#entertaining

#entertaining

Hosting a cocktail party can be challenging, though. It's up to the host to make sure that everyone's comfortable and having a good time, and it's easy to get wrapped up in the idea that things need to be perfect. They don't. We reached out to a number of entertainment and beverage experts for tips on how to make hosting a cocktail party easier, and they all emphasized keeping things simple and focusing on the guests rather than aiming for perfection.

If you've been an avid Costco shopper for at least a decade, there may be some old cookbooks hiding in your kitchen that you've totally forgotten about. A series of Costco's own cookbooks, titled "The Costco Way," ran from 2002 to 2015 and was distributed for free annually on Black Friday. Eventually, the store stopped publishing the series in favor of Costco Connection magazine, its monthly publication that features some recipes. But, as all home chefs know, nothing beats a good classic cookbook.

Step back in time and into the kitchens of mid-century America, where no party would be complete without tiny morsels of food elegantly arranged on colorful plates to greet guests. In the 1950s, home entertaining was all the rage thanks to postwar prosperity and the rise of suburban living, and dinner parties became a cornerstone of middle-class American society. Hosts armed with cookbooks like "Betty Crocker" and "Good Housekeeping" perfected the art of elegant yet approachable hors d'oeuvres.

This season sees the release of big party-focused cookbooks, like Dan Pelosi's straight-to-the-point Let's Party and Brie Larson and Courtney McBroom's Party People, full of ambitious, themed spreads and tips for setting the mood through tablescapes. We also see books about how to throw less-formal gatherings, such as Hetty Lui McKinnon's Linger, Chelsea Fagan's Having People Over, and Samin Nosrat's Good Things.

Ina Garten has built her beloved reputation on making entertaining feel effortless, and her hosting advice is as timeless as her signature chambray shirt. Whether she's planning a casual brunch or an intricate dinner party, the Barefoot Contessa has a knack for taking the stress out of hosting while keeping every detail in mind. Over the years, she's shared countless tips (both big and small) that make gatherings look and feel more put together, personal, and, most importantly, enjoyable.

The Martha Stewart Wine Collection allows experienced and inexperienced wine connoisseurs to try some of her favorite selections in the comfort of their own homes.

This drink leans into refreshing whiskey drinks, adding a little bit of orange and fresh citrus. Would be a hit at a summer party.

Salad tongs and drink trays might not steal the spotlight, yet quality serveware is essential for transforming even simple tablescapes into professional displays.

Even the most lavish parties can feel incomplete without some snacks on the table. Small as they may be, those pieces of food are what keep the conversations flowing.

Kendra is a dinner party animal, a pop-up pro! A host whisperer with a proven record of knowing not just what to cook for her own parties, but what you should be cooking for yours as well.

I bought these for a party and it was so easy to prep them and pop them into the fridge with the lid on. Same goes for storing leftovers afterward.

This stunning wood patio table with built-in coolers is possibly one of the most awesome outdoor accessories we've seen - and it's made entirely from scratch.

Yvonne Force Villareal describes her couch from a John Chamberlain exhibition as 'the root chakra' of her family, symbolizing comfort and connection.

Solar-powered outdoor string lights from Brightech create a romantic atmosphere for outdoor spaces, free from the constraints of power outlets, perfect for any occasion.

Who loves the idea of dishes as decor? I just bought the cutest dishes at Walmart - and they are SO affordable! I was actually more excited about this set of dishes for decorating shelves more than serving.

The right kitchen tools can transform your culinary efforts into an unforgettable event, elevating your dinner parties to new heights with enhanced experiences for both hosts and guests.