The Art of Entertaining Is Knowing Who To Call

How to host with the most? The key to hosting a good party is meticulous planning and finding yourself a good caterer.

Remember that simplicity is key. Start at the beginning. Pick a color scheme. Create three or four focal points with matching color schemes and décor; the front door, the tree, the bar and the food table. I love using sparkly Christmas ribbons and balls in glass cylinders or nestled on a tabletop with ivy or leaves.

Create a playlist, combining your best loved music with seasonal favorites.

The key to creating a welcoming party mood is candles! Cluster them together in different heights, and always keep scented ones away from the food.

Cocktails! Go for a themed lively libation to set the mood, like an Aperol Spritz or a Ginger Sorrel Splash. Remember to serve something non-alcoholic, a ‘mocktail’ (non-alcoholic cocktail) such as a Ginger Cinnamon Cider.

Don’t mix and match your own china. Make it easy with rental of glassware, plates and utensils. This is a must. For high quality seasonal paper and plastic, visit SmartyParty.com.

No self-serve! Please don’t enlist friends and older children to pass and clean up. Hire servers! This will free you to be the host and enjoy your own party!

And now to my favorite reason to party: the food! The dining room table can be used as a beautiful tablescape: platters of Antipasto Italian Meats, Cheeses and Breads or a French Charcuterie: tumbled cheeses, pâtés, fruits and cornichons, and of course French baguettes. Christmas canapés like Prosciutto, Ricotta and Fig Crostini, Crisp Mini Latkes, Smoked Salmon Everything Toasts, Lamb Lollipops, Manchego Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates, Roasted Tomato, Brie and Tapenade Tarts, all can be passed on garnished chargers. Sweets? You bet! Mini Chocolate Mousse Cups, Lemony Squares and Grand Marnier Sabayon ladled over fresh raspberries will be the icing on your cake!

Call me at 954-491-2340 and enjoy the festivities without being frazzled!