Newlywed's guide to luxurious entertaining

Sat, Jun 14 10:10 AM

America's rising marriage age means more newlyweds have experience managing money, communicating with their better halves and navigating relationship speed bumps.

One thing they are not so good at? Entertaining.

In fact, many newlyweds enter marriage with little or no such experience. College parties and BYOB Cinco De Mayo get-togethers don't count. What's more, even if a pair cohabits beforehand, and is used to hosting guests, the first year of marriage often involves the kind of formal dinners and holiday celebrations they're not used to throwing.

In Pictures: Newlywed's Guide To Luxurious Entertaining

But even the most novice entertainer can put together a presentable party with the help of caterers, attention-getting cookware, a well-stocked pantry and liberal use of registry gifts.

'It's like people are waiting to 'become adults' before using their good china,' says Brooklyn, N.Y.-based entertaining expert Marcy Blum. 'If you registered for all these things, you should use them as much as possible, mixing your best dishes with everyday pieces, and even using fine silverware outdoors.'

Entertaining Essentials

Once you've gotten over your fear of breaking plates, think about what else you'll need to run a tight ship. Maria McBride, author of Party Planning for New Nesters, says the best way to throw a stress-free party is by keeping certain party basics on hand. Stock

extra plates, stemware, vases and bar stools, even a stainless steel barbecue.

Now that your home is filled with entertaining must-haves, it's time to create the guest list. One suggestion is to use entertaining as a way to integrate friends. If you host poker night twice a month while your significant other holds a book group every Wednesday, why not bring the two groups together with some drinks and dinner, minus and Texas Hold 'Em and Proust?

'The couples I know who are the strongest,' says Blum, 'have a lot of mutual friends.'

Also, consider inviting people who are at different stages in their lives, says Blum. Sometimes, mixing graduate students with friends who are already in the workforce, maybe even veterans, adds another layer to the conversation.

McBride, on the other hand, likes to focus on one core group--colleagues, college friends, extended family--and then reach out to her most outgoing pals first.

'They help guarantee a great mix,' she says. If her chosen 'life-of-the-party' is unavailable, McBride will try to adjust dates to suit his or her needs, then invite the rest of the group.

But even if you've got the greatest conversation-starter, no party is successful without good food and drinks. Not to worry if cooking an elaborate seven-course meal is not an option. There's no shame in having your event catered, or even ordering in, says

Blum. Too many people skip hosting parties altogether because they don't have the time to cook, or they're not confident in their abilities. Whether you call in a personal chef to serve a multi-course menu or order ribs from the well-reviewed barbecue joint around the corner, people will be pleased with good food that's served on time, no matter who prepared it.

What entertaining tips do you most rely on? Weigh in. Add your thoughts in the Reader Comments section below.

If you can cook, indulge in a unique gadget that will make whipping something up for a big group more fun. McBride suggests the wood-burning pizza oven by Williams Sonoma, a clay dome oven on a stand that makes it easy to impress your friends with fresh grilled pizzas.

When it comes to booze, stick with decent wine and one or two cocktails, says Blum. (Bellinis and Manhattans are both good choices.)

'This,' she says, 'will mitigate the crush at the bar.' Cocktail carts, ideal for an apartment party or outdoor event, can be purchased everywhere from Target (for the budget-minded) to the Conran Shop (for the design-savvy).

These tips offer the building blocks of a memorable party: good food, good wine and great conversation. But what's the one thing you don't need for a successful soiree? Lots of time, says McBride. She says it's OK to e-mail or call instead of mailing invites. To quickly prepare, buy some flowers and fine wine, and bring out your best china. Once the guests have arrived, order your favorite take-out and serve it onto those beautiful dishes.

'With your [presumably] busy lifestyle,' she says, 'it's OK to be spontaneous.'

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