Stress-Free Party Tips:

The more you can get ready beforehand, the more time you will have to enjoy yourself during the party.

Shop for all non-perishable food ingredients and other supplies as soon as you can. The day before the party shop for all your fresh ingredients and last minute items.

Make sure you have enough ice.

Set up the linens, tablecloths, the serving utensils, napkins, and arrange centerpieces, flowers, and candles. Set up the bar with glasses, ice bucket, corkscrews, and cocktail napkins the morning of the party.

Make sure there is soap, towels, and toilet paper in the bathrooms and add a votive candle or two.

Start assembling and preparing the food. If things will be served warm or require any cooking, have them ready to go in their baking dishes, so you can get all the prep dishes washed.

Empty all garbage cans. Place clean-up rags where they are easily accessible. Once the house is in order and ready, you can get yourself ready.

Set out any serving dishes for food to come and put out any hot pads that will be required.

Put out any food that you can.

Once most guests have arrived, put out the rest of the food and let guests help themselves.

Stress-Free Party Dips:

BLACK BEAN DIP


2 15-ounce cans black beans
2 teaspoons chopped garlic
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (or 1 T dried)
2 small tomatoes, chopped
2 teaspoons crushed red pepper (or to taste)
1 teaspoon cumin
Juice of 1 lime
1 small onion, finely chopped
Salt and pepper

In a food processor , coarsely chop the black beans, garlic, cilantro and 1 tomato. Transfer to a serving bowl. Add the red pepper, cumin, lime juice, onion, 1 chopped tomato, and salt and pepper. Chill, allowing the flavors to blend. Serve with chips and jicama scoops. Makes about 3 cups.

BLUE CHEESE DIP

1 cup blue cheese, crumbled, plus a little for garnish
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1¼ cups sour cream
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

In a medium bowl, cream together the blue and cream cheeses. Add the sour cream and mix until well-incorporated. Stir in the remaining ingredients. (This recipe can also be prepared in a food processor .) Transfer to a serving dish. Sprinkle a little crumbled blue cheese on top. Refrigerate for several hours to let the flavors meld, then set it out about 30 minutes before serving. Serve slightly chilled. Makes 3 cups.

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