| No matter what the occasion or how much time you | | | | more. If so, she may serve more or invite the guest to |
| have, there is always a way to host a great party. | | | | help him or herself. Dessert is served in the same |
| This party planning information will give you a few | | | | manner. |
| ideas that you may not have thought of before. As | | | | Dessert and Coffee Get-togethers are great for the |
| you will see, there are a number of different types of | | | | busy host or hostess (and aren't we all?). Preparations |
| parties you can host. | | | | are at a minimum. No need to worry what night of the |
| The Two-Part Progressive Party is a party where | | | | week this type of party is held since it is usually held |
| two people host the party, each providing one course. | | | | earlier in the evening resulting in the guests leaving |
| The first person may provide the main course and, at | | | | earlier. All you need for this party is some good coffee |
| another location, the second person may serve the | | | | and a special dessert. |
| dessert and after dinner drinks. It doesn't have to be a | | | | Sunday Tea Parties are not as common as they once |
| large number of people. It is possible to have | | | | were, so why not host one? Preparation for this type |
| Progressive parties with any number of host or | | | | of party can be made on Saturday or Sunday |
| hostesses, each providing a part (appetizers, salad, | | | | morning. Most people associate this type of party for |
| etc.) of the meal in different locations. | | | | women but, if a little more substantial food is offered, |
| A Restaurant Party is sometimes the best choice for | | | | men will enjoy it as well. |
| entertaining. This doesn't mean to just go or meet | | | | One Plate Dinners - Buffet Style are excellent type |
| everyone at a certain restaurant. Make it special. | | | | parties for those who live in small apartments. All food, |
| Contact the restaurant and see if they have a special | | | | including dessert, is served on one plate. Two buffets |
| room for such events. Many will also let you choose | | | | are set up. The main course buffet is placed in the |
| from the menu what food is to be served, or, if you | | | | kitchen and the relishes, salad and dessert is placed in |
| wish, let your guests choose from the restaurant's | | | | the living room. With this arrangement, you can |
| menu what they would like to eat. If money is a | | | | entertain up to 20 people in a very small space. |
| concern, ask if it would be permissible to print your | | | | Barbeques are quite popular. Nothing is better than |
| own menu (chosen from the restaurant's menu, of | | | | sitting back in a nice relaxing atmosphere, eating and |
| course) with limited choices and place these at each | | | | having great conversation with friends. Cooking and |
| place setting for each guest to review. Remember to | | | | eating outdoors is enjoyed by almost everyone. A |
| leave the prices off so your guests can choose what | | | | barbeque certainly doesn't have to be elaborate. Even |
| they really like and not the cheapest item. You may | | | | the simplest of menus are great hits. This type of |
| also wish to use place cards and favors for a special | | | | party is great for the whole family. |
| affect. Mints or nuts in pretty bowls are also inviting. | | | | Dovetail Parties give you an extra bang for your buck. |
| These little touches make a restaurant dinner so much | | | | The concept of this type of party is to give two |
| more festive. Be at the door to greet guests as they | | | | parties instead of one but a day a part. Don't panic! It is |
| arrive and escort them to the table. You can bet they | | | | really a good idea. You use the same things for the |
| will be surprised to see how special you have made | | | | second party as you did the first. Your flowers are still |
| this dinner party. | | | | fresh, the decorations are already hung and the crystal |
| Lap Dinners are very easy dinners to set up. This | | | | and silver are still gleaming. You even serve the same |
| casual way of entertaining allows the hostess to have | | | | menu at both parties so you only have to shop and |
| everything prepared in advance. The entire main | | | | prepare your food once. This is a fantastic way to get |
| course for each guest is arranged on a large dinner | | | | the most out of your time, money and effort. |
| plate in the kitchen with a napkin placed underneath. | | | | As you can see, there is a party perfect for every |
| When it is time for dinner to be served, the hostess | | | | occasion and for anyone who wishes to host a party. |
| then carries two set-ups at a time to pass to the | | | | Which one are you going to try? |
| guests. Later the hostess asks if anyone would like | | | | |