At least several days before entertaining plan your menu. Plan for one or two courses that can be made ahead and frozen, made the night before, or in the morning. Make a shopping list.

Dont attempt to make anything you havent tried before or are unsure about. Keep the foods easy and uncomplicated.

Combine dishes that are varied in taste, color and texture as well as appearance and calorie value. And balance a rich, heavy dish with something light.

When your guests arrive, strive for a relaxed atmosphere. Dont feel that everything must be put away; your possessions are what make your home interesting to others. Its also better to have guests chatting in a relaxed way in the kitchen with you than sitting formally in another room by themselves.