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Life of the Party
Not a domestic diva? Entertaining need not be
a recipe for exhaustion. You can entertain without
feeling the strain. BY KATHY PEEL

eNjo Y YoUr o WN PAr T Y? After
you’ve slaved for weeks over
the planning, decorations, and
cooking, the idea may sound ridiculous.
But you know what? Entertaining doesn’t
have to be that way. Oh, I’ve been there.
Early in our marriage, there were plenty
of times when I made myself, my family,
and everyone within a five-mile radius
miserable getting ready for dinner par-
ties and holiday meals.

Over the years I learned that everyone (including me) appreciates

gatherings a lot more when I relax and remember that the goal is to enjoy the special occasion and bless others through our hospitality — not to end up in a home for the terminally overwhelmed.

I now have entertaining down to a fine science. I’ve simplified table setting, decorating, and kitchen cleanup, and for a number of reasons (the health of our guests in particular), I delegate cooking responsibilities to my husband, Bill, whenever possible.

He’s a better cook than I am, and this way I don’t have to worry about Tom Turkey turning into Turkey Jerky.

Entertaining need not be a recipe for exhaustion. Use the following ideas to make your holiday gathering a wonderful affair to remember for everyone, including you!

 Serve yourself some grace. If you’re not a gourmet cook, don’t try to wrap your turkey in puff pastry like I once did, unless you want to end up eating underdone poultry in a crisp