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Easy, Stress-Free Entertaining Tips

Thinking about entertaining? Spur-of-the-moment gatherings with families and friends can be fun -- especially when they are casual, cost-effective and stress free.

Here are a few entertaining trends and tips to help guide the planning process:

• Think comfort food: Macaroni and cheese is the new pasta sensation. Potpies are back, and so are meatloaf, pot roast, chili and stew. Add a salad and a seasonal dessert and you have a casual, cost-effective menu that is sure to please.

• Ethnic, family-style: Whether dining in or to go, neighborhood ethnic restaurants can stretch your entertainment budget and introduce your guests to delightful ethnic menus. How about a Mexican, Chinese, Thai or Italian buffet – all are delicious, budget-conscious ways to entertain in style.

• Potlucks and BYOB’s: Sharing the menu preparation and beverages will engage everyone in the gathering and make the whole event more manageable and cost effective. Party guests these days should always offer to contribute a bottle of wine or a savory dish to share.

• Make it Lunch or Brunch: You can trim your food and beverage costs by nearly half by planning a luncheon or brunch. Whether at home or at a favorite restaurant, these daytime events are much more carefree and budget-friendly.

• Go Dutch: Restaurants – even five-star dining establishments – are offering incentives that are especially enticing this holiday season. How about a “no-host” dinner party at your favorite restaurant, with separate checks rather than haggling over the bill at the end of the evening. There’s no need to prep the house, buy groceries or clean up afterwards – now that’s stress-free entertaining!