2019 Q4 Iowa Spirits - 12

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Here's a guide to preparing for the best gathering ever.

s holiday festivities draw closer, the momentum builds. That initial excitement grows until the highly anticipated
event finally arrives. Like engines revving for a race, horses pawing the ground in the starting gate, or Black
Friday shoppers lining up in the wee hours of the morning-and then whizzing around the tracks and up the
aisles to achieve that ultimate goal! Unfortunately, the thrill is often accompanied by knots of stress twisting in your
stomach, threatening to derail the fun.
If you are racing toward a holiday party this year, we've got some tips to help ensure that you don't spin out. Or, more
accurately, that you can prepare for your party and, better yet, enjoy it as much as your guests do.

MAKE YOUR LISTS

Like a racing team tuning up the engine and
researching the track and competitors, you'll want
to prepare, and you'll want to start early. Schedule
your tasks to stay on track. And, as much as possible, delegate responsibilities to those who are
willing or able to help.
1. Create your guest list.
Knowing who will be there can help determine
theme, decorations, food, drinks, entertainment,
etc.
2. Plan the food and make an ingredients list.
Focus on no-cook appetizers like charcuterie,
cheese, spreads, and dips. Choose make-ahead
entrées and sides such as casseroles and pasta
salads. Consider requesting that guests contribute
food or beverages, too!
3. Send out invitations.
An e-mail/web service such as Evite.com can
make it easy for you to request and track RSVPs,

12 IOWA SPIRITS

send reminders, and even provide and moderate
a pot-luck list.
4. Plan the beverages.
; Punches and pitcher drinks make service a
breeze!
; If you want to offer single-serving cocktails,
stick with simple recipes or use ready-made
options, including the holiday-favorite, egg nog
(available at liquor stores with alcohol already
added-how convenient is that?).
; Stock mixers that can be used with a variety
of liquors, with wine, and as a non-alcoholic
option, like ginger beer, lemon-lime soda and
orange juice.
; Keep garnishes simple: lemon wedges, lime
wedges, and olives.
; Include a variety of Iowa-crafted beers and
wines; or ask your guests to bring their
favorites.
; Don't overlook ice, water and non-alcoholic
options.

http://www.Evite.com

2019 Q4 Iowa Spirits

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