Keeping Entertaining Simple

Here are a few of her breezy and sensible ideas.

• To save money, instead of serving cocktails, make a couple of alcoholic punches. (They also taste good without alcohol.) Cranberry Fizz, Hot Mulled Cider, and Lime-Rum Punch are offered in the book.
  
  
• Hot Mulled Cider: Put 2 cinnamon sticks, 12 whole cloves, and 1/2 teaspoon allspice in a small cloth bag. Place the spice bag in a large pot holding 1 gallon of apple cider. Bring to a simmer and let bubble gently for 30 minutes. Add 2 cups bourbon (optional) before serving. Makes 12 to 14 servings.
  
  
• Early in December, invite friends to your house for a Christmas card party. Serve hot chocolate and carrot cake while everyone writes out their cards. You can save postage by delivering them to friends on the spot.
  
  
• Have themed pot-luck suppers. You might ask everyone to bring something his or her grandmother used to make. You are guaranteed to get some wonderful desserts!
  
  
• Don’t "over-clean" the house: it might make your guests uneasy, and anyway, they don’t care how pristine your house is. If the party is at night, don’t bother to dust behind or under things, but watch for spiderwebs on the ceiling that show when lamps are on.
  
  
• Cook food that you like. Simple, tried-and-true recipes won’t surprise you or curdle or fall. This pasta recipe is a sure winner:
  
  
• Pasta with Artichokes and Capers: Slice a large red onion into thin rings and sauté in 1/4 cup olive oil in a large pan. Add two or three 8-ounce jars of marinated artichoke hearts, two 1-pound cans of crushed tomatoes, and 1 tablespoon capers and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until you need it. Ladle over any chunky pasta (ziti or rotelli are favorites) and serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
  
  
• Many more tips, ideas, funny anecdotes, and easy recipes are included in the book. Put it under your pillow so you can absorb Martha Storey’s relaxed attitude while you sleep.