Hostess How-Tos

Lehigh Valley Marketplace Magazine
By Jewels Quelly

Let’s be truthful here. Entertaining when your holiday plate is already full is usually stressful. With some strategic planning, the tension of hosting friends and family needn’t outweigh the joy of gathering together, which is the most important part of the holiday season.

Impromptu get-togethers can be a wonderful way to spend an evening, but the winter holiday season is not the time to casually throw them if you actually want guests to show up. Etiquette and society’s busy schedule both dictate that invitations be sent at least four weeks prior to your party. Some hosts even go the extra mile by sending “save the date” cards even months in advance when the party is a not-to-be-missed occasion. And here’s a really important reminder if you’re on the receiving end of an invitation requesting an RSVP; do it. Let your host know if you’re coming or not. There is no bigger pet peeve of new or seasoned hosts than guests who don’t respond.

Several weeks ahead, consider what table decorations and serving pieces you’ll be using. Do you need to purchase or borrow anything? Now is a great time to launder any table linens that haven’t been used recently and polish any silver pieces making an appearance at your party. Create your menu and a master grocery list (or call a personal chef and caterer!). Don’t forget to inventory your disposables and other incidentals such as candles and ice.

If you’ve planned accordingly, many recipes, especially those for finger foods cooked or warmed in an oven can often be prepared ahead and frozen. Room in the refrigerator and freezer can become a commodity. Ensure you have enough coolers and ice to chill the beverages, freeing up room for food items.

Holiday beverages and cocktails is an area where your party can really sparkle. Eggnog, wassail, cocoa, steaming mugs of tea, coffee, buttered rum and a rainbow of juices and schnapps all contribute to the exciting possibilities of potions.  Give your cups and mugs a festive touch by rimming them with colorful sugar, powdered sugar, cocoa powder and even crushed candy canes or other hard candy. Moisten the edge of your glass or mug with a lemon or lime wedge except when using cocoa and powdered sugar. In that instance, use a bit of one of the liquid ingredients (perhaps Kahlua?) from the drink recipe.

Your choice of music sets the tone for your event.  The mood of your party can be tempered with a gentle string composition or intensified with rollicking rock.

Where will you be hanging your guests’ overcoats and wraps? Do you have enough hangers? Coat racks are available at many party rental centers if room is an issue. Another essential consideration is trash and recyclables receptacles. Place extra bags in the bottom of your receptacles so that as they are emptied, a fresh bag is handy and ready to go. 

Right before you change into your celebration outfit, empty the dishwasher so it’s ready to take on those party dishes. Uncork and decant a few bottles of the red wine if your serving any since decanting really helps develop the attributes of red wine. Set out the cheese display, which also benefits by being served at room temperature.

Before heading upstairs to change, relax. Pour yourself a glass of wine, take a look around at the beautiful gathering you’ve created and imagine the tinkling of laughter and clinking of glasses as the party begins!

In the following recipe, courtesy of about.com, moisten the rim of the glass with schnapps or crème de cacao.

Candy Cane Cocktail

3/4 ounce berry flavored vodka
3/4 ounce Peppermint Schnapps
3/4 ounce white Crème de Cacao
1/4 ounce grenadine
half and half
Soda water

Pour the vodka, Peppermint Schnapps, white Creme de Cacao and grenadine into a cocktail shaker with ice.
Shake well. Pour into a cocktail glass rimmed with crushed peppermint candy. Fill with half and half.
Top with soda water.