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LEARN HOW TO MAKE OUR TYPE LARGER

Reduce the stress of holiday entertaining
Published November/December 2001

(NAPSA) - As the season's glistening colors and rich aromas beckon, with them comes the chaos of the holiday rush. 'Tis the season to entertain, but that doesn't need to be an overwhelming task. The following tips, mixed with the right blend of preparation and a dose of holiday cheer, can help anyone put together a quick, yet memorable holiday event.

Be prepared :
Advance preparation is key to ensuring a relaxed and lively hostess. Whether serving a buffet or sit-down dinner, set the table a day ahead so that only the food is missing. Coordinate place settings, but remember that they don't have to match exactly, in fact, eclectic settings can bring just the right touch to a festive table. Skip the elaborate centerpiece and instead scatter pinecones and holly sprigs around the table.

Avoid the Baking Frenzy :
Holiday baking, while fun in theory, is also labor-intensive work. Avoid time-crunches by making and freezing cookies and quick breads up to a month in advance. Plan a family baking weekend to produce such seasonal favorites as shortbreads and gingersnaps - then enjoy the holidays with honest home-baked goodness, and without the time strain.

Last-Minute RSVP's :
In a moment of questionable good sense, Aunt Edna decides to bring her Bingo partners to the party. To change a cocktail menu into something more substantial, have on hand some prepared dishes from the grocery store. Pre-sliced spiral sliced ham is just one suggestion as a convenient solution for last-minute meal planning. Deli platters and trays are also available for unexpected guests.

Workable Menu :
Look for ease of preparation in all menu items. Instead of hot side dishes and hors d'oeuvres, choose dips and cut-up veggies, or side dishes such as wild rice or polenta that are made in advance and served at room temperature. If you live in a cold climate area, take advantage of backyard snowbanks to quickly chill bottles or cans (being careful not to let them freeze).

Without Julia Child's expertise or Martha Stewart's panache, holiday entertaining can be daunting. But by incorporating a few tips and using a little imagination, clueless cooks and culinary connoisseurs alike can avoid the stress of holiday entertaining. To order a free limited-edition of Cook's Recipe Book, which contains delicious holiday ham recipes, call 312-616-2622 for details.

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