Hosting the perfect party requires some knowhow

One is always learning don't you think?

For instance this is one of the tips from the article I've read recently. One of the tips in the article says:

"Place a drop of cologne on the light bulbs an hour or so before you turn on the lights."

I have never heard this one before and yes, I will give it a try. This is just one of many great tips to hos the perfect dinner party! Enjy

Hosting the perfect party requires some knowhow | hometownlife.com | the Observer & Eccentric Newspapers and Hometown Weeklies

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Throw A Modern Potluck Dinner Party..

I though this article was great. I've recommended potluck dinners before where guests each bring a plate which helps with the expense factor.

They suggest to choose a theme just as I would and also to assign guests a course to bring. So you'll have each course covered.. Here are their tips which I think are very useful:

A few tips:

- Have each guest ‘introduce’ their dish: ask them to quickly tell everyone what they made and why it’s relevant to the theme (if it’s not obvious)

- Have each guest email you their recipe, so you can send out an email to the group the next day with all the recipes in case anyone would like them

- Have your own serving ware ready when guests arrive and ask them to transfer their dish to one of your platters. Then, they can immediately rinse out their dish and pack it up, so you’re not scrambling at the end of the night to clean and send off people with their platters or having to keep track of pieces left at your place.

- Check out PlumParty.com and OrientalTrading.com for affordable and fun decorations that go with your theme.

- Have some disposable take-away containers on hand so you can handout leftovers to anyone that wants them.

Cheat’s dinner party: menu for six people for less than £35 - Telegraph

My goodness life has been busy! But I can never pass up on sharing my favorite Telegraph column for dinner party cheats.

This time it's:

Starter

• Creamy mushrooms on Toasted Brioche

Main course

• Chicken and Sage
  

Pudding

• Chilli Chocolate Pots

The fabulous thing is that in this link you get the recipes and timings because it's all prepared within one hour..

Cheat’s dinner party: menu for six people for less than £35 - Telegraph

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Is the dinner party dead?

Hello no! They're just different..

According to a study conducted at Sussex University, "the formal sit-down do, with carefully-planned menu, placement and guestlist governed by social aspiration, is a thing of the past. Instead, according to researchers, people are turning to more informal gatherings of friends and family, with drinks and a more buffet-style of serving food – and even with dishes brought by guests".

We're still getting together for dinner parties.. check it out..

Is the dinner party dead? | Open thread | Comment is free | guardian.co.uk

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Cheat’s dinner party: menu for six people for less than £35 - Telegraph

My all-time favorite regular Telegraph column.

What's on offer today?

Starter Carrot, watercress and orange soup with parmesan and walnut crisps

Main course Tomato and crab tarts

Pudding Amaretto pears with chocolate ice cream

And all prepared with an hour..

Cheat’s dinner party: menu for six people for less than £35 - Telegraph

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A simple get-together

Here's another simple idea for those who are time poor but friend rich..
there's no need to go to the great effort of cooking up a three course dinner party - there are other options. Here's this suggestion from a column in The Star Telegram..

"When you are pressed for time but still want to entertain, take the easy way out. Instead of asking friends over for dinner, invite them for appetizers and wine. Preparing several delectable nibbles to set out with a bottle of vino is far less stressful and demanding than a full-fledged menu."

Recipe included in article..

A pear recipe for a simple dinner party | Life & Arts | Star-Telegram

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Share Your Come Together Dinner Party Stories! - ABC News

For our American friends..

"Good Morning America" is teaming with Macy's and Feeding America as part of the "Come Together" project. The goal of the initiative is to feed millions of Americans by encouraging people to throw dinner parties at which guests are invited to donate to Feeding America. Macy's will match donations dollar for dollar until the goal of ten million meals is reached. Just $1 will fund 7 seven meals.

"GMA" wants to hear about YOUR "Come Together" dinner party. Tell us who you invited, what you served, and why you were inspired to get involved.

A "GMA" producer may contact you for more information and we might share your story on air on "GMA!"

I'm sure they won't mind me including all their text to promote this great event..

Share Your Come Together Dinner Party Stories! - ABC News

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