gest that some nervousness can stem
from lack of parry-giving experience.
"People who entertain often realize
that somehow every party works out.
Those who only entertain occasional-
ly sometimes panic at the last minute.
They worry about what they forgot
or if guests will have a good time. You
name it, they worry about it."
That's the issue: how to make a
great party and still be relaxed and
have fun.
Fun is subjective. What's more
important is that the entire event be
successful. "Don't sweat the small
stuff," says Tucker-Colman. "It's really
rare for any event to go without a
hitch. But it's usually only the hosts
that know that the flower arrange-
ment wasn't exactly what was
ordered."
Jody Berman of Farmington Hills
never needs an excuse to entertain.
She, along with husband Harvy,
host parties all the time. "I'm a
casual party giver," said Berman. I
learned it from my mother-in-law.
She could have people over at the

drop of a hat and, even if she didn't
plan it, food for 50 would just
appear. It's probably because I don't
do a lot of planning beforehand.
The more planning I put into it,
the more uptight I am. And if the
hosts are uptight, the guests sense it
and they become uptight."
Unlike Berman, however, most
people feel they need to have some
sort of plan before there's a knock on
the door.
That's where lists come in handy.
Donna Rosen, catering manager at
Morels in Bingham Farms, begins
writing everything down two weeks
before a party.
"I add items to my party checklists
'as I think of them," said Rosen.
Comprehensive lists, with details on
everything, from who's coming to the
type of candy and nuts placed around
the house, will allow you to prove to
yourself that you're ready when your
invitees arrive.
"If I know I've thought of almost
everything, I can relax when it's party
time," said Rosen.

"Some people worry about
having the right stuff for par-
ties," said Solomon. "There are
many occasions, though, when
paper products are appropriate.
And these days, the choices are
unbelievable."
Rosen agrees. "Bright, color-
ful, disposable plates and linens
can be a lot of fun," said Rosen,
"especially for pool parties and
barbecues. They're real time-
savers and let you entertain
without worrying about how
many plates and matching nap-
kins you own."
What's the bottom line for
parry fun, a.k.a. ease?
Experience. The more parties
you give, for two or 20, the easi-
er it becomes. Even my own
mother, 25 years later, has
learned to relax. And now we
daughters are actually invited.
Dad, on the other hand,
still escapes during those last
rushed hours before party
Andrea Solomon creates atmosphere for a
time. He still remembers. I I
party at home.

Great Tips For P

Great party tips from Janice Cherkansky and Marcy Tucker-Colman:
• Be flexible -- You're usually the only one to know if something's not per-
fect. You have to go with the flow
4. Be prepared — Make lists and check things off as you accomplish them.
• Be open for surprises — Let your guests entertain themselves. An
impromptu concert by a talented guest can be a great unexpected surprise.
• Hire help — even if it's just someone to pick up cocktail napkins and
glasses. It could be your daughter's friend or a baby-sitter or, if it's a more
elaborate parry, professionals.
• Know your guests -- Your guest list will help you plan your party. If you're
inviting a house full of vegetarians, for example, you'll know what to cook.

Great party tips from Andrea Solomon:
• Choose a theme — It doesn't have to be a murder mystery or a sock-hop.
It could simply be summer fun. This will help you choose a menu and a mood.
= Invitations count — Fun begins with the invitations. Invitations set the
tone for the party If you have a theme, show it in the invitations. A printed
invitation with calligraphy shows you've planned ahead. A phoned invitation
tells your guests the party's casual. Computers help make creating invitations
even easier.
• Include a show stopper — One great "thing" at your party can make it
memorable. It can be anything: live music, a fortune teller or a dessert table
that's nothing but chocolate.

y

• Lighting is important — Don't worry if your house isn't "perfect," very
few people have the perfect setting for a party. Appropriate lighting can help
hide flaws in your home. For example, a party completely lit by candlelight
can create a wonderful mood.
• Know yourself — If you're not comfortable giving fancy parties, host a
casual party or a pot-luck.

Great party tips from Donna Rosen:
• Details matter — Attention to detail makes guests feel special. Cloth dinner
napkins, your good crystal, good music work together to make a party special.
• Do what you can ahead of time — Roll napkins with silverware while
watching television a few days ahead, for example, or prepare some foods, such
as appetizers or cookies, and freeze them until the parry, and fill candy and nut
dishes before and cover them with plastic wrap. These are all time-savers.
• Serve "easy" foods — Ready-to-eat foods, such as cold appetizers or dips
you can serve without passing, allow you to work less. For dinner, heat-and-
serve-foods save time and effort.
• Order some foods: To make your job easier, you don't have to do every-
thing yourself. Order in foods that take a lot of time to make, such as appe-
tizers and desserts. That leaves you with just the entree to worry about.
• Think "memorable" — People will remember the party if you have some-
thing that stands out, such as beautiful flowers, linens and candles. Or give
out party favors your guests will remember after the party. Fl

4/9

1999

Detroit Jewish News

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