Paella puts people in a party mood. It is a very colorful creation and a little messy to eat, so guests seem to relax and throw themselves into the spirit of the dish. Be sure to provide nutcrackers for all, a large bowl for the empty shells, and then warm wet towels or bowls of lemon water and towels for the after-dinner cleanup.

Although it may seem complicated and time consuming, most of the work can be done well ahead of time and the dish assembled in the last ten minutes. The f