Quick & Easy Entertaining

Preplanning

- Plan your menu by making as much of it self-serve as possible. Set up a drink station so guests can help themselves.

- Mix up trendy with traditional for your menu. Be sure to have 1 or 2 hot dishes and fill in the rest with raw veggies and fresh fruit and made-ahead cold side dishes. Be sure to offer a low-cal choice and vegetarian dishes, too.

- Consider a cheese, dessert, or retro gathering for something different.

- Chunks of cheese with nuts and fruits can make a great cheese party. Be sure to include 3 different types of cheese for a smaller group and 5-6 varieties for a larger group. You'll need about 4 ounces of cheese per person. Try a mellow one like Brie, semi-hard one like sharp cheddar and a stronger cheese like Asiago. Place each cheese chunk on a separate wooden cutting board, cheese plate, or holiday platter. Place a separate knife beside each cheese variety. Cheese should be served at room temperature so plan on taking it from the refrigerator about an hour before serving. Compliment the cheeses with fresh fruit like pears, dried apricots, spiced nuts and different kinds of bread.

- For appetizers, serve bite-size nibbles when a buffet dinner or sit-down dinner is being served. If appetizers are the only course for the evening, make them hearty to satisfy growling tummies.

- Add a variety of colors, textures and flavors to the appetizers when considering your menu. Try not to duplicate the main ingredient in appetizers and as in the meal. For example, you wouldn't want to serve a chicken dip if chicken was being served as a main course.

- Serve small bite-size appetizers so you can eliminate the need for utensils and spills on your carpeting when guests are trying to cut something in half and the piece of kielbasa lands on your carpeting.

- Looking for additional ideas for appetizers? Consider your favorite club sandwich. Cut each sandwich in quarters. Add a garnish on top with a toothpick.

- Using disposable plates will cut down on after-party clean-up; however, use seasonal or holiday-themed colors in the paper products to add pizzazz to the table.

- Include music in your gathering. Match music to the gathering and the crowd.

Preparing

- Write a shopping list.

- Create a preparation and cooking schedule.

- Post menu on frig so you don't forget anything in the frenetic pace to get everything on the table.

- Make as many dishes a day ahead as possible. Or mix dry ingredients together, adding wet ingredients on cooking day. Or measure out ingredients and place in containers or zippered bags a few days earlier to make preparation time go faster.

- Be sure your baking dishes fit your oven or microwave before you use them.

- Pull out your serving trays & dishes several days beforehand. Decide if you need to buy or borrow additional pieces. Look to dollar & discount stores for possibilities.

- Use grandma's bowls and heirloom pieces to hold cookies, buns, breads and more. Don't keep them hidden.

- Set your dining table a day or two prior to the party. Or set up the buffet table. Include everything from dishes to utensils to serving pieces. Cover the set table with a sheet to avoid dust collecting and uncover prior to guests' arrival.

- Keep garbage cans throughout the party area so guests can dump their own plates and not leave them on your coffee tables or another other flat surface they find.

- Assign tasks to family members or early bird guests. Include everything from carving the turkey, slicing the ham, lighting candles, saving grace and so forth.

Mary Jo Rulnick is the author of THE FRANTIC WOMAN'S GUIDE TO FEEDING FAMILY AND FRIENDS (Warner Books, 2006), which has been featured in BETTER HOMES AND GARDEN and QUICK AND SIMPLE MAGAZINE. Rulnick is an award-winning writer for Parenting Publications of America.

Rulnick, a former events manager for a national non-profit organization, turned her do-it-yourself expertise into a writing career. Her articles have been published in magazines throughout the United States and Canada and she specializes in home, family and life issues. She is a frequent radio and television guest and a regular speaker at corporate and non-profit organizations.

How to Select the Right DJ Entertainment for Your Bar-Bat Mitzvah

Selecting the right DJ Entertainment for you Son or Daughter's Bar or Bat Mitzvah is a task that should not be taken lightly. Ask any parent who has recently had their son or daughter's Bar or Bat Mitzvah and they will tell you that the Entertainment plays a critical part in the success of this kind of celebration. Often times the first service that is reserved is the Entertainment.

Entertaining a crowd of people that has a significant portion of 13 year olds and 30 something and older adults demands a certain level of expertise. If both of these groups had the same tastes in music then entertaining this kind of crowd would be simple.

However this is not usually the case. Therefore the first thing to look for is an Entertainment company that specializes in Bar and Bat Mitzvahs.

While the specific tastes in music may vary amongst the different age groups there are interactive dances that both can enjoy together. This is where your MC (master of ceremonies) comes in. A seasoned MC can have a crowd of adults and kids out on the floor together having the times of their life almost instantly.

Aside from handling the candle lighting ceremony, the grand entrance, and various introductions, your MC is a source of motivation and energy for your party. A physical and verbal presence on the dance floor to lead your guests through interactive dances and games. Your Son or Daughter is the star of the show and the MC's job is be right there making sure everyone is having fun while paying the right amount of recognition to the guest of honor at whatever level the Bar or Bat Mitzvah feels comfortable.

Bar / Bat Mitzvah MCs come in all shapes, sizes, personalities and experience. Be sure and sit down with any potential MCs you are considering and see how your personalities fit. This will be very important when your party date arrives as a large portion of the success of your celebration is resting on his/her shoulders.

Be sure and ask questions about anything that is on your mind. A seasoned MC will have the answers to your questions and will be able to set you at ease about your specific concerns.

If the DJ company you are considering does not offer a dedicated MC for your event you may want to keep searching. There is a lot for the MC to keep track of to make sure things run smoothly (making sure the photographer and videographer are ready before an important moment, shutting down any side entertainment before a candle lighting, being by your son or daughter's side during the candle lighting to name a few). A separate DJ should be playing the CDs.

Another thing that can help engage the kids and the adults together is the use of motivational dancers. They are available through most DJ companies who specialize in Bar/Bat Mitzvahs. Their high energy style and dance expertise is appealing to all ages. During the follow along dances they are there to instruct and motivate right along side the MC. This should be done in a tasteful manner.

Colorful lighting and special effects are available from many DJ companies. They add to the energy of the room and can transform an elegant dining room into a trendy night club environment in a moments notice.

Some DJ companies offer dance stages that can help to spot light the Bar or Bat Mitzvah. While on stage he/she will be raised above the crowd for all to see. Even the grandparents in the rear of the room will be able to see the guest of honor.

How do you know if the DJ company you are considering does all (or any) of this in a way that is a proper reflection of you and your family? Through the use of video. Most reputable Bar/Bat Mitzvah Entertainment companies will have video footage of their entertainers in action. By watching a videotape you can see their style, appearance, and how they make the day special for that guest of honor. After sitting down with an MC and watching his/her video you can get a pretty good idea of whether of not you are a match.

Also visiting the web site of any potential companies you are considering is a good start. You can often times view party pictures, read past client testimonials, and even download video footage all from the comfort of your home computer.

The earlier you start the process the better. It is common for some of the more popular companies to book 2 years in advance or more. When you have narrowed your search, call to set up appointments to meet in person and you will feel confident that you are on your way to selecting the right DJ Entertainment.

Keith Schroder is the founder of Horizon Entertainment in Atlanta, Georgia. He is a respected DJ, MC, and specializes in Bar Mitzvah DJ entertainment. Have a Bar / Bat Mitzvah that people will remember for ages.

Cinco de Mayo: A Time for a Festive and Entertaining Party

Cinco de Mayo is a festive occasion that celebrates a great achievement in Mexican history. It was May 5, 1862 in Mexico City when a Mexican army of about 4,000 defeated an elaborate French army double their size. The defeat is a great achievement because the French army, under the leadership of Emperor Napoleon III, had never lost a battle in more than half a century. The Mexican defeat of the French army is credited for enabling the U.S. armed forces to build up their strategic power and eventually defeat them and end the Civil War. Because of its dual benefit, Cinco de Mayo is an event that many Mexicans, as well as Americans celebrate.

Mexican culture is well known for its colorful and all encompassing method of celebration. A Cinco de Mayo party would be remiss if it did not feature elements of Mexican culture. Vibrant colors of red and greed mixed with white will set the tone of the festivities. Flowers are also a must have for a Cinco de Mayo celebration.

Flowers are perfect at tables and on other pieces of furniture at the Cinco de Mayo party. Mexican music that is high-spirited is another feature of Mexican culture that can set the tone of freedom at a Cinco de Mayo party. What foods are appropriate for a Cinco de Mayo celebration? Mexican food, of course! A great idea for a family celebration is to have each family contribute a Mexican dish. The host can provide tortilla chips and salsa for guests to snack on until the main meal is served. Before dinner, the guests can enjoy dancing, singing, and sharing. A piñata is a great activity for young children.

Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of pride and freedom. Lest the young forget its meaning, a moment of reflecting on the reason for celebrating Cinco de Mayo is appropriate at some point during the party.

Mrs. Party... Gail Leino takes a common sense approach to planning and organizing events, celebrations and holiday parties with unique ideas for birthday party supplies and fun free educational party games. She explains proper etiquette and living a healthy life while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. The Party Supplies Hut has lots of party ideas with hundreds of free coloring sheets, printable games, and free birthday party activities. Holiday Party Decorations, free games, menus, recipes, coloring sheets, theme ideas, and activities to help complete your event.

Keep Your Kids Occupied During The Summer Break: Stock Up On A Range Of Entertaining Toys And Games

Summer is a magnificent time of year: the weather is beautiful, the kids are out of school and you probably have some sort of fantastic family holiday planned. However, one of these factors can prove to be a bit stressful - and it's not the great weather or your forthcoming holiday.

Parents don't always have it so easy during the summer; that's because when the kids aren't in summer school, activity camp or at their friend's house, they'll probably be under your full supervision. Moreover, if your kids aren't enrolled in summer school or camp, you'll have the challenging task of keeping them occupied for a significant period of time. Either way, they're likely to spend a large proportion of time at home.

But what is a poor parent to do when the family holiday is weeks away, the kids are getting bored and you've already taken them to the park, pool and cinema for the hundredth time? You need a back-up plan.

A wise route to take would be to ensure your kids have enough interesting activities to engage in at home. Whether this involves providing them with books or devising a set of entertaining games, you'll find that they'll have a lot more fun than simply sitting around the house or continuously asking you to take them somewhere. In addition, they'll veer away from watching television all summer and you might even get a bit of peace and quiet.

There are a number of ways to get your home and garden ready for summer. For starters, why not set up an outdoor play area for your kids? Build a swing set, a dollhouse or a mini basketball court - your kids will be occupied for hours at a time each day. You can even help your child start a new hobby, like painting, block building or biking. Regardless of your child's age, you'll find loads for them to do, either at home or in your garden.

There are countless online toy shops which can provide you with everything you need, from fully constructed games and play sets to materials for hobbies and self-assembling. So start preparing your home and garden today, because summer will be here before you know it - and when the kids are out of school, you'll need a sure fire way to keep them entertained.

Party Ideas To Keep The Toddlers Actively Involved And Entertained

Any mother knows that when they are looking for party ideas involving the children with insatiable energy, it can be a scary decision. Some keys to success are listed below. Well thought out plans may not always be the best plan if you cannot remain flexible as the best things of today’s world are most often unplanned surprises.

Children enjoy the wonderful world of technology today but likewise they are also extremely attracted to the ever famous basics in life. Keeping the children at a party stimulated with hands on activities requiring thought and imagination is most often the best way to grab their ever-waning attention.

How does one go about doing this? Here are some helpful ideas to get your mindset on the right path.

Number one would be to make sure there is texture in your activity. If there is anything at all that stimulates the curiosity of a toddler, it is a newly discovered texture. Using suede cloth, sand in a balloon (under safe supervision), play-do, slime, or other putty-like substances that they can mold into a sculpture of some kind will provide the platform to help their imaginations grow. Challenging them by giving them an idea to begin with will definitely cause the little tykes to do some cute “tongue thinking.”

Using building things from your existing environment can be better than buying the largest set of legos out there. Blocks of wood, piles of sticks, rocks and marshmallows are just a few of the things one can gather to create a fun filled time. Again, kick-starting the child’s thinking by offering a beginning project idea is sometimes a great help. Most likely, once the children get going, their imaginations will far surpass what you could have yourself dreamt-up.

Strategies for Stressless Holiday Entertaining

Stressless entertaining is fast becoming an oxymoron. With parties and social gatherings growing more and more elaborate, with everyone trying to outdo each other, hosting a get-together is a difficult task to undertake any time of year. Throw in some holiday chaos and it's downright nerve-wracking.

Maybe in our eagerness to impress and bedazzle our guests, we're missing the point entirely. Warm, relaxing, convivial social interaction should be our main concern when rolling out the welcome mat. Here are some strategies, excerpted from my new book "400 Ways to Stop Stress Now...and Forever!", that will help you keep your eye on that objective.

Have small intimate get-togethers.

Big parties are expensive, time-consuming and a heck of a lot of work. Even if you’re lucky enough to talk with everyone, it may only amount to brief, cursory snippets of conversation. A big bash can be fun, sure, if you’re not the one throwing it. Smaller parties are easier to arrange, less work, less expensive, and leave lots of time to enjoy your guests, who feel more special, too. Entertain fewer people...more often.

Keep the menu simple.

There's no need to overwhelm your guests with more choices than necessary. An hors d' oeuvre, a main dish, a couple of side dishes, and dessert is plenty. It will save you time and money, and make entertaining easy enough that you'll want to do it more often. Overdoing it also unfairly raises the stakes for guests who want to reciprocate. Focus on the quality of what you serve, not the quantity, and on making your visitors feel relaxed and comfortable. Your parties can't help but turn out special.

Expect people to cancel out on you.

Last-minute dropouts and no-shows can be disappointing -- especially when you've gone to a lot of trouble. Blame it on our over-scheduled times, a general slackening of social responsibility, whatever. But this, unfortunately, is the way things are. So be ready for it. If you're planning an event or activity involving several people, expect one or more will almost certainly cancel. Invite or recruit extra people to make up for the inevitable loss. And if everyone does show up (slim chance), you'll enjoy an unanticipated bonus.

Invite someone over for coffee.

Or tea, or a glass of wine, or a beer, if that's your preference. Somehow this simple, casual way to connect with others during the holiday season has lost ground to more elaborate and expensive forms of entertaining. But informal drop-by visits with friends and neighbors is a great way to catch up, share experiences, vent concerns, and give yourself a needed break from the rat race. Pure, uplifting social interaction…without all the fuss. Try it.

Entertaining is supposed to be fun, remember?

When you throw a dinner party or host a gathering, it's not an audition, you're not on trial and your guests aren't judges and juries. Yet that's how you might see it -- something to fret about, even dread. Which, if you're worried things won't go well, will all but assure it. Remember, it's not about you. It's about inviting people into your home and making them feel welcome and comfortable. If you're tense and unsure, that's what they'll pick up on. (How many times have you attended a tautly wound event and had a perfectly lousy time?) So make it fun. Be casual, gracious, spontaneous. You'll be a hit, and so will your party.

Holiday Tips for Cooking and Entertaining

How do you thaw a frozen turkey? The best (and safest per USDA) way to thaw a turkey is in the refrigerator, though the quickest way is in cold water. Keep in mind that you risk bacterial growth when thawing in cold water.

When is the turkey done? Use a food thermometer to accurately gauge the temperature of the turkey which should be 165°F throughout. Make sure you check the temperature is at least 165°F in both the thigh (drumstick) and the breast. Turkey cooking times vary based on the weight of your bird, so it’s best to check the recommended time on the packaging.

How do you minimize traffic in the kitchen? In most homes the kitchen is the congregating point, but that can make preparing a large meal difficult. An easy solution is to keep all your beverages in coolers out of the way of the kitchen, freeing up the cooking and prep areas for the holiday feast.

What should people bring? When you don’t want any surprises on your beautiful table ask people to bring beverages or flowers and if you trust their taste you could even ask them to bring the center piece for the table.

Build a tradition! Try having a wine tasting this holiday season! It’s a great way to learn about new wines and it can become a great family tradition.

What are some good activities for the family? Plan a fun family game where everyone can participate. Depending on the age of the youngest child some favorites are Monopoly, Pictionary, Risk, Sorry, or even Trivial Pursuit. And if you’re lucky enough to have good weather croquet is always a crowd pleaser.

How do you manage small children at a family celebration? Have fun crafts and games for young children. A fun craft for both boys and girls is painting their own birdfeeders. You can pick up pre-made wood birdfeeders at Home Depot or at your local craft store.

Fun for the whole family! Have a family member build a multimedia presentation that recaps the year including still photos and video clips. Hook up the computer to you TV or better yet project the presentation with a PC projector. Not many people have their own PC projector, but you might be able to find someone who could borrow one from the office.

How do you energize the family after the feast? Take a family walk, either between the main course and desert or after dinner to aid in digestion and wake everyone up. If you’re really feeling up to it a bike ride does the same.