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Entertaining -
Make Your Guests Feel Welcome
Our lives today are pre-scheduled from early morning to
late at night. Just the thought of giving a party can throw us into a
panic. How will we ever squeeze in the time much less find the energy to
entertain? The planning process itself can be rather daunting. Do I need
a party theme? Should I plan a sit-down affair or a buffet? What should
I serve? How many guests should I invite?
Planning the Guest List
Before you tackle the menu or nail down serving
arrangements, think about who you plan to invite. Although it may be
tempting to try and repay all your social obligations at once, you may
want to limit the size of your gathering so you can manage your party
easily. If you live in a small house or apartment, consider several
intimate parties rather than a large open house. Include a variety of
ages and a good mix of listeners and talkers.
Planning the Menu
One of the keys to a successful party is developing a menu that pleases
your guests, but doesn't keep you locked away in the kitchen. It's a
good idea to build the menu around dishes you know how to make, and then
add one or two new recipes. Plan as many make-ahead dishes that you can
freeze or refrigerate as you can. That way, you'll have time to enjoy
your party.
Making Your Guests Feel Welcome
Set the stage for your party with little touches that add to the feeling
of fun. Items such as luminarias lighting the front walk, a festive door
wreath, or candles and flowers throughout the house go a long way toward
creating an inviting atmosphere.
Use a simple garnish to add sparkle to each of the dishes you serve.
Make sure the garnish contrasts in color and texture with the food. It
should enhance the dish, not overpower it. Orange or lemon wedges or
slices, fresh herb sprigs, edible flowers, radish roses, thin slices of
carrot, sliced green onions, toasted nuts, toasted coconut, grated
chocolate, and dollops of whipped cream all work well as quick,
attractive garnishes.
Treat guests to small favors that they can take home as mementos of the
evening. A small mesh bag of nuts or candies, a colorful ornament, a
frame for a wallet-size photo, or a small decorative
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