Summer Tips for Fun and Easy Entertaining!

Summer Entertainment Tips

	Plan your menu, which should include liquid refreshment. Korbel's Chardonnay Champagne is my everyday choice. I chill it and serve it in champagne flutes. You may like to add orange juice to make Mimosas. My Mimosa formula is 2 parts Chardonnay Champagne, 1 part orange juice. Another good champagne drink is a Kir Royale -- champagne with a drop of Cassis. Or make a champagne cocktail by adding sugar and bitters. My method is to place 1/4 teaspoon of sugar into the bottom of the glass, add a drop of bitters, and just about a teaspoon of champagne. Once that's mixed, then fill your champagne glass. I think you're going to enjoy that champagne cocktail! As far as food goes, if you're planning a "sit down" meal, you'll want to choose 4-5 courses: appetizers, soup and/or salad (served in either order), entree, and dessert. For a buffet style meal, I still suggest serving food in courses. For example,change courses at 30 minute intervals--a bruscetta to start, replaced by a cheese platter, replaced by sliced fruit (which goes so well with wine and champagne). Later, you can offer desserts, which are also complimented by liquid refreshment. Make a list--actually write your menu! This helps make shopping more efficient. Items ordered from specialty stores sometimes require a little extra time,so it's important to plan ahead.
	Don't get in over your head. A simple menu means that the day of the party will be less stressful for you. Choose food which can be put together in 1-2 hours, so you don't spend all day "prepping". That way, you';ll. be able to enjoy the party as much as your guests do! Of course, if you truly love to cook, preparing a more elaborate menu might be almost as much fun for you as the party.
	Don't be afraid to delegate. If things get hectic, don't hesitate to ask your friends or family members to help out by bringing food or helping you in the kitchen. That way, you can enjoy preparing your specialties. So don't be afraid, for instance, to call your brother and ask him to pick up an extra appetizer or a couple more bottles of chardonnay or champagne.
	Keep it casual. Whether you're serving a sit-down meal or a buffet, an open patio door encourages your guests to move freely, and creates a casual feel, especially during cocktail service.
	Practice makes perfect. The more you entertain, the easier it gets. Try hosting different types of parties. Expand your repertoire of favorite dishes. With practice, you'll become a relaxed and confident host. And you'll have fun!!