How Does She Do It?

We approached three local women who are experts at hosting parties and asked them to share their secrets on how to achieve entertaining success. We agreed to keep their identities anonymous, so their next dinner party would never know what entertaining tricks they have up their sleeves.

Secret Stashes

For one downtown Milwaukee hostess, an extra door at the top of the kitchen stairs leads nowhere. It’s a secret closet, carved out of space "found" by a previous owner. Providing a handy space for storing party essentials, the closet is crucial, she says.

Glassware, linens, extra serving pieces — all she has to do is open the door and find those items. Instead of digging through boxes or rifling through a cabinet, everything she needs for entertaining has its own place.

"I have a pantry closet filled with platters," says a Delafield-area hostess who relies on neutral linens for her tables. "Then, you can mix it up with different napkin rings and centerpieces for a unique look."

All About Preparation

While some hostesses make entertaining seem effortless, our area experts say advance planning is the main key to stress-free enjoyment.

"Planning ahead is huge," says a Whitefish Bay hostess. "It makes everything relaxing and fun, which is the point."

Our Delafield-area hostess says she starts preparing her menu a few days ahead, whetherfor a full dinner party or a smaller, more casual gathering.

"The day of the party, I’m only doing the fresh veggies and protein," she says.

Preparation means more than menus, however, and in Milwaukee, our hostess keeps a checklist to make sure every part of the home is ready for guests, from flowers, to lighting, to music. One wonderful way to welcome guests, she says, is by arranging luminaries on either side of the path or sidewalk leading to the door.

Call in the Reserves

"I always hire someone to help with the service," says our hostess in Delafield.

Recruiting help to serve courses at a dinner party, refresh appetizers at a cocktail party and clean up afterward goes a long way in making sure everyone, including the hostess, gets to enjoy the fellowship.

Finding help is as easy as asking restaurant or country club staff if they ever do private parties. College-age sitters and relatives are also good prospects for party helpers.

In Whitefish Bay, our hostess prefers to hire professionals to help out.

"If you know any chefs," she says, "they usually have a good handle on who might be able to serve, or if you’re ever at an event where you think a service person is very good, ask discretely if they’re available for private parties."

Our Milwaukee hostess has cultivated a bevy of experts to help her plan and prepare for her frequent get-togethers.

"Find a good wine store and a sommelier to advise you," she says.

A cheese expert and a butcher are also excellent assets for any party planner.

"Ask a lot of questions," she advises. "I find if I ask questions, they want to tell you and impart their knowledge."

Prioritize Yourself

The place settings are complete. The food is ready. However, you are a mess. Enjoying your guests begins long before the doorbell rings.

Despite the list of things which need to get done, it’s important to carve out time for you — to be able to graciously greet your guests and enjoy the party.

In Delafield, our hostess plans her entire outfit the day before. Everything from shoes to accessories is pressed, polished and ready to go.

"All you have to do is shower and pull it together," she says. "I used to stress, but I’ve learned through experience what works and what doesn’t."

By preparing her own wardrobe the day before, she says she feels more confidentand calm.

Keep it on Hand

Rather than scurrying to the store for last-minute guests, make sure to keep some simple items on hand, advise our experts.

Nuts, mints, baguettes to slice, goat cheese, crackers — they’re all simple items which make entertaining easier. Frozen appetizers, such as mini quiches or gourmet pizzas, are quick to prepare and serve on an elegant platter.

Make it Special

Whether it’s the antique, hand-starched linens used in the Whitefish Bay home or the signature drink which is part of our Delafield hostess’ party plans, make sure your entertaining style fits you and your guests.

Knowing guest preferences in everything from dietary needs to pet allergies makes any gathering go more smoothly. Each of our experts keeps copious notes about their guests and guest lists.

The goal is to make sure every person, including you, enjoys the time together. With a little effort and pre-planning, you can find entertaining success, whether you’ve been entertaining for a lifetime or are just getting started.

"I’ve had so many people say, ‘You’re always so relaxed at your parties,’" says our Delafield-area hostess. "But, it took me a long time to get my routine down." M