Perfect Wines for Your Dinner Party
From Bottlenotes
Dinner parties. They’re fun to attend,but a pain to plan. Try these four wine mantras to make planning your next dinner party a little easier.
parties
How to Serve Wine like a Pro
From Bottlenotes
Anyone can serve wine like a professional sommelier. Like any “home improvement,” there are simply a few steps you will need to follow.
How to Start a Wine Tasting Group
From Bottlenotes
One of the many silver linings of this macro-economic climate is that it’s inspiring many of us to spend more time at home. And re-engage old hobbies or pick up new ones
The Best Laid (Dinner) Plans
So what’s the holdup on throwing a grown-up dinner party? With our simple strategy and manageable menu, you’ll see that it’s child play.
How to Stock a Bar Like a Pro
To ensure an easygoing atmosphere, set a drink menu in the same spirit. In other words, have a few good wines on hand in addition to nonalcoholic options and a standout cocktail or two, such as a specialty martini or sangria.
Tuscan White Bean Dip
Try this dip when you have friends over, or when you’re looking for a tasty snack. Perfect for any occasion.
Roasted Red Pepper Dip
Try when you have friends over, or when you’re looking for a tasty snack. Perfect for any occasion.
Curry Ginger Shrimp Dip
This delicious recipe can be prepared the day of and chilled, or one day ahead.
Classic Spinach Artichoke Dip
Try when you have friends over, or when you’re looking for a tasty snack. Perfect for any occasion.
How to Set the Perfect Table
Each place should be set with all the glasses that will be used during dinner (except dessert-wine glasses, which may be brought out when the dessert is served). The water glass belongs to the right of the plate, just above the knife. Wineglasses should be set to the right of the water glasses in the order in which they will be used.
Ask Martha: Hostess Gifts for Dinner Parties
What would you suggest I bring as a hostess gift to a dinner party?
The Secret to Throwing a Successful Party
Whether you’re hosting a group for cocktails or a formal sit-down dinner, the preparation stages for all parties tend to be similar. These time-tested suggestions will help you manage all of the details beautifully.
A Housewarming Party
From YumSugar
Hunting for a new house, packing everything you own, and moving is seriously exhausting. However, once you are settled into your new space, consider hosting a housewarming party. Think of the housewarming like a reward for the move.
Summer Outdoor Entertaining Tips
This time of year, there are plenty of reasons to throw open your doors and gather friends for an outdoor party.
Grilling Tips
Pile coals two or three pieces deep; they are ready when they have a red glow and two-thirds are covered in ash. Spread them in a single layer, leaving and area free of coals to create indirect heat.
Sugar’s Birthday Party
From YumSugar
I’m hosting my birthday party at a chic city bar, but I’ll be bringing my own decorations to create a unifying theme for the bash. I’ll use pink accessories to go with the invitations, including pink votive holders, flamingo toothpicks for the finger food, pink lilies and handmade pink pom poms hung from the ceiling.
Throwing an Indian-themed Dinner
From YumSugar
With a few simple touches, it’s easy to transform your dining room into an exotic Indian escape. Start by purchasing a beautiful piece of sari fabric and use this to cover the table.
A Bedazzle Bonanza
From YumSugar
Some people may think a bad economy is not a very good time to host a party; however, FabSugar and I disagree. Now, more than ever, is the perfect time to gather up a group of friends and host an affordable get-together.
Planning a Campfire Fiesta
From YumSugar
When my friends and I go camping, the food planning comes first. Once we’ve figured out who’s making every appetizer, cocktail, main dish and dessert, we focus on other details like who’s bringing bug spray and how to get where we’re going.
Simple Tip: Decorate the Bathroom
From YumSugar
Creating a soothing and inviting bathroom that is clean and pleasant smelling is essential to any party’s success. If you have a disgusting bathroom it won’t matter how amazing the food is, guests will only remember the gross bathroom.
Empty the Dishwasher Before the Party
From YumSugar
It may seem like a no-brainer, but if you’re hosting a party (any kind that involves food) get in the habit of checking the dishwasher before the soiree starts.
Keys to the Perfect Tailgate
Whether you are attending a game or concert it is necessary to remember the importance of a quality tailgate. Done right the tailgate can end up being the best part of the day! To ensure everyone’s tailgating experience is a success, here are five key tips to the perfect tailgate.
Bridal Shower Chic
From Rent The Runway
Wedding season is in full force, and although your first concern may be your outfit for the actual ceremony, you can’t forget about the countless events (and outfits) that go along with it. For the bridal shower, you can play into the light-hearted mood with a fun, colorful print or pretty pastel. Comfort is key sipping tea and doling out gifts.
Best Bet: Girl’s Night Out
From Rent The Runway
Some of us have been long overdue for a nice time with just the girls! Find our best bets for NYC, Miami and LA and tips for planning the perfect outfit.
1. NYC: Our plans? We are heading to the Hudson Hotel. In our Helmut Lang dress and Saddle Back Chain Necklace, we’ll be ready to chit chat chic for the rest of the night.
Fashion Tip: Make a Statement
From Rent The Runway
A statement necklace can really take a dress to the next level, from pretty to show-stopping, but it’s the type of accessory that takes some thought. You’ll want to consider the neckline of the dress as well as the length and size of the necklace. Big, sparkly pieces can be a great way to dress up a daytime look or take a look from day to night.
Dressing for your Body Type
From Rent The Runway
Understanding your body type is the first step towards choosing the perfect dress and enhancing your frame’s best assets. The ultimate goal: to create vertical lines that are slimming and flattering, and to give the illusion of a balanced figure for all.
Bringing Your Look From Day to Night
From Rent The Runway
We all have days where we’re running non-stop from one thing to the next without time to stop and think about what to wear next. If you’re a girl-on-the-go with who’s too busy for wardrobe changes, here are some great ways to get more out of your look by wearing it to the office and on into the night.
Super Bowl® Party Games
Hosting a party for The Super Bowl® this year? While watching the game will be the main event of your party for most of your guests, there will probably be some guests that are more interested in the commercials and half-time show. We suggest some other types of games to turn any non-football fan into [...]
The Hostess with the Mostest
From What Manners Most
Directions to the dinner party? Check. Appropriate attire? Check. Leaving yourself enough time to get there? Checkeroo. You’ve thought of just about everything. Everything, that is, but a gift for your host.
I Regret to Inform You
From What Manners Most
There may be nothing so regrettable as an invitation that ends with the words regrets only. I cringe anytime I receive a party notification with that instruction. The concept of “don’t call to say you’re coming…just call if you’re not coming” is, quite frankly, a recipe for party disaster.
Having a Birthday Party On Location
From Momologie
Yes, location is everything. And, when planning a birthday party knowing where your party will be is half the battle. The beauty of having a party out of your home is you’ll have less to clean before and after, AND many locations provide the food, invitations, and party favors too.
Leave Them Wanting S’More
From Momologie
Ask any kid. The cake is the most important part of any party, especially blowing out the candles. And, while we love traditional cake, it’s fun to pair it with other desserts that fit into the theme of the day.
At Home Birthday Party
From Momologie
When celebrating a birthday at a party place isn’t an option, having it at home doesn’t have to be stressful or any less fun.
…Through the Woods, To a Birthday Party We Go
From Momologie
As far as kids are concerned, before the age of four, a memorable birthday party is about cake and presents. Parents, on the other hand, see an occasion for a memorable party.
Lazy Hostess: Autumn Feast
From Notes on a Party
Sweater weather is on its way! As we tuck indoors during this chilly season, our thoughts on home entertaining turn to cozy fires and comfort food like hearty pastas, oven roasted vegetables and grilled meat.
Lazy Hostess: Potluck Chic
From Notes on a Party
With cooler days ahead and tougher financial times to come, it’s no surprise that potluck dinners are making a swift comeback.
