Entertaining: 5 Course Meal

Hors d'oeuvres can be served during the first part of your event, as guest begin to arrive to your party.  It can be home  made or store bought but keep in mind, it should compliment your main course (entree).

Soups can be served hot, cold or room temperature depending on menu selection.  It is important to remember that if you have chosen a soup with heavy cream, you want to be sure that your entree does not have gravy.  It's all about balancing your meal.  Choosing  your soups will depend on the other ingredients that are in the other courses.  You want to have a variety of dishes that are cohesive and not overpowering with one ingredient.

Salads add a refreshing component to your meal.  When preparing a salad, it needs to compliment the meal.  Keep in mind, salads are at the end of the meal so it needs to be a small portion.  

It is best to test all recipes prior to an event such as dinner party.  One idea is to have a potluck dinner with friends to test new recipes which serves two purposes: socialize with friends and test new recipes.  You can have an anonymous survey so that each person can fill out with their opinion of your recipe.  This is a great way to find out what recipes work and which ones do not.  

The main course or entree is the main showpiece of the meal.  Whether you are planning steaks, chicken, pasta, vegetarian or regional entrees, this will be the main dish of the evening.  Carefully place your entree on a serving dish so that it is visible appealing because presentation is everything.  

Decadent cheesecakes, fruit pies, classic dessert recipes, baked or store bought, desserts are the perfect end to a meal.