1. Last-minute sanity check
It’s easy to romanticize entertaining. Then reality dawns: that “uh-oh” moment when you realize there’s work to be done, and no time to do it. A lot of books purport to help, but invariably radishes are getting turned into flowers and “effortless” dishes are anything but. Erika Lenkert delivers the goods in “The Last-Minute Party Girl” (Contemporary, $14.95)–despite the roll-your-eyes title. (Last-minute “party boys” will find lots here too.) The breezy style is backed up with loads of solid planning tips, clever shortcuts and many effortless (really!) recipes. Some favorites: instant banana “ice cream” (made with frozen bananas, nuts and caramel sauce) and a pasta sauce made with V-8 juice. The book is sold at some Barnes & Noble bookstores and online at Amazon.com.
–Renee Enna
2. Carryout with Chicago class
Carryout is no secret for last-minute hosts and hostesses. But online grocer Peapod (peapod.com) is taking it a step farther–stepping right to your front door, in fact–with its “Chicago’s Best” lineup of popular Chicago-based products. The breadth of items is impressive, including Charlie Trotter’s smoked salmon and upscale savory and dessert sauces. But you can let familiar restaurants do (most of) the cooking too: Offerings include deep-dish pizzas from Lou Malnati’s, Carson’s ribs and a beef-and-gravy combo from Portillo’s.
–R.E.
More Top Picks Silent Migraine Symptoms Migraine Without Headache
3. Stinky fingers, steely cure t
So you heeded all those celebrity chefs who recoil from garlic-in-a-jar with vampire theatrics. Which left you with several fresh cloves, a cutting board and a knife. And a funky-finger hangover. No fresh lemon on hand? Blomus’ Stainless Steel Soap is the next best thing for removing stubborn stenches–onion, garlic, shrimp–from hands. Don’t ask us to explain the science. It just works, best of all when used vigorously, for 30 seconds under running water, immediately after the offense. It’s ever-ready, never wears out and comes with a black plastic soap dish; $10 at wishingfish.com.
–Wendy Navratil
4. Soirees that shake, stir s California party girl Allana Baroni plans intriguing soiree themes around a signature drink in “Flirtini: A Guide to Mixing and Mingling” (Clarkson Potter, $16.95), with a splash of universal hosting advice: Don’t let cliques coagulate. (Seating is overrated.) Do a sound check with the music beforehand. (Even consider renting a karaoke machine.) Keep the number of a local cab company on speed-dial for overimbibers. And don’t sweat the stemware or food (e.g., dress up popcorn with melted butter, fresh chopped rosemary, grated Parmesan and fresh cracked pepper.) But for heaven’s sake, don’t forget the ice: Count on 1 1/2 pounds per person for a three-hour affair.
–W.N.
5. A hand with those dishes
A key to enjoying your own party is hiring a waiter or bartender to help serve and clean up after guests. Service Is Us (773-784-2225; www.serviceisus.com) charges about $22.50 per hour with a four-hour minimum. “A lot of people out there don’t know there’s a service out there like we provide,” owner Todd Armbruster said. “We don’t specifically advertise. It’s word of mouth.” Another one, At Your Service (773-334-7774), charges about $22 per hour with a four-hour minimum. “A lot of people tell us, ‘I wish I had done this sooner,'” office manager Karin Joerg said.
–Amy Tara Koch