Hosting a dinner or cocktail party at home can be daunting. There are menus to plan, food to cook, tables to set, and flowers to arrange — it’s no wonder that many hosts wear themselves out with planning. But entertaining at home doesn't need to be stressful or only left to the professionals.

With a little planning, a keep it simple attitude and great furniture options like cocktail tables and bar furniture, entertaining is a breeze. Here are a few tips for stress-free Entertaining in Style .

Keep it Simple

There are no rules in entertaining! Whatever you plan to do, just make sure it is manageable so that you don’t get overwhelmed. Plan your menu ahead of time from the pre-dinner cocktails to the dessert. And consider self-service with a buffet-style menu or an easy elegant dessert such as Affogato, an Italian classic with ice cream and coffee.

Setting the Table with Neutrals

No matter if you are planning for a more casual setting utilizing your kitchen dining table or something more formal in your dining room, when setting the dining table, stick to a few colors. Sometimes people without experience in color tend to panic and throw in too much, maroons, yellows, oranges all piled in together. Keep it simple and stick to white, pale grays, or pale taupes. With a neutral backdrop, you can also use one accent color that can be accented in the napkins, colorful wine glasses, tea light holders, or flowers.

Use Multiple Rooms

Take advantage of the space in your home my using multiple rooms for entertaining. Serve cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in your kitchen, living room, game room or family room. A kitchen island, coffee table or cocktail table is perfect to display food and an accent chest can double as a serving area for wine and/or cocktails.

Of course, bar furniture such as bar tables and stools help make entertaining stylish and effortless.

Get Inspired by Nature

You don’t need to use rare or over-the-top flowers to create a stunning centerpiece for your table. Opt for modern arrangements that are fresh and simple such as fresh lavender, sunflowers or fresh cut greens or flowers from your yard.

Create Ambiance

Turning on some music and lowering the lights contribute a lot when it comes to creating the right mood for your guests. Of course, everyone looks better in candlelight! Several tea lights in colored glass holders are warm and welcoming. As for music, play whatever you want to play, just turn down the volume so that you can converse with your guests.

Keep it Personal

Add personal touches with handwritten invitations, place cards or thank you notes. All are personal and soulful ways to connect with your guests.

Hire Help and Relax

Nobody wants to turn up for a dinner party if the host is stressed. Reduce the stress by hiring help for the day of your party – an extra hand that can make sure your guests’ glasses are full, can replenish hors d’oeuvres or help clean up adds to effortless entertaining. Or create your own relaxing ritual such as having a glass of champagne before your guests arrive. If the host isn’t relaxed and calm, then no one will be!

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