Pâtétaining: Gastronomy 101: Hosting a Holiday Party for Beginners

If entertaining and cooking aren't your thing, don't worry, we're here to help! Here are a few tips to help you rock the holiday season.

As if deciding what to give everyone on your holiday list isn't enough (not to mention actually having to deal with sale-crazy shoppers), you might find yourself hosting a holiday gathering this year. If you're a novice at this, take a deep breath. After all, we all were beginners at some point. We've got a few tips to turn you from a newbie to a gourmet guru.

• The invitation. In today's digital world, it's so easy to send an email or an online invitation. Ramp it up a notch and mail a printed invitation. (In case you forgot, mail involves envelopes and stamps!) At this time of year, you'll find dozens of holiday-themed invitations at card stores. Your guests will immediately be impressed — and may be more inclined to RSVP in a timely manner.

• The decor. If you already decorate for the holidays, you're one step ahead of the game. If not, little touches, like a wreath on the front door or candles lit throughout the house, can give your home a festive feel.

• The table. Your table decor is as important as the rest of the house, if not more so. Don't have a festive tablecloth? Resist the urge to purchase a paper tablecloth. Instead, buy a festive runner and take it from there. A bowl of colorful ornaments can double as a centerpiece. Colored ribbons around the stems of your wine glasses can add a festive touch.

• The food. OK, we're finally getting to the gourmet part. Impress your guests with a Christmas tree-shaped cheese and pâté spread. Use an oversized cheese board and alternate rows of cheese and pâté cubes with red and green grapes or red tomatoes to form a tree shape. Serve with red- and green-topped toothpicks, crackers, and pieces of French bread.

Whether you serve ham, turkey or another entree, dress it up with your side dishes. Mix our Forest Mushroom or Pheasant Rosemary Pâté into your stuffing, or stuff our Mixed Vegetable Pâté into a roasted tomato.

Serve a well-paired wine with dinner. If you're not a wine connoisseur, ask an associate at your local wine or liquor store for budget-friendly recommendations based on what you're serving

For dessert, a fresh fruit tray is a sweet start. You don't have to be a great baker to serve a mouthwatering dessert. Try making a mousse or parfait. If all else fails, pick up a cake or pie at the bakery. You might want to serve a mix of nuts and dried fruits, too. Make a pot of good coffee and have a box of tea varieties to offer your guests as well.

• The takeaway (literally). Give each guest a party favor, and they'll leave with a positive impression. Naturally, our favorite favors are food favors, because food is universally appreciated. Try a small box of chocolates, a few homemade or bakery-bought cookies, or a package of Alexian Pâté.

Try these tips and your family and friends will think you've been entertaining like this for years.
Happy holidays!