Party Planning fro the folks at eHow
1. You don't need to hire a professional party planner to throw a good party. Consider what sort of food and drinks you'd like to serve your guests. When planning a menu, keep in mind the different dietary restrictions that different party goers may have, and be sure to have items to accommodate people's needs. Have a few meatless options available for vegetarian guests, and sparkling cider or other non-alcoholic drinks for guests who don't drink alcohol.
Write down a list of menu choices ahead of time, then show the list to a few of your party invitees for advice. Remember that variety is key, and the more options you have, the happier you'll be able to make your different guests.
Whether you choose to keep things simple with a few elegant candles and decorative napkins, or you want to go all out and have streamers, balloons and disco balls, decorations let guests know you've made an effort. Decorations also help put people in a party mood, and depending on what sort of decorations you choose, you can set the mood of your party.
Guests
2. Inviting a variety of different guests adds fun and spontaneity to a party. Groups of people who generally may not socialize together often find mixed parties an exciting opportunity to step out of their comfort zones and have fun. Invite the young and the old, the married and the single, and the shy and the outgoing. You might be surprised by the new friendships that are formed.
Also, accommodate your guests as best as possible. Introduce guests who may not know each other, and talk to your guests about common interests. As the host of the party, it's up to you to make sure everyone is having a good time. If you see a guest who looks less than thrilled, engage him in conversation. Don't let anyone feel left out, though you should also watch out for guests who may take advantage of the good-time atmosphere. Be on the lookout for anyone who may have had too much to drink, and offer assistance when needed.
More Tips
3. Add some music to your party atmosphere. Many smart party throwers find out ahead of time what kind of music their guests like. If any of your guests have favorite songs, try to include them in your party-music mix.
Shop for all your food, beverages, and decorations ahead of time. You don't want to be caught unprepared at the last minute because you ignored important details.
Don't be afraid to try something unusual, like blindfolded taste tests or having your guests switch seats halfway through the meal. Unexpected moments can often add excitement to a standard party, and keep guests talking about the experience well after the party's over.
Read more: Tips on Throwing a Good Party |
Friday, February 18, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
Bachelorette Party Tips
BATCHELORETTE PARTY TIPS
By Cynthia M,....
If you are planning a bachelorette party, be sure to find out what the bride to be wants to do on her last night as a single woman. Many women just want to spend a quiet night with their friends while others may want to go out and enjoy the nightlife. For others, something in between would be ideal and it really depends on the bride and her wishes.
The type of activities that take place at a bachelorette party are often determined on the location. If you plan to host the event at home, perhaps a dancer would be hired to entertain the soon to be bride. If you decide to hire a professional dancer, call at least one month ahead to make sure that he is available. You can do this by either calling the dancer directly or speaking with his agency.
If you plan to host the bachelorette party at home, perhaps you will consider having an open bar with a bartender. This will help to ensure that every guest is served their drink of choice and adds to the party being a nice environment.
Perhaps a day trip with the bride to be and her closest friends would be a fun way to spend her last evening as a single woman. A visit to an amusement park, a music concert or other special outing with “just the girls” would be a memorable way to spend the day. Above all, the bachelorette party is about the bride. Make sure to plan something that she will enjoy and that she will remember.
If you are still at a loss for bachelorette party ideas, consider a consultation with a party planner. Quite often, they will have ideas that you would never even consider and, best of all, they can arrange all of the plans, location, time, decorations, etc. By describing the bride to be, her likes and dislikes, favorite things to do and other activities, the party planner will get a good idea of how to proceed.
If you decide to handle the bachelorette party yourself, you may wish to consult a party supply store for decorations and party favors. During the party, don’t forget to snap some photos for her scrapbook. This type of journal may be a fun way for her to preserve the memories of her friends and how they made her bachelorette party a memorable event.
www.imemoryfilms.com
info@imemoryfilms.com
818.760.9490
For more ideas, tips, and info, visit us at www.imemoryfilms.wordpress.com
By Cynthia M,....
If you are planning a bachelorette party, be sure to find out what the bride to be wants to do on her last night as a single woman. Many women just want to spend a quiet night with their friends while others may want to go out and enjoy the nightlife. For others, something in between would be ideal and it really depends on the bride and her wishes.
The type of activities that take place at a bachelorette party are often determined on the location. If you plan to host the event at home, perhaps a dancer would be hired to entertain the soon to be bride. If you decide to hire a professional dancer, call at least one month ahead to make sure that he is available. You can do this by either calling the dancer directly or speaking with his agency.
If you plan to host the bachelorette party at home, perhaps you will consider having an open bar with a bartender. This will help to ensure that every guest is served their drink of choice and adds to the party being a nice environment.
Perhaps a day trip with the bride to be and her closest friends would be a fun way to spend her last evening as a single woman. A visit to an amusement park, a music concert or other special outing with “just the girls” would be a memorable way to spend the day. Above all, the bachelorette party is about the bride. Make sure to plan something that she will enjoy and that she will remember.
If you are still at a loss for bachelorette party ideas, consider a consultation with a party planner. Quite often, they will have ideas that you would never even consider and, best of all, they can arrange all of the plans, location, time, decorations, etc. By describing the bride to be, her likes and dislikes, favorite things to do and other activities, the party planner will get a good idea of how to proceed.
If you decide to handle the bachelorette party yourself, you may wish to consult a party supply store for decorations and party favors. During the party, don’t forget to snap some photos for her scrapbook. This type of journal may be a fun way for her to preserve the memories of her friends and how they made her bachelorette party a memorable event.
www.imemoryfilms.com
info@imemoryfilms.com
818.760.9490
For more ideas, tips, and info, visit us at www.imemoryfilms.wordpress.com
Friday, January 21, 2011
Party Table Setting Tips
Table-setting-basics on how many your table can accommodate
For me table-setting-basics start with limits.
I usually limit my dinner parties to about 6 people, occasionally 8. I find that somewhere very soon after I start wishing I had a butler. And I don't.
Also, that is pretty much the limit of my dining table and space.
Here’s what table sellers tell us about how many people your table accommodates comfortably. Remember this is only a guideline, so don’t get hung up if your table is slightly different in size.
Table Sizes for Seating Up To 10 People at a Dinner Party
* A rectangular 6’ by 30” table seats up to 8 people
* A rectangular 8’ by 30” table seats up to 10 people
* A 48 “ round table seats 6-8 people
* A 60” round table seats 8 to 10 people.
There are some occasions where people expect and don’t mind being crowded, like a Christmas or family birthday dinner. It’s part of the whole tradition to squeeze in at every corner.
At other times, if you want to have more people than your table fits comfortably, consider having a buffet instead.
Placement guidelines for placing your silverware, plates, and glasses
* Place the silverware and dinner plate about an inch or a thumb’s width in from the edge
* Remember the rule of eat to your left and drink to your right. This tells you that little dishes like a bread or salad plate go to the left of the dinner plate, and water and wine glass or glasses go to the right
* Place the silverware in the order that you are eating the courses. If you serve salad before the main course, put the salad fork outside the dinner fork. If you serve soup, the soup spoon goes to the right of the dinner knife.
* Place the water glass above the knife, place the wine glass or glasses to the right.
Set your table with basic colors for the most versatility
More table-setting-basics that make your life easier: With a white tablecloth and napkins, and white or pale colours for everything else, you can create a serene, elegant table-setting.
Start with simple white flowers and unscented candles. Just make sure your flower arrangements are low so that guests can see each other across the table. Aim for an arrangement that is not higher than about 5 inches.
Change the napkins and flowers to a deep colour, and you can create a dramatic table-setting with hardly any added expense or effort.
Need a quick lesson in flower arranging? Get one here.
Timing is everything - try to set your table in advance!
Setting a beautiful table is a task you can organize
and finish well ahead of time.
Leaving it til the last minute is stressful, and it sets you up for problems – like discovering that two of your dinner plates are in the fridge with leftovers on them.
It's easy to set your table fast when you have a system and some basic table ideas.
Check out these ideas for ideas on fast ways to set beautiful tables
Besides, you have other last minute tasks that should be claiming your attention. You need to fill the water glasses, light the candles, put last minute dishes on the table. (Luckily these are great tasks for helpful guests who ask you what they can do.)
Convinced? We hope so. At our place we really get a lift out of passing a beautifully set table and feeling good because we got this important Table-Setting-Basics task out of the way 24 hours in advance.
www.imemoryfilms.com
Info@imemoryfilms.com
www.imemoryfilms.wordpress.com
818.760.9490
For me table-setting-basics start with limits.
I usually limit my dinner parties to about 6 people, occasionally 8. I find that somewhere very soon after I start wishing I had a butler. And I don't.
Also, that is pretty much the limit of my dining table and space.
Here’s what table sellers tell us about how many people your table accommodates comfortably. Remember this is only a guideline, so don’t get hung up if your table is slightly different in size.
Table Sizes for Seating Up To 10 People at a Dinner Party
* A rectangular 6’ by 30” table seats up to 8 people
* A rectangular 8’ by 30” table seats up to 10 people
* A 48 “ round table seats 6-8 people
* A 60” round table seats 8 to 10 people.
There are some occasions where people expect and don’t mind being crowded, like a Christmas or family birthday dinner. It’s part of the whole tradition to squeeze in at every corner.
At other times, if you want to have more people than your table fits comfortably, consider having a buffet instead.
Placement guidelines for placing your silverware, plates, and glasses
* Place the silverware and dinner plate about an inch or a thumb’s width in from the edge
* Remember the rule of eat to your left and drink to your right. This tells you that little dishes like a bread or salad plate go to the left of the dinner plate, and water and wine glass or glasses go to the right
* Place the silverware in the order that you are eating the courses. If you serve salad before the main course, put the salad fork outside the dinner fork. If you serve soup, the soup spoon goes to the right of the dinner knife.
* Place the water glass above the knife, place the wine glass or glasses to the right.
Set your table with basic colors for the most versatility
More table-setting-basics that make your life easier: With a white tablecloth and napkins, and white or pale colours for everything else, you can create a serene, elegant table-setting.
Start with simple white flowers and unscented candles. Just make sure your flower arrangements are low so that guests can see each other across the table. Aim for an arrangement that is not higher than about 5 inches.
Change the napkins and flowers to a deep colour, and you can create a dramatic table-setting with hardly any added expense or effort.
Need a quick lesson in flower arranging? Get one here.
Timing is everything - try to set your table in advance!
Setting a beautiful table is a task you can organize
and finish well ahead of time.
Leaving it til the last minute is stressful, and it sets you up for problems – like discovering that two of your dinner plates are in the fridge with leftovers on them.
It's easy to set your table fast when you have a system and some basic table ideas.
Check out these ideas for ideas on fast ways to set beautiful tables
Besides, you have other last minute tasks that should be claiming your attention. You need to fill the water glasses, light the candles, put last minute dishes on the table. (Luckily these are great tasks for helpful guests who ask you what they can do.)
Convinced? We hope so. At our place we really get a lift out of passing a beautifully set table and feeling good because we got this important Table-Setting-Basics task out of the way 24 hours in advance.
www.imemoryfilms.com
Info@imemoryfilms.com
www.imemoryfilms.wordpress.com
818.760.9490
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