Holiday Entertaining

With all one must accomplish during the holiday season, everyone is looking for a way to make entertaining easy, yet elegant.  What better resource to utilize than the woman who invented the concept herself, Martha Stewart.

According to marthastewart.com, the secret to easy entertaining is organization.  By following her easy to follow Party Planning Checklist, your celebration will be a night to remember for both you and your guests.  Below are a few of Stewart’s party planning musts:

First, set the date.  Informal parties do not require an invitation.  Begin contacting guests several weeks in advance.   Invitations for formal parties can be sent out three to four weeks in advance.

Next, create a guest list.  Make sure that your entertaining space accommodates the number of people on your guest list.

Decide what type of celebration it is going to be.  Something as simple as cocktails and hors d'oeuvres can be chic and effortless.  Music and entertainment can truly set the mood.  Take the time to select the type of entertainment that will suit your guests and the event.

Looking for more great entertaining tips, or Stewart’s complete Party Planning Checklist? Visit her website. or stop in the library, relax by our fireplace, and browse through our Martha Stewart magazines. Martha Stewart ideas may also be found some of her books such as: Great parties: recipes, menus and ideas for perfect Gathering: the best of Martha Stewart living or Martha Stewart’s menus for entertaining

The library also has a selection of Martha Stewart DVD’s which includes Martha's Classic Thanksgiving and Martha's Homemade Holidays.

- BO