Canyon Ranch (Arizona)

Does the idea of having a dinner party make you break out in hives? Entertaining doesn't have to be scary or complicated. With a little preparation, it can even be fun.

Planning is everything
Entertaining is about planning. It's the same whether you're hosting a small dinner or a big party.

The biggest mistake people make is not giving themselves enough time. If you plan it right, you should be able to spend just a half-hour in the kitchen before your guests arrive.

Don't worry, be happy - and organized
First, give yourself a break by writing down everything - the menu, ingredients, stores you'll need to visit, etc. Lists take the pressure off by getting the details out of your brain and down on paper, where you can refer to them and check them off. This means you don't have to stress yourself out by constantly going over things in your mind.

Once you have everything listed, figure out what you can do ahead of time and write that down, too. Think about doing-ahead when choosing recipes. You'll want to pick dishes that you can make early or freeze so you won't be frantically cooking the day of the party.

Be practical
Do you really want to make that Thai noodle recipe that's eight pages long and calls for six ingredients only available through the Internet? Or that scrumptious seven-layer dessert you had at your favorite restaurant that has to be assembled at the very last minute? No! Make it easy on yourself, make it fun and make it quick.

Another tip from the pros - spend time organizing well in advance. Make sure that you have enough room in your refrigerator and freezer; double-check that you have all the equipment you need ("Where did that baster go?"); select your serving dishes and utensils and see whether they need a wash; get all the plates and glasses and silverware out and counted. When the doorbell starts ringing, you'll be happy you did everything you could ahead of time.

Don'ts of party planning
Don't spread yourself too thin - Don't try to shop, cook and clean the house the day of the party.

This is not the time to try a recipe you've never made before - Make new dishes for family and friends first so you know how long it really takes and how it tastes.

Don't worry - Entertaining and stress don't have to go together. It should be fun, both for you and your guests. Remember, people are coming to enjoy the party, not critique you.

Recipes for success
Here are some easy, tasty and quick party pleasers that will help you stay out of the kitchen and in with your company. You can find them all on canyonranch.com.

Click on Connection, then on Browse Recipe Library and you'll be able to access and print out hundreds of delicious, healthy recipes from the famous kitchens of Canyon Ranch.

- Bean Dip - Try this delicious, fiber-rich dip with baked tortilla chips or pita wedges for a casual snack or appetizer.

- Hummus - Smooth, nutty and delicious. A great healthy appetizer that you can make in advance, keep up to three days in your refrigerator and bring out on party day.

- Poached Salmon with Orange Basil Relish - You can serve this fresh, vibrant dish hot or cold. The delicious, slightly spicy relish can be made in advance, as can the salmon.

- Whole-Wheat Pizza Crust - This incredibly versatile dough can be made ahead and used for breadsticks for the bean dip, crispy triangles for the hummus or just brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with grated cheese for a perfect appetizer all by itself. You can also pre-bake the crusts for pizza, freeze them, then pull them out the day of your party, add toppings and bake.

- Brie with Pear and Pomegranate Quesadilla - This scrumptious vegetarian dish is a simple to prepare.

- Banana Changa - Sinfully rich but amazingly low in fat, this dessert is always a crowd pleaser.