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Archive for the ‘Entertaining Ideas’ Category

It’s All About Relationships

Posted in Entertaining at Home, Entertaining Ideas, tagged , , , on June 5, 2009| Leave a Comment »

Relationships are so important in all areas and aspects of our lives. Sometimes we can get so busy with life we forget it is the people in our lives that make it unique and special. Building and maintaining relationships can bring us much joy and satisfaction and sometimes those relationships can assist us in unexpected ways.

The other day I needed to send a gift and called upon my friend, who is also an amazing florist, to work her magic. She created something that far exceeded my expectations and thrilled the recipient of the gift. I know I can call on Heidi any time and she will deliver something spectacular. A step beyond that, my husband also knows anytime there is a flower-sending occasion, Heidi will take good care of him. We both refer Heidi to anyone looking for a florist because she is not only great at what she does, she is a friend.

Build up relationships with your favorite florist, baker, butcher, produce-grower, and printer. When you entertain, think about how much simpler it would be if you already had relationships with these people. Your florist can give you tips on flower selection, the baker can help you out with breads and desserts, the butcher can offer you advice on choice cuts, you’ll get the pick of the best product in season and your invitations will be beautifully printed.

Relationships make the world go round so why not start today on making the relationships in your world a little sweeter. You’ll be especially glad you did the next time you entertain.

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Choosing Centerpieces

Posted in Centerpieces, Entertaining at Home, Entertaining Ideas, tagged , , on June 2, 2009| 2 Comments »

napa votive lrWhen you are entertaining, place a centerpiece on your table for some added “Wow” factor.

If you are hosting a  formal plated dinner party, remember to keep the centerpiece out of the line of vision across the table. If you are not sure where that line is, sit at the table and look across. You don’t want a mass of  flowers and greens blocking your view of others. For that reason, keep centerpieces low or put on a pedestal above the line of vision. With a long table, you could do a grouping of small bouquets in low containers, interspersed with votives.  Make sure the centerpiece doesn’t take up too much of the dining space if you are using a round table.

If you want to go high with the centerpiece, keep in mind the height of your ceiling. A really tall centerpiece will not work well with a low ceiling or low-hanging chandelier.

For buffet-style entertaining, you have an endless array of choices. Anchor one corner of the table with your centerpiece and make sure it is the highest visual point.

With any type of centerpiece that will be around food, steer away from highly scented florals. They can overpower the food smells and some guests may be bothered by strong scents. Also,  choose florals that don’t “shed.” The last thing you want is a trail of little green fronds floating into your food.

Mirrored trays and candles are nice accents for your centerpiece and create a beautifully finished look. Have fun with your centerpiece – let it be a reflection of you!

To find the votive centerpiece used to create this arrangement, subscribe to my newsletter or click here.

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Quick Cleaning Your Bathroom

Posted in Entertaining at Home, Quick and Easy, tagged , , on May 29, 2009| Leave a Comment »

If you are running behind and have guests arriving at your door any minute, make sure you do a quick cleaning in your bathroom. This is one area that people will notice if things aren’t quite up to par. Take just a few minutes and follow these simple tips to have your bathroom looking spiffy in a jiffy!

If you have a love affair with white or light colored linens – let it go! Royal blue, navy, plum, cabernet, emerald green even black linens will keep your bathroom looking fresh and be much easier on you!

Empty the garbage can. There is nothing worse than an overflowing garbage can to make guests feel uncomfortable.

Drop one of those blue cleaner tablets into the toilet tank and no one will know that your bowl is in less than pristine condition. Wipe down the sink, the tub edge and toilet seat. Give the mirrors a quick swipe with glass cleaner.

Give the shower curtain a  shake, straighten the rugs and give the floor a fast wipe with the glass cleaner towel from the mirror.

Light a fragrant candle, set out a fresh hand towel and you are good to go!

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Memorial Day Entertaining

Posted in Desserts, Holidays, tagged , , on May 21, 2009| 6 Comments »

red-mugsMemorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance in honor of those who have died in service to our nation.

If you will be hosting a Memorial Day gathering, keep it simple and respectful. Fly the flag and think about incorporating red, white and blue into your celebration. Some very easy decorations can make a big impact and tie everything together.

Many also look at Memorial Day as the beginning of summer and barbecue season. So in light of that, here are 10 fun guidelines  for condiments.

1. Do not fear the family-sized bottle of ketchup. Unless you are serving dignitaries, your guests will be happy with the big bottle.

2. You can please most of the people all the time if you have a good assortment of mustards.

3.  Plan to have mayonnaise handy at all times. Yes, it’s salty, and yes, it is bad for you, but everyone likes a dab now and then.  And don’t substitute salad dressing!

4. Find your own special sauce and serve it proudly. This could be something you make from scratch or a blend of pre-made favorites. Create a great sauce with plain yogurt, finely chopped cucumber, garlic and lemon juice.

5. Nothing tops a hot dog better than relish.  Have an assortment of  sweet relish, yellow relish and onion relish on hand.

6. Pickles are important and not everyone likes the same kind. Have an assortment of dill and sweet and make sure you identify them!

7. Have plenty of salsa – it goes fast!

8. Grill the onions for your guests’ burgers. The grill is already hot and it just takes a minute.

9. Explore several barbecue sauce recipes, find your favorite, and make it your signature. You may even offer small bottles of it to your guests as parting gifts.

10. Don’t be afraid to serve coleslaw. It’s not just a side dish. Try it on your hot dog.

Have a safe Memorial Day weekend and keep your entertaining simple!

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