(NC)The holiday season is the time of year filled with entertaining, parties and social gatherings. Whether planning a small, intimate gathering or a large family affair, it is often the host's attention to detail that impresses guests the most. Creating a festive atmosphere, planning ahead and preparing delicious dishes will ensure guests have a memorable experience. This holiday season, follow these simple tips, guaranteed to delight visitors and simplify holiday entertaining.
Create Atmosphere
Limit the size of the gathering, consider several intimate parties rather than a large open house
Add distinctive touches that guests will remember. Creative centre pieces, colourful drinks, special serving dishes and bright napkins will all assist in creating an inviting atmosphere
Create ambience with candles and festive music or string indoor lights or ribbon around house plants and stairways
Treat guests to small favours that they can take home as mementos of the evening (i.e. a small decorative candle or colourful ornament)
Be Prepared
Consider hiring someone to assist with set-up and clean-up during the event. A neighbourhood teen or college student would be grateful for the extra income around the holidays
Develop a check list and timeline of things to do before the event to ensure that party elements are well-organized
Prepare food, beverages, dιcor the day before so you can spend more time with guests
Set up an area where guests can fix their own drinks. Use a cooler with ice to keep beverages chilled and free up the refrigerator
Keep Food Simple and Beautiful
Plan a combination of hot and cold foods to decrease preparation time
Prepare popular, tasty appetizers that are visually pleasing such as Knorr's Classic Spinach Dip in a pumpernickel bread bowl
Hors d'oeuvres provide guests with a sampling of numerous cuisines and offer variety. Pay special attention to offer meatless and non-dairy edibles for guests with religious, vegetarian and lactose-intolerant restrictions
- News Canada
