Surprise!

I received a phone call late yesterday asking for help with the menu for an upcoming surprise party. This birthday party is scheduled to take place in one week. After choosing the menu, I asked a couple of questions which revealed that a few key elements had been overlooked in the rush to get this party going. 

Luckily though there were some good decisions made up front. The number of guests coming topped out at about 60 and included people traveling from a few states away. So one of the best decisions for this novice party planner was to decide to hold the party at a local hotel instead of at home. The hotel's catering manager will help you with the food, decor, and room reservations for out of town guests.  Plus when the party is done, you get to leave the dishes to someone else. 

Most hotels also have some sort of basic table centerpieces and will work with you on the layout for gift, reception/place card and dining tables. So once you've answered the questions about the menus and the layout, you've bought yourself some time to add personal touches for your guests.

Here are a few ideas:

• Print a program for the event highlighting when the guest of honor will arrive, and the details of the program including speeches and the time that dinner will be served.
• Don't wait until the last minute to think about party favors. In my opinion there are some creative options out there, but you need time to place your order and wait for delivery. For a very memorable and sophisticated option, we think the Bloemboxes are an adorable option. Also, be sure to check the creative skills on Etsy for adorable party favor options.  And we also love the idea of creating your own if you are not short on time, which we were in this case.
• Have a goodie bag prepared for your out of town guests. Ours will feature a local map, local phone numbers, the schedule of events, and a few sweets. You may also want to include bottled water or a small bottle of champagne to welcome them.
• The BloemBoxes can double for favors as well as adding flowers to the guest tables. But if you're not planning to provide party favors, consider working with a local florist to decorate the dining or reception tables.

Happy Mingling!

Entertaining - Modern vs. Retro

Modern

Stemless wine glasses
Evites
Paradisimo cocktails
Eco-chic Parties
Garden settings
Creative tablescapes completed by the host or hostess
Music from your iPOD playlist
Sitting on Moroccan poufs around low tables


Retro

Fondue
Any cocktail from the circa 1971 Playboy Bartenders Guide
Seltzer
Funkadelic lights
Big prints in harvest gold and avocado green
House Parties
Formal and Fun
Music from your 8-track
Sitting on the shag rug
Anything with a Tiki motif or paper umbrella

The Neophyte Entertains

When I was a young woman, my mother put me to the test. It was probably inspired by my panicked call to her one afternoon insisting that she talk me through how to make rice for dinner. She didn't laugh or drop the phone. But she could have. After all rice was something I'd eaten all my life. I knew all the ingredients - just didn't know much beyond that.  My mother probably wondered what on earth I'd been doing all those years. Had I just been completely oblivious to what went on in the kitchen? For the record, I was paying attention. I was just paying attention to when dinner would be ready, but not how it was prepared.

So - about this little test. My mother decided not long afterwards that it was time for me to invite her over for dinner. Fear set in almost immediately. At this age I could whip up a mean hamburger or hot dog.  

Frankly there was no way to compare our skills, as my mother made Chateaubriand just as easily as meatloaf and mashed potatoes. But I gave it a try.

I don't remember the menu I ended up serving, but I do remember the biggest lessons from that night. They are:

1. Relax and enjoy yourself in the kitchen
2. Your guests probably enjoy being with you more than the meal itself
3. Have your menu planned (and if it's a big deal, have a backup plan just in case)
4. Understand how to time your meal preparation correctly (and give yourself enough time)
5. Don't cheat by bringing in take out - your parents can tell
6. Don't forget to make the rolls

It took me many more attempts at entertaining before I completely mastered these lessons. But that's why we started Mingle - for you, our neophyte host or hostess. We share our insights on how to start hosting at home and move on to planning larger events with ease. So if you're just starting to entertain - take a deep breath we are here to help.

Going Solo

Valentines Day is one of those days that you either live for, or live to forget. It’s a day when people exchange flowers, cards, and candy with loving sentiments of admiration, affection and infatuation. Stores are decorated in hearts and red to remind you of the day. What should a single person do? The following suggestions are to help you to enjoy a day that is meant for couples only.

1. Plan a day at the spa (do the works)

2. Make reservations at your favorite restaurant with your single friends.
3. Go to the movies or a play.

4. Get a bunch of single friends together and have a party. (Party idea to follow).

5. Hit the gym to give a boost to body and spirit! The gym is also a great place to meet new people while working on your 'come get me' body.

6. Cook yourself a great meal with all the indulgent trimmings. Don't forget a decadent dessert or your favorite guilty pleasure (Bon-Bons with chocolate syrup...)

7. Light all of your candles in the bathroom and take a long luxurious bubble bath.

8. Buy fresh flowers. It spruces up the house and fills every room with fragrance-- you are worth it!

9. Sign up for a class or workshop. Spend the evening cooking, meditating, painting or learning a language. Personal growth is very sexy!

10. Do absolutely nothing!!!!!!!

Celebrating The Epiphany

“On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me…” Most of us know about the partridge, the golden rings, and all kinds of birds, musicians and gentry, but how many of us truly celebrate twelve days of Christmas? Personally, I can only afford the one, but for many Christians, the Christmas season actually starts on December 25th to celebrate the birth of Christ, and ends on another day of religious celebration known as the Epiphany, 12 days later on January 6th. This holy day, also known as The Feast of Epiphany or The Adoration of the Magi, signifies the day that the Three Kings (wise men or magi), found the Christ-child after following the brightest star to Bethlehem, and presented Him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. It was the night of His baptism and manifestation to the world.

Although true followers of the tradition give small gifts throughout the twelve days, January 6th is the last day of Christmas, and comes with its own set of rituals, symbols and traditions. Some see it as a day of prayer, or a day to thoroughly clean and bless their homes. Some celebrate with family and friends, and take down their trees in the same festive fashion that others may do when trimming the tree. I see the Epiphany as a meaningful and timely alternative to the usual New Years Day Brunch.

For so many of us who find ourselves moving with the retail and commercial tides, the buildup to Christmas starts well before Thanksgiving, and the pressure doesn’t end until days after Santa comes and goes. Entertaining on New Years Day is a fine tradition, but taking an extra week to breath and recoup may be a welcome opportunity to start a new tradition in a way that honors the real meaning of the holiday season.

This year, host your first Epiphany Brunch!

Menu #1:
Fresh fruit salad with a splash of Amaretto
Quiche pies with fresh Italian herbs, cheeses, and prosciutto
Honey ham
Assorted muffins
Mimosas (champagne and orange juice)

Menu #2
Fresh berry salad with yogurt dressing
Stuffed French toast with blueberry sauce
Potato omelets with bacon and white cheddar
Warm French bread
White wine spritzers (Pinot Grigio, seltzer, and fresh sliced orange, strawberries, or lemon)

Menu #3
Shrimp salad with avocado, cilantro and lime
Smoked Salmon
Poached eggs with herbed Hollandaise sauce
Hash brown potatoes
Assorted breads and bagels
Lemonade steeped with mint leaves, clove and Angostura bitters

Have a Happy New Year, a Blessed Epiphany and a Partridge in a Pear Tree!!

Plan your own Progressive Dinner Party - Creatively

What is a Progressive Dinner Party? Let me explain the idea behind this neat party idea. This party format spreads all of the tasks amongst the entire guest list, instead of on the shoulders of one host or hostess. It’s a great opportunity for a group of friends or neighbors to gather together during the holiday season and meet at several homes during the day/evening.

A typical progressive party plan involves having everyone meet at one home for appetizers and cocktails. The party then progresses to the next home where you might find cold or hot salads. Then you all move on to the next location for the main course. Dessert is served at another location. If you want to continue with after dinner entertainment, or drinks and coffee, you may wind up at yet another home.

I've decided to put my creative twist on planning your Progressive Dinner Party. The usual focus is the food and movement from one home to the next, but I think it's a nice idea to throw in a few creative surprises. Here's how to get started:

Select the hosts (3 to 5)
Make a guest list. Your party can be as big or small as you desire, just make sure that each host or hostess will have enough room for the amount of guests. Someone with a small house could either have the appetizers of the coffee and dessert.

Send out hand-written invitations. Include the timeline and addresses for each house, and don’t forget to include a request to RSVP. (this is very important, you want to make sure you have an accurate count)

When guests arrive at the first home, assign someone to snap photos of the festivities. At some point during the evening you can print the photos so that each guest has a lovely reminder of the evening. Simply slide the photos into a vellum envelope with a quick thank you card. A nice alternative is to use the photos in a creative scrapbook or collage project at the last home of the evening.

You can also combine a mysterious element. Ask guests to guess a riddle or find the missing element to a puzzle at each home. The person who arrives at the last home and puts it all together wins a token prize.

There are many ways to enhance the creativity and fun. Here are a few more tips:

• Choose a Themed Progressive Dinner Party, this can be fun by choosing foods that go with your theme. (Italian, Asian, Mexican)
• Make sure the enough parking space for the guests. Consider carpools.
  
  
  Next time you are looking for a unusual way to have a Dinner Party, consider a Progressive one, it is truly a fun experience!

Must Haves For A Great Dinner Party!!!!!

Whether this is your first dinner party or your hundredth, below is a list of items that everyone should have for hosting successful parties for any season. These items can be bought throughout the year and don’t necessary need to be purchased all at once so you’re not breaking the bank. Stores like Tuesday Morning and Home Goods are great places to find top quality housewares at bargain prices. They constantly receive new inventory, so pick up a few new finds each time you go! But my top pick for high quality, stylishly modern home decor is ZGallerie. Their beautifully designed stores are bound to inspire the hostess in anyone!

Essentials
plates (8)
bowls (8)
forks (8)
knives (8)
spoons (8)
salad/dessert forks (8)
teaspoons (8)
tablecloth
butter knife
wine glasses (8)
Martini glasses (8)
water goblets (8)
napkins (8)
chargers (8)
large serving bowls
serving forks/spoons
large serving platter
coffee/tea cups with saucers (8)

Optional

cheese board & cheese knife

corkscrew

appetizer plates (8)

candles & holders (4)

gravy boat

ice bucket/wine cooler

napkin rings

salad set

placemats

cake/pie plate

cake stand

serving tray

bread basket

pitcher

cocktail shaker

So build up your entertaining stockpile and have fun doing it!

New York Style....

Ask She She Blog: New York State of Style

As some of us are headed out to NY for Thanksgiving too - we ran across this great post. We especially like the mention of the black dress!

Enjoy!!

Lise

Timelines are Key when Hosting a Fabulous Party!!!

Entertaining is all about managing your time. Making a detailed timetable will save you from going crazy days before your party. The following timetable is a general outline for any type party:

One Month Before:

• Plan your food and drink menu
• Make a shopping list:
  grocery store
  bar supplies
  perishables
  last minute items (ice, fresh flowers, etc.)
• Count your plates, glasses, flatware, serving pieces
• Send out invitations
  

Two Weeks Before:

• Shop for non-perishables food items
• Buy wines and alcoholic beverages
• Cook and prepare food items that can be frozen then reheated on the day of your party
• Make or buy party favors (if needed)
  

One Week Before:

• Plan your layout for where your drinks will be served and where your appetizers will be set-up
• Clean and wash all serving dishes, glasses, utensils and plates
• Make or buy your music selection
  

Three Days Before:

• Clean the bathrooms and get out guest towels, soap, and extra toilet items
• Do any chopping or work that would save you time for preparing your meal
• Set up your bar and drink table
  

The Day Before:

• Purchase all perishable food items
• Thaw all frozen dishes from freezer
• Marinate any meats, seal and refrigerate
• Decorate areas with decorations purchased for your themed party
• Set dinner table, set out glasses, appetizer serving pieces and dishes
  

Morning of the Party:

• Buy any last minute items like ice, fresh deserts and or breads
• Prepare the remaining foods and appetizers
• Spot clean kitchen and re-check bathrooms
• Begin cooking and preparing main dishes
  

One Hour Before Party:

• Finish final food and desert preparations
• Arrange any cold appetizers on platter
• Bake any hot appetizers
• Chill white wines, place champagnes on ice
• Set oven to warm (250 degrees) to warm main dishes
• GET DRESSED !!
  

Just before your guests arrive, put out your appetizers, play the music you selected, and light your candles.

When your guests start arriving, welcome them, greet them inside with a smile and have a drink ready to serve. This helps for a festive, yet relaxing mood and your party will be huge success!


IT'S PARTY TIME!!!!

Have a Safe and Spooky Halloween

Halloween is a fun and exciting time of year when children get dressed up in cute, outrageous, and scary costumes. They are on the hunt to see who can collect the most candy and have the biggest bag of treats (no tricks allowed). Below are some ideas to keep your little ones and big ones safe on Halloween.

Costume Safety:

October can be chilly especially at night. Make sure that costumes are loose enough to be worn over something warm like thermals, but not so baggy or long that your trick-or-treaters trip over their costumes as they go door to door.

Trick-or-Treaters should wear sturdy and proper walking shoes.

Choose bright colored costumes that will be clearly visible to cars passing by. If your costume is dark in color, use reflective tape for greater visibility.

Face paint and make-up are better than wearing masks. Masks can restrict breathing and vision. If you choose to use a mask, make sure it allows your child to breath easily and see clearly.


Trick-or-Treating:

On Halloween, most of the trick-or-treaters go out around dusk, but the younger ones might start ringing your bell earlier. Parents should always accompany children until they are old enough to go with a group of friends.

Tell your children not to eat any goodies until you have seen them. Throw away an items that are unwrapped, torn, or loose. Make sure you feed your child first so they will not be tempted to eat along the way.

Children should stay in well lit areas and should only go to homes that have an outside light turned on. Children should never go inside homes.

Children should walk not run, from house to house and always use the sidewalk and walkways. Remember to always look both ways when crossing. Remember that masks limit peripheral vision, so children should be extra careful to turn fully to look both ways.

Remembering these tips to keep your trick-or-treaters safe.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Cocktail Parties!!!

Cocktail Parties are a fabulous way to entertain. Whether it is a formal occasion for your business associates; a causal affair for your neighbors; or a sophisticated night out for your friends; it is the perfect idea for a busy host. A typical cocktail party can last for a few hours, but does not have to be complicated to plan. My favorite part of hosting a cocktail party is the wide variety of interesting food and drinks you can choose for your menu. For me, the most important part of the party is the COCKTAILS, so when choosing your drinks, select colors, glasses and garnishes that reflect your personality or go along with your theme.

TIPS:

1. Have an assortment of glass styles to compliment the drinks you plan on serving. Your serving collection should include assorted red and white wine glasses, juice and water; highball for tall drinks; tumblers for mixed drinks; and martini glasses.

2. Plan to serve about eight or nine types of hor d'oeuvres making sure you have plenty to go around, since this will be the only food being served. Have at least one vegetarian choice. I like to stagger the times to serve the food so that it's always fresh.

3. Set up your bar at one end of the room and food at the other. This will give your guests a chance to mingle and move around.

4. Have red and white wine on hand, and your basic liquor choices. But also provide one or two 'signature' cocktails mixed to serve, giving your guests a wide variety.

5. Make sure there are non-alcoholic choices for drinks and mixers.

6. Have plenty of ice on hand.

7. Play some music for a for a chic and sophisticated backdrop.

Enjoy!!!

The PERFECT BLACK DRESS!!!

A cocktail dress is something every woman needs in her closet. It's the one garment you can always use when you're not sure what to wear for an evening out, and look fabulous everytime you wear it!!!

Here are some tips on how to find the PERFECT BLACK DRESS.

1. Think about what type of invitation you received and what the occasion is for.

2. Choose a dress length anywhere from a mini to mid calf. Save floor length gowns for a more fomal occassion.

3. Choose fabric according to the season. Satin, silk, rayon, matte jersey are perfect for the summer and spring months. Wool, wool blends and heavy matte jersey is great for the winter and fall. Using jewelry, handbags, shoes, wraps, hair, and make-up can make your dress really POP!!!!

4. Adjust the silhouette of the dress to work with your fiqure, making sure the top and waist are slim and fitted for a sleak look. If you're trying to to hide wide hips, try a dress that is strapless or has cap sleeves like this one from bluefly.com A fitted waist and a full knee-length skirt is an overall fit for all body types.

5. Make sure your dress is comfortable, be sure you can walk, sit, and dance. Rasie your hands up as high as you can and look in the mirror, making sure nothing is popping out.

6. Accent your key assets. This can make such a difference is eliminating certain types of dresses.

Happy Shopping!!

A Halloween Birthday Party!

My girlfriend's son Matthew is turning six in late October and she asked me if I had any birthday party ideas that were suitable for children between the ages of 5 to 8. She wanted something outside so there wouldn't be a lot of clean-up, and wanted to use her backyard before the weather started changing. I thought of ways to tie in a holiday theme to throw an unforgettable Halloween Carnival Party!

Decorations:

1. Balloons in orange and purple (about a dozen or more depending on the size of the yard). Take 2 orange ballons and 2 purple balloons and tie them together, anchoring them with a balloon weight. Place them around the backyard.

2. Purchase several pumpkins and carve them (up to 3 days ahead of time) in spooky character faces. Pumpkin Carving 101 is a terrific site for carving the perfect pumpkin.

3. Hang colorful Mardi Gras-style paper lanterns from the trees. They add drama and much needed light as the days get shorter and things start to dim by 3 or 4 o'clock.

4. Party Supplies USA is a great site to purchase your paper goods (plates, napkins, cup, etc.). They have a huge selection at reasonable prices.

5. Go to the local grocery store and ask for large boxes that they would ordinarily discard. Decorate them to look like carnival booths for games and food setup. Use orange, black and purple paint, to make vertical stripes down the box. You can also add crepe paper and tissue in your color scheme. Let your children help and have fun with it!!

Food:

A carvnival is not complete without the following:

1. Hotdogs/Corndogs
2. Soft Pretzels
3. A Variety Of Chips
4. Cotton Candy
5. Popcorn
6. Candy Apples (prepare the candy apples ahead of time if you decide to go homemade)

Activities:

1. Carnival games. The Oriental Trading Company is a wonderful site to purchase your games (inflatable spider ring toss, pumpkin ring toss, balloon dart game, etc). Guests who play the games get small prizes (pencils, erasers, stickers, candy, etc). Larger prizes can be given for winning the games (slinky's, sidewalk chalk, coloring books, crayons, etc). Oriental Trading also offers a variety of great prizes and party favor ideas.

2. Tattoos and Face Decals.

3. Halloween themed Pinatas. Make this the last activity of the day. Give each guest a party loot to fill with the candy from the pinata. This makes a perfect take home goodie bag.

4. No Halloween Party is complete without costumes! Don't forget to tell your guests to come dressed in their most creative costumes!!

Important Notes:

Start planning at least a month in advance. Reserve your rentals, and order all specialty items early in case anything is on backorder. Send out invitations 2 to 3 weeks in advance.

Take lots of pictures to capture the memorable moments. Take a group picture and use that for a keepsake Thank You note!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Tailgate Parties!!!

Fall has to be one of my favorite seasons-- the crisp air, the colors of the leaves changing, warm bulky sweaters, and of course, FOOTBALL!!! Whether it's a college parking lot or a big NFL game in a stadium built for tens of thousands, a pre-game tailgating party has to be one of the best fall pass times. Here are some tips on organizing your tailgating party for your favorite team's next game. (NFL schedule)

• Arrive early for a good spot. Space is often at a premium and you need to have room for chairs, grills, tables, tents, and a few tosses of the pig skin. If you are not that well equipped, at least you can park next to the trailers that are!
• Dress for the weather. Layer up.
• Have separate coolers for beverages and raw meats. Bring lots of ice to keep things cold all day.
• Be prepared for grilling: lighter fluid, igniters (matches don't cut it on windy fall days), foil and foil pans, charcoal, and utensils.
• If you really want to show off, deep fried turkey is a big hit, and most backyard deep fryers are surprisingly portable.
• Select foods that can be cooked ahead of time
• Weights to be sure things don't blow away.
• Music is a must!
• Toilet paper and wet wipes because, simply put, port-a-potties are gross.
• Garbage bags (most of us forget them).
• Bring a slow cooker (game day chili or hot soup warms the tummy on a cold day).
• Be sure to check with the stadium for rules and regulations on drinking alcohol and grilling in advance.
• Folding chairs, because you need a place to sit.

Enjoy the season!!! Let's go GIANTS!!!

Are you planning your son or daughter's Birthday Party?? From 1st birthday's to pre-teen parties, watch for up coming monthly stress-free, easy, fun, and memorable party ideas.

Back-to-School Party!!!

Summer is fast coming to an end, and always draws mixed feelings from both parents and kids. Back-to-School for me was exciting. It meant my mom buying me a new back-to-school wardrobe and reuniting with friends that I hadn't seen all summer. It also meant new pencils, pens, notebooks, and a fresh start to a new year of learning. For some, there can be a lot of anxiety. Whether it's a new environment, worries about making new friends or just plain going to class!

When my son Justin was starting the 1st grade, I wanted to make his first day of school a memorable one. That's when I came up with a fun idea for a Back-to-School Party!! We invited some of his old friends from last year, a few that he met over the summer at camp, and his neighborhood pals. I thought this would be a perfect way to end the summer and transition into his new routine.

Food

I keep the food really simple with a back-to school theme. I packed brown paper lunch bags with a sandwich (ham & cheese, pp&j, or turkey) cutting them into four, a juice box, a bag of chips, and a cookie. For a fun touch I labeled each lunch bag with the guest's name and put them into a big box that I decorated with cut outs of things you could find at school.

Activities

This was also fun, but simple. I planned a Scavenger Hunt for school supplies!! I ordered many of my items from (Oriental Trading Company) to keep it affordable-- pencils, pens, easers, crayons, markers, etc. The kids just loved it, and they all left with new school supplies for their favors!!!

Now that's a fun and memorable way to start a New School Year!!!

Okay, you’re planning a summer barbeque or cookout and you need a great party theme?! Why not a day at the beach?!. I love this idea it’s easy and simple. If you can’t get to the beach, why not bring the beach to your backyard.

Setting the mood:

1.Decorate with beach umbrellas and chairs randomly placed around the backyard.
2.Place colorful beach balls all around the backyard.
3.Citronella candles work double duty for lighting and keeping the bugs away.
4.Place lanterns in trees and plants which can create a whimsical setting.

Setting the Table:

1.Keep it relaxed and simple, use paper plates, paper cups, and paper napkins (think color, color,color with bold patterns) and place them strategically on the table.
2.Provide enough utensils for all of the different dishes.
3.Create a fun and cute centerpiece using a colorful children's bucket filled with sand. Its economical, and the sand is great for holding any inserts. (flowers, colorful crazy straws, or candles). Add a few sea shells, and your beach scene really takes off!.

Food & Drink:

1.Summer calls for heat, so keep your dishes light and focus on fresh ingredients and cool recipes
2.Barbeque is the choice for summer parties. It offers a casual, and heathly way of cooking.
3.Self-serve buffet is the most convenient and the easiest way to get your guests to mix and mingle.
4.Make sure you have plenty of non- alcoholic drinks on hand, ( water, juices).
5.Offer a special cocktail drink on hand (offer a recipe) with a varied selection of beer.
6.Provide coasters and napkins, and lots of ice.

Summer is about having fun!!!!!

Picnicking is a great outdoor tradition that can be done anytime of year. A romantic winter picnic, a green springtime picnic, a casual summer picnic, and a colorful fall picnic. It's also a perfect way to connect with friends and family in outdoor settings.

Choosing the right picnic spot is easy, just keep your eyes open while out on your daliy routine. Any place that you can sit down comfortably and relax, preferably with a good view, can make for a perfect picnic (check your local parks). One of my favorite spots for those of you who want an Urban Adventure, is a rooftop observation or a high rise balcony. This makes for a very romantic and spontenous getaway.

A perfect picnic is not complete without a picnic basket filled with all of the essentials (William Sonoma's Wine Lovers Picnic Basket $200 at www.williams-sonoma.com). Keep your picnic simple, don't choose complicated foods. Choose finger foods that are creative and fun . If you're planning a romantic picnic, wine or champagne with fruit and cheese is always a nice touch, but don't forget your wine glasses, cheese knives and bottle opener. For a more casual feel, sandwiches, chips and sodas are fine. Looking for a rustic theme? Try slices of cold roast beef, focaccia bread, dried fruit or trail mix and iced tea. For winter picnics, bring a a loaf of crusty bread and a thermos of your favorite soup. A second thermos of the hot chocolate will go perfectly with fresh baked brownies!