Never Forget Again

Dear Cecily,

I get so busy talking with my guests that I forget what needs doing in the kitchen. My worst -- and perennial -- mistake is to leave something warming in the oven, and finish serving the meal, right through to dessert and coffee, without remembering the risotto staying warm in the oven. How to remember?

Thank you,
Muriel in Ponte Vedra


Dear Muriel,

With all there is to do--passing the hors d'oeuvres, preparing that special cocktail, warming soup, watching the chicken, refilling wine glasses, talking to guests--how's a girl to remember the lovely risotto waiting in the oven? You certainly don't want to write on your palm, and a printout of the evening's schedule is out of the question--somebody might see that that at 8:12 p.m. the chicken will be burnt! Here's the solution: take pride in your evening and prominently display an elegant menu, framed and placed next to a few flowers. Your guests will love to look at what's to come, and who's to know if you steal a few glances yourself, just to remind yourself about the risotto!

Happy Entertaining and Happy Cooking,
Cecily