Holiday Entertaining Made Easy

'Tis the season of entertaining and lifestyle expert Elizabeth Mayhew shares some fabulous ideas to make it easy and fun so we enjoy planning for our holiday parties instead of feeling like they're a chore.Elizabeth says, whether you're planning a casual or formal dinner party a great one stop shop is Bed Bath & Beyond They have all of the essentials...beautiful tablecloths, napkins and napkin rings, centerpieces, and candles no matter what your price point. For a more casual look, they have every day white dishes that you can use year after year as well as affordable flatware and drinkware sets for larger groups. For more formal gatherings, they have a huge assortment of fine china and crystal glasses. Elizabeth likes to get creative with her holiday menus and decorations by using small plates and dessert dishes by Libby. It allow guests to mingle and socialize with everyone.....and are also great for guests who just want a little taste of everything. With small plates, you can create more of a visual presentation with your food--adding small decorating details like garnish that can make your appetizers or desserts look even more appealing.Now when it comes to cooking an easy way to make healthier meals is with the T-Fal Actifry. Elizabeth loves it because she makes healthier versions of favorite recipes and meals from seafood and meats, to veggies, even dessert! It uses little or no oil to cook and its so easy to use. Just place the food in the pan, close the lid, set the timer and turn it on with the touch of a button, it automatically cooks with the stirring paddle and no pre-heating because it has a constant temperature of 338f. It's easy to clean too, all parts go right into the dishwasher...$249.99. And a special treat for guests is the Krups EA82 Full Auto Coffee + Espresso Machine. Elizabeth says it literally does the duty of virtually five different coffee and espresso appliances with the touch of a button. It makes the perfect cup of coffee and shot of espresso, and actually grinds fresh beans, froths milk and dispenses hot water too for teas and other hot drinks. It's a "tailor-made" cup of coffee for your guests...$799.99 dollars.