Entertaining Tips

     You're married! You received new dinnerware. You are planning your fist dinner party. Here are some tips for the big event.
     How many people to invite? A dinner party for six or eight is ideal. A successful party depends on the right combination of people so think about personalities and individual interests before you invite the potential guests.
     Choose the right table covering to complement your dinner plans. Formal entertaining still calls for a linen tablecloth with matching napkins. Informal entertaining lends itself to colorful cloths with either matching or contrasting napkins. Many hostesses choose to use place mats - either alone or layers.
     Adding a special centerpiece can reflect your personal style. Just remember that:

• A centerpiece should never block a guest's view.
• The size and shape should be in proportion to the size of the table.
• flowers should not be so fragrant that they overpower the food.

Using candles at the table adds a romantic touch to the dinner. Here are some expert tips on candle use.

• Ivory candles are the preferred choice for a classic table setting.
• If you keep your candles in the refrigerator they will burn evenly and slowly.
• All candles should be displayed with charred wicks and should be placed at least two or three inches apart to prevent melting into each other.
• If you forgot to extinguish the candles and some of the wax melted onto the tablecloth, you can remove the wax from a washable cloth by scraping off the excess wax and running boiling water through the fabric.

Following these tips for the first dinner party should help insure that you'll feel more comfortable in your role as hostess and will be happy and eager to repeat the lovely evening you provided for your guests.