1. For Cheese and Chocolate Fondues, spear the dipper and swirl and stir the sauce to coat the dipper.    This will keep the sauce stirred and smooth. Use very low heat to prevent burning.

2. When cooking beef in hot oil, do not eat the meat off the fondue fork. Place it on your plate first and eat it with a regular fork. The fondue fork is extremely hot and can burn the lips and/or tongue.

3. Fondue parties or meals are best done without children present. Even with strict supervision, a child can knock over the pot, resulting in serious burns for the child or guests.

4.  Set the fondue pot in the center of the table with the dippers arranged on two lettuce-lined plates, one at each end of the pot.

5. Serve sauces in small bowls circling the pot or in a lazy Susan, so guests can spoon their choices onto their plates. For variety, balance the sauces among tomato, butter, and creamy types.

6. Use sterno under the pot if you do not have an electric pot. Using candles will discolor the bottom and smoke up the sides of the pot.