UNION, N.J., Oct 20, 2005 /PRNewswire via COMTEX News Network/ -- It's never too late to plan ahead when it comes to entertaining during the holiday season, according to the experts at Bed Bath & Beyond.
"You want to be able to relax and enjoy your company, so prioritize, organize and take stock of what you already have," said Bari Fagin, from Bed Bath & Beyond. Here are some tips as you start to plan your menu, table themes and home decor. Keep in mind your plans for extra guests and party clean-up.
PLAN YOUR MENU
Think about the individual guests you are inviting. Remember the vegetarians and picky eaters, as well as anyone with known dietary restrictions. When creating your menu and shopping list, include everything -- from soup to nuts.
Purchase what you can ahead of time, updating your shopping list as you go. Make sure you have the right roasting pan and extra pots. This may be the perfect time to retire your mother's Dutch oven and pick up some great new cookware.
PLAN YOUR TABLE THEMES
One event may call for a sit-down dinner while a large crowd may be better served at a buffet table. It's important to consider how many you are serving before you make your choice.
Have more guests than dishes? This holiday may be the time to invest in new coordinated dinnerware.
Select different color schemes for each upcoming dinner and shop for coordinated linens and chair covers. Adding unique, multi-level serving dishes to a buffet will give your table a fresh look.
PLAN YOUR DECOR
Freshen up a foyer or entry way with runners in great seasonal colors. They will enhance the holiday atmosphere and save your floors from the extra traffic.
Toss a textured throw over a couch or armchair. After enjoying a fabulous meal, guests will welcome a cozy spot to take a nap before dessert.
PLAN FOR EXTRA GUESTS
Now is the time to stock up on extra seating, such as wooden folding chairs and tables. Remember to include them when you select linens and chair covers.
Set up an extra garment rack or two for all of your guests' coats. Don't forget the wooden hangers.
If guests decide to stay for the night, a raised, heated inflatable mattress is the solution to your extra bedding needs. Take stock of your linen closet and add fresh towels and sheets to your shopping list.
PLAN FOR CLEAN-UP
All great events must come to an end. Your dishwasher may be running constantly with dinnerware, flatware and drinkware, but a folding dish rack is useful for your large platters and pots.
When grateful guests insist on helping, be ready to hand them fresh scrubbers and new dish towels.
"Follow these tips, and you'll find that the better prepared you are during the holiday entertaining season, the easier and more enjoyable your parties will be," said Fagin.
Visit Bed Bath & Beyond stores nationwide or online at http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com. Whether shopping in-stores or online, you will find all the products you need to simplify your holiday preparation and entertaining.
SOURCE Bed Bath & Beyond
Bari Fagin of Bed Bath & Beyond, bari.fagin@bedbath.com, or +1-631-420-7050 x5371