Party Like a Pro

It’s the thick of the holiday party season, a time of laughter, joy and sheer terror for many. But having friends and family over needn’t be a nightmarish scenario, says Suzanne Williamson, co-author (with Linda Smith) of “Entertaining For Dummies” (IDG Books Worldwide Inc., 1997).

This comprehensive guide covers everything from making guests feel comfortable to what foods to serve, ideas for invitations and what to do if disaster strikes (Remain calm, don’t make it the focus of the party. Williamson is not only a veteran party-thrower and -goer, she is a world-traveler who gives seminars on home entertaining. We caught up with her by phone recently at her home in South Carolina.

And the Clueless Host of the Year award goes to...: “Some people just don’t know how to throw a party. But if you don’t learn it growing up, how would you ever know how to set a table or what kind or hors d’oeuvres to serve? We went to somebody’s house once--he’s a CEO now, but this was 10 years ago--and he had a bag of Chee-tos out. He didn’t even put it in a bowl.”

Host a party, change a life: Her philosophy of entertaining? “It’s about gathering people together that you really care about. It shouldn’t be about impressing people. Just take that plunge. It can change your whole life. I grew up in Africa [her father was a diplomat] and we moved every two years. When we’d get to a country we’d have half an hour to make friends. So having people over, it becomes intimate right away.”

Not pate en croute with truffles again!: “Don’t do the same old things. Shock and delight your guests. It can be with the food you serve, the way you’re dressed, the people you invite. That makes people relax, and they can get out of their lives for a little bit. This should be like a mini-vacation.”