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December is the month of parties.After the exam season of the kids we all would like to really relax,meet friends and get ready to welcome the New Year.Here are some party tips to be a guest and also for being hosts
A GOOD GUEST

• A guest does not mean just showing up you should appretiate that someone is entertaining
  
  
• Promptly respond to invitation
  
  
• Ask the host if you want to bring uninvited guests
  
  
• Alert the host of any food restrictions.If you don't like what is served,move it around the plate discretely
  
  
• In the event that you could not attend the party after accepting inform the host at the earliest
  
  
• A hostess gift is always a lovely gesture
  
  
• Make sure you talk to the person on either side of you
  
  
• Do not start debates and arguments
  
  
• Turn off your cellphones or set to vibrate mode and excuse from the table when you have to answer a call
  
  
• An offer to help clear the table between courses is appreciated
  
  
• Send a thank-you note.Hand-written is best,e-mail is acceptable,a phone call the bare minimu
  

THE BEST BUFFET

• An abundent choice of food,attractively displayed and easily served with plenty of comfortable places to sit is the key to successful buffet dinner
  
  
• Enticing display of food,surrounded by colourful flowers,fruits,veggies and garnishes is a welcome
  
  
• A serving table in the centre of the room,accessible on all sides is ideal
  
  
• Stack plates where you want the line to begin
  
  
• Place napkins,utencils an d beverages at the end
  
  
• Put cold foods at the start of the buffet so that hot foods spend less time cooling on the guest's plate
  
  
• Set out desserts on separate table,with plates,napkins,forks and spoons
  
  
• Figure on one servingof each dish per person,then add at least 20 percent more for seconds
  
  
• Arrange chairs in groups so no one is left stranded alone and be sure you have plenty of place for everyone to sit
  

GET ORGANISED

• To relax and enjoy with the guests minimise the last minute preparations
  
  
• Invite guests well in advance,if they have not responded you may inquire if they are coming so there will be time to invite someone else
  
  
• Decide how you will serve buffet,passed around the table or served at the table seated
  
  
• Wash or polish tableware.Be sure you have coasters,trivets and table pads on hand to protect the table
  
  
• Make sure all linen are clean and wrinkle free
  
  
• Plan on a centrepiece,keeping flowers and candles low for cross-table visibility or fill in a silver bowl with any seasonal fruits or vegetables
  
  
• Set the table in advance to make sure the flatware,china,glasses and serving pieces will fit your arrangement
  
  
• Planning who will sit where will jump-start conversation so put together peopleyou think will enjoy each other and separate couples
  
  
• You can clear the dishes in between the courses but do not start washing
  

I hope all the above tips will be useful to you.For more tips visit POTLUCK PARTIES and MENU PLANNING in this blog

I do not really know how this name POTLUCK came to stay.When I went through the dictionary it is given as 'accept whatever is available'.So potluck parties are nothing to do with luck but truely a planned event.
We are a group who became close friends who used to meet for weekends in a small town in Tamilnadu were we are all married and settled.Imagine all city bred young girls,in a place with absolutely no recreation(our husbands will still not agree).Luckily all the guys were a close knit lot and fun loving, we all grabbed the oppurtunities and kept ourselves occupied.As i said we used to meet once a week in the same hotel, we really got bugged.That is how this concept of potluck started in our small dear town(now we have to accept as we have to like a place were you live)
Over the years our group has grown big so also our parties.I would like to share with you all the fun of potluck parties when properly planned and you can also master them easily.All these experiences mooted us to publish a book "POTLUCK SPECIALS" as a fundraiser for an NGO for a noble cause.

HOSTESS TIPS

We can plan the potluck according to our convenience.
Lunch party
With family-sunday
Only ladies-a day of your friends convenience
Only children-according to their holidays
Dinner party
With family-saturday or a day when the next day will be a holiday
Tea/High tea
Preferably ladies and children

List down the guests and the numbers

Decide whether the dishes will be North or South Indian,Chinese,Italian,Diwali,Christmas etc

Plan a < MENU .If it is to be Indian,list down a few starters,three or four main dishes,two side dishes and appropriate desserts

Start calling the good cooks first,so they can take on the main or more challenging dishes

Tick off each course as it is spoken for.The hostess usually provides one of the mains

Keep numbers in mind.If there will be quite a few dishes,you could get away with smaller quantities

Take the ratio of vegs to non-vegs.The non-vegs will make inroads into veg,so make sure the veggies get enough options

Don't add foods that require last minute garnishing/heating/chilling

Decide on the crocery or disposables,a table sitting or buffet.

Have a quick-and-easy way for casual get-togethers and a more elaborate ones for important parties

This includes putting some flowers,nice music.

Make sure there are enough plates and spoons and beverages at hand

Even if your fellow potleggers will bring in appropriate serving dishes,be prepared with serving platters,spoons and spatulas

Since alcohol can work out quite a bit it is acceptable to divide the cost between friends.Preferably leave this to the guys

Give the guests enough notice to get their contributions together .It's smart to be flexible about where they come from too

Your friend who can't cut an onion should be allowed to order the dessert from a restaurant

Deal with the leftovers as you want-keep tham if you have the place,or divide them up amongst the guests

Make the guest list small for formal serious parties and little more for casual ones so that you can relax

Involve just one of your close friends on deciding the menu and alloting them

POTLUCK GUEST TIPS

Check with the hostess about how many servings your dish should be

If you can't cook,please do buy,just get your dish there

Don't insist on getting asalsd when your hostess says there are already three

Bring in a dish with serving spoon,spatula or serving tongs whichever is appropriate

Make sure your dish will make the journey to the hostess' house

Have it ready to serve.Avoid heating cooling,then your hostess will have to run around

Do not expect the hostess to clean your dish especially when you are in a hurry to leave

If your hostess gives a mixed goodies of leftovers accept graciously

So friends get ready for a planned potluck for the forthcoming festive season.You can really relax and enjoy the homemade delicacies.You will definitely await another oppurtunity to host.