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aute Hosting Throw a party... without using a single keg
By Misty Huber, Jayplay writer
If you need a social break from the bars or weekend puke-fests, try throwing a more stylish shindig. Anna Gregory, Topeka senior, started hosting parties this summer after moving into a new house. Now she hosts get-togethers almost once a week. "Entertaining is a really fun way of getting people together," she says. Becoming a
party pro doesn't require elaborate preparation. Here are some tips to help you along your way to party-hosting perfection.
1. Party Prep 101 You don't need to send
1. Party Prep 101 You don't need to send invitations for a casual event, but give guests at least a week's notice. Narrow your invitation list to six to eight people. On the day of the party, plan for enough time to vacuum, set up and give your house a once-over before guests arrive. Decide if you need to move furniture to create enough seating.
2. Play Fare If you've never hosted a party before, start simple. Pick up fried chicken or egg rolls from your grocery store deli, or host a potluck dinner. Choose foods that are quick and easy to prepare, such as bagged salad and bread. If you're on a budget, ask a friend to bring an appetizer or beverage. When planning your menu, consider the needs of your guests. Your vegan guest may not be pleased to see Atkins-only cuisine. Evening dinner parties are not your only option. Gregory recently hosted a breakfast party for friends to watch the Republican National Convention. She served orange sweet rolls, grapes and juice. A week earlier, she served dessert fondue and had guests bring their favorite fruits to dip in it. Other ideas include setting up a taco or pizza bar so guests can create their own meal masterpieces. Whatever you choose, don't let guests starve. If you're having a party with just drinks and hors-d'oeuvres, expect each guest to eat 12 bite-sized servings. Keep extra items such as nuts, cheese, crackers and chocolate on hand in case you run out of your main dishes.
3. Setting the Mood Before your party starts, light candles and play some mellow music. Table ware doesn't have to be fancy, but
if you entertain a lot, it may be a good idea to invest in some nice glasses. Bed Bath & Beyond, 3106 Iowa St., offers a 12-piece wine goblet set for $9.99. If you don't mind mismatched glasses, thrift shops are another place to look for glass sets.
4. Wine-ing Allowed Even good wine does not have to be much more expensive than an AAA Tennis court at Cork & Rosal
does not have to be more than beer. Mike Zerr, wine clerk at Cork & Barrel Wine and Spirits, 2000 W. $23^{rd}$ St., recommends white wine to most college students because it's cheaper and most wine amateurs prefer its sweeter flavor to that of robust reds. Zerr says you can get a good bottle of white wine for $10 to$ 15. His pick is a fruity Chehalem Pinot Gris for $14.99 at Cork & Barrel. Zerr says it is difficult to find a good red wine for less than$ 20 and recommends a red Zinfandel or Merlot. He says Montevina Zinfandel, which sells for $10, became the most popular red wine after it was featured on Queer Eye for the Straight Guy.
It's best to match intensities between menu and wine, Zerr says. Serve red wine with red meat and pasta in hearty red sauces. White better with lighter fare, such as seafood, poultry and cream sauces. The number of bottles you will need depends on how much your guests drink. You can get four to five glasses from a standard 750-milliliter bottle.
Whatever type of party you choose, remember connecting with your guests and having fun are the most important aspects. Do not get so caught up in the planning that you forget to have a good time. Cheers!
9.16.04 Jayplay
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