Quick Tips
With Janice Collins, as seen in Main Street Magazine
Holiday Entertaining Mayhem.
No matter the promise, there really are no ‘easy’ short cuts when entertaining, especially during the holidays if you are the one hosting the party. My best tip: be the guest! Smile with a nice hostess gift in hand, laugh, enjoy and let the planning and clean up be someone’s else’s, but in all seriousness if this is not possible do as much as you can before hand, from food to decorating, and try and recruit help from your children, family or friends.
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to make your home look festive. Lighting is essential. String Christmas lights around your home for added sparkle. Consider draping them along the doorway or the food table. Use tea light candles to add a glow to dark corners. If you have many guests, consider the new LED candle lights so if they are knocked over no one is in danger. The added bonus is being able to use them over and over, and you can get them cheap! Fill a vase or glass bowl with leftover Christmas ornaments for a stunning display. You could also spring for some of that spray-on snow for the windows. Don’t forget the tinsel and mistletoe.
There’s Christmas music out there for all tastes, whether you are into the traditional classics or more modern fare. Keep a bunch on hand to rotate throughout the night. Try a wide selection, from Frank Sinatra and Elvis to new compilations by Aretha Franklin, “This Christmas,” and Faith Hill, “Joy to the World.”
A holiday celebration requires some consideration as to what kinds of beverages will be served and what quantities of ingredients to buy. It isn't chiseled in granite anywhere that you must offer full bar service to guests. If that is your wish, however, make sure you have on hand a supply of the basic liquors -- whiskey, gin, rum, vodka -- and mixers -- tonic, club soda, tomato juice, lime juice, etc.
You'll also need a selection of wines and beers, plenty of ice, and enough glasses to go around.
Appoint a college-age son or daughter (yours or perhaps you can hire a friend's) to help tend bar, or set the bar up so guests can help themselves. You don't want to be chained to the bar any more than you want to be stuck at your stove.
To estimate how much you need, plan on each guest having three or four drinks throughout the course of the party. Serve nonalcoholic punch, fresh fruit juices, and bottled waters and sodas for guests who don't care to indulge.
As an alternative to having a full bar, consider serving one special drink, such as margaritas, single-malt scotch, or champagne. Wine lovers will be tickled to see the year's cadre of beaujolais adorning your table. Beer lovers will appreciate tasting a variety of handcrafted brews.
Popular is bring-your-own, and this is no longer thought of as ‘cheap and cheezy.’ Whatever you decide, be prepared to be a designated driver or make other arrangements to get everyone home safely..
Just like the bring-your-own alcohol beverages is now part of regular entertaining so are food contributions from guests. Plan a menu and ask each person to bring a dish. If this is not your style, remember to keep it simple, you do not want dips in the rug, and mustard on the drapes! Plan simple, mess free apps for nibbling while mingling.
Remember the point is ‘entertainment’ not just your guests but yours as well!
Have a safe and happy holiday everyone!