A question I get asked quite often: What can you prepare for a festive party without spending the whole time in the kitchen instead of with your guests?
Well, we hotel people tend to be very pragmatic â we know that good, down-to-earth country cooking not only makes both young and old happy, but can usually be prepared completely the day before. The secret isnât extravagance; itâs organization, warmth, and a menu that lets you enjoy the company youâve invited.
Thatâs exactly what we did here: a classic Daube â slow-braised beef, rich in flavor and tenderness, cooked gently for hours until the sauce practically tells its own story. Alongside it, red cabbage â sweet, tangy, and deeply comforting â and hand-scraped Spätzle, of course (well, thatâs where I come from!). But if Spätzle arenât your thing, any kind of pasta works beautifully. đ
As a starter, we served the very last tomato salad of the season, a bright reminder of summer. The pesto had been prepared and frozen four weeks ago â a small act of foresight that paid off perfectly. And for dessert? A round of fresh goat cheese with my motherâs fig confit, cooked ages ago, but still bursting with that deep, fruity sweetness that makes you close your eyes for a moment of joy.
The magic of preparation and presence
The beauty of menus like this lies in their simplicity: almost everything can be prepared ahead of time. That means no frantic last-minute stirring, no burnt sauces, no guests waiting awkwardly while you juggle pots and pans. Instead, you can focus on what truly matters â conversation, laughter, and the pleasure of being together.
On this day, everything came together effortlessly: sunshine, a colorful table setting, and a wonderfully easy-going mood. The kind of afternoon where hours pass unnoticed, and no one wants to leave because everything just feels⌠right. Simply perfect. â¨
Itâs a good reminder that hosting doesnât have to mean performing. It can mean welcoming â offering what you love, prepared with care, and served with genuine warmth.
So, if youâre planning a gathering soon, think ahead, keep it simple, and donât forget: joy tastes best when shared.
And if you have any questions â feel free to drop a note. Iâm sure our chef has plenty more tips (and a few secrets) up his sleeve! đˇ Whatâs your go-to dish for gatherings that lets you enjoy your guests as much as they enjoy your food?
