I love hostessing. Hands down, it’s my favorite hobby. Here a few lessons I’ve learned about executing a successful dinner party…

• Prepare as many items in the morning as you can.
• Introduce guests to each other.
• Set out appetizers. You know dinner won’t be done on time.
• Play music so no one has to listen to other guests chew.
• Pick a recipe that requires little last-minute effort. A tried and true meal that you’ve made before is usually a solid bet.
• Make your house comfortable. Is it easy to find the drinks? Is the bathroom clean?

As you can tell, I don’t own eight matching plates…or a table cloth that will cover my entire table but I do have good friends and a working oven: the most important elements of a successful party!