Chestnuts roasting on an open fire. A turkey and some mistletoe. Fresh-baked cookies for Santa Claus.These traditions invoke warm thoughts for the season, but are not necessarily practical for today’s busy holiday host.

The entertaining experts at Santa Barbara Bay; known for providing the highest quality salads, spreads, and deli dips; suggest you throw out your old ideas about holiday hosting, and opt for easy entertaining for you and your guests.

Other tips from the experts at Santa Barbara Bay, sure to make the entertaining season bright, include:

Keep it Casual.

<$>Don’t waste time, money and energy preparing a gourmet, sit-down meal that many of your guests, like children and other picky eaters, may not appreciate. Stick to classic appetisers and finger foods, served buffet-style. Or go potluck and ask guests to bring their favourite foods. This ensures there is something for everyone, and the relaxed set-up encourages conversation.

Don’t Make It, Fake It.

With help from your local supermarket, you don’t have to slave in the kitchen to prepare the perfect home-made dish. Try combining fresh ingredients with prepared products to create original menu items, like seafood-stuffed party peppers. To make these tasty treats, seed and halve your favourite sweet peppers and stuff liberally with Seafood Salad or Dungeness Crab Spread from Santa Barbara Bay. Or jazz up other Santa Barbara Bay Dips, Salads or Spreads by presenting in creative serving pieces, like margarita glasses. A garnish of fresh herbs, like dill or parsley, is another way to add flare to prepared dips.

>It’s Never Too Early.

<$>Avoid a holiday disaster by planning your menu early to ensure you have everything required to host with the most. Many appetisers, casseroles and desserts can be made days ahead and stored in the refrigerator until needed. Also, keeping snack items, like veggies and dip, handy throughout the season allows for last minute entertaining and unexpected guests. Wash and cut celery, carrots and peppers when you bring them home to save work when ready to serve.

Consideration is Key. $>Being mindful of your guests’ possible dietary restrictions and preferences helps assure no one leaves hungry. Accommodate health issues like diabetes by offering sugar-free options, and serve meat-free dishes for vegetarian guests. To please even the food purists, try Santa Barbara Bay’s Parmesano’s all-natural, preservative-free Parmesan Cheese dips, offered in three flavour varieties, Original, Zesty Red Pepper, and Sun Dried Tomato and Basil, and best served with sliced veggies and crudités.

Armed with these suggestions and a little holiday spirit, you’ll host a memorable party you’ll actually have time to enjoy.For more tips from Santa Barbara Bay, visit www.santabarbarabay.com