Owens Corning

Nuts & Bolts of Entertaining
By Columnist Rita Calvert

Nuts & Bolts of Entertaining No-Fuss Entertaining

I am a newlywed and still learning the ropes in the kitchen. Is there any way to make entertaining less overwhelming?

First and foremost, the advice for conquering the fears of entertaining is to get organized by making separate lists for menu, guests, invitations (if needed), decorations, and shopping. Make a time schedule for completing these lists and all of the other necessary tasks. Assign jobs to anyone you can enlist. It's best to start your entertaining endeavor with a casual event or even a participation party where each guest will bring a dish. Only make recipes that you have tested and feel confident about, such as a traditional chili or pasta dish.

Is there any way to keep a buffet table looking neat and presentable during a buffet dinner?

One of the best ways to keep a buffet dinner party in ship shape is to prepare two smaller platters of the same item rather than one large. For instance, if your are doing a molded shrimp mousse, use two small molds instead of 1 large. Turn out both of the molds and place each one on a decorative platter with garnish. When the first one is mostly eaten and looking ragged, replace it with a beautiful new presentation. (You can then begin your stock of party leftovers).

How long should a cocktail hour last if I am serving a sit down dinner afterwards?

Cocktails before a dinner should be no longer than 45 minutes. Serve minimal amounts of nibbles to whet the appetite and to defray the alcohol. These appetizers could be as simple as raw vegetables with a light dip, bruschetta or crostini (which are toasts often topped with fresh chopped tomatoes and basil) or a mix of interesting small crackers and nuts. After about 30 minutes, begin to direct your guests to the dinner table.

Rita Calvert is columnist on entertaining and the culinary arts.
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