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Entertaining:
Holiday
Entertaining 101
Source: News Canada
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, décor 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
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