Entertaining Advice
You can host the perfect party when you have the know-how. Take our advice and make it happen.
Dipdee-Doo, Switcheroo
If you're having a get-together, be forewarned: Your guests likely will eat whatever you put out for them! Next time, instead of getting pre-packaged dips, try making them yourself. You can combine a can of refried black beans with a can of undrained RO*TEL® and heat gently for a great dip that goes well with tortilla chips. For some extra flavor, sprinkle on some shredded or crumbled cheese before you serve it to your guests.
Just Fondue It
Break out of the winter "blahs" by having a fondue party. Try a cheese fondue appetizer, with plenty of dipping treats, and a warm chocolate dessert fondue to cap off your evening. A great dessert recipe to try that's fun to share is Mini Popcorn Balls with Chocolate "Fondue". Guests will be talking about your party until the weather warms up.
The Perfect Play
Don't be afraid of a kid-friendly get-together this year for the Big Game. When you invite your friends over, invite their kids, too. Set up an arts and crafts table to the side to keep them busy throughout the game, and include football-themed crafts so the kids can get in on the fun.
Don't Worry; Be Appy
The days leading up to a holiday party at your house can be frantic. Save yourself some sanity by making a couple of small appetizers you can keep fresh in the fridge. One suggestion: "Guac" That Rocks. This festively colored guacamole dip takes just 10 minutes to prepare and is great for guests.
Thrifty Thanksgiving Centerpiece
Nature provides a host of options to adorn your holiday table—for little or no money. Gather colorful fall leaves, fanciful gourds, branches or berries, and a handful of buckeyes. Then place a large, unscented white candle in the center, and arrange your seasonal pieces around it like a wreath.
Sensational Salad in a Snap
Restaurant-style salad—think gorgonzola cheese, dried cranberries, and sliced almonds—is easy to come by these days. Just look in the produce aisle near the bagged lettuce for pre-packaged salad kits. Guests appreciate the extra touch, and it's less work than a simple vegetable salad.
Save the Wine
Have some leftover wine after hosting a party? Try freezing it to use in marinades or sauces for future dishes.
Settle the Spice
Serving dishes with a little kick to them? Have some easy ways on hand for guests to calm the spice sensation. Milk, yogurt, and bread are great to help cool a peppered palette.
Kids'-Table Coup
Hosting a dinner party with kids in attendance? Keep them from getting bored at the kids'-table by covering their table with white drawing paper and providing a big box of crayons as the centerpiece. Once everyone is finished eating and the adults are chatting, the kids can entertain themselves by decorating their table.
Quick Clean for Guests
Last-minute guests on their way over? Don't worry—not everyone maintains a perfectly put-together living room at all times. Grab an empty laundry basket, fill it with any clutter, and store it in an unused room. Then dim the lights and light a few candles to transform your room from cozy-but-cluttered to company-ready.
Food Allergy Advice
Planning a party can be tricky if a guest has a food allergy. Avoid problems by communicating to find out the specifics, and by using designated cookware and utensils to avoid cross contamination when preparing your dishes. And don't be offended if a guest asks to see labels or avoids foods altogether—she is just trying to stay safe.
Easy Easter Centerpiece
A beautiful vase of spring flowers always is a great centerpiece, but there are other cute options, too. Try an Easter basket filled with colorful dyed eggs. Or march a line of chocolate bunnies down the table.
Enjoy a Night In
Take a break from the hectic Valentine's Day restaurant crowd. Instead of going out, plan a cozy night in with your sweetie. Fondue makes a romantic appetizer for two. Curl up on the couch after dinner with a good movie. You'll save money and enjoy more quality time together. Check out Valentine's Dinner on a Dime for romantic recipes and helpful tips.
Entertaining on a Budget
When picking out the food and/or recipes to serve at a party, consider the cost of the recipe ingredients. You may be able to pick different—but still tasty—recipes that will be a little more kind to your pocketbook.
Draw the Line
Ever had a picnic spoiled by hungry ants? Draw a line with chalk, and they won't march past it. For an extra level of pest defense, keep your food in a sealed container until you're ready to eat.
Keep the Club Close
Keep club soda on hand to help pretreat any stains that might occur during holiday dinners.
The Early Shopper Gets the Bird
Try to do your Thanksgiving shopping in the early morning or late evening at least one week prior to the holiday. Stores get more crowded as the holiday grows near, and you might find your favorite brand of bread crumbs have sold out.
Candle Cleanup
To remove the last of the wax from votive candleholders, place them in the freezer for 15 minutes. The wax will shrink and pop right out!
Carving the Perfect Pumpkin
The key to creating the spookiest jack-o'-lantern on the block could be a pattern. Instead of carving freehand, sketch your idea on a piece of paper (or use a stencil or template), then transfer to your pumpkin before carving.
Dress Up Your Dinner Table
Want to impress your dinner guests? Hollow out tomatoes and use them as serving dishes for dips or condiments. Not only does this make for a unique presentation, but cleanup is a cinch.
When Life Hands You Lemons
Next time you have leftover lemons or limes from a party, squeeze the juice into an ice cube tray. Then, when a recipe calls for fresh lemon or lime juice, you'll be all set.
Make-Ahead Meals
To cut down on the stress levels the day of the big holiday, choose some dishes you can make ahead. Then make them!
