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originally posted by: ketsuko
a reply to: BoneSay
Do you think he's going to come dressed as in jacket and tie? If not, then I would say just plan on setting your table with decent plates and silverware in the proper place and decent drink tumblers.
Plan on a main course and a couple side dishes, possible a dessert. It doesn't have to be extremely fancy.
I have a bone-in pork shoulder roast recipe that's super simple, but you would have to start prepping it tonight because it seasons and sits overnight, then you roast it low and slow for about five hours with a final hour to crisp the outside up. It never fails though and it's super awesome. Serve it up on a green salad of mustard greens, apple, carrot and the roast drippings get mixed with cider vinegar and boiled down on the stove top for a roast glaze/dressing.
Then you just really need one more side, maybe two, but a frozen veggie would take care of one of those. And your dessert.
originally posted by: randomtangentsrme
a reply to: BoneSay
There are rules on etiquette. But they are rarely followed these days.
I'm surprised you canceled your weekend get away to accommodate an uninvited friend.
Let your past interactions, guide how the night will work.
How have you and this individual interacted in the past?
Do you know what kind of foods they enjoy?
Where are you from as you specify this couple is from the US and Texas?
originally posted by: Onlyyouknow
If they are from Texas you don't have to be too fancy. Put a roast in the oven, make some mashed potatoes with a vegetable like asparagus, broccoli, or roasted garlic Brussel sprouts. Dinner rolls are important(make sure butter is available on a side dish). What ever beverages you like, if you want to keep it simple choose a couple bottles of a nice red wine. Look up plate and silverware placement, add some water glasses and you are good. Buy or make a delicious dessert to top it off.
originally posted by: strongfp
a reply to: BoneSay
Formal dinner either means you are sitting down for a military mess dinner or you are sitting down for something 'formal' like a wedding, or some sort of major event.
Although this is an 'event' it's no where near like above, and does not need the multiple spoons, forks, and four crystal ware drinking vessels, with three plates, and a possible soup bowl.
These people are from Texas, and are probably humble at that, like most people. So treat them to a humble meal, set down a water glass, wine glass, and have proper beer glasses and cocktail glasses ready just in case, serve water out of a jug on the table, and at least minimum a knife fork, and if soup is on the menu a soup spoon, make sure there is a dinner plate and side plate, and a proper napkin, not a piece of paper towel. Done.
For dinner just make a home cooked meal, without getting into the multi course meal a roast or a stew would be nice for this time year, have some sides and have a bottle or two of wine to pair with the meal, and a side or two. Follow with a humble desert, pie is always nice, and offer tea / coffee, or any spirits or liquors you have, shortly after serving the desert.
Honestly, if you're hosting someone, and it's not fast food or frozen pizza, a home cooked meal is good enough.
originally posted by: pheonix358
They are from Texas.
Prairie Oysters is what you should serve, they will love them.
Mashed potato with lots of cheese and bacon bits.
Other veggies to season.
Oh, and you will need to provide a place for their horse to stand. Just under a tree is good.
Oh, and have John Wayne songs in the background.
Well, that is my stereotypes done for the day!
Or
Be yourself and allow them the honor of learning about you and your culture.
P
originally posted by: loam
a reply to: BoneSay
No. Do Russian. Something you're comfortable with. Plus he can already get Mexican food since he'll be visiting there.
You've got this whatever you do.
This guy sounds like a surrogate father. He isn't there for the food. He's there for you.
Just be your authentic polite self.
originally posted by: BoneSay
originally posted by: randomtangentsrme
a reply to: BoneSay
There are rules on etiquette. But they are rarely followed these days.
I'm surprised you canceled your weekend get away to accommodate an uninvited friend.
Let your past interactions, guide how the night will work.
How have you and this individual interacted in the past?
Do you know what kind of foods they enjoy?
Where are you from as you specify this couple is from the US and Texas?
He was one of the best friends of my dad, they were like brothers, my dad died 10 years ago and this person has always been looking out for me, he even helped me when things went bad for me, they were very close and i feel like i weekend i can do any other time is not worth more than hosting them for a couple days or so
When he was visiting our home he always had whatever we prepared, but it was mostly either Russian food and/or Mexican food if while on Mexico on vacation, i don't know but i was thinking that maybe i should just prepare a Mexican traditional dinner. I am in Mexico right now by the way so it may be a good idea?
I'm from Russia but i live in Mexico since about one year ago and know it well, have been coming here on vacation since 10 years ago, every year for two months at a time
originally posted by: randomtangentsrme
originally posted by: BoneSay
originally posted by: randomtangentsrme
a reply to: BoneSay
There are rules on etiquette. But they are rarely followed these days.
I'm surprised you canceled your weekend get away to accommodate an uninvited friend.
Let your past interactions, guide how the night will work.
How have you and this individual interacted in the past?
Do you know what kind of foods they enjoy?
Where are you from as you specify this couple is from the US and Texas?
He was one of the best friends of my dad, they were like brothers, my dad died 10 years ago and this person has always been looking out for me, he even helped me when things went bad for me, they were very close and i feel like i weekend i can do any other time is not worth more than hosting them for a couple days or so
When he was visiting our home he always had whatever we prepared, but it was mostly either Russian food and/or Mexican food if while on Mexico on vacation, i don't know but i was thinking that maybe i should just prepare a Mexican traditional dinner. I am in Mexico right now by the way so it may be a good idea?
I'm from Russia but i live in Mexico since about one year ago and know it well, have been coming here on vacation since 10 years ago, every year for two months at a time
Be true to yourself. This gent is visiting because of the love they have of your father (if not yourself).
Don't get to worried. They are interested in you, not how well you set a table.
Cook something you are comfortable with.
Traditional Mexican would be fine. If you have some of your father's favorite recipes, your guest might consider that a treat.
The thing to keep in mind is it sounds like you are this individual's family that he's chosen, rather than his family by blood. As long as you are hospitable there should be no issue.