Stop, look and listen your way into stress-free entertaining

(ARA) - Shhh! Don't look now, but your family is descending upon your house for a visit. Have no fear. Entertaining at home can be as easy as pie if you remember what your mother taught you when crossing the street: Stop. Look. And listen. The same lesson applies to entertaining.

Stop the madness. The biggest obstacle to easier entertaining is a Pollyanna perception of the perfect party. Even some of the youngest hostesses remember stories of days gone by where the hostess comes out of the kitchen, looking like a cover girl, bringing out tray after tray of homemade appetizers and desserts that she's slaved over for weeks. Thankfully, the reality is the world of entertaining has changed significantly. With a little attitude adjustment combined with some simple planning, every gathering is a great opportunity to connect with those who should be the main focus of the party: your guests. Focus on what they love and you'll win every time.

Look for ways to make your guests feel special. We can all agree that it's nice to be treated special. Your guests are no different. Whether it's an impromptu gathering at your house after a school concert or a full-blown dinner party, it's always good to keep a few treats on hand, ready to use at a moment's notice.

Check your pantry and freezer. Do you have plenty of snacks, ready to heat and serve? How about some special treats, like scrumptious cheese and sausage trays and delectable desserts? The Swiss Colony has been helping hostesses offer exceptionally entertaining treats for 80 years, helping to make every visitor feel like an honored guest. In addition to the tried and true, try something new. Offer bite-size pieces of many different taste sensations. Rule of thumb: figure 10 appetizers/bite-sized desserts per person. Sometimes a few minutes spent online at www.swisscolony.com can save you untold hours of preparation time and stress - allowing you more time to spend with your loved ones. Stock plenty of good coffee, sparkling water, wine and beer, and you'll be in good shape.

And the results: just take a look at the empty platters at the end of the night and the smiles on everyone's faces. Now that's entertaining.

Listen to your guests and to your inner voice. Whether you're trying to entice your guests to try something new, or ensure they have their favorite flavors on the menu when they're visiting, or even listening for that special tip on what to get them if the next gathering is at their home, it always pays to listen. If your guest raves about a certain treat or flavor, make a note of it and add it to your list of potential host gifts. If the party moves to someone else's home, and you're fresh out of wine, a great gift basket with hand-decorated sweets, flavored cheeses or delicious pastries might be just the ticket. There are lots of ways to simplify entertaining and stay within your budget. A little browsing can do wonders.

So this year, when the thought of entertaining starts to make you nervous, remember that hospitality isn't about the house, the food or the decorations. It's about the richness of the moments spent with family and friends. Sit back and enjoy.

Courtesy of ARAcontent