ENTERATRATINING
RETURNING TO THE TABLE
Changes for 2021
By Aaron R. Fodiman
Photography by Pat Rawlings
Setting the table for a Thanksgiving feast is the best way to establish the theme of the party.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 | TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 61
Home entertaining was virtually nonexistent during
most of 2020. From large family gatherings to small
carefully chosen groups of friends, most people set
aside plans to invite others into their homes. While
cooking became a regular event in many households, it was
generally limited to those who lived there and usually centered
on basic recipes and standard preparations and presentations.
Although the coronavirus pandemic is still in progress,
many people are beginning to host small dinner parties.
Limiting these gatherings to six or eight people is a partial
solution to the tense social climate that has been created by
the continuing spread of the virus.
To help make these soirées viable, the old rule of not
discussing religion or politics should be strictly enforced,
unless you know for a certainty that guests are in unanimous
agreement with your own views. That would be a rarity in
today’s world, and therefore, it is best to be prepared to change
the subject if there is any sign that a friendly get-together
could end up with anyone having their beliefs on the world,
life or anything else attacked. It is very important at these
tiny, intimate settings for the conversation to be stimulating
and interesting without creating controversy. “How about
the Lightning, Rays and Bucs?” is a good phrase to use if you
sense tension in the room.