The experts:
Andy Puddicombe, co-founder of meditation app Headspace, is not only a mindfulness expert, he’s an ordained Tibetan Buddhist monk.
Ted Allen, cookbook author and host of Food Network’s “Chopped,” has to think on his feet and keep things entertaining while frantic cooks melt down in the background.
The agony: You burned the dinner
Andy: “If watching the passing traffic in the mind teaches us nothing else, it teaches us to be humble, embracing our imperfections and taking ourselves a little less seriously. If we can be at ease with this situation, then the dinner party will be a success regardless.”
Ted: ”Think about what other ingredients you have. If you are making pasta with shrimp and overcook the shrimp, just serve the pasta. Think on your feet. What’s in the freezer? Frozen scallops? Serving burned food isn’t a solution.”
The agony: Guest No. 9 just RSVP’d — you planned on 8
Andy: “Take a moment to exhale. In focusing on the exhalation, we let go of our preconceptions and open to the situation as it is. Simply following 10 out-breaths can help us quickly de-stress and get comfortable with our unexpected guest. Most importantly of all, unexpected or not, always make them feel welcome.”
Ted: “It’s always better to make too much food rather than not have enough. Now, if you are grilling steaks, or having a lobster fest for four, I have no problem telling them to bring a steak, or to pick up a lobster. For consistency, I’d even go as far as telling them where to get it.”
The agony: That charming banter between friends just got ugly
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Andy: “I heard of one person sacrificing a glass at their dinner party as they dropped it on the floor to interrupt a passionate argument that had broken out. Feel it out, trust your instinct and resist the temptation to join in or take sides.”
Ted: “First, I’d let them know that this is killing my buzz. If that doesn’t work, I’d disband the evening.”
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