Calitz Sean - Perfect Parties

I dedicate this book to the person who has had the greatest influence on my life my mother, and in turn, her mother. My absolute passion for baking and cooking was inspired by these special women, both of whom were wonderful cooks. My happiest childhood memories are in the family kitchen: measuring and sifting flour, endlessly whisking eggs and sugar until they were thick, fluffy and magically transformed (my tiny hands tiring in the process), the wonderful aroma of freshly baked scones, and our ultimate childhood reward licking the cake beaters! What is it about cooking, and baking in particular, that transports you back in time to when things were calmer, life was simpler and everything could be sorted out with a cup of tea and something sweet and freshly baked?

To me there can be no greater gift, and no better way of remembering someone, than to be given a recipe that you have come to associate with that person. As their secrets are passed on, its a wonderful way to immortalise previous generations of your family. To me, those family heirloom recipes, particularly the handwritten ones, are the ultimate in treasured family memorabilia.

To the next generation my children, and hopefully someday their children may this collection of treasured recipes continue to inspire you and transport you back in time to the mixing and measuring, stirring and sifting, licking bowls and fingers, and the happy times spent together in the warmth of the kitchen. May the tips and secrets shared in this book equip you and those who read it with the confidence to cook, bake and entertain with success. If these recipes can give you some of the immense joy and comfort theyve given me, then I will have succeeded in achieving what I set out to do.

A highlight for me as a child was cracking the nod for tea at the home of my mums friend. You see, tea at Yvonne Robertss home was anything but ordinary. The fact that some 30-odd years later I can vividly recall the details the starched tablecloth on the dining-room table, the beautiful table napkins and pretty tea cups shows how she created an occasion that was memorable.

Yvonne had a way of making you feel welcome and special. Even though I was a young girl, I was served tea in one of her best teacups. Inspired by this, I decided that no matter the occasion, I would one day attempt to make others feel as special when entertaining them in my own home. The truth is, we should treasure each and every occasion or celebration, for life is fragile and unpredictable. There are so many people who reach the end of their lives with their best china or silverware virtually unused, because they were waiting for the right occasion. The right occasion is now. Setting a formal tea tray takes only a few minutes yet says welcome in a special way, and time spent with friends and family is indeed precious.

My dear friend and next-door neighbour, artist Penelope Mitchell is another person who has inspired me. It is the way she does things. Every evening her dinner table is beautifully set with starched napkins, candles and freshly picked flowers even though it is just her, Christopher and their two young children who sit down for the meal. Its an enviable ritual Penelope learned from her mother and one that, hopefully, she will pass on to her children.

With this book I hope to empower you with the confidence to entertain in a stress-free manner and to host successful and memorable occasions. You dont have to stage a banquet for a birthday celebration! The important thing is that whatever you do, you do it as carefully and beautifully as you can, then present it with aplomb. Here, I share with you my own secrets, the tips and tricks that a mother would pass on to her daughter.

So what is the secret to entertaining with success? The answer lies in the three Ps: planning, preparation and presentation. This entails drawing up lists, lists and more lists. This book aims to hold your hand through the party planning process, helping you to become organised well ahead of time. (Most recipe and entertaining books list recipes, but they seldom give you suggestions on what recipes to combine for a special occasion and, most importantly, what recipes can be made and stored in advance.) Here, each chapter gives a detailed countdown that does exactly this, offering numerous menu suggestions and alternatives, and a plan of action. They are my tried-and-tested guides. And the techniques and step-by-step photographs show you how to achieve visually stunning results without having to be a master cook, baker or cake decorator.

Becoming organised

The more organised you are, in advance, the more successful youll be at entertaining. Follow the checklists in the book to ensure that youre able to take it all in your stride and minimise what has to be done at the last minute.

As soon as you have set the date

• Draw up a guest list.
• Decide on a theme, if applicable.
• Decide on your venue and any hiring equipment or chairs and tables, tablecloths, serviettes, cutlery, crockery and glasses that may be needed. Ask for written confirmation of these reservations. Make sufficient provision for parking.
• Send out Save the Date! cards or invitations. And be creative here. Use theme-relevant items to make stunningly different invitations.
• Decide on your menu and draw up a list of ingredients you will require, dividing this by where they are to be purchased. You can also make lists of what can be purchased in advance, what needs to be purchased closer to the time and finally the day before the party.

Plan of action and countdown

A surprising amount of the preparation can be done well in advance of a special occasion.