Easy Entertaining for the Holidays

Hi everyone! Yesterday I promised some tips for entertaining for the holidays. My philosophy on entertaining is do it and do it often. Our homes are supposed to be shared with those around us. So if you're one of those people who loves to go to parties, but fears hosting them....fear no more. I have some tips that are sure to leave you stress free so that you can throw a great party AND actually enjoy your own party!

1. First of all, think about the overall party you'd like to have..and be realistic. If you're not used to entertaining, don't have a huge bash with 80 guests. Start off small and get your feet wet first. 
2. Decide on the type of party you'd like to have. For instance, an intimate gathering such as dinner for a few couples, a family brunch, an open house, an afternoon tea, or a cocktail party...just to name a few.
3. Next decide on the guest list and on the invitations. Make sure you give people plenty of notice. A month is more than enough time in advance for a typical gathering. These days, formal invites are still nice, but if you have email addresses for all your guests, an e-vite is definitely considered appropriate. Make sure to include an R.S.V.P. date and ask guests to let you know how many people will be attending so that you can plan your meal accordingly.
4. Plan your menu. You'll want to give yourself enough time to do this. Depending on the type of party you are having, your menu will be set according to that. Food and drinks are important so you should be careful when choosing what you'll serve. Offer a good balance and variety to please all palettes. You should think of seasonal flavors and festive cocktails. For example, a simple champagne punch is great for a cocktail party with a big crowd... flavored coffee is great for a brunch...you get the idea. This isn't the time though to make something you've never made before. You're guests shouldn't be your guinea pigs. This is the time to offer foods you're good at making or if you don't cook well get help from the grocery store by buying items that are pre-made or have the party catered.
5. The way you go about serving your food is important too. For a standing crowd, set up a buffet of food, a separate dessert table, and a separate cocktail table. This way guests will keep moving around and the flow will be smooth. If you're serving a sit down meal, use place cards so that guests know where to sit.
6. Stay organized. I can't stress this enough. This is really the key to entertaining. Keep a shopping list of all your menu items, what is needed for each item, and check off if you have it or need it. You don't want to run out at the last minute to pick something up. Time is valuable and you want to be able to enjoy the party too! Keeping things simple is also important. Don't try to serve items that all need to be reheated or cooked at the last minute. Make your life easy and serve some cold items, some room temperature items and some warm items. 
7. Stock up on bar items like cocktail napkins, ice, and plenty of glasses. Also, keep your pantry stocked with plenty of mixed nuts, crackers, and holiday chocolates or cookies. 
8. Decorating your home for the occasion or the type of party you are having is important. This tells guests that you took the time to think of the experience as a whole. Create mood with lighting. Dim lights, and use plenty of candles for a cozy feel. If you have a fireplace, use it. This is a great way to make guests fell comfortable...who doesn't like to sit by a cracking fire? Also, have some background music playing...not too loud though...you want guests to be able to hear each other talk.

I hope that some or all of these tips are useful to you. I stick to these and I always throw a great party..which I get to enjoy too because I don't kill myself preparing for it.

Since we are in the Christmas holiday season, and for the most part, people get together for cocktail gatherings, I'll give a sample of what I serve when I have this type crowd.

1. I always serve a classic fruit cheese and vegetable crudite with crackers. You CAN'T go wrong. Serve at least 3 or 4 types of cheeses to offer variety. Best part is that you just buy everything, and put it on a platter and voila! Done. Also it should be noted that cheeses are supposed to be served at room temperature, so that you can actually taste the flavors of the cheeses, and experience the texture. (Don't mind me...I'm a cheese fanatic) Anyways, this is great because you can plate it all up the day before and set it out on the table an hour before guests arrive.
2. I always do some kind of poultry, whether it's a turkey breast or some kind of skewered chicken with a dipping sauce.
3. Another favorite item is a spiral ham. Always a crowd pleaser. This is great because it's substantial enough to satisfy those a little hungrier than others. These are of course already cooked. All you do is heat it through for a couple of hours. And a bonus is that it can sit out at room temperature and last for the whole party because it doesn't need to be hot to be good. 
4. Meatballs are also a great item because they can be done a hundred ways and people love them.
5. Make ahead dips and spreads are also a staple for me because they are easy to make and can be done days in advance...left in the fridge and served last minute.
6. Shrimp cocktail is a definite for me (primarily because we LOVE it) because it's easy and I like to serve a variety, and this satisfies the seafood lovers!

So, these are some of my favorite cocktail party items. I hope that these tips have inspired you to entertain in your home. It's easy...just take a little time to do a little planning...and YOU CAN DO IT!!!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Gina