Elevated Entertaining

In today’s always-on world, it seems like we’re always on the go without a moment to spare to relax and spend time with the people we care about most. Every single human can benefit from entertainment and there’s nothing quite as special as being the reason your friends and family can pause their demanding lives and spend time enjoying each other’s company.

We did something a little different at our October GLOW event and brought in GLOW member @hopetrumbull to share her secrets on how to be the master host. How do you pair food and wine, how do you create menus for large parties, how can you find time in your busy work schedule, how can you plate and display your food to create art?

Hope truly does it all, from crushing it at work all day to going home and making the most delicious, beautiful and thoughtful coursed meals. How is this possible? Because Hope views entertaining as a creative outlet and not a chore. Empowered, driven and ambitious women can be amazing entertainers too, and Hope will share her strategies for how to be an amazing host and tips for balancing it all.

Read below for your must-have kitchen supplies and go to menus for hosting your future dinner parties.

Must-Have Kitchen Supplies:

• Immersion Blender 

• Dutch Oven

• Sharp Knives

• Cookie Sheets

• Big Salad Bowl

Pantry/Fridge Staples:

• Dijon Mustard

• Legumes (canned/jarred) garbanzo beans, white beans - for hummus + dips + salads

• Jarred Dolmas (great for last-minute mezze platters/apps)

• Artichoke Hearts

• Garlic

• Lemons

• Vinegar (red wine, white distilled, apple cider, white balsamic, balsamic glaze, etc.)

• Canned fish (smoked trout, tuna, anchovies)

• Rice

• Jarred Olives

• Pickles (cornichon)

• Olive Oil

• Hot Sauce

• Coconut Aminos or Tamari (sub for Soy Sauce - Gluten-free)

Sample Menus:

MEDITERRANEAN:

Appetizers:

• Mezze Platter Inspiration (great for Tapas, apps or brunch)

• Simple Hummus

• Israeli Pickles

• Golden Beet Carpaccio with Pickled Mustard Seeds 

Mains:

• Sea Bass with Cannellini Bean Stew

• Stuffed Eggplants with Lamb (can be a side, app or main)

• Za'atar Lamb Chops 

• Greek Oregano Chicken with Orzo and Tomatoes (one pot dish!)

• Lemon Chicken Skewers (can also be an app)

• Cinnamon Braised Lamb Shanks (great make ahead)

Sides:

• Lentil Chickpea salad

• Israeli Couscous with tomatoes and olives

FRENCH:

Appetizers:

• Chickpeas & Sun Dried Tomatoes Provencal Dip

• Steamed Mussels

Mains:

• Classic Bouillabaisse

• Julia Child’s Bouillabaisse

• Saucey French Chicken 

• Sole Meuniere 

• Pan Seared Cod with Nicoise Sauce 

Sides:

• French Potato Salad

• Fennel & Walnut Salad with Walnuts and Celery

• Salmon Nicoise Salad (could work well as a main or starter)

Dessert:

• Vanilla Creme Brulee (make ahead - can also be toasted under the broiler if you don’t have a torch)

SPANISH: 

Appetizers:

• Citrus & Fennel Marinated Olives 

• Chorizo, Cheese and Potato Croquettes w/ Avocado Aioli

• Steamed Mussels in Saffron Chorizo Bath

• Tomato & Butter Bean Dip 

• Crab Cakes with Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Mains:

• Spanish Garlic Prawns (serve with crusty bread or rice for a main - can also be a starter or tapas)

• Chicken and Chorizo Tray Bake (Ready in 30 minutes - great weeknight meal)

• Arroz Con Pollo (instant pot recipe!)

Sides:

• Spanish Garlic Mushrooms

• White Beans with Tomatoes (vegan)

• Zanahorias Saliñadas

FIESTA:

Appetizers:

• Mexican Street Corn Hummus 

• Ceviche

Mains:

• Grilled flank steak w/ Chimichurri

• Grilled Pork 

• Simple Grilled Shrimp

  • Sauces:

  • Salsa Roja

  • Mole Verde sauce 

Sides:

• Grilled Corn 

• Cilantro Lime Rice (You can use veggie stock instead of chicken)

• Mexican Kale Chopped Salad 

Dessert:

• Churro Recipe (these are fun to serve with chocolate dipping sauce and ice cream + the kids love them too)