Entertaining Q&A
Answer: Considering retail stores start hawking their holiday wares in October and the 24/7 holiday music starts the second Halloween is over, no wonder you're over the holidays before they've even begun. Don't despair: we'll help you escape, but not to the beach. If you're doing an appetizer party, why not turn it into a fun and festive tapas party? You can take your guests to the easy, casual mood of Spain with just a few ingredients: appetizers (tapas), plenty of drinks (we suggest Sangria), flamenco music, and color, color, color. See our Frugal But Fabulous Party Tips for more ideas. Forget the red and green theme and go all out with brightly-colored plates, napkins, tablecloths, even tableware. String up multicolored paper lanterns instead of twinkling lights, and add a Spanish flair to the food by putting out Manchego cheese, marinated olives, and tapenade with toasted baguette slices.
Answer: Mother Nature is nothing if not unpredictable, and since you're probably organizing and inviting people to your party more than a few days in advance, there's not a lot you can do in terms of the weather. That said, you could do a couple of things to salvage your party should the same thing happen again. One is to simply plan a new date (not too far in the future so your food is still fresh) and call everyone to announce the snow date. Or you can put a "snow date" on the invitation. If your party is scheduled for a Tuesday evening, put "in case of a snow emergency, the party will be on Wednesday" or something similar on the invitation. Many of your guests this year who were invited last year will remember and chuckle.
Answer: Absolutely you can, though we know it can be hard to sell your tradition-bound family on something new. Get in touch with family members early before some of the sales hounds find presents, and tell them how you feel. More importantly, come armed with other ideas: instead of a traditional present exchange, why not do a white elephant exchange, where each family member wraps something he or she no longer wants? You could also suggest that everyone donate the money that would be spent on presents to a charity of their choice, or pick a charity as a family. Giving back is a wonderful feeling, especially this time of year.
Answer: Keeping cold foods cold is easier than keeping hot foods hot; with the cold foods, you can store extras in the fridge and replenish as necessary, or park the whole tray on a bed of ice. Hot foods are a little harder. You could do one or more of these things: one, designate a kitchen helper whose only job is to bake small batches of hot appetizers so they're continually being refreshed. (See our recipes page for some great holiday-themed ideas like Bar-B-Q Tartlets and Mozzarella Sticks). Two, plan some hot dishes that will stay warm in the crock pot, such as our Maple Meatballs, or dishes that start out hot but taste delicious at room temperature, like our Barbeque Tartlets or mini-quiches. Three, rent or borrow chafing dishes to keep foods warm.
Answer: Hot dogs are still the ultimate cheap food for feeding hordes of summer crowds, but you can mix it up with some more sophisticated fare. Head over to your local club store and pick up bulk foods that can be thrown on the Barbie–our recipes for Meatball Skewers with Southwestern Chili Dip and Cheese Sticks on the Grill are two examples. Also serve slices of grilled pizza and grilled cheese quesadillas for the kids and vegetarians in the crowd.
Answer: Have this conversation before the trip even begins. If the other families are expecting you to shell out for the usual filet mignon on your new hamburger budget, you've got to set them straight. Just play it cool: "Look, everyone's watching their budgets right now, and I think it's a good idea for all of us to scale back this year" is a good start. Discuss whether you'll all economize and continue to split costs, or if it's better to simply buy for your own families, though if you all see eye-to-eye on the budget, it's actually cheaper and easier to buy food in bulk and continue to split foods and the cost.
Answer: It sounds like you've already got the guest list in mind, so check one thing off your list. Next, find a location, date, and time that works for everyone (these things often go hand in hand, especially if you're reserving a picnic shelter at the park or another venue). Planning the food is the biggest challenge; make it easy on yourself by asking family members to bring foods you've assigned. See our food party plan for more ideas. Don't forget entertainment: with a big crowd of kids running around and adults who want to play catch-up, this might take care of itself, but have a few games and activities handy just in case. Finally, enjoy yourself. You're planning the day because you want to spend time with family, so make sure you have time to do that.
Answer: Since you don't know whether your vacation rental will have a cutting board or even the right kind of saucepan, it's best to keep recipes and meals super-simple so you don't have to lug a lot of food and equipment with you. Before you leave, go online and map grocery and club stores near where you're staying so you'll be able to buy food when you arrive. Ideally, the place will have a grill-the best no-fuss cooking tool ever. Bring a few recipes along that require few ingredients and simple prep, and rely on other no-cook foods like snack food, sandwiches, cold cereal, and fresh fruits, vegetables, and bread picked up at an open-air market.
Answer: A few organized activities for reunion-goers who aren't too physically active are a good idea, but don't stress about packing the schedule too tightly-people really just want to visit with each other. A low-key hike or miniature golf won't get the older folks' heart rates up too high; karaoke is fun for all ages toward the evening. You could also put graduation pictures on a projector to play "guess who," including what the person went on to do career-wise.
Answer: What a sweet gesture–your wife and mother will no doubt be pleased just by the thought. That said, a few tips and tricks will help you keep it simple but delicious. First, stick with easy recipes and prepared foods like bagels, muffins, and fresh fruit. Second, let the kids help. (This will likely muddle rather than streamline the process, but it will be appreciated by the mothers.) Third, clean up right away, before the gunk has a chance to stick on the pots and pans and the mothers have a chance to sneak in and do it themselves.
Answer: Brunch is one of the more casual get-togethers, so a week or two in advance is plenty if it's not for a special occasion. However, if you're doing an Easter or Mother's Day brunch (the two most popular brunch days of the year), invite guests a month beforehand so they don't commit elsewhere. As to the level of formality in the invitations, again, that's entirely up to you. An e-vite is perfectly appropriate for a girlfriend's get-together; a post-wedding brunch or Easter brunch may require a more formal invitation. Follow through with the same level of formality or casualness in the brunch itself, because guests often take their dressing cues from the invitation.
Answer: There's nothing worse than the weather spoiling your party, but take heart: you're probably stressing about it much more than your guests are. If your house is truly too small and you simply can't squeeze people in, call everyone the morning of and reschedule. But don't forget that a meal is really about the fellowship. Guests won't mind squeezing into your small space as long as the food and friends guarantee a good time.
Answer: There's nothing worse than a gaggle of hungry guests hovering over you in the kitchen while you try to get food on the table. Try these three steps to keep guests happy and your stress level down. One, let them know that it will be an hour (or whatever your time frame is) before brunch begins, so they're mentally prepared. Two, have a few appetizers and drinks ready to whip out of the fridge as soon as you arrive home. Put them out in the living room and let guests help themselves to food and conversation while you get the main meal going in the kitchen. Three, work ahead as much as possible: set the table, prep ingredients and even make some of the recipes the night before. Your morning will go much smoother and you can relax and enjoy yourself.
Answer: A weeknight evening is ok, but remember the mom-to-be won't be drinking cocktails and you don't want to keep everyone awake with a dose of caffeinated coffee. I love a Saturday baby shower brunch, when you can break out those pastel baby colors and serve cake and coo over the presents, but still feed guests nutritious savory foods that will keep them from getting a sugar high. (See our recipes for quick and flavorful brunch ideas.)
Answer: You’re smart to watch your finances, and we’ve got several ideas for stretching your dollars for a game day party. First, remember that a football party is the epitome of casual: you don’t need to spend big bucks on extra touches that are more appropriate at a swanky holiday party. Good reception and plenty of food and beverages are all your guests really want. Second, work on a budget to plan your food and how much you want to spend. Third, don’t be afraid to ask guests to contribute. Bringing a covered dish for halftime, a pot of chili, and even their own drinks is totally appropriate.
Answer: That depends on how you look at football. If it’s as divisive as religion and politics in your house and no one can manage to be nice, you might want to invite guests who are rooting for your team only. (This is a party, after all!) If you think everyone can stay civil, by all means, invite opposing team fans. You can even make it funny by taping a line of masking tape down the center of the room and requesting fans to stay on their team’s side.
Answer: You don’t want to miss the whole game and all the cool commercials because you’re busy cooking. First, map out a game plan using quick and easy recipes. Ready-to-bake prepared appetizers are a good choice, as are ready-made meatballs, which you can pop in the crock pot to heat with a tangy sauce. See our recipes page for a complete menu that will serve 30 guests for under $3 per person. Plan to serve desserts that can be made ahead of time as well. Cookies, brownies and bars fit that category and make good finger food in the game room. Second, grab a few guests who would rather socialize than watch the game, and ask for their help in the kitchen. Third, have a serving plan. It’s traditional to serve appetizers during the first half of the game, a main dish during half time, and desserts either in the second half or post-game. Once you have the food out, you’re free to relax and mingle. As for drinks, don’t offer a full bar. Stock beer and soda, and at most serve pitchers of one mixed drink that you can whip up a big batch of at a time.
Answer: Absolutely, unless your group is entirely made up of rabid football fans who are only there to watch the game and nothing else save dip their hand into a bowl of chips between plays. More than likely, you’ll have a mix of people, including some who don’t follow football at all, and maybe even some bored kids. We’ve got ideas for games with prizes like choosing the best commercial and picking the MVP of the game. For kids, set up a separate area with a selection of games, movies, and crayons and paper so they’ve got something to do if the game doesn’t hold their attention.
Answer: A tailgate party is classic, but if you’re looking for something different, here are a few ideas. This year, the Big Game is hosted in Tampa Bay, Florida. Take your guests to the game virtually by jazzing up your tailgate standbys Florida-style. Think seafood, oranges, Cuban food, tropical drinks and key limes. Create a Cuban-style pork sandwich with pre-made BBQ pork trays, serve shrimp butterflies with an orange-marmalade dip, and add key lime bars to the dessert table. Or do the same with your team, creating dishes that reflect its cultural heritage. Finally, since the Super Bowl is in February again this year, you could do a Mardi Gras theme New Orleans-style.
Answer: Since your crystal ball won't predict who will have some sort of dietary issue, you can do one of two things. One, make it easy on yourself and simply serve what you're already planning to serve, trusting that those who can't eat a certain type of food will refrain from doing so. Or, two, if you're committed to being the ultimate host, consider common dietary restrictions. Some people struggle with weight gain during the holidays; others are diabetic, lactose-intolerant, or glucose-intolerant. A veggie tray and fresh fruit should do the trick for all of those conditions. Even if you choose not to alter the menu, make sure there's always a pitcher of water plus another non-alcoholic drink available for holiday teetotalers.
Answer: Most party favors border on tacky, but plenty of holiday gifts are fun, classy, and simple to put together. Good food ideas include tying gourmet hot chocolate packages with a festive ribbon or filling mini-glass jars with seasonal candy. Supply guests for the new year with single-serve Champagne bottles tied with a ribbon and a tag that says "Happy holidays and best wishes for the New Year." A fun and inexpensive option is to line up a Santa Claus and a photographer, and take digital pictures of each party guest sitting on Santa's lap. Print the pictures on a color printer and send them home with guests.
Answer: Decide early on when and where the party will be held. If it's off-site, you'll need to make reservations far in advance, as locations book fast during this busy time of year. You could do a restaurant party, have something catered in, or do simple appetizers with colleagues' help (see our holiday appetizer party plan). Your budget will determine whether or not you can provide alcoholic drinks, but if you do, try to avoid the open bar. Too many overworked employees have taken advantage of the situation and had a bit too much holiday cheer. You don't want to feel responsible for their behavior or driving for the next, oh, fifteen years. Finally, consider adding a philanthropic activity to the party. Your company could adopt a family in need, bring presents for a Christmas Tree Angels program, or write letters to overseas troops. These are good team-building events that are sure to get the group into the holiday spirit.
Answer: Since you'll all shortly have a sugar high from munching on cookies, serve savory foods at the actual party. A vegetable tray with dip, crackers with cranberry chutney and cream cheese, artichoke dip and tortilla chips, and mozzarella sticks are simple, delicious options. For drinks, try hot cider, eggnog, wine, or even Bloody Marys if you want to carry on with the "savory" theme.
Answer: When the weather outside is too frightful to send the kids out to play, it's best to have several anti-boredom games and projects to keep them out of trouble (after all, they don't want lumps of coal in their stockings!). Holiday-themed coloring books and brand new crayons will be irresistible to younger children; a seasonal movie like A Charlie Brown Christmas, The Santa Clause, or How the Grinch Stole Christmas playing in a room close to the party will keep kids of all ages occupied. If you do decide to brave the great outdoors, be sure to remind parents to bring snowsuits and winter weather gear. Give kids raisins, a carrot, and a scarf and have them build a snowman or a fort. Once they're back inside, fortify them with steamy mugs of hot chocolate topped with marshmallows and stirred with a mini candy cane.
Answer: Since the closest we usually get to live plants in winter is the tree and perhaps a wreath on the front door, using fresh live flowers, fruits, and plants in seasonal colors will put a spark in your usual holiday décor. Set out a big bowl of pomegranates and clove-studded oranges on the dining room table or sideboard. Add two or more large vases of red and white carnations or roses for a candy cane look, and use candles wreathed with fresh evergreen branches around the house.
Answer: Bugs that bite and buzz around the food are the ultimate outdoor party crashers. Keep uninvited flying guests away from people with the judicious placement of citronella candles and torches (put torches around the perimeter of your entertaining area and candles on the tables and food table; just make sure small children can't reach them). You can also set out bug repellent and tell guests to help themselves. Protect the food with covers - use big inverted plastic bowls or mesh food tents to keep flies away.
Answer: You certainly don't want to be responsible for a series of fainting fits when you're hosting company. When you're planning an outdoor gathering and the mercury is sizzling, you have a few options. If you want to keep the party outside, set up umbrellas for shade, place seating under trees, have plenty of cool drinks available, and consider making water games the theme of the day. See our entertaining tips for water game ideas. Or, move the party inside and crank up the air conditioning - extra people in the house plus a heat wave will heat the house up faster.
Answer: If grilling is your forte, make the rest of the meal simple. Start with some ready-to-bake appetizers and cool drinks so guests have something to munch on while you work your magic at the grill. For the meal itself, get classic salads like potato and coleslaw from the deli, plus chips and dip to round it off. For dessert, head back to the barbeque: grilled peach halves topped with vanilla ice cream are always a hit. Check out our summer entertaining recipes for more ideas.
Answer: Head outside and do a visual sweep of the yard: are there toys and junk lying around? Put them away for the party. Make sure the grass is freshly mowed, pull major weeds in the garden, and wipe down outdoor furniture with a cloth, or hose it down and let it dry in the sun. Want to go beyond "clean" and put up some outdoor décor? Find ideas here.
Answer: Your problem is a common one for families with pools, but there are ways to keep the house cool and dry and the kids wet and warm. Designate one room (preferably a bathroom right inside the door) as the changing room for the pool party, and set a firm rule that no wet swimsuits go any further into the house. Keep a stack of extra towels right by the door, and consider posting a sign reminding guests to close the door behind them, to keep the cool air inside.
Answer: You have three options if bad weather is looming. 1. Include a rain date in the invitation. This might not be practical if your party includes out-of-town relatives and guests. 2. Move the party inside. If your house has the space, go for it, but if not, seriously consider option three. 3. Rent a tent. They can be pricey, but so is all the time and money you've sunk into the party. Even if the weather turns out fair and fine, you'll have a refuge from the sun.
Anne from California asks: How far in advance should I mail invitations or send evites for my party?
Answer: The formality of the party will determine how soon you need to send invitations. Wedding invitations should be mailed 8-10 weeks in advance, a formal party 6 weeks in advance, an informal or cocktail party 2-3 weeks in advance. If you're holding a party during a busy time of year (such as December or graduation), consider alerting guests well in advance with a "save the date" card.
Answer: We pity the poor hostess who has to fret over misplaced invitations and inconsiderate attendees, but non-RSVPs are a common entertaining problem. If your event is large and/or informal, prepare 25 percent more food than you think you'll need for the number that's responded, which will cover people who don't RSVP but still show up. If the party is small or formal, simply call the delinquents and ask if they're planning to attend.
Answer: The day before the party, make a "backwards list" by writing down the time you want the food to be on the table. Then list how long each dish will take to bake, cook, or be assembled, and work backwards so you know what time to start each one. For example, if the party starts at 4 p.m., pop the Bar-B-Q pork in the oven at 2:30, arrange the fruit platter at 3:30, and bake the mozzarella sticks just 10 minutes before guests arrive. For a long open house, you'll want to stagger the food so it doesn't all come out at once and sit on the table for hours, so make several "backwards lists" with staggered serving times.
Answer: Alcohol always livens up a party, but if you serve it, do so in moderation since your guests will likely be driving. Mix a big pitcher of a signature or themed drink for the party instead of operating a full bar, or put several varietals of wine out for guests to choose their own. If your party is alcohol free, try jazzing up iced tea with pomegranate or cranberry juice and lime slices, making sparkling lemonade with lemonade concentrate and sparkling water, or letting guests make their own Italian sodas with ice, sparkling water, and flavored syrups.
Answer: Have you ever been to a party where the food ran out? More than likely, you'll have the opposite problem and will be seen post-party foisting doggie bags on departing guests, but we'll calm your fears anyway. If more guests show up and they're hungrier than you expected, have some backup food on hand; non-perishable snacks like pretzels and mixed nuts and frozen appetizers like mozzarella sticks that can be heated in a hurry. The extra food will come in handy if one of your starring dishes turns into a culinary disaster. See our party food calculator for serving guidelines.
Answer: You may want to look into renting, but not necessarily a hall. If the weather forecast looks good, renting tables and chairs for outdoors is an option. Throw in a tent if you can't count on mother nature. If you think a hall will make your life easier, go for it. It's your party.
Answer: When food that's supposed to be kept hot or cold sits out at room temperature for too long, scary-sounding bacteria can develop, causing foodborne illness. In order to send your guests home as happy as they came, go by the two-hour rule and don't let anything sit out at room temperature for longer than that. Keep hot foods hot with chafing dishes (rent these from a party rental company) and cold foods cold by nesting them in bowls of ice. Or use smaller serving trays and replace them often.
Answer: Relax, we've got the cheater's guide right here. Delicious food is all about presentation. Garnish serving platters with fresh greens or lemon slices, sprinkle a bit of paprika or freshly-ground black pepper on store-bought hors d'oeuvres, and dust sweet foods with powdered sugar or chocolate shavings. You'll be amazed at how good "your" creations look and taste.
Great Recipes and Tips, Served Up Fresh.
Damon from California asks: We camp every year with three other families and have always shared food. T
Answer: Have this conversation before the trip even begins. If the other families are expecting you to shell out .... Continued >
