This is a recent article by Adam Bernard, in which he interviews Sean and discusses his book “The Modern Gentleman: Cooking & Entertaining with Sean Kanan.”

All of my friends have at least one thing in common (other than knowing me) – they’re all looking for the best ways to stretch a dollar. It seems everyone is either underemployed or underpaid, and this can lead to people thinking they have limited options for entertainment.

When options get limited people tend to stay at home. Sometimes a traditional house party, a la Kid ‘n Play, can be fun, but there are other times when you don’t want your toilet clogged or to feel the need to hide what few nice things you may have. You also may want to try to woo your significant other with something a little classier than Dollar Menu drive-through pick up. With this in mind I caught up with two authors who are experts in fields of entertaining and dating – Sean Kanan, whose acting credits include The Young and The Restless and The Bold and The Beautiful, and whose book, The Modern Gentleman: Cooking and Entertaining with Sean Kanan, hits stores on Sept. 13th, and Enitan Bereola, whose book, Bereolaesque: The Contemporary Gentleman & Etiquette Book For The Urban Sophisticate, has led to him having numerous relationship columns on sites such as SoulTrain.com and a devoted following on Twitter – and asked them to give out some tips on how to make an impression during a recession.

Adam Bernard: When inviting someone into your home, either for a date, or a small gathering, what are some of the best ways to make an impression during a recession?

Sean Kanan: Almost all of us are feeling the sting from the fangs of the recession. The good news is that you do not have to spend a ton of dough to have a great time entertaining at home. If money is really tight consider hosting a brunch. You can make eggs and pancakes very inexpensively. Serve Bloody Marys with a wide and varied assortment of garnishes. If you opt for dinner there are an almost endless number of inexpensive pasta options. Pair with a unique salad choice such incorporating something slightly offbeat like fennel or heart of palm and either walnuts or pecans (make certain no one is allergic to nuts). Finish up with a selection of gelati with chopped fresh fruit and a nice garnish like mint or cocoa. Sometimes incorporating a slight change in location, like the outside balcony, patio, terrace, etc., or pillows on the floor, can mix things up nicely. Put together a dinner specific playlist and lots of candles and you are on your way. Lastly, economics often mean sacrifice. If you want to host one special person you will most likely have more resources. More people will spread your culinary/entertainment dollars more thinly. Plan ahead and remember the five P’s – Prior Preparation Prevents Poor Performance.

Enitan Bereola: A man’s place of dwelling is his castle and speaks volumes about his life. Your home decor is your opportunity to display your style and expose a portion of your soul without saying a word. You can easily take honor in your home without breaking your bank. Your walls aren’t meant to be bare – put some art up. You don’t have to go out and get a Basquiat, find the graphic designer within and manipulate existing digital photos on your laptop. Technology makes it easier for you to be a modern day Warhol. Print your work, put it in a frame and it’s as simple as that. Making impressions are important but most importantly, be you.

…See the Full Article Here…