Beating myself up over terrible meal

[Anonymous]

I had a dinner party for 20 people last weekend. Everyone had a great time, but much of the food didn't turn out well. Overcooked chicken, overbaked dessert. Everyone was very kind and said how wonderful the food was but that's not true (seriously). I'm sure no one is still thinking about it but me. Anyone else experience this?

[Anonymous]

We call that Wednesday night in my house.

It will be OK, OP. Laugh it off, and find some fabulous recipes for next time.

[Anonymous]

Absolutely, OP.

Take solace in knowing that no matter how "bad" it was, the people were thankful that they had an event to go to that night and did not have to cook dinner themselves. I promise. And if you ever invite them again, they will be back.

[Anonymous]

No one came for the food. They came for the company. And making mistakes just makes you human.

FWIW, this is why I tend not to cook chicken (white meat chicken anyway).

[Anonymous]

Woops -- sent to soon.

I rarely cook white meat chicken for company because it's too easy to get caught up chatting and not want to rush people to the table. Dark meat (thighs) is ok, cause they can cook forever. Hence the popularity of Chicken Marbella.

[Anonymous]

Don't beat yourself up! 20 is hard to pull off on the best of days, and not every meal can be blue ribbon. Assess what went wrong and start planning the next one! (for a few months out)