Tastemaker Bettina Aboitiz: How to Entertain Like a President

How do you invite people to dinner?
For formal events, I would send an invitation but it's most often a phone call or through text message.
Name cards or open seating?
Name cards for formal affairs but for relaxed ones, open seating.
What utensils do you prize for their form?
Tizio e Cacio by
What’s the best entertaining lesson you’ve learned?
It’s really a combination of good food and wine, ambiance, and great conversation.
What’s your biggest guest pet peeve?
Last-minute cancellations.
If you could be the guest of a legendary figure, who would it be and what would you like to be served?
Jackie Kennedy and Boston clam chowder.
ALL-TIME FAVORITE...
Easy dessert?
Frozen mango.
China?
Virginia Casa.
Drinking vessel?
Riedel hand-blown wine glasses and Baccarat Beluga
WEAPON OF CHOICE...
Stem or stemless?
Stem.
Cocktail napkins or coasters?
Linen cocktail napkins.
Tall flower arrangements or short?
Short.