Rachael Ray: Rachael's Daytime Talkshow

Rachael's Entertaining Tips

  • Bill and Tracy have a vomiting dog ... a crying baby ... and seven people on their way over for a dinner party. Is this entertaining-challenged couple headed for disaster, or can Rachael's entertaining tips save the day?

Rachael's the first to admit that she's not an expert party-giver. Hear some of her worst party moments.

Entertaining DOs

Rachael's main rule of thumb when it comes to throwing a party is: When you do entertain, make it convenient! So before you start inviting the neighbors over, remember these few rules.

  • Potluck dinners are a great way to keep party costs and stress levels down when you want to host a party. Get the recipe for one of Rach's favorite potluck meals.

  • If you are hosting a potluck, make a checklist. Otherwise you'll end up with 9 starches, no entrees and 6 kinds of brownies. Not that that's a bad thing!

  • Antipasto is your friend! Why bother with complicated hors d'oeuvres when you can throw some stuff on a platter and call it a day? Get Rachael's "five-minute party starter" antipasto platter.

  • Mix fresh herbs from the produce section with some regular, old flowers you find at a deli or in the grocery store. They smell really good and you can use the herbs to cook with afterward.

Discover more creative ways to dress up your table and platters.

You'll never look at a bag of frozen peas the same way again!

Entertaining DON'Ts

  • Don't run around like a crazed lunatic. If something goes awry or dinner gets burned, you can always order take-out. Remember, it's just about hanging out with your buddies!

Rach fields questions on entertaining from the audience.

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