There are a lot of parties this time of year, office parties, cocktail parties, block parties.  It is great getting together with people and celebrating the season.  There are a few elements that make up any successful party.  First, the atmosphere, whether your location is a home, an office or a restaurant, dress up the place to look festive, different than it looks every day.  Second, the entertainment, have something for your guests to do.  It can be listening to music, playing games, creating a project together.  Have some table topics handy to keep the conversation lively and break the ice with people who have just met each other.  And third, the food.  As a vegan I am particularly sensitive to this!  Too many times I have been to parties where there is just nothing for me to eat.  Many people have dietary needs these days.  One of my son’s friends cannot have gluten or wheat products.  A lot of my friends are lactose intolerant, and they’re frustrated when they find everything drenched in dairy.  It is important to have a variety of foods available so that there is something for everyone.  And for beverages, do something different than just soda.  Spiced cider with cinnamon sticks, cranberry juice with ginger ale, or hot chocolate with peppermint sticks are just a few examples.  Cheers!

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