by Tammie Kuhn

Created on: December 31, 2008

One of my greatest joys in life is entertaining. I love conceiving the them, creating the menu, and I love cooking. I think that's the key to throwing a fabulous party. I enjoy every minute, from the time my guests arrive until they leave. Every person is greeted individually, and I always make sure that their food tastes are taken into consideration when creating the menu. I won't necessarily cook their "favorites," but I consider food allergies and dislikes of certain items when I'm cooking. You can prepare the most amazing menu ever conceived, with professional decorations, and if you are drawn and haggard, it shows. Your guests pick up on your lack of enthusiasm, and are made to feel unwelcome.

The menu can be as simple or complex as you like. It's important, however, for your guests to understand what to expect. Are they to bring a dish to pass or alcohol? If you are creating the menu, be sure to tell them whether it's appetizers or a full blown meal. Are children welcome? If it's a theme party, should they wear a costume? If it's not a theme party, what is the dress? Regardless of the type of invitation, verbal or written, be sure to convey to your guests what to look forward to.

With regard to decorations, again, these can be as simple or complicated as you'd like. You need not spend a fortune in decorating, a simple centerpiece shows your guests that you have placed some thought into having them in your home. I love to use helium balloons; you can buy a disposable tank for $30, and have them on the ceiling with long pieces of curling ribbon attached. Beautiful, as well as inexpensive.

When presenting the food, make sure to keep hot and cold items at their proper temperature. For hot items, and inexpensive aluminum chafing dish set can keep the food warn for hours. For cold items, I use trays that allows the individual compartments to be frozen. I purchased them at an end of season closeout for $5. Additionally, you can create an ice mold by nesting two bowls together. It take a little effort, but you can make a beautiful ice bowl virtually free.

One of the most overlooked things is the hostesses appearance. I always make sure to plan a meal that doesn't require anything more than reheating/refilling after my guests are due to arrive. Even for a family get together, I dress for the occasion, including hair and makeup. If you place some effort into your appearance, it is yet another way your guests know that you are excited to receive them.

Above all else, enjoy your guests. No one will remember that your souffle fell, or the bread was overcooked. What they will remember is that they had an amazing time, with a hostess that was excited to mingle with them. I have been to parties where the hostess was clearly stressed. I left as soon as polite - I didn't want to be there. Your attitude affects the future memory of the party, and the enjoyment of your guests more so that the menu or decorations.

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