Giada De Laurentiis hosts "Giada Entertains"

The house has been cleaned (at least the rooms that the guests are going to see), the decorations are up and the lovely hors d'oeuvres are heating up in the oven. Hosting a party, whether it's just for a few friends or it's a huge multi-family affair, is a lot of work, but that feeling when you pull it off and everyone spends months talking about it, it's priceless.

Food Network regular Giada De Laurentiis also loves hosting get-togethers, and in her show "Giada Entertains," which airs Sunday evenings, she throws her own fun-filled festivities, while also sharing some of her best tips, recipes and advice to help make any at-home event an extra-special one.

In this week's episode, airing Sunday, Jan. 17, she hosts a cocktail party for some of her friends. Of course, Giada being Giada, this is no ordinary, run-of-the-mill get-together with a few fancy mixers. No, this is a classic talent show with her guests bringing out their hidden talents for everyone to see, whether that's juggling, playing the guitar, singing or even doing magic tricks.

But, of course, every good party needs great food, and Giada hates to disappoint. For a cocktail party/talent show, she wants to serve easy-to-eat finger foods, and she has just the right recipes -- ones that she's happy to share with everyone watching at home.

If such delicacies as candied prosciutto and roasted carrot hummus don't get her guests' mouths watering, then the crab crostinis with lemon and herbs should hopefully do the trick; they're all made from scratch by Giada herself, and she's more than happy to share her recipes with everyone watching at home.

In next week's episode, she deals with a situation that we've all experienced: guests popping by unexpectedly. Surprise! Giada doesn't let the chance for an unexpected party pass her by, and she shares her secrets not only for whipping up some quick but succulent treats, but also how to decorate a living room using only what happens to be on hand.

Entertaining is wonderful, but it can also be pretty stressful. With Giada De Laurentiis's tips, tricks and tasty recipes, fun-filled entertaining is a whole lot easier.