So last Sunday, the day before my first day of work at my new job, I hosted 15 friends for a Diwali party. Based on that party, and several others I’ve hosted over the years. I’ve nailed down five of my favorite entertaining tips, which I’m sharing with you in today’s Friday Five.

1. Aim to cook no more than 50% of what you’re serving: In the past I’ve hosted fried chicken + prosecco parties where I got the fried chicken from a local restaurant or from Popeye’s (thanks for the tip Dave Chang) and both those parties were a tremendous success. I supplemented the catered main with some homemade mac n cheese and salad to round out the meal!

2. Outsource the things you’re not good at: I SUCK at dessert. I’m a terrible baker. So instead of trying to figure out dessert, I always outsource this by either buying a cake (Whole Foods Chantilly Cream cake is super fancy and delicious), doing old school ice cream bars (like Klondike or Strawberry Shortcake or both) or an ice cream sundae bar.

3. If you’re having a lot of people over and don’t want to worry about dishes, you can certainly use biodegradable disposable dinnerware. However, if you still want to offer “real” plates, I recommend renting your dishware and silverware, and even glasses from a rental company like Event Source. Not only do you not have to buy extra stuff, but you just rinse and put the dishes in their crates and no dishes required!! Huge thanks to my friends Josh and Kevin for enlightening me to this tip!!

4. When I’m serving food buffet style, I like to wrap my dining table in white kraft paper and then lay out all the dishes on the table and describe them with a sharpie. That way everyone knows what they’re eating and you can point out dietary factors too. Even better, you can just fold up the paper and throw it in the trash when you’re done.

5. Don’t stress. Look, as much as I would like every party to be perfect, they very seldom are. And truth be told, it’s very rare that anyone except me ever notices. Your friends are there to see you, and appreciate all the work you do to host and entertain them. So if sh*t goes sideways, don’t sweat it. They will love you just the same.

Cheers to your next party!!

FUN THINGS HAPPENING IN CLEVELAND

November 2nd: Dia de Muertos Celebration This annual event is one of my favorites in Detroit Shoreway, and the parade and ofrendas are such a beautiful celebration and appreciation of Cleveland’s Latinx community. * You don’t have to register for this event unless you want to participate in the parade.

November 1st: MIX Magic. This monthly event at the Cleveland Museum of Art is a must- attend if you love art, culture and dancing. This month’s MIX continues the Halloween theme so you can re-wear your fabulous Halloween costume if you so choose!

November 3rd: The Big Taste of Fitness. Join Beauty Boost Cleveland and sample a series of 25-minute workouts by studios across the Cleveland area! I’m signed up for this and so excited to attend and experiment!

November 5th - 7th: Engage! Cleveland hosts its 2nd Annual Professional Development Week. This 3-day event includes valuable workshops on leadership, effective communication, career planning and so much more to help you grow not only personally, but professionally in Cleveland.

November 9th: The Standard Market is back, and Bombay Taxi Boutique will be back with new wearable crystal jewelry! This event is from 10 am - 5 pm at Stash Style in Rocky River.

November 9th: Take a Hike® Early Cleveland Tour, Experience the untold history of early Cleveland in this free event (and grab a great cup of coffee for your walk!)

November 10th: Phunkenship Barrel Room Yoga. Platform Beer’s newest facility is open and my friend Alicia Hansen is taking her beer yoga events to a new space.

November 13th: Want to explore Asia Town but don’t know where to start? Try an Asiatown Food Tour and then compare your favorites to my favorite Asian Restaurants in Cleveland!

November 15th: I know it’s too early to think about winter, but it IS a great time for s’mores. Get some s’mores, enjoy some live music, and of course, cocktails at this fundraiser for Brite Winter Fest.

November 19th: Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Cleveland. This is an event for entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs, side-hustlers, dreamers and doers. WED Cleveland is bringing together a force of local women in business and nonprofit leadership to spark new ideas and build bridges of support and collaboration

November 22-23rd: Winter Market at the Shipyards. This is a new market in a new space and promises to be a really great market with lots of home decor and gifts, just in time for holiday season!

If you’re looking for some fun, unique holiday events in Cleveland (that always sell out), head over to this post, and make sure you get plan ahead and get your tickets!

I will update this list each week. ENJOY!

If you are hosting an event and would like me to mention it, please email me using the Contact Page on my website. These events are sorted by date so please make sure your event has not already been included when you email me. Thanks!