Easy open house buffet

PEGGY'S GAME PLAN

Day before the party

• Shop for all ingredients and fresh flowers
• Arrange flowers
• Make aioli for bay shrimp
• Make seed rub, and rub tenderloins with it
• Hard-cook eggs
• Make salad dressing
• Make gingerbread
• Chill wine
• Make sparkling oranges
• Wash escarole; wrap it in towels and refrigerate

Morning of the party

• Get ice, if needed
• Roast vegetables (in two batches)
• Set up bar with glasses and drinks
• Set up buffet table with linens and napkins
• Assemble bay shrimp mixture on endive; chill
• Finish escarole salad and chill
• Cook pork tenderloins
• Whip cream for gingerbread; slice gingerbread

An hour before guests arrive

• Light candles and fireplace, if you have one
• Set up buffet
• Give yourself a minute to relax