About Entertaining: Preparing for Christmas

Entertaining In the Spotlight | More Topics | Top Picks |   from Donna Pilato I can't believe we're in the middle of another holiday season. There are so many things to do, which is why this newsletter is filled with ideas to help you do things in a less stressful way. Have an Entertaining week!   In the Spotlight Host a Tree Trimming Party Many of the homes in our neighborhood managed to put up their holiday lights over this long weekend. It was a smart idea since the weather wasn't too bad, and that leaves more time for indoor decorating projects. We all need to have our indoor decorating done before we can host a holiday party - right? No, not if you turn your tree decorating into an excuse for a holiday party with a Tree Trimming Party.              More Topics Last Minute Appetizers Wordless Wednesday - Fire Truck Choose Your Holiday Centerpiece Project Mealtime Blessings Plan Your Class Winter Party A Twilight Movie Party You Can Survive Holiday Entertaining Just follow these little tricks to get through the stress of entertaining for the holidays. My first suggestion is to enjoy those holiday cookies that can be found whenever you turn around. Don't worry, I have plenty of non-fattening ideas, as well.   A Post Holiday Shopping Supper Shopping isn't my sport, especially not on Black Friday. I'd much rather sit in my pj's at my computer and shop, then fight the crowds at the malls. But after years of listening to my friends bragging about their bargains, I'm beginning to think I'm missing out on something. If I ever decide to join in this holiday sport, I'm going to be sure to prepare before I go. Because I know that my friends, even if they don't appreciate my poor shopping aptitude, will appreciate a Comfort Supper when the hunt is over, on Black Friday or any shopping day during the holiday season.     Sponsored Links   Top Picks - Multi-Purpose Fondue Sets  from your  Entertaining  Guide Fondue is a fun way to entertain. Decide whether you plan to cook only one type of fondue such as cheese, or all variations including meat and chocolate. Then select your set accordingly. Here are my favorite picks. 1) Ruffoni Copper Pot Fondue Set I just love the look of this artsy, Italian-crafted pot. Use the tin-lined pot for meat fondues, or drop in the removable porcelain insert for melting chocolate or cheese. Set also includes burner and six stainless steel forks. 2) Fondue Pot by Le Creuset This pot does an excellent job with all types of fondue. The enamel-coated, cast iron pot can be heated on the stove and then transferred to the burner at your table. The enamel coating is easy to clean. The pot comes in six fun colors and includes six stainless steel forks with colored ends. 3) Lazy Susan Fondue Set Offered in either copper or stainless steel, the lazy Susan base gives easy access to the six ramekins that are included for sauces and condiments. For the extra money, the copper pot looks very dramatic on a tabletop. The copper pot is lined with stainless steel and has a porcelain handle and knob on its lid. Six fondue forks with color-coded tops complete either set.   Feeling Under the Weather? Evaluating Your Cold Symptoms How to tell when a runny nose is just a cold, and when it might be turning into something more serious and require a visit to the doctor. More> Entertaining Ads Write to Santa Claus Santa Phone Call Santa Address Santa Send Email from Santa Advertisement     Visit Related About GuideSites: Cocktails Wine Coffee / Tea Interior Decorating Home Cooking   Search About      Sign up for more free newsletters on favorite topics. You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About Entertaining newsletter as ignoble.experiment@ARCONATI.US. If you wish to change or remove your email address, please visit: http://www.about.com/nl/usgs.htm?nl=entertaining&e=ignoble.experiment@ARCONATI.US About respects your privacy. Our Privacy Policy. Our Contact Information. 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2008 About, Inc.