D Oeuvres

Imagine an elegant dining room with dancing shadows cast by flickering candles and a beautiful table draped in a burgundy damask cloth. On one end, mint green napkins are wrapped around sparkling silverware and tied with burgundy satin ribbon.Handsome china and silver platters containing delicious pates, dips and bountiful hors d'oeuvres are arranged at different heights, created by stacks of books hidden beneath the cloth. Fragrant cedar garlands interspersed with reflective Christmas balls meander around the platters.

They ran blindly, clawing at locked windows, huddling breathlessly in corners, racing upstairs like horror movie heroines fleeing a psycho killer.They ran from Vince the Cowboy Stripper.The guests at this gathering were free to run.Kristen Mrozinski, the bride-to-be, was not. She was trapped for the performance.From beneath her mom-made, white bridal baseball cap, adorned with silk bows, flowers and a ponytail veil, her eyes pleaded "HELP ME!" Her face resembled a cherry tomato.The bachelorette party -- that traditional sayonara to the single life -- was getting into the groove.

Antrim 1844, 30 Trevanion Road, Taneytown, (410) 756-6812. Open every day for dinner. Major credit cards. No-smoking area: yes. Prices: $50 prix fixe. ** 1/2Earlier this year the owners of Antrim 1844, one of the most elegant inns in the area, decided to open the doors of their restaurant to the public. I knew very little about it except that Dorothy and Richard Mollett had made two important hires: Sharon Ashburn, who had worked at the Pavilion and Tabrizi's, was the executive chef and Stewart Dearie, formerly of the Conservatory, was maitre d'hotel and general manager.

Maybe I'm mad, but the mere mention of meatballs makes my mind meander with memories of magical moments. A mutation of meat loaf, a midget of meats, these miniature mounds might not be majestic, but my main mission here in my monologue is to muster a memorial to the master of munchies.Make no mistake, meatballs are main magnets at merry affairs, with most of the masses munching multiples of these marvelous marbles while mingling. Meatball maniacs like myself might manage to muster a meatball museum or maybe a mammoth monument with a meatball motif, mentioning the motto, "Meatballs on every menu."

Remember when we used to "entertain"? Tablecloths and candles, china and crystal, hors d'oeuvres, entree, salad, hot rolls and dessert? Conversation -- remember conversation? Remember after-dinner coffee in the living room, an easy exchange of ideas, and no TV news in the background?If you can't remember spending such an evening since 19-aught-7 (or was it 8?), you're not alone. We busy working people simply haven't the time to spend days preparing gourmet meals and formal settings.Here are some simpler ways to break bread with your friends and family, instead:* Host potluck suppers -- remember them?

In the bowels of Loews Annapolis Hotel, a dozen frantic chefs, theirwhite hats bobbing, danced attendance to the ovens.The culinary masters of Maryland's capital were working feverishly to get the lastplates of sea bass out the door before the waiters came back for thequail.Trays full of the grilled, deboned birds, each surrounded by a sea of raspberry sauce, lined one of the stainless steel tables. Three carts were ready to roll.Time was running short. The guests had finished off the hors d'oeuvres -- the smoked salmon, sushi and havarti cheese -- a half-hour earlier.

Treats designed to keep ghosts and goblins at baySure it's late. But even the worst procrastinators don't need to panic. Some of the most memorable Halloween treats can be put together in about as much time as it takes for a spirit to appear.Here are some suggestions for quick treats from those who are in the business of coming up with helpful home hints -- Alison Boteler, author of "The Children's Party Handbook," Dian Thomas of ABC's "Home Show," and Mary Jo Plutt of Better Homes and Gardens.

I'm tempted to lead off with an examination of what makes people who make New Year's resolutions (myself among them) believe there is a chance of keeping them this time, even though we never made it past Feb. 10 in our best year. It's been done by folks far funnier than I, however, so I'll lead with just a suggestion for one of your resolutions.Call me if you'd like a community event or religious activity publicized. (Several weeks' notice is ideal, but a week's notice is fine, too.) I'd like this column to reflect much more of what's coming up in the Annapolis/South County area, but I need your help.

All dressed up with no place to go this New Year's Eve? Stick close to home and ring in '91 at one of several parties planned in the greater Pasadena area.Stoney Creek Democratic Club, 8123 Fort Smallwood Road, is sponsoring a New Year's Eve party from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Monday.The party will feature an open bar, hot and cold buffet and hats and noisemakers.Music for dancing will be provided by the Jumpin' Jacks.Tickets are $20 per person and may be obtained by calling 437-9821.* Over at St. Jane's Hall, the Home/School Association of St. Jane Frances School will play host to a New Year's Eve Gala beginning at 9 p.m.Hot and cold hors d'oeuvres, beer, setups, sodas, party favors and a continental breakfast are included in the $15-per-person cost.

By late afternoon, chef Jim Schumann of the Manor Tavern is putting the finishing touches on spicy Cajun chicken ten- ders, smoked-salmon tortilla pinwheels, miniature spinach quiches and other hors d'oeuvres for an evening cocktail reception in Havre de Grace.The executive chef, who also oversees the preparation of meals at the Monkton restaurant, has been working steadily since 9 a.m., assembling roasted vegetables, rolling goat cheese in freshly chopped chives and wrapping pencil-thin asparagus in prosciutto.