The Logistics of Serving Food at a Home Party

• For an informal party, keep things simple. Purchase snacks like chips, salsa, nuts, cold cuts, bread, and prepared salads

• Before you go shopping, clean out your fridge to make room for all those prepared foods and make-ahead dishes.

• They're your friends; feed them right. Incorporate healthy dishes based on fruits, vegetables, and grains.

• If you are serving buffet-style, then you'll want to plan a little crowd-control -- spread things out on small platters with the sides and meat pre-sliced.

• There's no need to foot the bill for the wine as well as the food. Make it a BYOB and ask your guests to bring wine, beer or soda.

• Make well placed and clearly marked areas for trash.

• Have plenty of ice on hand.

• Set and dress your table before your guests arrive.

• Get creative: use water glasses for crudités, breadsticks, and even flowers.

• Wrap utensils (either plastic or silver) in napkins and place them in a basket for your guests to easily grab and hold.
• Keep plastic bags and containers on hand to pack up leftovers for your guests.