SAVOUR MANITOBA | WINTER 23 31
We've moved beyond the Martha
Stewart days of expecting perfection.
Television viewers in the '90s watched
in awe as Stewart would make
three-foot homemade gingerbread
houses (with lighting) and hand-roll
appetizers, while also providing a
perfect tablescape for 100 in a vintage
barn. And viewers would painstakingly
follow this lead as they attempted
to re-create her perfect life. To the
unknowing viewer, tears and anxiety
often followed. We now know it wasn't
such a perfect life for Stewart either.
By no means should Stewart be
admonished for her perfectionist
style. There is a time and place to
experiment. The holidays — for those
who are attempting to stay joyful — are
not that time.
The 21st-century Manitoba motto for
parties is more relaxed. And it varies. It
ranges from slightly more casual than
animal-themed pyjama nights to causal
cocktail. Home parties follow Barefoot
Contessa Ina Garten's philosophy:
make a few things that you are great at
making yourself but bring in fantastic
options to save you time and stress.
After all, if you are stressed,
your guests will be too. And no
one wants that.
So our team has put together tips for
the host and guest based upon years of
mistakes we have all made.
Being a host and being hosted
has changed over the years.
SAVOUR MANITOBA | WINTER 23 31
