Emma Forbes on entertaining in style

Emma Forbes, broadcaster and TV personality made it to the semi-finals of BBC1's Celebrity Masterchef in 2010 so she has most definitely felt the heat in the kitchen. With the publication of Life & Soul - Celebrate in Style, Emma has put her expertise of party planning and entertaining on record as she shares both advice and recipes. Here, she gives advice on planning for a Christmas party and we've included two easy recipes. For more ideas and inspiration, visit Emma's lifestyle website, Forbes Style.

EMMA'S TOP TIPS FOR ENTERTAINING

1. When planning a party, prioritise what you want to spend the money on, whether it be the food or whether you want to go more to town on the decor.

2. Check round your own possessions as you will often find you have plenty of 'props' just in your own home or get inventive...

3. A theme, even a simple one will really help you set the mood for the party. I don't mean huge full on fancy dress - it can be a theme as simple as just using colours, red white and blue...

4. Invite list - look through and really pre-think who will get on with who, who is the party animal, the life and soul, the person who mixes well. Just make sure you have a good blend of characters and be brave to mix it up.

5. Make sure you introduce everyone - once you have done that and started the 'chat', you will find the party starts to flow. There is nothing worse than a host who doesn't introduce you to people.

6. Better to over cater than under cater but always hard to get the exact right amount of food needed but if you are on a budget, simply over cater a dish that is inexpensive. Such as one with pasta or risotto...

7. Keep food simple and have things that can be prepared in advance. Try these Sticky Sausages ,simple but a sure-fi re hit with all ages.

8. Salmon & Watercress Tartlets are delicious with a simple rocket salad.

9. Use food to decorate - huge bowls of things like clementines, lemons, rosy red apples are inexpensive but make a statement and look really chic.

10. Flowers: try to buy in season so that you spend less. At Christmas time, huge twigs of holly, pine or mistletoe really cut down the need for masses of flowers and look incredible.

Life & Soul
Emma Forbes
ISBN: 1907332863
RRP: £20.00
Ivy Press

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23 November 2011