It’s all about the plan. There’s a myth out there that you are either born with some type of Martha Stewart crafty-cooking-hostess gene, or you’re out of luck! At nearly every dinner or event we host, people often confide in me that, “They could never do this,” ‘this’ meaning cook for a crowd or host a big event. Well, I have… Read More »How to Get Better at Hosting
Piñatas are three-in-one fun: wild excitement for the kids, entertainment for the adults who are watching, and a package for party favors. The only negative is all that candy! Here are some non-candy filler ideas. Non-candy treats for a piñata Retro toys such as trolls Pens, pencils, and pencil sharpeners Balls, such as super bounce balls Tattoos Small toys such… Read More »Non-Candy Treats for a Piñata
Want to get better at baking? Start with scones. Scones are my recommendation to anyone who wants to get into baking. Here are 5 reasons why, and 5 recipes to try. Convinced? Good. Now, one thing you need to know is that not all scones are created equal. No worries, though, because I have sifted through (pun intended!) many a… Read More »Scones
Five salads that can sit, but still stand out. One of my favorite parts of party-planning is actually after the party. It’s fun to hear the chatter after an event. The things people found funny or the things people appreciated most. I also love the requests for recipes. It’s a feedback loop after all! You know which recipes I am… Read More »Spectacular Salads for Any Party
I don’t know who needs to hear this, but no event is perfect. And perfection is NOT the goal. When it comes to dinner parties or any at-home event, there are certainly ways to plan for success, and as a good project manager would do, to mitigate risk. Because there’s always something! You made everything in advance, you gave yourself… Read More »How to Fool-Proof Your Party Plan
How to stay organized while hosting an event, big or small. How many times have you prepared something only to realize, as the guests leave or while washing dishes, that you forgot to serve it? I have also forgotten to give out favors or do a planned activity. It’s one of those “duh” moments that can happen — especially when… Read More »Party 101: Tools You Cannot Host Without
Tips for a large sit-down dinner The Challenge: You want to have twenty friends over for a sit-down dinner. There’s no room inside the house that is big enough to seat everyone, and anyway it’s summer, so who wants to be inside? Added challenge: You want it to look nice. That means no paper/plastic, and an overall cohesive look. The… Read More »Party 101: A Long Table
What to serve when you don’t know your guests well? Three tips. Menu planning is one of my favorite things to do. (I wish I had the same enthusiasm for weekly meal planning, but that’s another story.) It’s a research project, an excuse to try new things, and it’s creative. However, many people have shared with me that menu planning… Read More »Party 101: How to Plan a Menu When You Don’t Know Your Guests
So the party is at your house? Here’s how to set up the drinks station Setting up a drink station at your party allows people to serve themselves and creates a conversation spot. Here are some tips that will help you prepare in advance, so you can enjoy the gathering once the guests arrive—and enable self-serve vs. host-bartending. (How any… Read More »Party 101: Drink Station
A great way to start the day and the easiest meal to host. A friend recently commented that brunch is her event of choice when entertaining. It’s a smart move – especially if you don’t mind waking up a bit early to prep. Why is brunch best? Let me count the ways. Hesitant to Entertain? Three Reasons Why Brunch Is… Read More »Brunch is Best