A basket full of shiny ornaments, twinkling stars, the cheeriest of cocktails, dinners and lunches - Christmas and New Year give a wonderful opportunity to party and entertain. With a little bit of planning, coordination and imagination anyone can throw a bash.
Whether its a cocktail, a brunch, a barbecue or sit down dinner, send invitations well in advance.
The guest list should preferably include a few regulars and some new faces. Try and invite only those people who'll mingle well. Nobody likes to see or meet a stuck-up person when partying. You can also have a theme party (dress up like your favourite bollywood star, ethnic evening, swinging sixties etc.) which will make people look forward to your bash.
Make a list of your requirements and shop a week before.
Your table scheme depends upon the kind of ``do'' you are having. Candles add a touch of colour and festivity. A bunch of flowers, tinsel, ferns all add sparkle to the atmosphere. Pottery, terracotta and ceramic tableware are innovative ideas. Mughlai food served in earthern terracotta bowls, with a surahi for water and continental food in crystal, combined with other accessories does make a favourable impact. Cloth napkins make all the difference but you can also use paper ones. Arranged aesthetically in napkin holders, they give a rich feel to the meal.As far as the menu is concerned, don't experiment with a new dish. Decide on a theme whether its Indian, Thai, Chinese or continental. Don't forget the vegetarians. In winters, lay stress on soups. It doesn't matter even if you make just a few items but they should coordinate together.
Plan out some games and divide the guests into teams for maximum interaction. The music can be hop-hop, rave, soft instrumental or jazz depending upon the general interest of the guests.
Make sure that the room is clean and well-ventilated. Spray a soft fragrance. If you have a small terrace or balcony you can have sitting arrangements there, with diwans and huge bright cushions thrown about. A lot of greenery and potted plants is also an ideal and pleasant setting for dinner.
As a host make sure that no guest is left alone but has somebody to talk to. Generate conve And always remember a good conversation means being a good talker as well as a good listener.
Its not necessary that the guests have to leave as soon as the meal is over.The intimate conversation can continue with the help of liquer, choclates and cappucino or Irish coffee.
Lastly remember, a well-prepared dish may not evoke nostalgia but its the time spent together coupled with a warm and cheerful ambience which will be recalled through an entire lifetime.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
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