From his Manhattan apartment and studio workplace, Colin Cowie, well-known author and host of Every Day Elegance, a weekly feature on the AMC and WE networks is noticing a profound and sudden change in the way America entertains. "People are nesting, they want to be at home," Cowie observes. "They're not interested in going to big restaurants. They're finding a comfortable environment to spend time with one another."

Cowie sees a newfound sense of community forming as people reach out to connect with their neighbors. He predicts comfort foods and ethnic dishes will gain popularity, as small home dinner parties allow people to entertain and get to know one another. "People will go back to simplicity," Cowie predicts. Entertaining up to five times a week himself despite an extraordinarily busy schedule, he recommends employing two basic strategies - cooking in advance and using shortcuts like quality prepared foods. Even pre-dinner drinks can be prepared in advance by steering guests toward a special pre-mixed, pre-shaken cocktail. Guests feel special while the host avoids the time-consuming chore of bartending.

"You get no medals for peeling, chopping, slicing, and dicing," he says. "Today's savvy entertainer is a resourceful entertainer. Take the best ingredients and do to them as little as possible. You should be glued to the dining room chair with your guests, not chained to the kitchen stove." Cowie enjoys guests watching him cook if the party is so small and informal that they will be eating on stools in his kitchen. Always, he advises hosts to bring style and sex to dinner, observing that food is very sexy. He appeals to all the senses allowing the subtle aroma of scented candles, incense or cooking to greet guests as they first cross his threshold. Fresh flowers, soft lighting, music, and, of course, cocktails and wine enhance the welcoming atmosphere.

"You're taking them (your guests) immediately from an office environment and making them comfortable and relaxed," Cowie notes. "I've spent my life making people comfortable. A lot of it has to do with the people; a lot of it has to do with the host. If the host is edgy and nervous, it permeates everything. If I'm entertaining I want to find out what's going on in your life, I want you to meet my friends. Have a drink right away. A good strong stiff cocktail goes a long way towards breaking the ice."

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