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Real Simple, Really Good Entertain on a short-order budget with a focused theme and creative activities  Image courtesy Robert Rose Inc. The temptation to go overboard in preparing food, entertainment and décor for a party in your home can be strong when striving to impress guests. Consider the current state of the economy and learn the meaning of "less is more" when it comes to great ideas for simple soirées. "Streamlining your process in terms of giving yourself some kind of theme is the way to go," says Karen Bussen, the author of "Simple Stunning Parties at Home" (Stewart, Tabori and Chang, 2009). She suggests picking a region and throwing a wine and cheese party. The food and entertainment naturally flows out of a regional theme, but your menu could also inspire the theme of your party. Denise Vivaldo, Los Angeles-based culinary consultant and author of "The Entertaining Encyclopedia: Essential Tips for Hosting the Perfect Party" (Robert Rose, 2009), suggests throwing a white wine party. This limited-bar theme will spark interest among guests and save you money. A simple meal plan for a dinner party can be a salad with whatever fresh produce is in season and a simple pasta dish with a great bottle of wine, Bussen says. Georgeanne Brennan, author of "Gather - Memorable Menus for Entertaining Throughout the Seasons" (Sasquatch Books, 2009), favors a main dish salad for last-minute meals. "Then, instead of cooking it, you're just tossing it together," she says. Don't give yourself a headache by trying to supply a vast array of appetizers and desserts. Remember, you're there to feed not fatten your guests, Vivaldo says. Three or four hors d'oeuvres are enough for a typical party at home. The time and length of the party helps determine guests' expectations for the menu also. If you plan a party from 4 to 6 p.m., "that's telling them it's not dinner," Vivaldo says. She also advises including the menu in the invite - "The more you communicate with your guests beforehand the better the party will be." Simple entertainment, like music and games is all that's needed to make your evening complete, but you can be more creative while on a budget. Vivaldo used to meet with friends an hour before "The Sopranos" came on to have dinner and watch the T.V. show together. She adds that something as simple as a slideshow presentation of a recent trip you've taken can entertain guests. "There's nothing wrong with sometimes having simple pleasures," she says. |
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