Organized & Entertaining--Part III

You have planned, prepared and pictured in your mind the festivities to entertain. Invitations were issued and the day is here!

To keep your cool, here are a few tips to remember on the day of the event.

• Work your plan. When the neighbors came over for supper on our deck last weekend, I consulted my written menu as i set out the food. That helped me remember, even in the midst of great conversation, what to put on the table. If you need to put things in the oven at a certain time or pick up a pizza, set a timer as a reminder.
• Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold. Improvise as needed to create a cold zone for foods that need refrigeration. Use a larger container (even a child's swim pool) and fill with ice before setting the cold dishes in it. Two hours is the maximum time for food--hot or cold--to be out on a buffet.
• Ask for help. Most guests are willing to lend a hand. Don't wear yourself to a frazzle when there are others willing to help with last minute details as well as cleaning up!
• Have fun. Pretend you are a guest at your own party. Be part of the conversation and flow of the event.

If things don't go as smoothly as you would like on the day of the event, observe what could be changed the next time you entertain. Save your notes and lists from planning this event. Refer to them the next time you entertain.

What obstacles prevent you from entertaining? What are your tried and true strategies for successful parties? We would like to hear from you.