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Posts Tagged ‘Entertaining at Home’

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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Begin Your Welcome at the Front Door

Posted in Desserts, Entertaining at Home, Entertaining Ideas, Quick and Easy, tagged , , , on May 15, 2009| Leave a Comment »

Have you ever gone up to front door and while you were waiting for someone to answer, had a feeling of not being welcomed? You don’t know what it was, exactly, but you just had a sense of that front door space not being inviting.

One of the most important things we can do when we are having guests is to make sure the front door area is inviting.  The front entry to your home is really a reflection of you, so make it as warm and welcoming as possible.

Even if you don’t have much time or money to invest, you can still create a feeling of welcome by keeping the space neat and clean.

Unless it is a spooky Halloween party, make sure all cobwebs are brushed down. Sweep away any leaves and dirt.  Wash the windows and any glass in the entry area. Make it sparkle!

Shake or brush off the welcome mat – and yes you should have one! The mat should reflect your interior decorating style so if you have a country theme, try a heart-shaped welcome mat.

Rotate seasonal decorations. Even if you hang a simple grape-vine wreath on your door, you can dress it up by season with sunflowers or seashells for summer, leaves or pumpkins for fall, greenery and berries for the holidays.

Accessorize with plants and greenery whenever possible. Add decorative pots or urns leading to your door or on either side of the door and fill them with colorful seasonal  plants. Well-maintained plants add their own sense of welcome.

If it is time for some updating, think about repainting the door in a fresh on-trend color. Add a new door handle and be prepared for the amazing transformation! If your screen door is hanging by a thread, take it down. Nothing is more awkward than the greeting of a screen door opening out toward you while trying to get in the door.

Make sure your doorbell functions. If you don’t have one, then install a door knocker. It is uncomfortable to pound on someone’s door with your knuckles while hoping they’ll hear you knocking.

Keep your  front door light fixture clean and updated. You may want to consider lighting along the walkway to the door. Solor lights are a fun way to add spots of light. A well-lit path to the door definitely conveys a sense of welcome.

If there is room, have a bench, chair or garden seat close to the door.  If it is on a porch, a big, fluffy cushion will be a point of welcome.

You don’t have to invest a lot of money or time. Just some quick basic cleaning can make all the difference and offer the message of  “Welcome to my home!”

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