• Consider making a menu of a few special, well-prepared items rather than a large selection.



• Make your meal special by presenting food in a pleasing way. Plan foods of different colors and textures, and use garnishes both to add a spot of color and to take up a little space on the plate.



• If you serve an appetizer, use cut vegetables nicely arranged and a low-fat salad dressing. Don't place dishes of nuts, chips, candy, or party mixes around the house.



• Consider decreasing the fat in your recipes. Many recipes can taste great using one half the amount of cheese, butter, or cream the recipe calls for.



• Serve vegetables that are steamed, grilled, or baked with little added fat. Make them look appealing by not overcooking them and serving them in a special dish.



• Try mashed potatoes made with chicken broth instead of milk or cream and lots of butter; they really are tasty.



• Avoid heavy sauces or gravy--try a low-fat recipe or slightly thickened chicken or beef broth.



• Serve a vegetable soup or consomme as a first course. This can be very filling.



• Serve everyone small portions.



• Don't place butter or sour cream on the table.



• Make one dessert (even if it's rich) instead of several.



• Be prepared with a few conversation topics, and let family and guests concentrate on conversation rather than food.



• Plan activities other than eating for family gatherings. Go for walks on snow-laden streets, take a sleigh ride, work off a few calories with a rousing game of charades, play ping-pong, board games, or cards.

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