How can I enjoy my company when the bubbling volcano Mount St. Dirty Dishes awaits me?

Although common sense might dictate that you wash as you go, you should, in fact, spend minimal time cleaning while your guests are still there. "Everybody gets stressed out by dirty dishes in the sink," says Amy Nebens, "but part of entertaining is presenting an easy, simple, graceful style." This means not rushing to the kitchen to clean up before the guests depart. (By the same logic, it's not right to trail them with a Dirt Devil.) It's perfectly fine to spend a few minutes clearing plates or organizing the kitchen, says Nebens, "as long as you set your guests up in the other room and make sure they are chatting easily."