7 Tips for Easy Holiday Entertaining

Plus: Great healthy cocktails and appetizer recipes.

More Entertaining Ideas
Easy Entertaining: 15-Minute Appetizers and Drinks
Quick and Healthy Appetizer Recipes and Menus
See It, Make It: Cocktails & Mocktails

4. Serve all night. If you put everything out at 8:00 p.m. and pour the Cosmos, the food’s going to run out and someone’s going to be donning a lampshade by 9:30. Researchers long ago reached the conclusion—known by the rest of us in praxis—that food in the stomach slows alcohol on its trip to the small intestine, where it is most efficiently absorbed. So put food out all night to balance the wine, beer and cocktails. Keep some food back, a surprise to come—and better for your guests’ health anyway.

Tip 5: Refill platters often. »