Three steps to the perfect party

My mother was a tremendous cook and baker. She rarely gave dinner parties, but when she did, they were double pleasures: Not only were they eagerly anticipated by her guests, my mother also derived vast pleasure from preparing and serving her dishes.

All dinner parties ought to be enjoyed both by guests and host or hostess. Alas, that's rarely so. Many party-givers dread the idea of preparing a large meal. The worry and work can wipe out the fun aspect.

As an upscale caterer, I "give" dinner parties several times a week. Based on my own experiences, here are some helpful suggestions for a worry-free, low-workload party that you will enjoy right along with your guests.

1. Decide in advance how many guests you want and whom to invite. Ask everyone if they have dietary restrictions. (You don't want to serve steak to a vegetarian, and some vegetarians might eat seafood.)

2. Plan a menu with items that may be prepared in advance and require only short last-minute work. Think of a good balance in flavor, color, and texture for each course. If possible, make everything yourself, including the dessert. A simple dessert made by you is far more appreciated than an elaborate creation from a bakery.

3. Prepare a complete shopping list, including plate and table garnishes, and list items according to categories (dairy, produce, meat, bakery, etc.) to help you shop more efficiently. In general, figure on four ounces of side vegetables per guest, four to five ounces of starch (or two to three ounces of dry pasta or a quarter cup of uncooked rice), and five to six ounces of uncooked meat, poultry, or seafood. Add an extra serving or two, just in case.

4. A few days before, assemble all china, glass, flatware, serving platters, serving tools, linen, napkins, and table garnish.

1. Two or three days before your party, prepare a detailed work list that includes every step and preparation for the dinner. Place a preparation date next to each. Many items – soups, sauces, salad dressing, marinade, dessert, plate garnishes – can be completed fully or partially well in advance.

2. Wash, cut up, chop, and dice on early the day of your party. Many vegetables may be blanched early and finished in a sauté pan just a few minutes before serving. If you decided on a vegetable that is served baked, such as sweet potato-stuffed zucchini, note the time they should get in the oven to be ready with the rest of the course. Meat, poultry, and seafood may be trimmed, cut up, de-boned, or otherwise prepared hours in advance. Leave no more than 20 to 30 minutes total work in the kitchen before serving time, giving you more time to enjoy your party.

Salad, soup, and dessert must be ready to serve with no more than a few minutes' work.

3. Remove hors d'oeuvres from the oven, pour beverages, and have bread and butter ready before guests take their seats. Even better, have the first course waiting for them before they sit down.

Whatever style you choose (family, buffet, or preplated), remove all dishes from the table before serving the next course. Don't rush slow eaters. Wait for everyone to finish, and encourage plenty of social time between courses. Here are three styles suitable for home entertaining:

1. Family style: Dish out the various courses into attractive (prewarmed or chilled) serving platters and bowls, put them on the table with suitable serving tools, and let everyone dig in, passing the platters.

2. Buffet style: When you expect a crowd (20-plus), buffet style is quick, efficient, and cozy. Most people like to serve themselves, and a buffet line promotes social interaction.

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