SA: What makes a perfect hostess gift? Can you
describe any favorites you have received, or the "best bets" you like to give?
CR: Since I'm very specific about the style of
my house, I usually don't like to receive gifts that people might
think I'd like in my home. My favorite gifts to receive are good
wine, smoked salmon, good candies, any type of lovely food item. Since
entertaining is expensive, it helps to get things that you can share with
your guests. I also like music and books, which I also can share with
others. As for giving a gift, unless I know the hostess very well and know
her favorite color or whether or not she collects something, I give food,
music, or books.
SA: In the book, you speak of the importance of
rotating your table settings. What are the "musts" for every
hostess in terms of dinnerware, linens, and service ware?
CR: This is a favorite subject of mine. I buy a lot
of different plates, but I think that you always need great white or
off-white plates and other basic porcelain pieces that you can mix other
colors in with. I also have a lot of blue-and-white china patterns, and I
mix them together to make things more interesting.
Another staple is beautiful, simple, white linen
napkins, the larger the better. I'm an advocate of linen and cotton;
I don't like things with polyester in them. It is an effort to
maintain linen and cotton, but even if you have one great set, it's
nice to treat yourself and your guests on special occasions. Heaven forbid
that our lives become so busy that we don't have time to make an
effort for the guests coming into our home. There's a time and place
for no-wrinkle clothes and fast food, but you also need to live life with a
certain amount of quality.
SA: Tell us about your most memorable impromptu
gathering.
CR: One night I had a cocktail party after which
everyone, including myself, had plans to go on to other dinners. A big
storm came, and almost everyone stayed. Luckily, we just happened to have a
pianist at the party. We made pasta, drank Champagne, and sang around the
piano. It was a lot of fun.
SA: What are some staples you rely on when
entertaining?
CR: For décor, I generally use a lot of
carnations, mixing small ones with large ones. I also always have candles.
They're such an easy way to make things attractive, and everyone
looks better by candlelight.
One of my favorite food staples is Vinho Verde, a
fresh, green Portuguese wine that I always serve in the spring, summer, and
early fall. It doesn't have a lot of alcohol, so guests can enjoy it,
and everyone's not gaga by the end of the evening. And I always have
homemade chocolate chip cookies available, and no matter what dessert I
serve, whether it's molten chocolate cake or pumpkin pie, guests
always get into the cookie jar.
SA: Your chapter on "The Party Process" is helpful. For you, what is the most exciting aspect of planning a party?
CR: I look at a party as a total entity, so creating
the theme is my favorite part. For example, if I center a party around
daffodils from my garden, then they are the core of the party, and
everything flows from there.
The feedback from guests is also exciting. I like it
when people realize that they're not just coming to dinner, but to
something special. When they're pleased, I'm pleased.
For more information on Carolyne Roehm and her new
book, A Passion for Parties (Broadway Books, October 2006), visit
www.carolyneroehm.com or www.broadwaybooks.com.
