Several years ago, I received an invitation to spend the weekend at a friend's beach house on Fire Island, N.Y. Naturally, I was excited as I had never been there before. So, of course, I asked, "what would you like me to bring?

I adore serving a signature cocktail at my parties. This year it will be a Champagne based version of the ever-fabulous Cosmopolitan. Served with a twist of lime and a “Twisted” brand cocktail napkin,  my guests will imbibe in style.  Is there any other way?

I recently hosted a celebration for my son and his future bride's engagement. I chose to have the event at home, endeavoring to keep the evening personal and intimate. I labored over picking a caterer, knowing that many of the guests would be disappointed that I wasn’t going to be doing the cooking! The choice to “farm out” the food would lend me the opportunity to fuss with the details. I had a guest list of approximately forty people.

Through the years, I’ve hosted many different types of gatherings. Both my husband and I agree that opening our home to friends and family is the most personal and loving way to share a good meal and spend quality time together. In today's busy world, an invitation into someone's home is a gift and doesn't occur that often. Entertaining takes time, effort, and money!