The Proper Place Setting

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

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

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.