20 tips to entertain 20 people

1. Try to prepare what you can before the actual day of the event, which will allow you to spend more time with your guests.
2. Ask some of your guests – the ones who like to cook and with whom you are most comfortable with – to contribute by bringing a dish.
3. Express your wishes clearly to ensure the guests bring different dishes.
4. Prepare room in the fridge for the dishes to be served as well as any leftovers at the end of the evening.
5. Space on the table is often limited when you are entertaining a large number of people. If possible, replace a centerpiece by candle sticks or pillar candles. Decorate with gold ribbons or surround them with cranberries, for example.
6. In the powder room, place hand towels and a scented candle. You may want to consider putting out an extra roll of toilet paper and placing it where your guests won’t have to look for it.
7. Prepare place cards for your guests to avoid any confusion when it’s time to sit at the table.
8. Pay special attention to your table setting: pretty tablecloth, elegantly folded napkins, Christmas ball ornaments nicely arranged in a glass flower vase, candle sticks. These small details set the mood for a festive and warm evening.
9. Select the appropriate music to create the right ambiance.
10. And most importantly, you can get back on your diet tomorrow!

Here are a few useful suggestions that the kids will enjoy and will make things easier for you:

11. Prepare a special table for the little ones. With a little imagination, you can make them feel very special. Colourful plates and small utensils, little Chinese umbrellas in their glasses, Shirley Temple cocktails: the kids will love it… and so will the adults.
12. If they are old enough, let the children help out. Remember that giving them responsibilities makes them feel important.
13. They can pass around the appetizers and ask if anyone needs anything.
14. Depending on their personality and ability, ask them to do some arts and crafts to decorate the table or the house.
15. You may want to ask them to prepare a mini show to entertain the family.
16. Older children can be given specific tasks such as greeting guests, taking care of the winter coats, helping serve the dishes, clearing the table or doing the dishes.
17. Put one or two teenagers in charge of keeping the little ones amused.
18. Because it is most likely – and normal – that children may refuse to share their toys with the other children, allow them to put a few of their favourites away before everyone arrives. It should be understood that they agree to share the other toys and determine some rules ahead of time to avoid any conflict.
19. Relax: it is not always your child who is causing the trouble!
20. Discipline does not have to be as rigid: you can use a break too. After all, it is Christmas!

• Desserts Galore!
• Turkey talk : everything you need to know about turkeys!
• The Classic Refreshed
• Surf and Turf
• A Festive Rack of Pork Menu
• Super Simple Seafood Feast