CityView Magazine

that, though it may appear com- plicated, she says operates "like a well-oiled machine." Aſter all that time and numerous hits and misses, she's figured out a winning formula that she was willing to share with CityView readers. From invitations to taking notes F or 15 years C.J. Malson has decked her halls and hosted friends during an annual Christmas party for next year's party, Malson said that "quick fixes" such as e-vites, social me- dia invitations and store bought appe- tizers might be the easiest to execute, but why bother to throw a party if you don't plan to put forth your best ef- fort? Instead, she likes to mail printed invitations to her guests and she looks for foods that are easy to serve but still quick to impress. "Not everything has to be compli- cated," she said. "Chilled shrimp with a cape fear v alley heal th express care feel better faster. ExpressCare can treat minor emergencies, such as: • Fever, earache, sore throat • Flu-like symptoms, colds and upper respiratory infections • Vomiting, nausea, diarrhea • Simple or suspected bone fractures • Strains and sprains • Cuts that may need stitches • Rashes and minor allergic reactions • Painful or burning urination Of course, when in doubt about the seriousness of an illness or injury, please call 911 or go to the closest emergency department. EXPRESSCARE 3 convenient locations : open 7 days a week HIGHSMITH-RAINEY EXPRESSCARE 150 ROBESON STREET Downtown Fayetteville 7 days a week: 7 am - 11 pm (910) 615-1220 CAPE FEAR VALLEY EXPRESSCARE 1638 OWEN DRIVE Located inside the former Cape Fear Valley Children's Emergency Department 7 days a week: 9 am - 7 pm (910) 615-4372 HEALTH PAVILION NORTH EXPRESSCARE 6387 RAMSEY STREET Ramsey Street & Andrews Road 7 days a week: 9 am - 7 pm (910) 615-3879 great dipping sauce is always a favorite. But I am old school regarding invita- tions. If you want someone to dress up and show up, send a proper invitation. You feel more special when a hostess has taken the time and effort. Remem- ber your etiquette too, if it asks for a re- sponse, do so promptly. The hostess is planning food and beverage based on that response." With foods, she says it's also impor- tant to consider your crowd and that gourmet fare is perhaps best appreci- ated by smaller groups of foodie friends. For her large parties she prefers a more approachable menu. "Have a little something for every- one — vegetarians and hungry men. I do several meat and bread options for mini sandwiches," Malson said. "When serving alcohol it is important to have food to balance it. I believe in feeding people." But, she said she always serves al- mond cream cheese pound cake. She said her friends have come to count on it and past guests have even tried to sneak it out. "I also love dipped strawberries for their elegance and ease, and truffles and homemade toffee," Malson said. How you plan to serve the food is just as important as the foods your serve, Malson said. She's had her party in two different homes over the years and has learned the role that a floor plan plays in setting the scene. "In an open floor plan home I love to pass trays of delicious foods. However, since I have a large house with distinct rooms, I choose to do a buffet in the dining room and a bar in the kitchen. It keeps people moving and socializing." And, though she does set up bever- age stations during other parties she has during the year, for her Christmas party she likes to have a bar and she hires a bartender. She says that not only does the bartender keep guests enjoy- ing themselves but, just as importantly, having one helps her keep an eye out for guests who may have over-indulged and shouldn't drive themselves home. As for decor, Malson said that with an event that she hosts year aſter year, it's important to her to vary the theme 42 | Food & Wine • 2011

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