4 must-have items for quick and easy entertaining

When you’re busy it seems like the best place to meet up with friends is for dinner at a local restaurant. But these days, with everyone on a budget, eating out isn’t in the cards. Always having a few items on hand makes it easy to entertain, no matter how much (or little) time you have to prepare.

Quick and easy entertaining depends on preparation. Having these items on hand at all times will prepare you for an intimate meal for four or a boisterous gathering of 10.

1. Music
Odds are you’ve got hours and hours of music stored in your MP3 player. So create and keep a dinner party playlist with your music. An mp3 dock with speakers makes it easy to play music at a low level in the background for instant atmosphere.

2. Candles
Keep a bundle of unscented tea light or votive candles in a drawer for added ambience, no matter what your decor. Unscented candles are a must, as strong scents can bother guests and compete with the delicious aromas of your food. The more candles you scatter around the table, the warmer the atmosphere.

3. Food
Let’s face it, dinner parties are primarily about the food. But you don’t need to be a professional chef to create a restaurant-quality meal that will wow your guests. When it’s time for dinner, you can enjoy quick, easy and affordable restaurant-quality meals steamed in their own bag. Contessa MicroSteam meals require no pots, no pans, no mess and, because of innovative steam technology, your elegant dinner will be healthy as well as delicious. Your guests will never believe it came from a microwave. With recipes like Italian Sausage Rigatoni, Balsamic Glazed Shrimp and Chicken Marsala you’ll have a delicious variety of entertaining secrets that will take the anxiety out of meal preparation.

4. Beverages
Keep a few bottles of wine around and even spending an evening at home watching movies can become a festive occasion. Shiraz or Chianti go well with red meat, a bright and flowery Pinot Grigio complements shrimp and seafood and dusky Pinot Noir or Merlot pairs well with poultry dishes. Make sure to have appealing non-alcoholic options, as well, such as sparkling water or soda.

For more information on quick and easy entertaining, visit www.Contessa.com.