Lora Brody, the author of The Entertaining Survival Guide: A Handbook for the Hesitant Host, believes that hosting a party is not about the "art" of entertaining. She explains that entertaining should not be elevated to an art form because the main objective is to have fun, and the novice host is likely to be intimidated by such an aesthetic concept. Instead, plan your party with the idea of comfort in mind, and your experience will be relaxing and enjoyable. Here are a few tips that Brody provides: - Be sure to plan your party well in advance. You want to allow enough time to be able to make your preparations at a leisurely pace to avoid burnout and stress. In her book, Brody provides a timeline for what needs to be done and when. This ranges from one month before the party to one hour before the guests arrive.
- Create a menu that you can easily prepare. Practice ahead of time, if necessary.
- Shop and cook before the day of the party, and freeze what you can.
- Accept help wherever you find it. Order out if it keeps you ahead of the game and feeling calm.
- For an open house, stagger your invitation times between the hours of your party to keep guests flowing throughout the day.
- Set food on tables all around the house, not in just one place. Be sure to have plates available wherever there is food.
- Enlist the help of a friend to cut cake and serve food. Also have someone available to whisk away the dirty plates to facilitate easy cleanup after the party.
- Keep the music low to allow for conversation among your guests.
- Most important, relax and have a good time. The purpose of a party is to have fun with friends!
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