You know my motto when it comes to kids’ parties? Feed the parents! We hosted a kids’ birthday party with a purr-fect cat theme, and well, cat food was not so appetizing. I did set out some Goldfish crackers, but aside from that strayed from the theme… How do I plan a menu for a kids’ party? I do much… Read More »A Summer Pizza Party Plus Menu
How the savvy host can design a party for all to enjoy. As much as I love throwing a party, I recognize that parties are not for everyone. At children’s parties, there are often moments of overwhelm and tantrums. You don’t know who it will hit and when, but it’s a guarantee at a certain age. Adults get better at… Read More »Why Your Party Needs a Quiet Corner
There are people who delight at the thought of grazing over small bites, no fork required, and others who want to fill a plate, sit, and enjoy it. I am the latter, but sometimes the little bites have a place… As was the case for the fundraiser for one of our local government superstars that we hosted on a chilly… Read More »An Early Spring Small-Bites Menu for a Crowd
You’re hosting a political fundraiser in your home. The candidate’s office is super organized, and you know how to throw a party, so what can go wrong? Perhaps it’s less about what can go wrong than it is about what your role is as host for this unique kind of event. While the ultimate goal of a fundraiser is to… Read More »How to Host an At-Home Political Fundraiser
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