AisleDash

Now that you're in the midst of planning the biggest party of your life, you may not believe us when we tell you one day you will miss it. As stressful as wedding planning is, it does tend to whet your appetite for entertaining, and once you're back from your honeymoon and there are no more events to plan you may feel a bit ... well, bored.

But there is no need to be lonely! Think of all the lovely wedding gifts you've received from the people you love the most: You can have your friends and family over, so they can see the lovely china they gave you in action. Yes! Now is the time to start entertaining - like adults!

Problem is - how?

That's the genius behind Maria McBride's new book, Party Basics for New Nesters, a friendly, stylish guide to entertaining for the new couple. After she helps you through the basics (setting a table, stocking the pantry and what bar tools are truly useful) she gives you ideas for parties from Earth Day to Labor Day that will inspire you to find any excuse to celebrate.

We love her attitude to entertaining - that casual can be chic and that newlyweds make great hosts. In her words:

I've found that those who have already planned a wedding together are appropriately fearless when it comes to hosting a party. Why not? The experience of organizing hundreds of details makes the prospect of a dinner buffet for six friends seem like a snap.

She's right by the way. By the time the wedding's over you will be an entertaining maven. Don't waste your skills! Throw a party. We'll bring the dip.

(Bonus! Click here to read Chapter One.)