Free Articles and Information! Amateur Entertaining Ideas By: ARA (ARA) - Let’s face it. The holidays are busy for everyone. Between work, kids, carpools and shopping, it’s hard to find the time and energy to entertain. And yet, your home looks great all decked out in the colors of the holidays, so you definitely want to share the spirit of the season with friends and family. But if you’re like most of us, you don’t have time to throw extravagant dinner parties, much less the imagination to make your party the hit of the season. We asked the entertaining experts at Pier 1 Imports to share with us unique, yet simple ways to entertain friends and family with style and ease. Take these tips, put your personal touch on them, and enjoy the season! Holiday Sweets Invite your friends over for dessert after the theatre or dinner at your favorite restaurant. “Dessert parties are very popular right now,” says Robert Kling, Senior Vice President of Merchandising at Pier 1 Imports. “There is less pressure to create an entire meal and some people even buy, rather than make, pies or chocolates to serve. The focus is more on the atmosphere of the event, so concentrate your efforts on creating a festive feeling.” Chill champagne while you’re out, or have a cider mix with fresh apples ready to heat when you arrive with your guests. Offer a beverage immediately to keep your guests occupied while you light candles and place your desserts out to serve. Colorful dessert plates or bowls are inexpensive and make all the difference when serving your sweets. Bold stemware makes a statement, but you might also want to go with basic clear glass that can be used year-round. “We suggest any tabletop items in amber, gold and red,” said Kling. “Jewel colors have a holiday feel and are versatile enough for use in every season. If you want decorating ideas or fast shopping, go to pier1.com -- it’s a great solution when you get swamped during the holidays.” Java Stop If a jolt of caffeine is what gets you moving, invite your friends to stop by on a Saturday morning before they begin their holiday shopping, for a hot cup of fuel -- coffee or hot chocolate will get everyone ready to brave the shopping madness. Pier 1 has beautifully crafted, unique mugs that come in a variety of sizes for thirsts large and small. “Mixing and matching dinnerware is the craze this year, and we like to do it with mugs too,” explains Kling. “Offer a variety of cups and let your guests choose which one they want to use. Better yet, let them take their mug home with them as a holiday present. Pier 1 has hot chocolate, coffee and cider mixes that make affordable, quick gifts. Keep some on hand for gift-emergencies.” Breakfast breads and coffee cake will help your guests wake up (no donut boxes on the table please) -- use a decorative bread platter to showcase your offerings. But, paper holiday plates and napkins will be just right for your informal pre-shopping gathering. Wrapping It Up With the right entertaining and decorating resources, you’ll feel wonderful and relaxed about having friends and family in your home this holiday season. Remember how busy you are and be proud of yourself for pulling it together. Once the dishes are done, and your family is off to bed, we suggest three things: 1) Pour yourself a mug of hot chocolate. 2) Serve yourself the last slice (or two) of cheesecake. 3) Start wrapping presents! Courtesy of ARA Content About the author: Courtesy of ARA Content