(NAPSA)—Parties and get-togethers are a chanceto relax and socialize but the pressure of preparation can make the days leading up to the event very stressful for the host—though not if you plan properly. “Hosting a get-together for family or friends doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive,” said Jennifer Bushman, chef, author of “Kitchen Coach: Weeknight Cooking,” for busy cooks who want to make delicious food fast, and owner of a popular cooking school in Reno, Nevada. “By following a few easy tips, party hosts can ensure that everyone enjoys the next gettogether, including themselves.” In order to guarantee a relaxing and enjoyable evening, party preparation should be easy, yet sophisticated enough to impress your guests. Abandon the notion that every bite of food served needs to be homemade. Make a couple of crowd-pleasing dishes that you do well and are easy to prepare. Augmentthe rest of your appetizers with a cheese tray from the grocery store or an assortment of elegant bakery items. Buying prepared foods from your favorite deli or restaurant is a practical alternative to spending hours in the kitchen. Simple garnishes like parsley, seasonal flowers or fruit make a lovely presentation that will look special. Stress-free Entertaining Tips Neverprepare anything forthe first time to serveat a party; go with familiar and time-tested standbys that are crowd favorites. Do what you do best and buy the rest; dress up store-bought hummus with a drizzle of olive oil and some chopped parsley; pick up a cheese trayat the deli and add seasonalfruit and flowers as garnish. Forget the full dinner buffet and serve a lot of hors d'oeuvres instead. For a 90- minute party you'll need five to eight pieces per person. Don’t feel the need to decorate your entire house; simply dim the lights and use lots of candles. Experts at Andr ChampagneCellars recommend a "sparkling bar,” set up away from the food so guests have plenty of room to mingle. Make surethat all preparation is done by the time thefirst guest arrives. The only thing that shouldbe left to dois greet each guest, perhaps with a glass of champagneat the door. @ For large cocktail parties, forget passed hors d’ouerves and use your dining room table as a buffet. The best items to serve are those that can be eaten in one bite, eliminating the need for utensils and cutting down on cleanup. One-bite appetizers are also easily held in one hand, allowing your guests to walk around the room and mingle. Instead of stocking a full bar, cut down on costs and preparation by creating a theme and serve a signature drink. One popular and festive option is to create a “sparkling” bar with a non-alcoholie fizzy fruit punch and a variety of sparkling wines. Sparkling wine can be terrific at any party. It’s seen as festive and fun and gives guests a chance to toast a celebration. Some hosts or hostesses might be apprehensive about opening multiple bottles. Fortunately, there is a bubbly on the market with a new closure that easily twists off and even reseals for later use. A popular bubbly, Andr Champagne Cellars, is making it easier and more convenient for party hosts to serve a special beverage by introducing “Twist & Pop,” the easy-to-open, resealable closure that keeps bubbles for days after opening. Whatever your guests don’t finish at tonight’s party can be used for mimosas at tomorrow's brunch. By following just a few easy tips, hosts and hostesses can have a successful and hassle-free party.
