When Thanksgiving rolls around, it's fun to gather everyone together for a meal. A big dinner shouldn't be a strain, though. If you're the host, you can volunteer to provide the main course: maybe a juicy sliced ham, a turkey or standing rib roast.

From there, ask your guests to bring an item to add to the buffet. You can make it potluck and let everyone bring whatever they wish, or assign guests different categories of foods, to be sure that there is variety. Here are some other ideas for easy holiday entertaining:

• Don't sweat the small stuff. If you worked hard to make a great dish, purchase side items and desserts from Brookshire's deli and bakery. They're tasty and easy, you'll be glad that you didn't toil over the stove.
• Sometimes do-it-yourself meals are lots of fun. Try a taco or nacho bar where everyone fixes their own combination of food.
• Go non-traditional! A Thanksgiving Pizza Party might become a new favorite!
• Think of the mess factor of foods. Sauces can spill, and foods that can be served with one hand are easier if you're balancing your plate.
• Don't do a whole-house cleanup. Work on areas that guests will visit, with emphasis on the bathroom and kitchen. Pick up clutter, vacuum and light a few scented candles.
• Close doors to rooms that are off-limits to guests.
• Consider using fancy-but-disposable plates and utensils for dinner. There's no need to spend all that time washing dishes!
• If budgets are extra tight, skip the dinner and have a fruit-and-dessert buffet. Ask everyone to bring their favorite holiday goodie to share with the group.
• Enjoy the charm of a candle-lit room, but do it with caution. Make sure candles aren't left unattended, and be sure they're out of the way of small children and pets.
• Music sets the holiday mood, so be sure to play plenty of holiday favorites. Be sure to keep the volume fairly low (so that conversation doesn't turn into yelling), and make sure the music is the type everyone will enjoy. If you don't know too many Thanksgiving carols, remember that this does mark the beginning of the Christmas season.
• Have plenty of paper towels, wet wipes and trash bags handy...just in case.
• Keep your sense of humor. Remember: the holidays are happy times, and your attitude can affect everyone else's!

Published 10/03/08