Entertaining expert Christy Rost joins EatsandDrinks.com    Holiday Entertaining - Stat! By Christy Rost Christmas Day is within sight. There is shopping to be done (or started...), packages to wrap, trips to the post office, the house to be decorated, and it's hard to even envision Christmas baking and cooking. Still, you were hoping this would be the year to fit a little holiday entertaining into the calendar. Despite the rushed pace associated with this time of year, that ever-elusive holiday party is still possible, even for the busiest host. Sometimes, it just requires a bit of adjustment in your vision of the "perfect"  holiday event. And that brings up a very important point. Don't aim for perfection. Instead, focus on a gathering that is relaxed, cozy, warm and friendly. An  evening that combines good food and good friends around the tree in a relaxed holiday atmosphere is by far more enjoyable than a large cocktail party where no one gets enough to eat, there are few places to sit down, and brief conversations with people you will never see again are the order of the day. This year, invite a few of your closest friends over for a small dinner party. Keep the appetizers simple by serving an array of cheeses, thinly sliced baguette, imported olives, and nuts. With the appetizers, serve wine, a special holiday cocktail, or sparkling wine. Champagnes and sparkling wines are in excellent supply and in all price categories during the holidays, so it's an excellent time to serve one during your gathering. Besides, sparkling wine served in a tall, thin flute seems so decadent and really sets the tone for any event. Prepare a roast, your favorite casserole, or as I did recently, a pasta dinner. Keep in mind that the goal of the gathering is a completely tree-free atmosphere in which to enjoy your friends and celebrate the season. So, eliminate complicated recipes, dinners featuring multiple courses and elaborate desserts. Your friends will be happy just to share a few hours of  companionship around the table over a hearty meal with a good wine and great conversation. Perhaps afternoon tea is more your style. Imagine how welcomed your guests will feel as they sit by the hearth sipping cups of steaming Earl Grey or blackberry tea, while nibbling delicate cucumber sandwiches, cookies and cakes. Your neighborhood bakery is brimming with holiday cookies and teacakes, or you may have a favorite recipe or two that you know your guests will love. Another favorite way to entertain during the holidays is with a dessert party. This party usually begins around eight o'clock in the evening, which works well for a host who is in the office all day. Again, rely on your local bakery to help you; then supplement with a homemade treat or two. For a casual dessert party, use paper plates and napkins, and serve hot cocoa, hot spiced cider or flavored coffee with the desserts. If your prefer a dessert party with a bit of sparkle, offer sparkling wine in tall flutes, hot spiced cider in china cups, and use glass plates or china. Serve coffee on a silver tray with a selection of tempting accompaniments, such as shaved chocolate, whipped cream, chocolate-coated spoons, rock candy stirrers, and demerara sugar. Decorate with lots of candlelight and tiny white Christmas lights for a holiday fantasy party you and your guests will never forget. Need some last minute ideas? Also read up on Christy Rost's Wrapping Up The Holidays! Read more of Christy Rost's articles in her archives. Click here. Do you have any questions, comments or suggestions? Email: jwdineline@aol.com