Feeling Lucky?

Potlucks are an old standby, but they needn't be as stodgy as the ones your mother went to. Plan a potluck with a fun unifying theme. You can ask your friends to each bring a dish that's a particular ethnicity (like Tex-Mex), that uses a specific ingredient (like bacon), or that fits a theme, such as "foods you've never tasted." The dishes do double duty as instant conversation pieces.

Iron Chef

It's one thing to ask your friends to bring food, but how about asking them to cook the food while they're at your house? A cook-off can be a fun party gimmick that everyone will talk about. Purchase an assortment of basic items (French bread, tomatoes, cheeses, meats) and give everyone a turn in the kitchen to create an appetizer under a strict time limit. The results will be both edible and entertaining.

When times are tough, the get-togethers don't have to stop. In fact, you need your friends more than ever. Embrace the budget crunch with a recession party. Use your best china and put out budget snack cakes and saltines with cheese-in-a-can. Make cost-conscious snacks like deviled eggs. The spread may get laughs, but the food will still get eaten.

It's normal to stress over the food and the planning, but once your friends have arrived, do your best to let it go. The most important part of the party is you. If you're in good spirits, the mood will rub off on your guests. Relax. Even Martha would agree that it's okay to have a good time at your own party.