TABLE publisher Justin Matase and his husband, Dr. Elie Aoun, always celebrate the Christmas season with a large party at home featuring over 200 friends and delicious recipes. They share a few important tips to encourage you to do the same.
How to Throw a Large Party
There’s nothing like a pandemic and words like “quarantine” to remind us all how important it is to gather around the holidays. Once we were able, the energy to see, hug, converse and celebrate in person came rushing back to us in full force. Justin Matase and Elie Aoun returned to what we now call normal with their usual grand affair – hosting over 200 people in their Squirrel Hill home for the holidays.
I’ve had the pleasure of being a guest at Justin and Elie’s Christmas party for many years, and it’s always a learning moment for me to see how they constantly tweak the details of their gathering. Since welcoming so many people into your home is a massive undertaking for even the most seasoned host, I always take notes, ask questions, and try to pry their entertaining secrets out of them. Here are some of their top tips for entertaining BIG.
Get Help!
Your guests want to see you, talk to you, take pictures with you. You can’t be stressed to the max. Keep your hands and time free by hiring bartenders, bussers and helpers to keep the night moving. Justin and Elie know dear friends in the industry, so they always call on bartender friends as well as server hands to replenish food, clear plates and keep an eye on the flow of the evening. Remember to book these folks well in advance. The holidays are a huge time for service industry and catering professionals, so get your helpers booked by early fall to know you’re covered.
Pittsburgh Businesses for Party Planning
Sausalido – Nick Mineo, a Bloomfield legend, has been serving delicious Italian food from his bistro on Liberty Avenue. Although he’s no longer open for dinner service, he offers event space rental and catering. Nick’s famous bowtie pasta with fresh spinach, feta, and toasted almonds is a crowd-pleaser.
Shatila – Located in Dearborn, Michigan for over 40 years, Shatila offers Middle Eastern-style baked goods and pastries, from traditional sweets to savory hand pies. Supplement your buffet with both their savory cheese and spinach pies. They ship expedited on dry ice, and you simply pop them in the oven to finish and crisp.
Salem’s Market – Originally located in the Strip District, Salem’s Market was the go-to spot for Middle Eastern specialty imported foods and a fresh Halal butcher shop. Now, with new expanded digs in the Hill District, they really have it all. We love their butcher shop — you can go in and order exactly what you need, from goat and lamb to beef and chicken.
Restaurant Depot – Where the pros shop. One caveat: you need to register with a tax ID to shop at Restaurant Depot, but it’s a great resource, especially for large wheels of cheese for a crowd. P.S. It’s a little more work, but if you cube cheese for guests, they’re more likely to eat it.
Source Smart
When it comes to food, guests always enjoy the personal touch of some family recipes. Take the time to prep ahead and present dishes that only you can share. Elie is Lebanese and brings his traditional slow-cooked lamb over rice pilaf with toasted almonds and pine nuts to the table. Together, Elie and Justin also prepare Caprese Salad, Shrimp Ceviche, Mini Pizzas (pesto, mushroom and goat cheese, pear, brie and apricot, cheese, marinara and olives), as well as Open-Faced Empanadas.
Because large groups bring big appetites, work with a restaurant or caterer to supplement your homemade dishes. Justin and Elie work with Shatila for Spinach and Cheese Pies, and source fabulous varieties of bowtie pasta from Sausalido in Bloomfield.
Batch Your Cocktails
This is an absolute must-do! Keep lines at the bar moving and guests happy by batching two different signature cocktails to be served with ease over ice by bartenders. Justin is typically the bar menu designer and provides one whiskey or brown spirit offering, plus a gin- or vodka-based drink. Work with seasonal flavors like cranberry, rosemary, black pepper and more to make your own simple syrup or base. Remember to dilute with water or keep the batch on ice or else your guests will get a little too spirited a little too fast. For help with batch cocktails, check out our article for party perfect recipes.
Mix It Up
When it comes to guests, we all have our favorites, of course. Start with your closest friends and think about how to diversify from there. One of the most memorable experiences at Justin and Elie’s parties is meeting so many different types of people. They have a way of creating unexpected matches, new discoveries, and new friendships.
Remember to Have Fun
My favorite part of this party is how much fun everyone has. The positive energy is high and it’s clear how much Justin and Elie enjoy sharing their home. They decorate fabulously and the party pours out onto the front porch and back patio with ease. There are no stodgy rules or expectations, and every guest feels at home and well-loved. Perhaps it’s the magic of this dear couple. Perhaps it’s the magic of the holidays. But it’s my hope that these tips will help you bring a little of your own party magic this season. I know I’m ready!
Additional Tips
- Preparation: When picking your menu, think about items that can be prepared in advance and can stay out during the duration of your event. You don’t want to be worried about preparing anything an hour before your guests arrive. Plus, you need that time to fuss with your hair!
- Staff: There are various staffing companies that can help you bring trained and qualified servers to your event. This then allows you to enjoy your guests at your party and keep your items stocked.
- Guest Lists: Much like planning a wedding, when you’re inviting dozens (or hundreds!) of people to your house, it’s great to give them a heads-up. Pick the date far in advance. Also be sure to share it with friends ahead of the invites going out, so they can mark their calendars.
- Bring Your Favorite Bottle: Add this to your invitation because dozens of hostess gifts means too many candles and candy dishes.
Homemade Large Party Recipes
Story By Christina French
Photography by Jeff Swensen
Food photography by Dave Bryce
Food styling by Anna Franklin
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