Tracy's Entertaining Tips

Here at Big T, we love to entertain! Our founder Tracy Blanchard recently shared 5 entertaining tips that she relies on to make every occasion special.

Break Out the Linen Napkins
Even when we entertain casually, I always use linen napkins. There are so many cute seasonal fabrics to spice things up! World Market has great choices at really great prices. This even applies to the bar - while there are fun paper options, I'm a sucker for a hemstitched linen cocktail napkin.

Create Ambiance with Fresh Flowers and Candlelight
Like everyone, I love fresh flowers! If we're going the more formal route, I like to have either a centerpiece arrangement or several smaller arrangements lining the table. And then I place small bud vases in the powder room, window sill of my kitchen, entry hall/foyer, coffee tables. If my one rose bush is blooming, I will cut from it and then add greenery from my yard. And I always have a few candles strategically placed!

Serve a Signature Cocktail 
We use our butler's pantry as the bar area with various mixers, liquors, wine and beer. And we make sure to have a signature cocktail that's already made up so that people can easily serve themselves. My friend Laurin with The Collarfind is who I trust for seasonal cocktail inspiration. Her ‘Merry Mule’ recipe is on repeat at my house around the holidays!

Always Play Great Music 
Great music is a must! I have a playlist with an assortment of music that generally appeals to everyone. It just lightens the mood and adds frivolity no matter what time you’re entertaining, night or day.

Don’t Cook Everything Yourself
This is Ina Garten’s appetizer mantra and I also follow it when I entertain! For one thing, you don't need a ton of appetizers, people are too busy talking and catching up. I like to have some simple snacks in small bowls - Trader Joes has great Rosemary Marconas and everyone loves marinated olives! And then I recommend serving either a great dip or make a bruschetta of some sort. Of course, Big T makes the dip part very easy! Either serve it out of the container or use one of our simple recipes, like crab-dip stuffed mushrooms or deviled eggs.