.

2. 

   Breakfast: Offer an assortment of fresh breads, fruit, hot & cold cereals. It doesn't take long to cook an omelet, bacon, sausage. Waffles and pancakes can be made from scratch or from your freezer. Have fresh juices, coffee and teas available too.

3. 

   Presentation: Table setting is casual but elegant. Use casual linen napkins and placemats. Place settings should match including glasses and cups.

4. 

   Lunch: You have many options! For example a buffet or picnic offers a less structured atmosphere but the food is the focus. Quality counts so don't skimp. Even if you serve sandwiches make sure the cheeses and toppings are the best.

5. 

   Presentation: If you decide to have the picnic elegance is key. Use stemware and no paper products.

6. 

   Dinner: Think courses, appetizers, soup, salad, main entrée, dessert accompanied by cocktails and coffee.

7. 

   Presentation: Formal, the best of the best. Your best linen, silver and glassware. Just when they thought it couldn't get any better. You've saved the best for last!

Tips & Warnings

• Check your linens, placemats, silver and glassware weeks in advance. Replace any items.

• Prep as much as you can a week before the guests will arrive.

• Save the formal dinner for the last night of their stay.