Anonymous wrote:For a game night, don't try to do too much.

Some of the best game nights have been super casual. Basic meal like vegetarian chili in the crockpot and cornbread, help yourself to drinks in the fridge, have out hummus and veggie platter, cheese, salami, crackers, grapes, and nuts, and box mix brownies for dessert.

The host is relaxed and not fussing with platters! (I say this as someone prone to fuss too much but trying to get better.)

That’s not a party. That’s like having one friend over for dinner.

For a game night, don't try to do too much.

Some of the best game nights have been super casual. Basic meal like vegetarian chili in the crockpot and cornbread, help yourself to drinks in the fridge, have out hummus and veggie platter, cheese, salami, crackers, grapes, and nuts, and box mix brownies for dessert.

The host is relaxed and not fussing with platters! (I say this as someone prone to fuss too much but trying to get better.)

Since I do not usually have hired helpers, I buy coordinating high quality paper plates and napkins from my high end grocery store and buy fresh flowers to arrange in vases. I serve mostly cold food with a few hot entrees kept warm in the oven until time to serve. That avoids the need for chafing dishes and extra ice. I arrange a festive buffet table and have small folding tables with chairs set with real utensils, glassware and the paper napkins the night before. Desserts are bought mini pastries with a bowl of fresh berries. I also clean all first floor bathrooms and set out fresh guest towels.

Agree with self serve drinks and please include a pitcher of water and some non alcoholic options, even if just lemon or lime to add to the water and some seltzer. I like the sparkling waters flavored with fruit instead of sugar.

So many "mom" gatherings are wine-focused. It's nice to not have to say out loud that I want water because who wants all the questions about why aren't you drinking? No one wants to hear that I'm just trying to lose weight and they assume other things!

I often host book club and keep it simple. Assuming you are talking apps and not dinner:

1. Use nice serving plates, it look elegant
2. Make it easy to pick up food - on toothpicks or single serve items. Not something that requires assembly like a make your own ____ bar.
3. something hot, something veg, something cheese, something sweet.
4. Self serve drinks - easily accessible, a pitcher of cocktails is nice.

Always start with an empty dishwasher.

Anonymous wrote:This is just one, but when I entertain, I always set out all my serving dishes and utensils a few hours in advance, with post-it notes indicating what goes in which.

That way family members can pitch in (kids putting out crudites or whatever) without my supervision. Small thing, but I find it really helpful.

I came to write this!

I also think a fun cocktail is a nice offering. It can be DIY assembly. Set out the ingredients and put instructions on a card.

My absolute biggest thing is hiring good help. But it doesn't sound like that's an option so I'd say 1. know any dietary restrictions and have food for everyone and more than enough food 2. clean bathrooms, clean kitchen and enough seating for everyone, and 3. introduce people who don't know each other and give a fact (this is Rachel - she's a school librarian, and Rachel this is Debra, she's an elementary school teacher) and if someone looks uncomfortable give them a task (can you grab that bottle of wine for me? pick a playlist?) so they're busy.

Yes - best not to try a new recipe for the first time for guests.

My best tip would be to not stress too much. People are more happy to be a guest than hosting themselves to be judging anyone.

I have a few standby make ahead recipes I like to use when entertaining just so I can get prep done in advance.

As much make ahead food as possible.

Festive paper plates/napkins so it goes with the decor/theme but I don’t end up having to do a ton of dishes.

And I try to add a fun element (like fancy ice cubes for a cocktail or a creative dessert).

My biggest two are:

- I try to make as much make-ahead food as possible so I am not cooking when company is here

- I write out my whole plan for cooking/warming/plating with times assigned to each step, starting with go-time and working backwards from there (with cushions built in)

I’m not a confident cook so just get food catered. Have cleaner come a day or so before and, as a previous pp said, block anyone from using the powder room. Buy more alcohol than I think I’ll need so I’m not worried about running out. Figure out playlist or station I’ll play on Spotify in advance.

Generally, I try to avoid a new-to-me recipe because it can be stressful. Like the PP, I always set the table beforehand with sticky notes along with utensils, plates and napkins. Clean the powder room early and forbid for family from using it. If you preparing all appetizers for your game night, I prepare both hot and cold recipes (basically 50/50). This makes the last minute prep easier. That’s it and have fun!

This is just one, but when I entertain, I always set out all my serving dishes and utensils a few hours in advance, with post-it notes indicating what goes in which.

That way family members can pitch in (kids putting out crudites or whatever) without my supervision. Small thing, but I find it really helpful.

It's my turn to host a group of neighborhood women in a few weeks for a game night, and I'm excited, but I'm also a bit stressed. I'd love some of your best tips for prepping ahead, making it as easy (but good) as possible! If a journalist asked you for your 3 best entertaining tips, what would they be?