Stylish Entertaining

Unique DIY Valentine's Day Gifts

2019-02-01T16:44:00.000-05:00

February 14th, Valentine's Day, and the pressure is on. What do I buy someone who has everything!? Our first option is to go and buy the traditional red roses, a box of fine chocolates or that special "outfit." But, these are items that we can buy anytime and their sense of being a special purchase for that special someone on such a big day gets lost. So how can we avoid this and make this holiday as special as the person whom you want to share it with? Personal, handmade gifts!!

Here are 5 ideas for personal, handmade Do it Yourself gifts for this Valentine's Day:

1. Beyond the Five Senses. See, hear, smell, taste and touch, our five senses all in boxes. Explore each of the senses with its own individual boxed gift by creating this five box gift idea. Within each box include a special gift that represents that sense. This is perfect for him or her. Some ideas for him or her can be the sexiest men's and women's colognes and perfumes for 2019 as the Global Cosmetic Industry has identified.

2. Wallet Card with Message. Is there a special phrase or quote that you both share? Or is there a special message that you want him or her to always have? Then, this engraved alloy wallet is the perfect gift! Let that message be something they can have with them every day and be a part of you throughout your day.

3. My Heart is Poppin' for You. Dinner and a movie for Valentine's Day? Yes, and what is a movie without popcorn? This fun and easy DIY popcorn favor will make your date night even more special.

4. Baby, Light My Fire. This easy, fun and quirky gift idea is an exciting way to start your night! Make pretzels into edible matches a gift that will sure to make a spark.

5. "Beer" My Valentine. Does your man like beer? If so, this unique and memorable gift idea will sure to be a hit! Create this easy do-it-yourself craft gift idea and you get to give him flowers and beer! On the other hand, this doesn't only have to be for him! If your girl likes beer, this is a fun way to break out of the ordinary gift-giving ideas for Valentine's Day.

Anyone of these personal, easy handmade gift ideas will be a hit with your special someone. You can do one, or you do them all! They are fun and easy and will sure to make a favorable impression and create a spark! Have a creative and stylish Valentine's Day!

Do I Bring a Gift? Party Etiquette Host/Hostess Gift Ideas

2019-01-16T14:33:00.000-05:00

It is customary in my culture to never enter a house empty handed. Whether it is a box of candy, chocolate bar or bottle of wine, we make sure we have something for the head of the household. However, not everyone may think this is the way it should be. I understand. On the other hand, what if you were invited to a party, say a surprise birthday party in honor of someone else at someone's house, do you get something only for the guest of honor, for the host or both? Answer: BOTH.

Why both you may ask? Obviously, you would get something for the guest of honor. On the other hand, the person hosting the party is providing their home, time and plain hosting, a gift shows that appreciation. Ultimately, it is just not proper etiquette to enter someone's house emptyhanded.

So what kind of gift of "appreciation" do you bring for the host or hostess? Here are a couple of ideas for the next time you are invited to a party in someone's honor, or maybe you are just invited over someone's house:

1. Box of chocolates. There are many different kinds/brands of chocolates that you can buy. However, don't run to your nearest Walgreen's or CVS for a quick purchase. Instead, be mindful of what the box of chocolates may imply when you give them to the host. You can never go wrong with Godiva chocolates, Ferraro Rocher, or some exotic foreign concoction. Websites like 1-800-Flowers make it easy for us to select the perfect hostess gift because not only do they sell flowers, but also a variety of chocolates from around the world!

2. Bottle of wine. A bottle of red, white, rose, or whatever kind is another perfect gift for both the host and hostess. This article in VinePair will help make your decision of what kind to bring much easier. Salute!

3. Flowers. Everyone enjoys getting flowers! It's that one thing that many of us seldom splurge on. Receiving flowers brightens anyone's day. A bouquet of beautiful roses or a seasonal bunch is the perfect gift for your host. Kroger has a beautiful selection and great prices. Another place to purchase a beautiful bunch of flowers or arrangement is Sam's Club.

4. Gift Basket. We may think that gift baskets are only available during the holidays. Fortunately, they are available year round! Your local specialty grocery store usually has them available for purchase. If they don't, they can be ordered to fit your taste. Try places like Whole Foods and Kroger for gift basket arrangements.

Whatever the occasion you are invited to, make sure that you follow proper guest etiquette by bringing a gift for the host or hostess. In deciding what to bring, make sure it looks perfect and stylish when you give it to them. Nothing says "thank you" like a gift that's wrapped or presented in perfection. Remember to have fun, be entertaining and be stylish!

'Tis the Season for Stylish Entertaining

2018-12-02T09:00:00.000-05:00

Invitations

It's that time of year! The holiday season. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza or your own special celebration, you might be asking yourself, "what can I do differently this year?" Answer: throw a themed holiday party!

It is only natural to think of themed parties for occasions such as birthdays or Halloween, and not for Christmas. True this is "out of the box" thinking for such an event, but why not? Instead of your traditional Christmas cookie party, elephant gift exchange or ugly sweater party, throw a party with a specific theme for the holiday, only with a twist, it's stylish!

So what kind of stylish themed holiday party can you throw? Here a few ideas:

White Christmas Table Setting

1. White Christmas: everything from your invitations to the food you serve is white themed and/or has a white component to it. Send invitations that are white which can include the accent color of your choosing. Shutterfly and Snapfish are a couple of places you can go to make your invites. Make sure that you indicate on your invites that it is a white Christmas theme and that guests need to wear white. Obviously, all the decorations for the event are white as is the table setting and tableware. Crate & Barrel, Pier 1, Macy's and Home Goods are excellent places to help with the decorating and putting it all together.

Homemade Paper Angel Doilies

Nutcracker available at Macy's

2. Nutcracker: almost everyone has a nutcracker as Christmas decoration in their house, so why not throw a nutcracker-themed party!? This ballet classic will sure to amaze and intrigue your guests once they get their invitations! Set the stage with angels made of glitter paper, doilies, and pipe cleaners for your centerpieces, mantle decor, or cake toppers. What's a Nutcracker party without a ballerina? Bake cupcakes and top them with these ballerina toppers available on Amazon. Just like the ballerina, the Nutcracker is a must. Macy's sells beautiful nutcracker figurines that you can display throughout your home or you can use as the statements pieces for your table(s).

The Grinch Theme Table

3. It's the Grinch: what's Christmas without the Grinch! Set the stage with green, red and white as your main color theme and then accent with themes from the movie. Welcome your guests to your "Whoville" with creative yard decorations that can be purchased on Etsy.com. Once they are inside your home, they think they've entered Whoville. Do this by decorating your home with red, green and white colors along with scenes/decor from The Grinch movie. Set the tone by playing the Grinch music in the background and providing all the touches what makes the Grinch a special story.

The Grinch Party Invitations

These are just a few ideas to help you begin your holiday planning. Whichever theme you chose, White Christmas, Nutcracker, The Grinch or you were inspired by these, the details and fine touches you put into putting it all together is what will make your party not only fun and memorable but stylish! Happy entertaining, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy Hanukkah and Kwanza and make it fun and stylish!

Stylish Thanksgiving Dinner

2018-11-10T08:18:00.000-05:00

For the past 30 years, I have hosted Thanksgiving dinner and I love doing so. Every year my family looks forward to getting stuffed on brined turkey, homemade stuffing, gravy, and mashed potatoes. It has become a tradition to serve the entree and sides and I wouldn't change a thing. But why I enjoy hosting this special holiday aside from the family is putting a table together fit for royalty, and you can do the same!

Place Cards and Place Card Holders

Sure my family knows each other, but I step it up a notch with place cards. To avoid guests from trying to figure out where they should sit and by whom, put Thanksgiving-themed place cards on the table. This will allow for guests to be seated quickly and avoid the confusion of where to sit. You can find pretty place cards at your local craft store, or you can download a template from the internet.

Now that you have printed out those pretty place cards, you need to put them in something. Some suggestions are turkeys, acorns, pumpkins or fall cornucopia. Pier 1 has stylish holders for any dinner style. Another fantastic place is Crate and Barrel.

The Centerpiece

Autumn Centerpiece

Although the turkey is the main centerpiece of dinner, don't forget a beautiful centerpiece to accent your table. In the past, I have had a cornucopia, fall flower arrangement, and candles. Anyone of these adds elegance and sophistication to the table. You don't have to spend much either! Your local grocery store like Kroger have beautiful arrangements that you can purchase around $30.

The Table

Tablecloth from Macy's

As I mentioned, I love setting the table for Thanksgiving dinner. I put a lot of thought into making everything look perfect, and each year I make sure to add something different (this is very subtle) to see if anyone notices! In previous posts on the blog, I discussed plate chargers and their purpose. I never host a dinner without a plate charger because I think that it brings a certain charm or "fanciness" to the table, and maybe guests aren't used to being so catered too! Your guests are special, so why not make them feel that way!

Elegant Thanksgiving place setting.

When setting the table, think about everything; from the tablecloth to the place card holders. For my dinner table, I always use my Thanksgiving/fall themed table linen. It is just perfect because I can bring out any color I want to match in my table setting. The tablecloth also has matching napkins, and I always use them instead of paper napkins, which are a no-no for dinners like this. One thing I would like to point out is to avoid your very ornate tablecloths that have the bright orange and decorative fall themes. These do not set the elegance and stylish tone of your dinner. Instead, a subtle color Thanksgiving themed tablecloth is the way to go.

Since this is a formal dinner, I bring out all the good china, silverware and stemware and make sure that everything is set properly. My blog on the proper place setting comes in handy for events like this. Properly tablescaping your table will awe your guests, I know it does mine!

The Details

Like with any party you host, the details are important. A few things that I have mentioned so far in regards to details are the tablecloth, name cards, centerpiece, china, silverware, and stemware. All of these together set the tone and ambiance for dinner, especially the napkin ring that you chose to place the matching napkins in. There are so many choices available and each sets a different tone to your tablescaping. Since we want to have an elegant and stylish one, make sure that you chose a napkin ring that reflects it. Stores like Pier 1 and Bed, Bath & Beyond have simple, holiday-themed rings to make your table extra special.

These are just a few tips you can do to make your Thanksgiving dinner table a stylish one. Whatever you chose to do, remember not to overlook the final touches and details; this is what makes it stylish! Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Stylish Entertaining!

Boo! It's a Halloween Extravaganza!

2018-10-19T21:36:00.000-04:00

Planning on having a Halloween party? Tired of the same old decorations and colors for Halloween? Why not throw a Halloween party turned up a notch! Here are some creative, extravagant and fun ideas to help make your Halloween party stylish and not scary.

Ditch the Orange and Black Color Theme

This Celestial Accent Garland is available at Pier One.

Whether you go to Joann Fabrics or Party City, it's the same color theme for Halloween, orange, and black. If you end up going to more than one party during Halloween season, chances are they will become a blur of the same generic decor, colors, and themes. Instead, make your party one to remember! Pick an accent color of the season like deep purple, blood red, lime green or rusty brown as the palette for your decor. Use these colors as the backdrop to your neutral colors and create a one of a kind Halloween color theme.

It's All About the Accents

Instead of your typical Halloween decorations, set the scene with elegant Halloween floral arrangements throughout your home. Find a great statement piece for your party table at places like Pier One or Michael's. Follow that theme in from your front door to the powder room. It is these little things that make a difference for your guests. Don't stop there! Accent your table linens, silverware, and glassware with the same color palette. Remember, this is your accent color so use it subtly with your neutral hues to set a more sophisticated, stylish but fun Halloween feeling.

Have a Party Theme

Roaring '20's costume.

What's a Halloween party without costumes?! Make yours different by setting a more adult costume themed party. Some great adult theme parties may include Great Gatsby, royalty, Harry Potter, the Roaring '20's or Disco 70's. Your invitations should set the theme and tone for your party.

Set the Ambiance

Sure, it's easy to set the ambiance for a regular Halloween party, but for your stylish soiree, setting the right ambiance is important. A few ways to do this is by:

Candles everywhere! Set the mood with low lighting with either real candles or battery operated like these in the picture from Shop Three Brothers website.
LED lighting: you can find any kind of LED string lighting at almost any store in whatever color you can imagine. For your Halloween party set the ambiance by using LED lighting in your hurricanes, accenting your table, shelving, decorations, just about anymore. Depending on the color you have chosen to accent your Halloween decorations, use it sparingly and elegantly throughout your home so that guests can just see each other, but it's dark enough for such an event. The LED lights on the left can be purchased at Pier One, and they have a selection of many different colors on their website.

Don't Forget the Food

You might think that it's difficult to set a food table that's sophisticated, yet like Halloween. Luckily, this is not so! You can turn your food table into an elegant, stylish spread. Here are some pictures to give you some idea on how that can be done:

Chocolate dip strawberries dipped in accent Halloween colors.

Serve macaroons in orange, purple, green or whatever Halloween color you like.

Drizzle your cupcakes in royal icing to get this look.

Sophisticated yet spooky Brie cheese and crackers.

Easy to decorate spiderweb cheesecake.

You can use these tips for any type of party you would like to throw. Set a neutral color as the foundation and then chose a color as the theme for your decorations. As you plan your party, think creatively and pay attention to those details. It's the little things that make a party a big success!

Happy planning and Happy Halloween! Make it a stylish one!

Creative Summer Entertaining

2014-05-28T14:24:00.000-04:00

Summer is here and so is outdoor entertaining. As you plan your outdoor festivities, make them memorable, unique and creative with the following suggestions.

What is a backyard BBQ without watermelon. Not only does it refresh and cool you off in the summer heat, but you can reuse it to make a fun punch holder. First, cut the top of the watermelon and hollow out the fruit (for later eating). Carefully drill a hole at the bottom of the watermelon where your shank will be inserted.You can purchase the shank kit online at Amazon.com. Make sure that your hole is smaller than the spout and if you need to make it larger, use a knife to widen. Attach the shank and you are ready to fill your watermelon with a summer drink favorite such as watermelon Margarita.

Summer is the best time for fresh fruits.The sweetness of muskmelon and honeydew, the crispness of pineapple and fresh strawberries are a light, refreshing snack during those hot summer nights. These are also a great supplement to your party. Instead of traditionally cutting up your fruit and place them in a serving platter, serve it in the actual bowl of the fruit. Cut up your fruit in cube sized bites in your color coordinated bowls; strawberries, cherries, raspberries, watermelons serve in a hallowed out small melon. Pineapple, banana, peaches, mango, papaya inside a pineapple bowl; place your honeydew, grapes, kiwi, green apples in a honeydew bowl. If you have any other fruit favorites, color code them by placing the fruit in appropriate bowl.

Turn the night into a glow night! Glow sticks are a fun and inexpensive way to brighten up those summer nights for both kids and adults. Make a statement by turning your refreshment table into a glowing bucket of fun. Place the glow sticks at the bottom of the bucket and fill with ice.Your guests will be excited to dive into that magical glowing bucket of fun.

Have some mason jars you want to reuse? How about making a glowing mason jar centerpiece instead of candles or other lighting? All you need is some mason jars, scissors and glow sticks and you can create a unique centerpiece for your party. Here is the link on how to create this great idea!

As you plan your outdoor party, try these ideas and think outside the box. There are so many creative ways to make a BBQ smokin' fun, a pool party a splash hit and a picnic a basket of memories. But always make them stylish and entertaining for your guests and also fun for yourself!

Stylish Easter Decorating Ideas Using Pantone's Color of the Year: Radiant Orchid

2014-03-25T13:32:00.000-04:00

Entertaining for Easter? Your decor does not have to be over the top or cheesy with the typical Easter fixings. Here are a couple of ideas to help get you started towards a stylish Easter party.

1. Pick a color theme. This year Pantone's color of the year is radiant orchid, a delicate pastel hue that is a perfect color theme for Easter. A table linen in this color in a lighter shade and your accessories such as napkins, napkin holders or plates in fuscia, purple or pink would match perfectly and look elegant.

2. Less is more. Entertaining can be overwhelming, and when it comes dishes, a centerpiece and all the essentials needed at the dinner table where do you start!? Begin with your china. Instead of having your fine china displayed only in your china cabinet, display it for special occasions like this and accentuate it with a beautiful floral centerpiece complemented by the radiant orchid color theme. Adding a simple, elegant candelabra adds to the elegance, along with simple Easter themed napkins, egg cup holders, serving dishes adds a touch of style.

Planning a party can be stressful. Make it easier by picking a theme and a color and sticking to the basics of keeping it simple, but attending to the special details such as napkin rings, name cards and other personal touches help in making your party like it took weeks to plan. These little things add a unique touch to your party and keeps it stylish.

St. Patrick's Day: Match Your Beer and Food

2014-03-02T19:37:00.003-05:00

St. Patrick's Day preparations are here and it's time to plan on pairing your favorite Irish beer with traditional Irish meals. Irish reds to rich, dark stouts here are some suggestions to complement your Irish meal and make your party a success!

Stout

Irish stouts like Guinness and Murphy's are dark, rich in flavor. Many do not know that they are surprisingly light and do not have as much calories as people think. Their flavor is predominantly coffee like, making them a perfect pair with chocolate desserts. You can also use the beer as an ingredient in your Guinness chocolate cake. No only do these stouts taste great with dessert, but they also go well with oysters and fish 'n chips.

Red Ale

Irish reds like Smithwick's and Killian's Red Irish are medium-bodied beers. These beers have a distinct caramel flavor and get their color from the roasted barley that is added at the end of the brewing process. Their balance of sweetness and bitterness are a perfect paring with corned beef and cabbage and Shepherd's Pie. The saltiness in this St. Patrick's Day staple is counterbalanced by the sweet, caramel flavor of these red ales.

Lager

Lagers are light and refreshing beer and Harp's and Rogue Irish Lager have the perfect touch of carbonation. Served cold, but not too cold to lose its flavor, lagers should be dry, a little bitter, flowery and bready in flavor. This unique mix of flavors make lagers an ideal ingredient for Irish soda bread.

Serve all three types of beer at your party and complement them with the appropriate food pairing and you are sure to bring out the flavors of the beer and the meal. Taking that extra step to perfectly match your meal and drinks, will make your St. Patrick's Day stylish! Erin go braugh!

Traditional Valentine's Day Gifts Done Right

2014-01-27T11:37:00.000-05:00

Valentine's Day is soon around the corner. Is it ok to go with the traditional gifts, box of chocolates, dinner, getaway? Yes and No. Here are few things that women do not want to get as gifts for Valentine's Day and if you do get any one of these items, make sure you do it right!

1. Teddy Bear - That beloved creepy little Teddy Bear that is holding a heart with a special saying. Unless you are in high school or are under six years old, this is not the way to go.

2. Small jewelry box, no diamond- If you plan to give your Valentine jewelry, make sure the box has the right bling! Girl sees box and automatically thinks, "yes!" only to discover it's a charm.

3. Freecourt Flowers- Don't make that mad dash into Sam's Club to buy that bouquet of flowers! Instead, do it right. Order a delivery of special flowers from sites such as FTD or 1800Flowers to her workplace. Nothing puts a smile on your Valentine's face than a beautiful arrangement of her favorite flowers.

4. Cheap Chocolate- The corner drugstore is a convenient place to get a box of chocolates, but not for Valentine's Day! Instead, go to Godiva or Charonnel Chocolates purchase a special box of Marc de champagne truffles or chocolate covered strawberries, a sure favorite!

5. Sexy Lingerie- There is nothing romantic about sexy lingerie. If you want to purchase something sexy, the lingerie should be red but from La Perla, Damaris or the like.

6. Charmless Bracelet- You have decided to splurge and buy your Valentine a Pandora bracelet. Make sure that you purchase a meaningful charm, believe it or not, you can forget to buy the charm.

Whatever you decide to buy your Valentine, make sure you do it right to make a special and memorable day for both of you!

Party? Appetizers? Ways To Avoid Double Dipping

2013-12-15T11:18:00.000-05:00

Holiday festivities are around the corner: Parties, family reunions, work soirees and casual entertainment. And what's a party without appetizers, delicious finger food! But these delectable little concoctions bring out the worst in everyone; double dipping. How do we avoid this unsanitary act? How do you swallow that last piece of vegetable without more ranch dressing? Do you look around make sure no one is looking and dive in for that tasty last bite?

NO!

Carefully planning appetizers and snack platters for guests is the key ingredient in avoiding double dipping. Appetizers can range from cheese and cracker trays to an array of dips. Traditionally appetizers were served on one dish and guests helped themselves to whatever amount they wanted. Dips are notorious for double dipping, and cheese and cracker trays are prone to all kinds of hands touching the food, if no serving utensil is available. All this amounts to unhealthy risk of germs to every guest at the party.

As a host, how do you make sure double dipping doesn't happen? Make your appetizers single serve portions. Sure, this may take a little extra time and may cost a little more money for all the individual "plating." In the long run, it's worth going that extra step for yourself and for your guests. Not only will your guests appreciate the easy to carry and eat food, they will enjoy the sanitary factor.

Here are few popular appetizers served at parties that can be "replated" to avoid double dipping. A picture depicts "how to" serve the appetizer and a link to the recipe follows (if you have your own favorite recipe, use it!) :

Seven Layer Taco Dip: An all time favorite, this mini appetizer is easy to serve in small individual cups for your guests. http://allrecipes.com/recipe/seven-layer-taco-dip/

Shrimp Cocktail: Plating this delicious appetizer individually takes into account those guests that might have an allergy to shell fish and by serving them separately helps with cross contamination.

Veggies: A favorite for whatever occasion you are having a get together for, veggies and veggie dip go hand in hand with the word "party." Notorious as a magnet for double dipping you can avoid this by fixing individual cups for everyone; just like in the picture.

One thing to remember is to make your presentation of these appetizers stylish. Be creative with items that you have around the house. Use small champagne glasses for your shrimp cocktail; or shot glasses for your veggie dips. For other appetizers you can use small disposable plastic cups. Don't limit your imagination; be creative! Stores such as www.disposableminiplates.com and Pier 1 have a wide variety of dishes and unique plating ideas.

First Birthday Party

2012-11-07T08:48:00.000-05:00

Your bundle of joy is soon turning one and it's time to start planning that special milestone birthday. Planning the perfect children's birthday party takes time, patience and lots of creativity. So many decisions have to be made, the theme, the cake, the food, the entertainment and how many guests should be invited!

Step 1: Theme

Animated cartoon characters such as Sesame Street, Barney, Baby Einstein or traditional 1st Birthday decorations? There is such a vast assortment of theme ideas and trying to decide which one to chose is overwhelming. For a 1st Birthday the theme is self evident, 1st Birthday decorations for your little prince or princess, but to make it extra special personalize the invitation with a picture your child. The website http://tinyprints.com/ has a wide variety of decorations and ideas to help you purchase everything you need for the party. Throwing a 1st Birthday party where all the napkins, cups, banners, plates and tablecloths are personalized with the celebrants name is truly memorable for your guests!

Step 2: Location

Depending on when your child's birthday is, and outdoor birthday party is ideal. For summer months rent a tent that will accommodate all your guests. If this is not an option, renting a small banquet facility or having it at home are your other alternatives. Whichever decision you make, attention to detail and having a party that is unique to other party is your goal.

Step 3: Guest List

To be truly honest, your little birthday boy or girl will not remember their 1st Birthday party, so why all the hoopla? This is a milestone birthday and a wonderful occasion to gather your closest family members to help mark it.

It is obvious that the party is geared towards children, therefore, they should be the main guests at the party. Inviting family members with children that are age appropriate is something that should be taken in account.

Step 4: Menu/Catering

Wikipedia defines catering as the supplying of food for a social event. Deciding what type of food should be served at a 1st Birthday party seems simple. But you have guests that are adults, young children and toddlers that you have to cater to. Serving chicken nuggets and pizza to the adults is not acceptable, you need to also provide food for them. Should you opt to have your party catered, the caterer may suggest some menu options for you to serve. On the other hand, if you would like to prepare the food yourself, consider the following:

Appetizers- Chips, dip, finger sandwiches, meat and cheese tray, potato, macaroni or pasta salads
Adult food menu- Chicken, ribs, potatoes, pasta (i.e. fettucini, mostacolli), fresh salad
Kids food menu- Pizza, chicken nuggets, hot dogs
Beverages- Pop/Soda, water, alcohol, non-carbonated drinks

Step 5: Entertainment

How do you entertain a houseful of children and adults at one time? Simple! Children are easily entertained with games and fun activities such as arts and crafts, toys and pinatas. Personalized pinatas are a fun way to get children, and adults, involved in the birthday activities. Customize your pinata with your childs picture to make for a conversation piece that will be remembered for days.

Throwing a successful party is simple if you plan ahead and when the day arrives you need to manage your time efficiently and effectively. Planning and preparing in advance gives you the opportunity not only to host the party, but to sit back and enjoy your childs 1st Birthday!

It's A Graduation Party!!!

2012-05-29T11:53:00.000-04:00

It's that time of year, graduation parties!

Are you one of those parents who will be planning a high school or college graduation party? If so, you want to make it as memorable and unique as the person who you are throwing the party for. Planning a small or large get together depends on the preparations of planning every single detail from the guest list to the music. To make the planning go smoothly, I have listed tips and resources to make sure you have every detail from beginning to ending covered.

One of the first things you should do before you begin the planning the details is to ask your graduate what they want and how they can help. After all, this is their big day to celebrate one of the greatest accomplishments of their life, finishing twelve years of schooling! Here are some questions you can ask your teenager about how he/she would like to celebrate their graduation:

What kind of graduation party do you want? Big party or small family dinner?
Depending on your teen’s personality, they may not want to have the big hoopla of a graduation party but opt for a small family dinner with their closest loved ones. If your graduate has chosen a party, then the real decisions in planning have to be made.

Who should we invite?
Remember, this is your teen's party. The guests should include friends and family of the graduate to join in the celebration. Have your teen make a list of those he/she wants to have attend the party and let them that you would like to invite your closest friends to celebrate your child's achievement. Making a list of persons closest to your teen and to yourself makes the party feel more special and personable. Once you have decided on the list, start planning the invites. You don't have to order those expensive invites from the school when you have the world at your fingertips. Vistaprint is one of many online resources where you can develop your own invites and make it as creative as you want.

Set a date and time for the graduation party.
Unfortunately, the first few weekends in June are the busiest not only for graduation parties but for weddings as well, and setting a date that doesn't conflict with a friend's graduation party is difficult. Holding off your party until August is a little late, but reasonable. Have your graduate tell you when other parties are being held and talk about various dates when to have your graduation party. The more options you have, the better, but start your planning at least six weeks before the party!

Plan your graduation party budget.

Once you have made the list of how many guests you will be inviting to the graduation party next you need to decide how much plan to spend and start checking for prices of the different things you would like to have or do. This includes decorations, drinks, food, utensils, party rental supplies, thank yous, postage and invitations. Write everything all down and compare prices!

Find a place to have the graduation party.
Deciding where you are going to have your graduation party depends a lot on the number of people attending. The larger the guest list, the larger the venue needed and the larger the budget! Keep all this mind as you make your plans and remember plans do change.

Traditionally graduation parties are held at home, but keep your options open by having your party at the park, beach, hall or even on a boat! Think outside the box and chose a venue that is as unique as your graduate and one that will be memorable for all your guests.

Choose a fun theme and decorate.
Many opt for the graduation themed party, but try something different. Theme your party with the graduates college they will be attending. Purchase decorations of the college colors and banners with the schools name. Online stores such as Oriental Trading have an array of party themed supplies to accommodate every party. For more specific decorations you may need to visit the college website to purchase elite decorations and websites like Birthday Direct has a vast selection of colleges throughout the United States. Also, special touches such as personalized candy or cups make it an even more unique party. Visit mymms website to order personalized M & M's, candy bars and other unique items.

Pay attention to every single detail of the decorating process from napkins to lighting. Coordinate napkins, cups, tablecloths, plates and even flowers with the colors of the school. This kind of detail is what makes the party special and classy. Don't skimp out on cheap plastic-ware, but purchase higher end supplies. This tells your guests you care and are proud of the party you have put together for your special graduate.

Decide on the menu.
To cater or not to cater? This is one of many questions that you will have to answer. Which ever your choose you will have to decide what you will be serving. Simplest route to take is buffet style catering with your traditional foods of chicken, mostacolli, salads and potatoes.

Why not go for a more unique approach and hire a caterer that brings his equipment to your party site and all the food is cooked there as the guests watch the pig being roasted, the chicken slowly turning on the rotissiere, the salad being freshly chopped, the vegetables slowly boiling and all of this coming together for an unforgettable meal? This type of catering can be more costly, but the effect of watching the meal come together can be part of the entertainment and what a conversation starter for your guests!

Get some help for party day.
Twenty-four hours in a day seem like plenty of time to get everything ready for the day of the graduation party. Before you know it, you are frantically running around trying to get all the last minute touches complete before the guests arrive. To save you from insanity, gather anyone and everyone to help you do all the preparations. Whether it's a sibling, spouse or hired helper, you will need lots of help on the day of the party. Assign people tasks for the day of the party and make them responsible for things like drinks, plates, appetizers, sitting and gifts. After all, this is a special day for you as it is for your child. You want to enjoy the festivities and lessen the responsibilities of the party so you can kick back and enjoy this moment.

Unique Ideas for Graduation Parties

Set your invitations apart from other invites. Grab a calligraphy pen, neatly write out your information, roll the special paper up and tie the invite with your color theme. Format your invite to look like a high school diploma, when it's really an invite!
Play pin the mustache on the teacher. Blow up a picture from the year book of one of your child's teachers and watch as his/her classmates have fun pinning the mustache.
If it's hot outside, a water balloon toss is always fun, (played just like and egg toss but not as messy). Choose the balloon colors to match the school colors.
Have a sign in board. You can use a large scroll to keep the diploma theme or place pictures of as many of the classmates as you can find around the edges of a large poster board. Have the guests write a special message to the graduate. After the party, laminate the board as a memoir.
Don't try to have too many activities. Teens love to just get together, talk and listen to music. Make sure that music is what your teen wants. Have a DJ and prior to the party, have your child make a list of songs to play at the party and make sure the DJ takes requests from the guests and let them dance the night away!

Cinco de Mayo Themed Party

2012-04-27T15:00:00.000-04:00

Cinco de Mayo is around the corner and what a wonderful opportunity to host a Mexican themed party commemorating this holiday. This holiday recognizes Mexico's victory over the French militia in 1862, but many of us have deemed it a day of celebration.

To help with planning your fiesta, here are some helpful hints:

Decorations

The decorations pictured are a perfect option for the budget conscious individual. The mini plastic hats available in various colors can be purchased at any party supply store such as Party Adventure or Dollar General for only .50 each. At these retail stores you can also find fiesta themed decor like the pop up displays, maracas and plasticware and paper plates, cups and napkins to make the day mucho grande.

Whatever you chose, make sure that attention to detail is not sacrificed. The placements pictured I found at Pier One for less than $5 each. Combine them with napkins of siesta colors such as golden yellow, orange, red and forest green, you have perfectly set table sure to "wow" your guest.

Drinks

Tequila is synomous with Mexico and the number of drinks that can be concoted with it are endless. Mojito's and Margarita's are the most popular. If you are a novice and need help, Epicurious.com has a great demonstration of how to make these drinks and more. Ole!

Music

If you are lucky enough to know a Mariachi band to play at your party, the better! If not, grab a CD that has a variety of popular Mexican songs such as La Cucharacha, La Bamba or any Latin flavored musical! Grab the maracas, your sombrero and cha cha the night away!

Easter Table Scape Ideas

2012-04-01T19:17:00.000-04:00

April 8th is Easter and the time has come to plan your Easter festivities. What color linen to use? Which china to serve? What type of glassware to set? So many questions, so little time! To lessen the chaos of those holiday dinners, here are some ideas to make your dinner preparations go a little more smoothly.

Linens: Spring is a wonderful time of year. The beautiful subtle colors of new beginnings are slowly emerging from the cold winter. The soft colors of Hyacinthia's, the vivid brightness of daffodils, and the crisp clean look of crocuses. All of these colors can be incorporated into your table scape for Easter. A subtle change in the color of your linens, changes the look of your place setting.

White Table Linen:

Lilac Table Linen:

Name Holders: If you are entertaining a number of guests, it’s a good idea to use name holders to let your guests know where to sit. Stores have a wide variety of name holders or place holders for every season and occasion. Pier 1 has a great selection for those one of a kind trinkets to make your entertaining extra special. For Easter, you have an array of choices, such as the chick and egg place holders, used in the following pictures.

Centerpiece: A table is not complete without "dressing" it up a bit. Whether it is a traditional floral arrangement or an Easter wreath with plastic pastel eggs (pictured below, an elegant or fun centerpiece is always a nice touch. Also, adding the green grass and placing the candlesticks in or around the wreath lets your guests know that you care.

Table Decor: Setting a table entails a great deal of preparation and detail. Choosing the right linens, centerpiece, flatware, and china are all very important in setting the mood for the party, but adding a little pizazz like themed statues or topiary (picture below) encourages table conversation and sets the ambiance for the night.

Whatever the occasion, whatever the theme, choosing the right table presentation ensures for an elegant, successful party and it will definitely be stylish.

St. Patrick's Day Party Planning Ideas

2012-03-01T12:00:00.005-05:00

Labeled as one of the biggest party events of the year, St. Patrick's Day is a holiday everyone seems to enjoy being a part of, Irish or not. Here's some helpful tips and ideas to make this year's celebration not only fun and festive, but stylish as well.

Decoration

There are many ways to celebrate this patron saint of Ireland, but one of the most popular ways is by throwing an Irish-themed party complete with all the green decorations you can find. Finding decorations that are St. Patrick's Day themed is not only easy, but you can purchase them cheaply or as expensive as you like. Online stores such as Oriental Trading offer a great selection from "Kiss Me I'm Irish" pins to a Leprechaun outfit.

Begin with green streamers and balloons to set the mood if you're on a budget. Decorate tables with green table cloths or green plastic covers that can be purchased at places such as Party City.

If you have more green to spend, go all out with green light bulbs in your lamps, shamrock-shaped party lights and green carnations for a more stylish feeling. Hanging shamrock spirals or garland also adds a festive feel to the party.

Find a black pot to represent "the pot of gold" and purchase some gold-foil-wrapped chocolate coins that can be used not only as a party decoration but as a sweet treat for the guests.

Don't forget the Blarney Stone! Find a big rock (or make one out of Styrofoam or papier-mâché) to be your Blarney Stone. Place it near the door so people can kiss it when they enter. It's legend is infamous and having it as a party prop it can also be a great conversation piece.

Plates and cups do not have to be St. Patrick's Day insignia, instead purchase ordinary green plates and cups.

Dress

Obviously, green is the color theme! Lads and lassies can go all out on dressing up for a St. Patrick's Day party. Others can get into the spirit of St. Patrick's by breaking out all the green clothing they can, pinning on a "Kiss Me, I’m Irish" button and topping it all off with a green leprechaun's hat.

Activities

Whether you are throwing a party for your the over-21 crowd or younger crowd, there are plenty of activities to cater to everyone. For the over-21 crowd, the popular way to pass this celebration is by drinking. Pub crawls to local Irish businesses give you a drinking break and some fresh air between drinks. Also, these pub crawls allow you to meet other festive celebrants and engage in the hoopla of the day.

For those of you having an at home party, put on a CD of traditional Irish songs. If you have a karaoke machine, hook up the big screen TV and let your friends have at it singing classics like "Danny Boy."

Since St. Patrick's Day is synonymous with the pot of gold, send your guests on a treasure hunt. Purchase some gold foiled wrapped chocolate coins and have your guests search for them around the house. The one with the most coins, wins a prize!

Food

Get the green dye out! Mashed potatoes, beer, cupcakes, cookies, anything edible make it green! Keep your menu simple and traditional.

What is a St. Patrick's Day party without corned beef and cabbage and green beer? Try serving the following recipe of individual mini Reuben sandwiches from Allrecipe. They are sure to be a hit!

1 (1 pound) loaf cocktail rye bread
1 cup thousand island dressing
1 1/2 pounds deli sliced corned beef
1 (16 ounce) jar sauerkraut, rinsed and well drained
1 pound sliced Swiss cheese
Preheat the oven's broiler.
Arrange cocktail rye slices on a baking sheet. Top each one with about 2 teaspoons of thousand island salad dressing, then fold about 1/2 slice of corned beef to fit the bread, and lay over the dressing. Place a small amount of sauerkraut over the meat, then top with 1/4 slice of the Swiss cheese, or a slice about as big as the bread.
Broil for 3 to 5 minutes, until cheese is melted. Serve warm.

Desserts

Your sweet table can be a plethora of green and shamrock shaped cookies. You can make it as simple as a bowl of green M & Ms or jelly beans or it can be as extravagant as shamrock shaped cookies or green cupcakes decorated to the nines.

Beverages

Green beer, Guinness and Irish Coffee are your St. Patrick's Day staples, but why not serve something different. Try the following recipe at your party, not only is it unique but it will give you that stylish flare.

2 Ounces Ketel One Citroen
Dash of lemon juice
6 Ounces Prosecco
1.5 teaspoon Edible Gold Dust
Martini glass rimmed with edible gold

To make gold glass rim, mix one glass edible gold dust with few drops of vodka to form a thick liquid. you can find edible gold dust at Joann Fabrics.
Dredge the rim of the martini glass in the liquid to coat edge making sure the gold liquid is thick enough so that it doesn't drip.
To thicken add more gold dust and to dilute add more vodka.
Pour the Ketle one Citroen and lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon of edible gold dust in to a cocktail shaker with ice glass and shake until well chilled.

Enjoy the party and Erin go Braugh!

Unique Valentine's Day Ideas

2012-01-29T19:42:00.000-05:00

Every year for Valentine's Day it seems like Ground Hog Day-the same thing over and over: A beautiful bouquet of red roses, a box of choolates, jewelry, and romantic dinner at a fancy restaurant, so cliche. Why not try something different this year? Here are four simple ideas to make the holiday memorable and special and possibly a start to a new yearly tradition!

1. Valentine Memory Book- Gather all your photos of special places, events, trips or candid snapshots that you made throughout the previous year. Upload your pictures to Snapfish or Kodak Gallery and create a memory book. You can make this personalized by adding captions such as song lyrics or poems that have special meaning underneath the photos, telling a story of your love for each other. Can't buy that at Hallmark!

2. Create a CD Of Favorite Music- Songs conjure up special memories of important events in your life. Why not make a mix of those hit songs reminding you of your relationship and songs you both enjoy on a CD? Make that CD extra special by creating a label with a picture of you two and listen to it not only on Valentine's Day but any day of the year!

3. Bring the Drive-in Home- Grab the latest movie release or your favorite movie, your DVD/VCR player, hook it up in the garage, bring your favorite snacks, snuggle up and enjoy your homemade drive-in theatre!

4. Cook Your Favorite Meal- Sure you can go to the fancy restaurant in town and enjoy a romantic dinner, but you can do that anytime. Instead, take over the kitchen and cook your favorite meal together. You can set the table to be formal or informal, but spontaneity as you add a little spice of this and a little bit of that can be the judge for the night. Can't order that at the local restaurant.

There's no need to do the same thing as everyone else. Try one of these ideas and you are sure to make it a unique evening with that special someone. Happy Valentine's Day!

Warm Wine for Chilly Nights

2012-01-14T20:00:00.000-05:00

A girl's weekend trip to the wineries in Leelenau Peninsula in Michigan brought us to Black Star Farms Winery where we sampled various wines from reds, whites and roses. However, one taste testing stood out from the rest...warm wine!

I have never tried warm wine, although I have heard of it, I thought it would be a great time to try some. Feeling unsure of what to expect, my first sip turned into another sip and another. It was delicious!

This tastefully good wine is called mulled wine. A warm concoction of sugar, spices and citrus fruits it soon became a must have drink on cold, winter months. Not only does this drink taste great, but it is easy to make. The winery provided the following easy recipe:

1 bottle Black Star Farms Cherry Wine (or any cherry wine of your choice)
12 oz. water
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground clove
A couple of sprinkles of ground nutmeg

Combine all the ingredients into a sauce pan and give it a good stir. Heat gently, but do not boil and do not stir again. Skim off the spices on top, serve and enjoy!

When serving this wine, chose a cup with a handle for easy handling. Garnish the drink with an orange peel or cinnamon stick. Perfect for an after dinner drink with dessert or just by yourself. Mulled wine is sure to warm you up on a cold, winter evening. Sit back, sip and enjoy!

Red, White & Champagne: Which Glass Do I Use?

2011-12-29T12:33:00.000-05:00

All too often we are faced with the dilemma of which type of wine glass to use for red, white or champagne. Wine glasses come in various shapes, sizes, colors and styles and making sure you use the proper glass for your special occasion is much simpler than you think.

Appropriately called stemware (glasses with stems), the etiquette for pouring a good wine into the proper glass makes all the difference. It seems to be that wine is tastier in a glass that is elegant and stylish. A good wine should always be poured in a clear glass. Although those pretty colored wine glasses that are in your china cabinet may look great, they interfere in the true color of the wine and your subliminal palette.

Wine Glass Size and Shape

The taste of wine seems to change depending on the type of wine glass you are drinking from. Therefore, it is important to get the most out of the flavor of your wine and by choosing the correct wine glass to serve the wine in makes the difference. Three aspects of proper wine glass selection are taken into consideration: the glass size, the shape and the thickness of the the glass.

When choosing wine glasses,the glass should be plain and clear. Part of the enjoyment of a good wine is appreciation of it's color. The color of the wine portrays a lot of information about the wine, giving clues to the grapes used, the age of the wine, and so on. Hence, wine glasses that are colored or frosted, or worse still solid materials such as pewter or silver, are useless and can effect the drinkers true enjoyment of the wine.

For red and white wine, a larger glass (such as the stemware pictured to the right) is required to swirl the wine around releasing its aroma and enhancing the drinking experience. Small wine glasses are used for sherry or dessert wines, which have stronger aromas and do not have the need for aroma release.

Stemware made of very thin, fine crystal costs a lot more than normal glasses, but for some reason the wine tastes so much better! Many people do not use their expensive stemware and stores like TJMaxx and HomeGoods offer a wonderful selection of glasses that are both whimsical and affordable.

The shape of the bowl also matters. Some wine glasses have very round bowls, while others have more elongated, somewhat narrower bowls. The bowl should be large enough to allow for easy pouring and enough room to swirl the wine. Bowls that are oval-shaped and are much more narrow at the mouth are ideal for red wines such as Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignons, Merlots, Chiantis and Zinfandels. Other red wines such as Burgundies, Pinot Noirs and Barolos are best suited in wider bowl glasses. Whichever size or shape that you choose correlates to the glass's shape and flow control of the wine onto your tongue.

Sparking Wine: tulips, flutes and trumpets

Lastly, we discuss that fine, sparking bubbly Champagne. Sparkling wine can also be included in this category and deciding which type of glass to use for this unique wine is also an issue. Fortunately, the same type of stemware is used for Champagne and Sparkling wine. The stemware that is utilized for this beverage is known as tulip, flute and/or trumpet (pictured below).

The tulip is the ideally shaped glass for Champagne and other sparkling wines. It is tall, elongated and narrower at the rim than in the middle of the bowl. This shape helps hold the bubbles in the wine longer, not allowing them to escape.

The flute is another good sparkling wine glass; but it is less ideal than the tulip because it does not narrow at the mouth.

The trumpet actually widens at the mouth, making it less desirable for sparkling wine but very elegant looking. Another drawback of the trumpet glass is that, depending on the design, the wine can actually fill the whole stem, which means the wine warms up from the heat of your hand.

A good wine is as good as the glass it is served in. Choose a glass that will fit your style and comfort and enjoy its flavor to the fullest. Salut!

Plate Chargers: What's Their Purpose?

2011-12-21T20:01:00.001-05:00

The day of your dinner party has arrived and final details as coming together. As you begin to make the final touches to the table you are contemplating whether to use a plate charger has become the most trivial finishing touch to a perfect table setting.There is no right or wrong way in charger plate etiquette. Usually larger in size than most dinner plates, their function is for the sole purpose of being a decorative touch to a place setting, since no food is actually served on them. Many restaurants opt to keep the charger plate until the patron has finished the entire meal, while others take the charger plate after the soup and salad course. Choosing to leave this decorative plate until the end of the meal is your option.

If your decision is to use a plate charger, here are some pointers:

Place the charger plate on to the table exactly 1 inch from the edge at each place setting.
Silverware should be placed on both sides of the place setting.
Set first course dishes, such as individual soup bowls, on to the center of the charger plate.
Remove the first-course serving dish from the charger plate. If there is any food residue on the charger, remove it from the table. Take the charger plate to the kitchen. You can quickly wipe the food residue from the charger or hand wash it, if necessary. Replace the charger plate.
Serve the next first-course dish. For example, a salad plate would be set in the center of the charger plate.
Decide if you wish to keep the charger plates on the table during the entree serving. You can place the entree dinner plate directly onto the charger plate.
Remove the charger plates from the table before serving dessert.

Whatever the decision, your selection of plate chargers to chose from are limitless. Stores like Macy's and Potterybarn offer a great selection of modern and unique styles. Plate chargers are available in a variety of material such as acrylic, porcelain and metallic and in many colors and shapes. The most common charger plate is round, but square and octagon shaped chargers are also an option. Whichever style you choose, your tablescape will surely be stylish!

To R.S.V.P. or Not to R.S.V.P.

2011-12-12T21:07:00.000-05:00

More than ever I hear friends and colleagues complaining about people not responding to their personal invitations sent for an event they are having . All too often whether the invitation is to a small baby shower or a big charitable fundraiser, the consensus seems to be that people in general have forgotten common courtesy and the inclination to respond in a timely manner.

Perhaps it is time that we lay down a few ground rules for proper RSVPing to avoid people getting hurt, offended or feel disrespected because the invitee did not respond.

Keep track of your invitations. Once you receive an invitation, you should RSVP within 24-48 hours of its receipt. This helps to avoid any problems that may arise if another invitation for the same date and time arrives in the mail days later. Even if you take a little more time with your decision, proper etiquette dictates that you are supposed to RSVP to the first invitation that arrives and decline the subsequent. Once you have accepted the invitation, enter the date on a master calendar and then post a hard copy somewhere prominent to remind you of your upcoming engagement.
Split your time wisely. Although you are only obligated to attend the first invitation you receive, you may feel obliged to RSVP to more than one engagement for the same date and time. If that is the situation, you should be respectful and split your time wisely to ensure you do not offend the invitees who probably wish they had you committed for their event. If you are planning on splitting your time, let the invitee know and that you will make an effort to attend the party and be present to enjoy the entertainment.
Electronic invites. As we become a society driven by technology, electronic invites through websites such as Evite.com have become more and more popular. With electronic invites a host is able to see who has opened your invitation, but did not respond. Think twice before publishing your invite list for all to see if you are concerned that some may base their decision on who else is coming. These same recipients may wait until the last minute to see if anyone changed their mind before making a decision to attend. An advantage to Evites is they send out automatic reminders to those who may have forgotten to RSVP making it easy for them to accept the invitation or change their mind last minute and usually without confrontation. Although they are not a physical form of an invitation, they are just as real and demand the courtesy of a proper response.
Make sure you have a good excuse! If you are unable to RSVP positively to an event, that is perfectly fine, as long as you have a decent and thoughtful excuse. How you deliver your excuse and the words you choose to express yourself can make all the difference. This point comes particularly into play with electronic invitations where recipients can view everyone's responses and may make certain judgments based on their tone.
Closest friends may be the worst offenders. We all tend to assume that the first people to respond would be those closest to you. However, this is not usually the case and these people tend to take your relationship for granted never thinking that there may be a social price to pay for not RSVPing. If you are one of these friends, take note and curtail this behavior in the future because if you can't count on your friends, who can you count on?

Holiday Entertaining Essentials

2011-10-22T19:36:00.000-04:00

The Holidays are slowly approaching and the hustle and bustle of the season will soon be in full swing. Being a step ahead of creating a holiday party is the key to ensuring a successful party. The following are essential "to do" tasks that will help any host for a stress free party.

1. Set the Date. Once the date has been set the option of sending invitations or just making a phone call is up to you. If you are having an informal party, a phone call a few weeks in advance is sufficient. On the other hand, for formal parties or events, invitations can be sent out three to four weeks in advance, or even earlier to allow the recipient plenty of notice of the upcoming festivities. If you opt to send invitations, be sure to include an R.S.V.P. with a telephone number. You can make your own invitations or use online sites such as www.vistaprint.com and/or www.shutterfly.com. Also, don't hesitate to call people who do not R.S.V.P; not knowing how how many guests are attending and the calculation quantities for an event is a sure cause of nervousness.

2. The Guest List. Whether you decide to invite colleagues, friends or family members be sure that your space is able to accommodate everyone. In addition, don't forget to about the mix of people so that everyone is able to have a good time.

3. Location. Consider the space where the party will be held. Evaluate every angle and aspect of the space taking into account if guests will be standing, sitting or both. If guests will be standing, the average-size room can generally accommodate 30 people, a three-room expansive about 60. If your party will include a buffet, you must provide seating. Consider renting a place or equipment if your home isn't able handle the party you want. Think outside the box -- a greenhouse or museum gallery could provide an interesting edge to your party.

4. Cocktails or Dinner? Asking yourself what type of party you want to throw can depend on location, budget and time of year. Cocktail parties are the least expensive and most versatile. For a sit-down meal, you must have (or rent) dishes, flatware, glassware, linens, seating, and serving pieces. A buffet is almost as versatile as a cocktail party, and the size and price can be tailored to your budget.

5. Your Budget. Depending on the type of party you are having, you must be within your budget allowance. Once an informal count of guests has been made consider liquor, food, rentals, service, music or entertainment, and flowers or decorations to establish an idea of expense. Think drinks first, as alcohol can be a major expense. Don't feel as though you need to be as well stocked as a restaurant; consider serving a signature drink. If you are having a formal sit down dinner, be inventive with your food choices to limit costs, instead of fillet of beef, have a Mexican fiesta. For cocktail parties, simple appetizers are the way to go.

6. Ambiance. Setting the mood and atmosphere whether an informal or formal party makes an impact on the guests mood and enjoyment. Music can make or break a party but it doesn't have to be complicated at all. For simpler affairs, it is generally there for background support. Hook your iPod up to speakers and create a specific playlist. With the holidays the choice is given; popular songs and melodies are always a background favorite.

7. Putting It All Together. Once you have answers to these questions, the foundation for your party has been made. Each one these points will determine the essential details that are needed to put the party together. The type of party you will be throwing will determine what you need for equipment, the season can inspire the menu, and the budget will factor into the type of entertainment you choose and if you use a caterer. Once all of that has fallen into place, be creative and tailor a party you would want to attend and enjoy!

End of Summer Pool Party Tips

2009-08-05T22:33:00.000-04:00

As the summer of 2009 is slowly winding down, there are only a few more weekends left to soak up the sun and enjoy the cool night’s breeze. Before you start your back to school shopping or preparing Junior for his first semester at college, why not throw your last summer’s hoopla by throwing a memorable pool party!

Here are some great Pool Party Tips to help you say goodbye to summer and hello to Margaretville:

• A Tiki Bar fully stocked with rum, vodka, soda, beer, and wine is a necessity! Strawberry daiquiris and pina coladas are also quintessential at any successful summer party!

• Lots and lots of tiki torch lights are not only great for a tropical feel, but they deter those uninvited guests- mosquitoes!

• Floating beds and chairs in the pool will invite your guests to kick back as they enjoy their margaritas and drift their worries away!

• Decorate the pool area with palm trees and surround existing fence or patio with holiday lights to soften evening ambiance as you enjoy your evening bonfire.

• Music always sets the mood of your summer bash! Play some Jimmy Buffett, Destiny’s Child and Black Eyed Peas to get the party started for your guests!

Careful planning before the big date will ensure a successful party not only for your guests, but for yourself! You worked hard to make this party happen, so drink up and enjoy your margarita!

The Proper Place Setting

2009-03-15T13:59:00.000-04:00

Have you ever wondered what the proper way to set a place setting is? Does the fork go on the right or left? Where does the water goblet go? These are questions so many of us have wondered and are looking for the answer. Well, here it is!

The proper etiquette for a place setting is very simple. Etiquette experts tell us that utensils should begin from the outside of your plate and work your way in. The following picture illustrates where each utensil should be placed, where the each glass should be set and the proper position to put the dinner napkin.

This is the format for a formal dinner setting from http://www.table-settings-with-pictures.com/:

A- Serviette (napkin)

B- Service plate

C- Soup bowl on plate

D- Bread and butter with butter knife

E- Water glass

F- White Wine glass

G- Red Wine glass

H- Fish fork

I- Dinner fork

J- Salad fork

K-Service knife

L- Fish knife

M- Soup spoon

N- Dessert spoon and cake fork

Once you have set your table, sit back and take in the beauty of having a perfect table for your guests to enjoy!

St. Patrick's Day Party

2009-03-12T20:50:00.000-04:00

Known as the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick is widely celebrated throughout the United States and planning the perfect St. Patrick's Day party involves a little creativity and lots of fun filled entertainment. Having thrown many parties in the past, I have found that planning my parties in advance is the key to a successful party.

Step 1: Guest List and Invitations

Once you decide on who you would like to invite, consider sending a special invitation to set the theme for your party. Your guests will be pleasantly surprised to receive a shamrock shaped invitation detailing your St. Patty’s Day festivities. I found a great sample template to give you a quick start! http://www.kidsdomain.com/craft/cegif/StPattParty_PDF.pdf
On the invitation include the information below to let your friends and family know you are ready to party!

Host/Hostess’s name
Party Theme/What’s the party for?
Date
Where
Time
Directions
RSVP Information
Any special messages (optional)

Step 2: Table Setting

Once the guest list has been made and the invitations have been mailed, it is time to plan the menu. Planning an authentic Irish party requires the ingredients of food, drink, and music.

Sit down dinners are my favorite and your choices of table linens, plate settings, and decorations are endless. Department stores, such as Pier One and Target, always carry inexpensive dinnerware and glassware that can charm your guests throughout the evening. I always try to use fine table linens and match my color palette according to the special occasion we are celebrating. For St. Patrick's Day, green is the color to use. Try complimenting a cream or white tablecloth with emerald napkins and use classic gold-rimmed cream or white plates to set the mood of elegance for your guests. If you want to have a buffet style party, you can still use tablecloths and instead of china plates you can use paper plates. You can find a wonderful selection of paper plates with complimenting cups, napkins and plasticware at places like Party City or Party Adventures.

Step 3: The Menu

Corned beef and cabbage is synonymous with St. Patrick's Day and it is a wonderful main course to serve for dinner. Below is a sample menu to consider for your party to celebrate the Irish traditions and recipes can be found on the following website http://www.theholidayspot.com/patrick/irish_recipes.htm.

Corned Beef Dinner
Irish Stew Dumpling
Rueben Casserole
Boxty-Irish Potato Cakes
Irish Soda Bread Recipe
Lemon Irish Whiskey Cupcakes
Irish Coffee

To let your guest know what Irish specialties you will be serving, I suggest printing the dinner menu on shamrock themed paper. Roll the menu up and tie fresh shamrocks or green ribbon around the paper for that finishing touch. It is nice, personal touch and will remind your guests of the invitation they received.

After you completed the menu, concentrate on your presentation. I am a stickler for making sure the serving plates match and that each dish has a serving utensil. Nothing says ‘being unprepared’ more than having your guest ask for a serving utensil or seeing your guest use their flatware to serve their plate. These minor details are very important in making a lasting impression.

Step 4: Fun Fun Fun!

So, the guests are here and the food is served. Now, it is time for drinks and entertainment. The Irish are infamous for their music and dancing. Find a CD that will bring joy to your party and remind your guest of Emerald Isle. The website http://www.theholidayspot.com/patrick/patricks_day_songs/ has a nice selection of Irish music that you can entertain with.

Along with the music, make sure your bar is stocked with the finest Irish whiskey and beer. You can also make some intriguing drinks like Irish Eyes or Midori Sour by visiting the website http://www.bethanyroberts.com/st-patricks-day-drinks.htm for a variety of recipes. After all, the Irish are infamous for their alcohol tolerance and green beer!

Step 5: Relax!

As you stand back and see that your guests are raving about the food, are heavily into their green beer and are dancing and singing the night away, you know you have thrown a successful party. It’s time to relax and enjoy the party that you so masterfully put together! Erin Go Bragh!

Introducing Stylish Entertaining

2009-03-08T20:34:00.000-04:00

Social gatherings and entertaining have always been a part of my life. As a child, I watched my mother entertain friends and family with the ease and grace a mother could only have. She would flow through the kitchen cooking her wonderful and delicious dishes. I was amazed by her ability to pull everything together in a timely manner and without any glitches. My admiration for her also made me want to aspire to become the perfect hostess and throw memorable parties.

During my teenage years, I became the designated table setter. My mother noticed my attention to detail and gave me a responsibility I would cherish forever. I took pride in my new role. I concentrated on folding the napkins correctly, placing the forks and spoons in their designated spots, and I made sure that there wasn't a dish out place. Everything had to be perfectly arranged and I loved it!

Ten years later, I became the woman of the house and like my mother I began to entertain a countless number of partygoers. My fondness for being the hostess grew with every party. I took pride in my unique appetizers, perfectly placed table settings, and scrumptous meals. My guests also praised my ability to entertain and later nicknamed me the Martha Stewart of the my family.

Recently, I had a conversation with glamorousmoms.com's Shannon Lazovski and she suggested that I create a blog based on entertaining, cooking, and baking. I loved the idea and decided to jump on it! I know I appreciated my mother's advice and I'm confident there are others out there that need a little advice on Stylish Entertaining.

This will be a working progress, but I will post information on all types of parties- from baby showers to holiday parties. If you have any questions or need information on specific entertaining topics, please let me know. No matter the size of the party- from four to 200- I will be here to give you advice and make sure your party is smooth as possible for you.