Entertaining

Chances are you have one set of dishes you use for entertaining. A great way to accent your place settings is with napkins that can easily be modified to change the look of your table without...

A buffet table, instead of a sit-down dinner, is the ideal choice when you're having more people over than you have room for at your table. It's also handy if you're looking for a less expensive...

We all want to enjoy holidays, not be overwhelmed by them. If you have a lot of people about to descend on you, don’t panic. You don’t even have to lose any sleep. Just do a little planning...

The fact that you don't have fancy serving dishes shouldn't stop you from hosting a buffet and setting a great table. You can create tiered serving dishes with varying sizes of unmatched china...

When you are throwing a party, one of the many aspects that you have to plan out is the food. You can either plan a sit-down dinner, where everyone sits at the table at the same time to enjoy a...

A successful buffet is about more than just the foods you're serving. Buffet presentation also plays a big role. While different events may call for a different style, you should definitely plan...

Sitting down for a formal dinner can make some people feel uncomfortable. Knowing even basic etiquette skills might save you from an embarrassing situation. Feeling confident with basic dining...

It looks glamorous: Men and women in white chefs' uniforms gliding effortlessly from kitchen to buffet table replenishing delicacies as they're gobbled up by hungry celebrants. As the caterer, you...

The key to feeding large groups is simplicity. Simple recipes are the easiest to make in large batches, and will please everyone at the event. Planning ahead will go a long way when you're serving...

A round buffet table allows for a large and attractive buffet display with good traffic flow and easy access for a large number of guests. Integral to a lovely buffet is not only the food, but the...

The presentation of food on the banquet table is nearly as important as the menu. A well-laid table showcases appetizers, sides, main courses and desserts while also being accessible to the...

Hosting a big holiday meal for family and friends can put a strain on the wallet. Since spending is already in overdrive during the holiday season, anything you can do to cut corners without...

Planning a large group dinner will take a little time, but preparation can cut the stress out of the evening so you can enjoy your guests and not have to spend all your time running in and out of...

An hors d'oeuvre, which roughly translates from the French as "outside of the main work" is an appetizer, teaser or amuse-bouche served before a meal. Typically finger food, it is also wonderful...

Knowing what to order at a restaurant can be a tricky task, especially if you've never been to a given restaurant before. Some foods at different restaurants are prepared differently, so how do...

At one time or another, most people have had the displeasure of experiencing a "rubber" chicken dinner. Far too often, catered banquets, events and celebrations feature bland dishes with next to...

Getting all the components together for a full banquet service requires some planning and organization, but doing the footwork ahead of time can assure that the meal goes off without a lot of...

The success of a party often hinges on the food served. If the food is interesting and delicious and the guests are well-fed, then most party-goers will return home with favorable memories. One...

As warm weather takes over, the greater outdoors whispers an invitation to come out and play. Whether you want a fun outing with the kids, a romantic dinner for two, a reunion of friends or any...

Buffet-style meals are highly conducive to casual entertaining. A buffet allows for a more relaxed, energetic atmosphere, eliminates the chance of serving guests something they don't like or are...

Every host appreciates a gracious guest - who doesn't love someone who offers to help? By following the ideas in this article, you will become invaluable as a guest and will receive many more...

Benjamin Franklin was of the opinion that guests and fish both start to smell after 3 days. The havoc visitors can wreck on the home you spent hours cleaning is one reason why. Guests of any age...

One of the most prominent features of any party is the food served. Consider the last party you attended, no matter what type. If it was a child's birthday, you likely "ooh'd and ah'd" over the...

Hosting a potluck can allow a group of friends, family or co-workers to get together without putting the burden of cooking on one person. Asking guests to contribute a dish can lead to interesting...

Lavish dishes, fine china and beautiful flowers are all common elements of an elegant dinner setting. The thought of putting together a formal dinner for others can be overwhelming, but it need...

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...

We eat with our eyes first, and this is true of kids as well as adults. At your child's next birthday party or get-together with friends, wow them with a colorful kid tablescape. You can create a...

Everybody loves a great party but, when you are the one doing the hosting, the planning and preparations can be so overwhelming that you not only don't enjoy yourself but you just plain want it to...

People like to get out and enjoy the great outdoors as soon as warm weather hits. One of the most popular ways to this is to have a family picnic. It's the perfect way to connect with people that...

Nothing beats entertaining at home. What's more civilized (and fun) than throwing a nice big dinner party for twenty of your closest friends. With a little thought and advanced planning, you can...

Throwing a bag of chips and a case of beer on the table is fine when you are in college, but at some point, you are going to get your own place and need (or want) to entertain like a grown-up....

Angelenos are big on their grub, and there is more for foodies to eat than expensive burgers and fancy French fries. Read on to learn how to have a unique dining experience in Los Angeles.

Living in a small apartment should not stop you from hosting a family party. There are steps that you’ll need to take, however, to ensure that you’re ready to throw the party. Here is how to...

When planning a big event, the last thing you want to go wrong is the food. The tablecloths may not match perfectly and the bartender may not know how to make a Mojito, but the food--good or...

How many times have you been served a cold plate of rubber-tasting chicken at a dinner? The food can make or break any event, be it an intimate brunch, a business power lunch or a wedding banquet....

Food defines holiday get-togethers. Thanksgiving wouldn't be the same without turkey and stuffing, and crispy potato latkes during Hanukkah are mandatory. As your calendar books up during the...

Planning a brunch with friends and family is easy, fun and provides a great opportunity to slow down and enjoy life with the people you love.

If you've never provided food for this type of crowd before, be sure to keep it simple. As always, plan well ahead of time and prepare for disasters.