To spend more time with your guests and less time in the kitchen, adopt these tips from food expert Grace Parisi:

1. Focus on either food or drink, not both.
   
2. Make great festive drinks.
   
3. Lighten up the food choices.
   
4. Take advantage of pre-made appetizers.
   
5. Always make a non-alcoholic drink so your guests have an option.
   
6. Light appetizer ideas:
   
   • Cheese tray — a mix of soft and hard cheeses garnished with green and red grapes
     
   • Meat tray with sliced salami, pepperoni and hams
     
   • Crudités with different dips
     
   • Cheese straws
     
   • Mixed nuts