Enjoy Your Own Party

It Can Be Done! Here's How.

Plan to have a little fun when you're planning your next party. Here are a few tips on how to spend more time in conversation with your guests and less time in the kitchen with your guacamole.

• Keep it simple. You don't have to overdo to impress your guests. Choose a theme and a menu that only requires a few simple elements to stand out. For instance, for an Italian-style sit-down dinner, you really only need a great-tasting pasta dish, bread on the side, maybe a salad and a little red wine. Click here for great pasta recipes from Smithfield. Try the Smoked Sausage Sauté or the Rigatoni with Olives and Bacon.
  
  
  
• Look for make-ahead recipes that can be prepared several hours (or even days) in advance and thawed and heated just in time for your guests to arrive, such as Jambalaya or Overnight Bacon Casserole. And remember, there is absolutely nothing wrong with self-serve. Try a buffet dinner with warming stations or appetizers in chilled bowls of ice.
  
  
• Cocktail party? Instead of mixing drinks all night, make it a wine-tasting event paired with one or two simple hors d'oeuvres, like Paula Deen's Pecan Stuffed Dates and Bacon Crisps.
  
  
• For a fresh twist, try a "Create Your Own Martini" theme. Print the recipes for several types of exotic and tasty martinis (think green apple or chocolate) in large type on cards and post them on tables next to the necessary ingredients. Keep the recipes as simple as possible- just a few ingredients such as vodka and a flavored liqueur. Your guests will have a blast experimenting with different flavors and mixing drinks for each other. Colorful swizzle sticks, some olives and a little Sinatra on the stereo make for one swanky evening! And, the best part is you can take the time to fix your own martini and join in the fun!
  
  

Theme Ideas For Your Next Party

• Potluck party
  Nobody says your guests can't help. Have everyone bring a dish to you next dinner party.
• Progressive Dinner
  A great way to share the load of entertaining. House hop with your guest for each course of the meal.
• Hawaiian Luau
  If you can't make it to the island for your summer vacation, bring the island to your neighborhood.
• Mexican Fiesta
  Everybody loves a fiesta. It doesn't have to be Cinco de Mayo to bring out chips and salsa.
• Tastes of the Continents
  Sample dishes from around the world without leaving the comfort of your home.
• Murder Mystery
  Assign characters, get in costume and let out your inner sleuth. This is a great way to get people mingling and interacting at your next party.

Hey Y'all, do you want the recipe for the easiest hors d'oeuvres you've ever made but ever so good? Well, I've got it here today for you.

Sweet and salty together - a perfect combination.

So very good, so Louisiana style good. You are not going to believe how easy this dish is to prepare.

Smithfield dinner sausage makes an ideal saute meat served with vegetables over spaghetti or fettuccini.

This pasta dish features a simple pan sauce of sauteed onion and bacon.

Everyone has a recipe like this somewhere in their repertoire perfect for holiday overnight guests or a brunch. This one features bacon and Cheddar cheese. You won’t have any leftovers.