Holiday Entertaining Essentials

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

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

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.