One of the major perks of starting our Entertaining With series is having an excuse to meet some of the cool, creative people I’ve admired from afar. Actually sitting down with them in their homes and getting the inside scoop on their secrets to savvy entertaining is more fun than I could have imagined. And today’s subject, Elizabeth Winslow, is definitely no exception. As co-founder of Farmhouse Delivery, Elizabeth has developed a cult following of fresh food fanatics who anxiously await their weekly deliveries of beautiful, seasonal produce from local farms. It’s an amazing concept that’s taken hold among the many who share Elizabeth’s passion to eat in season, support family farms and feel a connection with their food and where it came from. And to help Farmhouse recipients make the most of all that bounty, she shares the most mouthwatering recipes on the company’s blog, Farmhouse Table. (Trust me, you’re going to want to make everything.) Elizabeth brings this same sense of inclusiveness and connection to the way she entertains at home, and I knew from the moment I stepped through the doors of her gorgeous West Austin home, she’s mastered the art of making guests feel welcome. Her decor combines just enough family photos, vintage records and treasures picked up from trips to Marfa and Mexico to feel lived in yet totally uncluttered, and I can imagine some pretty amazing parties being thrown in her living room with the massive french doors thrown open to the courtyard pool. Click through for the gorgeous images shot by Chelsea Fullerton and so many great entertaining tips from Elizabeth…
My standard hostess outfit:
Something flowy and comfortable, but not with flowy sleeves that get in the way while cooking. I would give anything to see the return of hostess pajamas.
Must-have entertaining tool:
I would never pull off anything without my husband. When we worked together in our restaurant years ago, he was “front of the house,” and I was “back of the house.” These roles still work pretty well for us–he can make a space warm and inviting and clean in a matter of seconds and he loves doing dishes.
The restaurant meal I’ll never forget:
This summer, our family was in Washington DC & I read about a sensational new Thai restaurant called Little Serow. We really wanted to go, but were a little apprehensive about going with our children (ages 11 & 12), as the restaurant offers a set menu with really spicy, adventuresome dishes and no substitutions. Tess & Liam assured us they were up for the challenge, though, so we took the chance. From the moment we walked down a flight of steps and in the unassuming door, we were all in heaven. The space is perfect–tiny and simple with aquamarine walls, bluegrass on the sound track, and waitresses in adorable vintage dresses. The food was mind-blowingly good, full of the flavors of Northern Thailand–citrus, tamarind, unfiltered fish sauce, incendiary chiles, peanuts, fresh herbs. We’re all still talking about it.
The kitchen rule I rarely break:
I probably break more rules than I adhere to–I almost always cook something I have never cooked before, I never measure, I always use my hands, I taste everything. One rule I never break, though, is that people wait for pasta, not vice versa.
The perfect dinner party playlist includes:
Nina Simone, always.
Readers, we’d love to hear: what’s always on your dinner party playlist? Let us know in the comments!
Always in my refrigerator:
Butter, anchovies, salted capers, reggiano parmesan & creme fraiche.
The taste I’m always craving:
I love the combination of salty and sweet–dry cured Southern ham with peach chutney, caramel with fleur du sel, southeast Asian curries, Italian agrodolce.
It’s your turn: what taste are you always craving? Dish it out in the comments below!
My dream dinner guests:
People who love to eat and connect over food. There’s a certain magic that happens around a big table with candles flickering and big, abundant platters of food, so my dream dinner guests are people who love to linger at the table and revel in that magic, who aren’t fussy, aren’t dieting, and aren’t in a hurry.
My signature entertaining dish:
I think homemade desserts are such a treat. I love to rely a little on store bought appetizers or a cheese platter, but I always make homemade dessert–ice cream, butterscotch puddings, plum upside down cake.
My entertaining style in 5 words or less:
casual. abundant. warm. welcoming. delicious.
Head over to Go Forth Creative to view more of Chelsea’s work.
