I'm thinking of hosting a holiday open house this year. Believe it or not, I'm in my mid 50s and we have never hosted a party in our home. I'm looking for some tips on entertaining. For e.g., what sort of "must have" in terms of dishes and other equipment have you found useful?

Also, we are vegetarians but most people we know are not. Do you think it would be odd if we didn't have meat at our party? My mom makes a very good ham for Easter and other occasions. Would it be odd if someone else made the meat and brought it? We're not opposed to others eating meat, of course. (I've often had friends ask if it's "OK" with me if they eat meat in front of me in restaurants).

Thanks!