Entertaining: Party Tips

One of the best pieces of advice for throwing a great party is to make sure you’re organized. Sure, that can cover a lot of territory, but it’s really all just basic stuff. Try these tips: Check the Weather and Be Ready for it If it’s wet or muddy outside, you’ll need to be prepared to store shoes and boots when people take them off as they enter. Shallow boxes or bins beside the door will help keep footwear organized, off your carpets, and out of the walkway. You may need something larger than you’re your typical welcome mat too. … Continue reading

Tu B’Shevat is (almost) Here

I love Tu B’Shevat, because it always brings warmth and sweetness to the winter, and is a much tastier reminder than Groundhog’s day that winter is nearly over. Tu B’Shevat is called the Rosh Hashana for trees, and many celebrate this holiday by eating a lot of different kinds of fruit particularly fruit associated with Eretz Yisroel. We make special blessings on 7 kinds of food that characterize the Land of Israel, including figs, pomegranates, dates, barley, grapes, wheat and olives. Although not all of these foods grow on trees and not all of them are fruits, it is a … Continue reading

Fondue Fun

Make dinner tonight a Fondue Feast for the whole family! Start with melted cheese served with apples slices, crispy bread cubes and celery and conclude with molten chocolate along side strawberries, brownie bits and cookies. In between, serve a traditional meal or go all the way with cook-your-own meats, poultry and veggies and cooking oils. What kid, big or small, doesn’t love to dip food into sauces, dressings or creams? Fondue presents an opportunity to dip EVERYTHING without the sideways glances or comments you might get otherwise. Personally, I do not care for the “upscale” fondue restaurants. The high prices … Continue reading

Should Couples Host Housewarming Parties?

If you’re newly married and recently moved into your home or even if you’ve been married for a while and recently purchased a home, having a housewarming party is a nice idea. Friends and family will be curious about your new home, so invite them over and show it off. Some guests will bring gifts, although newlyweds are likely to receive fewer items, since wedding gifts were recently given. Be sure those wedding gifts are in plain view when guests arrive. If you don’t want gifts, but simply want people to visit to see your new home, indicate this on … Continue reading

Valentine’s Day is Coming Soon

It won’t be long. February 14th is only about a month away. While you may still be catching your breath from the recent passage of the major holidays, it will soon be time to start getting ready for Valentine’s Day. Sooner might be better than later, especially if your kiddos seem to be having a little bit of holiday let down like many people feel after big holidays are over (especially Christmas). You can get them excited about some new projects and upcoming events and occasions. Custom Valentines Instead of buying packages of ready to use Valentines, consider making custom … Continue reading

Happy New Year!

It’s New Year’s Eve and 2007 is mere hours away. I hope when you reflect back on the past twelve months you find happy thoughts and pleasant memories. Even when those not so joyful feelings interrupt your stroll down Memory Lane, remember, when the clock strikes midnight tonight, you get to start all over. New Year’s Day means fresh starts, resolutions, more chances to do the things we’ve always wanted to do. It means another year to spend with our families and friends, and hopefully with everyone in good health. My prayer for each of you is that this New … Continue reading

Family New Year’s Eve Party

Instead of venturing out on “amateur night” to take in the sights and the sounds of New Year’s Eve festivities, you might just want to spend the evening at home as a family. There are various televised activities that you and your kids can enjoy together, and you can certainly create your own fun. Have a little party, complete with hors d’oeuvres and some bubbly beverages like ginger ale, sparkling cider, or sparkling grape juice for toasting. Pick up some New Year’s Eve party favors, hats, noisemakers, and decorations, or create your own. If you feel your children can handle … Continue reading

Adopted and Proud

We have friends with three adopted children. One of their boys is very open about the fact that they are adopted. His sister does not want for it to be general knowledge. They attend the same grade school, so it causes a minor conflict. Our oldest attended that school as a kindergarten student. The school insisted that he be enrolled under his old name since it was still his legal name. When Walter was adopted, his name was changed in the school records and in his class. It was his option to let the change go without a lot of … Continue reading

Last Party of the Year!

Yeah! I had my last home party for 2006 last night! I am always happy to be done for the season because with the holiday shipping deadline looming, I am always nervous about customers not getting their products. I work until a few days before the cut off because hostesses tend to need to keep the party open for a few days (there are always guests who can not make it last minute but want to order) and I want to give myself and them padding. Unfortunately, shipping is a problem most home based businesses need to face. One other … Continue reading

Office Party Etiquette—Seven Tips To Preserve Your Professional Image

So you decided to attend your company’s holiday party—congratulations! Now that you have made it over the first hurdle–talking yourself into attending (see my previous blog on that topic)—there are just a few rules you should keep in mind before sashaying your way into party central: Dress Appropriately First and foremost be sure to dress appropriately for the occasion. Etiquette experts say that this rule especially applies to women who sometimes use company parties to strut their stuff. Here’s my rule of thumb: If you think it’s something Paris Hilton would sport—don’t wear it. Anything short, tight or revealing should … Continue reading