Entertaining

A carefully-arranged buffet is an efficient and inviting way to serve a large number of guests. A buffet allows diners to pick and choose at their own discretion, and eliminates the need for table...

I was recently at a Party where the hostess was fairly new to entertaining. Long story short, although, chips and dip were served, dinner wasn't served for over 2 hours after people arrived....

This is a very strange alternative to plain ordinary cheese balls. Very simple to make, and you won't have to worry about everyone else bringing the same dish! I know it's so disappointing to take...

Arranging the food order for a banquet table can be the difference between an orderly service and a jumble of choices for your guests. Laying the meal out in an organized fashion can help guests...

When you are invited to someone's home for a party, it is a gracious gesture to bring the hostess a gift as a way of saying thank you. Take something a little more creative than a bottle of...

When your budget is tight you may think you have to give up any hopes of social activities or just getting out of the house. This doesn’t have to be the case as you can have a great time and eat...

So, you want to host a party? Great! You can be the perfect host or hostess with just a little bit of pre-planning. The first thing to decide is if it will be a casual or formal party. Next,...

There isn’t much better than being with good friends around a candle lit table over a lingering dinner. It is even better if you can enjoy that dinner outside. The sounds of nature and cool...

Get to know other people or other couples (from school, from community organizations you are a part of, or from church) by starting a dinner group! A dinner group is a great way to develop...

The hardest part of catering a party is determining how much food you will need. Without the proper guidelines, you could easily run out of food and have the party turn into a disaster. There...

Cooking at home can become a lost art when placed up against a demanding work week, soccer or ballet practice and yard work. But cooking doesn't have to become less of a priority with limited...

So you were asked to bring your famous, fudgy, nutty brownies to the party this weekend. How can you make them special? Make a unique pedestal dessert plate to show them off!

Many of us are staying at home for vacations, to watch movies, and to eat. After the constant discipline of staying in our houses, sometimes we just want to reward ourselves with a nice night out...

When company is coming and the table must be set, knowing what to do with each fork, plate, and glass can be a challenge. Whether you are preparing a formal or casual table, there is a proper way...

A 7 course dinner party may sound a bit intimidating but if organized well it can be plenty of fun. Many think 7 is too much but in reality every course should be light in size but big in flavor....

Boss coming over for dinner? Cooking as well as "meeting the parents"? Just moved into an upscale neighborhood and want to showcase your fine cooking skills? Any of these reasons, or no...

If you do some research, you can feed your family, co-workers or even a bowling league very well when you go out in large groups--without having to spend a lot of money.

A surprise is the quickest way to turn an everyday experience into a “Tah-Dah!" Picture this: You’ve had dinner and are just about to get up and clear the dishes--when your sweetie hits play on...

Whether you are setting your table for a basic meal, an informal gathering or formal dinner, there are certain rules to consider. The cardinal rule for settling the dinner table is to consider...

It's that time of Year. The Holidays are here. You want to have friends and family over for food and fun but you just don't have the cash to entertain. Here's one way to keep the cost down and...

You can plan a romantic dinner at home, both quickly and easily. An intimate dinner is always appreciated and guaranteed to put an extra spark in your relationship. The tips below will help you...

A dinner party should never be everyone sitting around waiting for the bird to come out of the oven. To impress and awe your dinner guests, you only need to keep them occupied, keep them calm and...

A beautifully appointed formal dining table not only speaks volumes about the sophistication of the hosts but also sets the tone for an elegant and memorable meal. Here's how to pull out all the...

From working on nuclear energy policy at the White House to owning a specialty foods store and becoming the Food Network star the Barefoot Contessa, Ina Garten is a mastermind on the art of...

In order to dine out with co-workers, it is important to know how to properly use dining utensils in a formal dining environment. It is especially important to follow these rules when you are an...

Beef stew is a traditional dinner, and though the recipe varies slightly between families, the main ingredients--meat and vegetables in a thick broth--make beef stew an easy meal to serve to...

The idea of throwing a party may appeal to you but the thought of cooking, decorating and cleaning up may not. Devise ways to eliminate the stress and entertain easily so you'll be able to enjoy...

Wine and cheese parties abound, but here’s a how-to-guide to put a twist on this popular social event. Throw a dessert wine and fondue party. Gather up the sweet stuff such as your favorite...

Bugaboo Creek Steakhouse is a chain restaurant located in the Eastern United States (from Maine to Georgia) that boasts "the taste of the Canadian Rockies" with items such as roasted prime rib and...

Looking for a great dessert for a Halloween party or maybe a show-stopper for that potluck dinner you promised dessert for? Then try a Dirt Cake! It's the perfect way to brighten up any event...

Everybody loves to get together for a meal. Whether you're hosting a family supper or a formal dinner, you determine how everyone enjoys himself. By planning well, you can be gracious, relaxed and...

When confronted with a menu in an Italian restaurant, many people have no idea where to start. The following will help you avoid ordering gelato as an appetizer or minestrone as a dessert.

The art of setting a dinner table is a lot easier with the proper instructions. Whether your dinner is very formal or of the more casual variety, there are a few basic guidelines to follow when...

When confronted with a menu in a restaurant in France, many people have no idea where to start. The following will help you avoid ordering chocolate mousse as an appetizer or goat cheese salad for...