Entertaining Made Easy

Dos and Don'ts for Your Next Summer Gathering

DO plan ahead. Give yourself at least three weeks lead time, if not more. You'll want to send invitations no later than two weeks ahead, so you'll need to have your theme and many of the party details nailed down by then.

DON'T try to do it all by yourself. Enlist family, friends or a co-host to help with planning, shopping, decorating or even just stuffing invitations.

DO shop for pantry staples and beverages a week ahead -- even during your normal weekly shopping trip. That way you only have to concern yourself with making a quick trip to the market for perishable items a day or two before the party.

DON'T try a complicated brand new recipe for guests. If you want to try something new, look for easy recipes that will still impress your guests.

DO try Paula Dean's Glazed Spiral Ham. It's so easy to prepare and will feed as many or as few people as you like depending on what size ham you buy. Since even a small ham will take a while to cook, you can prepare all of your other menu items in the meantime.

DO stagger the preparation of recipes. Go over your menu and make whatever you can ahead of time, then check to see that the rest of your menu items won't all be coming out of the oven at the same time.

DON'T get caught empty-handed. Keep some cream cheese and pepper jelly on hand to layer on crackers to keep guests happy if your menu is taking longer than expected to cook, or an item you planned to serve doesn't come out just right.