Instructions: Much further than something like steamed shrimp (which attracts guests from several states away and cost you a fortune). Also stay away from roasts or tenderloin for a party of this size. A selection of oil-cured black olives and cornichon, (small french gherkin pickles), finely chopped red onion, and capers are nice savory complements. I also like to serve smoked salmon with dark pumpernickel bread.

To round out the menu were going to serve a sampling of sweet cookies and savory crackers.

Buy the crackers for the dips in bulk or once again, at a wholesale club.

If you can find the time I suggest planning ahead and doing some baking for the sweet cookies. It will cost far less. Shape them a tad smaller than a

"regular" cookie. Make them bite-size. Store them properly in airtight containers and freeze them. Simple sugar cookies, butter cookies and cheesecrackers are nice, easy, inexpensive cookies to prepare ahead.

THE BAR: THE BASICS

At a cocktail party, one must, or course, consider the bar. Serve both red and white wine and a small selection of hard liquor. Some cocktail tips:

Make sure you buy from a place that will give you a case discount - many stores offer a 10% discount if you buy a case of wine. As for hard liquor, vodka, bourbon, and gin are the basics. Some stores will even let you return unopened bottles - ask before you assume. Dont forget the mixers.

At minimum youll need soda and tonic water as well as cranberry and orange juice (use concentrate if you want to really pull in the belt), soft drinks, and lemons and limes. Dont scrimp on the liquor. Dont buy top shelf but dont buy really cheap liquor. Everyone will appreciate it!

REMEMBER...

You dont have to spend a fortune to entertain. Keep the food simple and think about the number of guests, and the "event" - a cocktail party is far cheaper than hosting a Sunday brunch, yet certainly more expensive than a small dinner party for friends. Get a little bit creative with the presentation, make it exciting and festive. Most importantly, have fun!

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