Delightful dishes - and a few helpful hints - that are sure to make any holiday open house a success

None of us have much time during the year, and during the holidays we're even more frantic. Yet despite the extra stress it puts us under, the tradition of entertaining during this festive season is one of many of us will never give up. Perhaps one of the most quintessential holiday weekend activities is the "openhouse" party. Such laid-back parties at which quests come and go as they please over the course of an evening or an afternoon are perfect opportunities to bring friends and family together in spirit of the season.

If you're the host, not having a formal, sit down dinner certainly takes some of the pressure off of your party. In the case of the open house, the menu consists of hors d'oeuvres that needn't be served simultaneously. Although you won't be serving a six-course meal, you still must put thought and preparation into the food you'll be providing for your guests-cheese, crackers and Chex mix won't do. However, Jan Phillips, owner of Carver's Simply Divine Catering, says you needn't panic. She, along with chef Chris Shortall, cater open house parties all the time. And while she recommends that using her company is probably the best way to ensure that the host of the party remains unharried, it's quite possible to create some of the spectacular dishes she and Shortall serve on your own.

When deciding what you're going to serve, it's important to keep in mind that among the guests who stop by, some will have eaten, other may not have. So while it's a good idea to serve some bite-size appetizers, Phillips and Shortall agree that the party shouldn't be all about finger food, the menu should include some more substantial, filling meat, poultry, and seafood dishes. Also, when planning the menu, Phillips says, "It's necessary to keep in mind what foods are in season. Certain foods, particularly some fruits and vegetables really taste bad when it's not the right time of year."

"People eat with their eyes," she continues. "So you must take into consideration the texture and color of the food and how it looks. If it doesn't look appetizing, people aren't going to eat it even if it's delicious."

When planning your party, keep in mind that the food, while it's probably the most important aspect of the event, is not the only thing. "It's not just about making good food," says Phillips. "You need to focus on the other creative aspects; emphasize the presentation of the food, the china, flowers, and garnishes that go on the plate."