Special Event Planning - Success is in the Details

There are several occasions in our lives that require us to plan special events. Events such as birthdays, graduations and weddings are all very special days for us. When making arrangements for a special event we spend much of our time choosing the perfect location with the necessary amount of room to accommodate family and friends. Keeping in mind out of town guests will usually be open to accepting information about overnight accommodations. After we have our perfect location in mind, we move forward to choosing a date and selecting the perfect invitation. With the perfect invitations being mailed and we feel as though we have made great progress in our planning , it is now time to focus on other specific details.

Our detail items require reviewing a vast menu selection with a wide variety of foods and then matching beverages with those foods. Restaurants that assist with catering are great resources for information regarding food options. It is important that the beverages and the foods compliment each other. A large selection of non-alcoholic beverages should be an option for guests as well. A beverage list will typically contain an extensive listing of options and a local liquor store representative usually has the training to assist with selecting beverages. While selecting our beverages of choice, we put much consideration into selecting the perfect champagne or wine for the special event, but let us not forget to give as much consideration to the perfect glassware? The magic of the toast will be carried through while "clanking" the perfect set of champagne glasses.

This set of champagne glasses will carry through time endless memories that will be recalled each time the "clank" is envisioned for years to come. Sets can be purchased at any location that sells glassware and champagne glasses may also be purchased individually. Individual glasses or sets are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. The individuals preference may even determine the color of the glasses used at the special event. Glasses are available in a wide variety of colors. An individual purchasing champagne glasses can expect to pay on the average from a few dollars per glass at a local retailer to a hundred dollars or more for a pure handcrafted crystal champagne glass.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathy_Barnhardt

How to Grill the Perfect Steak

Let's face it, beef is expensive. Many times, someone will purchase beautiful (not to mention expensive) steaks, but because of lack of know-how, the steaks can be ruined when being grilled. It is easy to overcook a steak which leaves it tough and dry. It is disappointing to spend money on a menu item that doesn't taste good! Follow these tips for grilling delicious steak:

1. For a charcoal grill, prepare and light coals according to the directions on charcoal package. Spread the hot coals evenly across the bottom grate and place steaks in the center of the top grate.

2. For a gas grill, pre-heat it on high for 10 minutes to 500 degrees. Do not place your steaks on a cold grill. The heat will seal in the juices of the steaks.

3. Rub your steaks with olive oil before seasoning with salt and pepper. This will keep the steaks from sticking on the grill.

4. A rare steak is very red on the inside, medium-rare is pink with a bit of red in the middle, medium is pink, medium-well has almost no pink and well-done has absolutely no pink in the middle. I usually recommend that most steaks be cooked no more than medium-well, as the steaks can be dry when prepared well-done.
5. For New York, rib eye, tenderloin or T-bone steaks approximately 1 inch thick, grill for 4-5 minutes per side for medium cooked steaks. You can adjust your cooking time (1 minute less on each side for medium-rare and 1 minute more per side for medium-well). For 1 1/2 inch steaks, cook 6-7 minutes per side.

6. You can also use an instant-read thermometer. Some BBQ Forks are designed with instant-read thermometers built right into them. Stick it in the thickest part of the meat. Most discount or home stores carry them.

7. Use a timer. Don't guess - that is the easiest way to ruin a steak. Avoid cutting into the steak to see if it is done; this causes all the juices to run out and your steak will be dry.

8. Flare-ups occur when fat from the steak melts onto the hot coals and catches fire. Simply move the steak and put the lid on the grill to deny oxygen and snuff the flare-up. Repeat as necessary.

9. After cooking, place on platter, cover with foil and let steaks rest for 4-5 minutes before serving. When you cut into the steaks, the juice will not run out of the steak and all over the plate. The juice will stay in the meat and your steak will be more juicy and tender.

10. Mix ½ cup (1 stick) room temperature butter with 1 clove finely chopped garlic and 2 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese. Using a pastry bag, pipe small amount on to wax paper and freeze. Thirty minutes before eating, defrost and place one on top of each steak for a delicious steak topping.

Patricia Mendez, copyright 2008

Patricia is the author of the book, Easy Entertaining for Beginners. The book has been named 2009 Silver Recipient Mom's Choice Award and is an award-winning finalist in the cookbook: general category of the National Best Books 2008 Awards, sponsored by USA Book News.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patricia_Mendez

Gin Rummy Tips

Gin rummy is one of the most popular rummy games to play. There are a few things you can do in order to increase your odds of winning. These are

1. Knock As soon as possible

Many people wait until they have the best possible hand before then knock. Some people even want to wait until they have Gin so they can be sure that they have won the hand. Don't make this mistake.

If you only have a few cards that aren't matched chances are you have beaten your opponent. Go ahead and knock before they get a chance to catch up to you. Even if they have a better hand then you it is better to be undercut then to wait until your opponent is going gin. It is best not to risk it.

2. Get Rid of high cards fast

High cards work against you in this game. If they are not matched with any other card it can be a lot of points to be holding and will help your opponent very much. So unless your high cards are already matched with another card discard them first.

3. Don't Draw from the discard pile unless if finishes a set or a run

If you have a 6 and the discarded card is a 7 don't draw the 7 hoping that you will eventually be able to get either a 5 or an 8 in the next couple of draws. Going for draws isn't a wise thing to do unless you are feeling really, really lucky.

4. Remember Which Cards Your Opponent throws away

You can learn a lot about your opponents hand based off of what they throw away. For example if they throw away a 7 they probably do not have any 7s, and they probably don't have anything around that area either like a 6, or an 8. This can help you decide what is safe to throw away.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Rosenberg

Face Paint Designs - Finding Inspiration and Fresh Ideas

If you're ready to start learning face painting but don't know where to find face paint designs to suit your children, why not have a look through your child's coloring books for inspiration?

Coloring books designed for preschool age children are usually the best as they contain simple outlines with not too much detail. You'll discover hundreds of designs suitable for conversion to a face painting design. You can also try searching online for kid's coloring pages - there are thousands of free designs available - the only trick then is narrowing down your selection!

When you've chosen a design, practice painting it on paper a few times first and then perhaps on your arm or leg before painting a child's face. The practice will help you paint quickly and confidently, which are essential when you come to painting your moving target - a child's face!

Some face paint designs are always popular, including:

* hearts
* pirate eye patches
* flowers
* spiders
* cupcakes
* party hats and balloons
* soccer balls
* puppy dogs
* cat faces
* tigers
* butterflies
* princess crowns
* ladybug

If you are planning to use your new face painting skills at a child's birthday party, school fair, carnival or other group of children, make your life easier by choosing a small selection of face paint designs (ten or fifteen should be plenty). It's better to be able to confidently paint a few face painting designs that to try to offer kids a wider selection that you aren't able to paint so quickly or efficiently. You can either paint these on paper and put together a portfolio of designs for the children to choose from, or if you have willing models available, paint each design on a child's face and take photos for your portfolio.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rachel_Northcott

Throwing a Dinner Party - What's the Entertainment?

Now, I can see what you're thinking - I'm already planning a dinner party, and setting up menus, getting invitations out, handling reservations, planning the shopping, and oh my god, what do I wear? - and now I've got to plan out a dinner party game?

Relax. The focus of a dinner party game is three fold, and it doesn't have to be elaborate.

First, the game gives your dinner party guests a focus - it's an ice breaker. They'll talk about the game, and use that as an excuse to talk to each other. It's going to be fun, because it engages people. The real reason for a dinner party game is to get people out of wallflower mode and talking to each other.

Second, the game should be focused on the guests. It should be easy to teach (which puts most any board game right out) and should support a large number of players. Examples of commercial games that do this include How To Host A Murder Mystery, and Scavenger Hunt style games.

Third, the game should encourage player interaction, and have, at most, five minutes of explaining the rules. The larger the number of players you have, the more important this is. Now, there are plenty of games that fit this requirement, and we're going to describe one of them.

Make up a list of little known (and interesting) facts about your guests. Take the time to make them the clues in a scavenger hunt, and offer a prize; your guests will have to go and talk to one another to find out about what clues go with which names, and while they're playing that, you have an opportunity to do your hostessing routine.

You should avoid games that enhance competitiveness; this will mildly shut out the guys, and we're sorry about that. But our experience has shown that if you give guys an excuse to compete, they will - and that competition will suck the fun out of the game for anyone who loses. Look for games that you and your girlfriends would enjoy...and again, look for games that force player interaction.

Also, it may be worth while to cordon off a room that's for competitive games; the Victorian's used a drawing room or parlor for this (hence the name 'parlor games') so that the men could go have a competitive game of whist while the women were more sensible and talked to each other. This will require a careful assessment of your list of guests. Obviously, you don't want this to turn into "All the guys went into the bedroom and played Nintendo", but you do want to make sure that there's something for everyone to do - just try to make your big social event game one that will encourage other people to go into the 'game room' and talk to some of the people playing there to get their clues.

Kathy Baldwin is a master social entertainer who specializes her entertaining with the art of the Dinner Party. Kathy learned the secrets of planning, effective choices and how to do it all with no stress from her mother Lena Baldwin. Kathy has put together many resources that hosts or hostess' find invaluable.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathy_Baldwin

5 Ways to Entertain With Flair

For some it just doesn't come as easy. What makes a great party? First and foremost, it will be you, the hostess, who makes it happen. You can develop a sense of style and a flair for fun that makes any party a success. Try incorporating any or all of these ideas for a wonderful event.

1. What is the occasion for your party? If you are celebrating a holiday or a specific event, you know exactly how much time you have to plan for it. But you can also create a party that's practically spontaneous with just a little bit of know-how. Decide how much time you have to plan for it, and set your schedule.

2. Your time, energy, skills, and money must be expended carefully so that you don't overstretch yourself. Set your menu, and remember that choosing the right dinner party recipes will affect the outcome of your event. You will want to select ingredients carefully. Think carefully about assembling a shopping list. What dishes can you prepare ahead of time? You want time to make everything perfect. So decide what your budget will be in terms of time and money.

3. Decide on a theme. You can extend your theme from your invitations all the way through to the decorations, tableware and napkins, and food. Having the right food can set the whole tone for the party! If you like, you can ask your guests to dress according to the theme-Hawaiian style if you are having a luau, or elegant evening ware for a Titanic-themed dinner party. There are so many wonderful ideas to choose from!

4. Is it always appropriate to serve alcoholic or plain beverages? Be certain to identify what kind of glassware you need for the types of drinks you are offering. Your options are unlimited, but you want to be prepared with drink mixes, equipment, and garnishes. You can offer bottled water as well as tea and coffee. Some women prefer to engage a butler for the sole purpose of pouring drinks.

5. If you envision a more casual event, make certain you have coolers available for bottles or cans of soda pop and beer, and plenty of ice. For a backyard barbecue, some of the best dinner party menus center around burgers and hotdogs seared on the grill. Whatever you don't have, you can rent-extra grills, a tent, paper lanterns, a dance floor-look up party rentals for your neighborhood on the internet or in the phone book.

Of course you will want to think about ways to keep the conversation flowing and handle any awkward moments at the party. Learn how to remain unstressed so that your guests' energies remain elevated during the festivities. This is a time when you really want to call upon all of your grace and social skills! It is possible to put your best foot forward and learn to be a great hostess!

Kathy Baldwin is a master hostess who specializes in the art of the dinner party. She learned each and every skill from a true master, her mother Lena. Lena was a born entertainer who knew instinctively how to plan, organize and implement events seamlessly for all to enjoy. Kathy is proof that the skills can be learned.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathy_Baldwin

Thai Dinner Party Ideas to Wow Your Guests

Thailand Inspired Dinner Party

Think Thailand and you imagine the ancient temples in Chiang Mai, the Chao Praya River reflecting the glow of the Wat Arum temple during warm evenings, white sandy beaches and blazing sunsets, Bangkok's chaotic traffic, graceful bamboos, and the history rich sacred city of Ayuthaya. The food is glorious too! Hot and sour soup with shrimp, sumptuous fried rice with crab, Thai summer rolls, and the heavenly mango ice-cream. You can bring Thailand to your home in your next dinner party.

Recreate the Culture

Dinner party ideas can be successfully executed if carefully planned; and if you have been giving dinner parties with the same food and party theme, it is about time to try something exciting to delight your guest or better yet, surprise them with a Thai dinner party.

An element essential to a captivating Thai themed dinner party is the setting. Do not plunk the food on serving dishes and convince your guest you are having a Thai dinner party this way. Your guests will surely go home unimpressed.

The Table

Dinner party ideas always bring focus to table preparation. For your Thai dinner party, use an embroidered (if available) green or red silk runner to give the table the exotic Asian look that echoes the mystic of the East. Bamboo placemats in their natural color will enhance the vibrant silk runner.

As a centerpiece, orchids floating in low celadon or jade green vases and scented candles arranged beautifully will perfectly perk up your table. You can also arrange shiny pebbles on or around the vases. For table napkins, use raffia tied with ribbon matching the color of your table runner. For music, find Thai traditional instrumental music to enhance the ambiance of the setting.

Lighting

The dining area should not be brightly lit but illuminated with soft lighting to dramatize the scent of incense and heighten the Thai inspired dinner. Setting and lighting makes the dining experience a delightful one.

Food and Drinks

Thai party dinner ideas for the festive fare is not complete without rice and Thailand's famous spices - curry, cayenne pepper, saffron, cilantro, and chili powder. Some Thai recipes can be easily prepared in advanced or brought in stores. You have several choices, pork, poultry, noodles, fish, and greens.

The flavors range from hot, sour, sweet, bitter or salty and the food is prepared with the freshest ingredients. When choosing the menu select ingredients available in Thai food specialty shops or order the more tricky recipes from Thai restaurants.

For the drinks, you can introduce Thai Iced Tea to the women, a sweet concoction of black tea, evaporated milk, sugar, cinnamon, cardamon, and tons of crushed ice. For the gentlemen, give them the full bodied Singha Beer and they'll get a kick out of it.

Use a Thai theme for your next dinner party and enjoy the compliments that are guaranteed to flow your way. It is easier than you think.

Kathy Baldwin is a master social entertainer who specializes her entertaining with the art of the Dinner Party. Kathy learned the secrets of planning, effective choices and how to do it all with no stress from her mother Lena Baldwin. Kathy has put together many resources that hosts or hostess' find invaluable.




Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathy_Baldwin

Winning at Rummy 500

Rummy 500 is a great card game to play with the family or with a group of people. Here are some ways you can improve your game and become a better player.

1. Don't Be Afraid to pick up the pile

A lot of people are afraid to pick up the pile of cards because they know that there is a chance their opponent will be going out soon and leave them with a ton of cards in their hand.

But picking up a pile of cards isn't all bad. In fact it can benefit you by not only allowing you to make some points fast, but it also gives you the ability to get more points in the future. The more cards in your hand the more likely you will be able to score more points in the future.

It is very unlikely that your opponent will go out right after you draw the card unless they have 1 card in their hand and just get an extremely lucky draw.

2. Put Down Pairs

If I have a pair in my hand I like to discard 1 of those cards. It helps me in numerous ways, first if I put down a Queen it tells my opponent that I do have another Queen, so they might discard one too, thinking it is safe.

It also gives me some free cards in my hand so I do not have to keep both Queens in my hand waiting
to get a 3rd one. Remember if you get a 3rd card you can always pick up the discard pile to play them.

3. Try to control your opponent

Try to control your opponent's moves. For example, if all you have in your hand is 2 Aces and you
know your opponent has 2 Aces along with other cards don't keep staling and hoping they discard an Ace so you can go out. Instead discard an Ace so they can play it. This way you play your Ace off of their lay down and go out first.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Rosenberg

Why You Should Hire a Party Marquee For Your Event

A party marquee is the ideal solution when planning a birthday party or family gathering. If you are celebrating a graduation or your children's exam results and want to hold a party for you and your close friends in your back garden, then a marquee is the ideal solution. Marquees offer all kinds of advantages over other types of party venue, such as the ability to host your party close to your home if you have space in your garden. In addition they allow you to spread out different elements of your party inside, such as a disco or dance floor area, chill-out areas, mobile licensed bars, cloakrooms, food service areas and toilets.

Marquees aid in presenting a touch of class to the proceedings at parties and awards evenings as they portray your company or event as being larger than life. The tall peaks of marquees allow you to decorate the interior of your party with large props, colourful drapes and high tech audio & visual equipment. The fact that marquees have such a large area to use for event decoration and displays, mean that you can create all kinds of party themes.

Party Marquee Themes

With the right creative flare and organisation skills you can create unique and eye catching party themes in marquees that will make your party a success. The modern design of marquees allows you to plan out the interior of your party venue to the very last detail. Nowadays most marquees are frame marquees, meaning there are no internal structural support poles to get in the way of the dance floor, dining area or stage.

If you wanted your party to have a 1930's theme or to appear as though it is in a 1970's nightclub, there really is no reason why you can't decorate your marquee in this way. With the right interior props, furniture, disco lights, music and fancy dress hire you can make a party to remember in a marquee.

Modern Marquee Design

Modern marquees are held up by a strong steel frame which is designed to give maximum space internally by only having framework on the outside edges. The frame structure of marquees is strong whilst being very minimal in size, which allows alternative marquee walls to be made available.

For instance if you want windows in the walls of your party marquee, additional doorways or windows in the roof, this isn't a problem, because the marquee hire companies will easily be able to replace wall panels with a window panels. This versatility of marquees to easily be altered in shape and structure is a clear advantage over other types of party venue, because in hot weather you can open up the sides to allow more air and natural light in.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Noah_Back

Making the Most of Garden Play

Getting outdoors and enjoy the fresh air is something that many of us enjoying doing. Making the most of our garden in the summer months is particularly nice - we can relax and have some fun. The garden also provides a wonderful environment for our children to play in.

This article examines how you can help your children to get the most from playing in your garden. It concentrates on why it's so important that kids take part in active play and the means by which you can encourage them to do so.

So let's start with why it's so important that children should play in an active manner. A number of recent studies have shown a worrying upward trend in the figures for childhood obesity. It seems that we're in great danger of bringing up a generation of unfit, overweight children.

This is a disturbing thought and all the more so when you realise that kids who get into this state at a young age are more likely to have significant health issues. It's a problem that could have an effect right through into their adult lives.

One key aspect that's leading to such issues is that children aren't getting enough exercise. That's partly because many kids are opting to stay indoors and play video games, or watch television.

In this context, it's clear that outdoor play can be useful. Outdoor play is almost always more active play. So why aren't more parents encouraging their sons and daughters to play outdoors? One reason may be fear for their safety.

A garden can provide an ideal solution - it allows you to provide a safe, enclosed environment. That means that your children can get some exercise and you can still keep an eye on them.

If you want to encourage them to play in the garden then it's important that you help them to make the most of it. That means spending some time showing them how much fun can be had, while also making the garden an exciting location in which they can play.

Helping them to enjoy the garden is good fun and is great news for their health.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keith_Barrett

Old Can Koozies Find New Use

Can and bottle koozies are used basically to keep beverages cool and keep the palms of your hands from getting wet from the condensation that ensues from holding cold drinks. Koozies accomplish this because of their insulating properties. Because these are relatively inexpensive to purchase, people usually give them away at parties and picnics and other entertainment events. Nowadays large corporations have started using these bottle and can koozies as promotional materials to customers and suppliers alike. People usually buy koozies every so often because they get tired of looking at the same ones over and over again and they may purchase koozies with different colors or designs that provide something different for the eyes to see every so often.

This brings up the question of what can be done with the old koozies besides simply throwing them away in the garbage can once your entertainment event is over. Here is a new use for your old koozies. Because of their cushioning effect and because of the fact that they are generally collapsible, koozies can be used as vibration dampeners in the process of packaging and shipping items that have to be transported vibration free. Items in this category can include delicate electronic goods, items made of glass or other brittle materials, works of art such as paintings, expensive vases and such. Simply take the old koozies and place them well around the object to be packaged and preferably wrap a piece of tape to secure it in place so it does not fall off. Because of their open cell foam or neoprene based construction, vibration will be dampened during transportation as well as materials transported will not bang directly with each other or with the side walls of the shipping box or container thereby offering protection to the items inside the box.

And because of their low cost, this forms a cheap alternative to more expensive methods of vibration dampening and other exotic methods to prevent damage to goods being transported. Additionally, by using old koozies, you have already used their insulating properties and now you will be utilizing their vibration dampening properties thereby making your money go the extra mile.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Raj_Krishnaswamy

Finger Licking Feasts With Gas Barbecues

All gas barbecues have a tale of their own. Although all of them are built with similar materials they have several features that may be unique to each when viewed from the buyer's point of view. They are as varied in their make as the customer's wants and preferences.

All you have to do is to go to the different websites that sell gas barbecues online and browse through them and if you happen to like a particularly good one you can contact the seller and find out more about the particular equipment that appeals to you. Based on your requirement as a regular camper or as a gracious outdoor party host who likes to throw barbecue parties every weekend, the seller will also be able to recommend the piece that would become an essential kitchen appliance to own.

Gas barbecues range from those with a single burner to those with several of them. Some are with side burners while there are others with back burners. As well, the usual types some come up with special features like stop watch engineering or alarm systems.

The latter could alert you the moment your food is cooked on the gas barbecue, saving you time and gas, and helping avoid overcooked meals or accidents. While buying gas barbecues it is a must to purchase a pack or more of gas canisters for they would be required where you are going especially while camping as the nearest point for replenishing the gas may not be nearby.

There is no doubt that the whole process of cooking by itself would be a delight if you and your group of campers have neat looking, well structured gas barbecues for your little expeditions. The food amidst that beautiful ambiance and scenery becomes tastier, and even the not-so-nicely prepared food tastes much better than what it would have been indoors.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Geere

5 Tips to Have a Successful Family Game Night

Hosting a family game night is a great way to bond with your kids, get to know them a little bit better, while at the same time just have fun. Here are 5 tips to have a successful family game night.

1. Find the Best time

The first thing you need to do is to find the best time for everyone to come together and have a family game night. What days do people normally have free? Just ask them. Remember it doesn't have to be at night, it can be whatever time people are available to come together as a family and have fun.

2. Vote On What Happens

Make it a voting system; take into consideration what other people think. Give people a list of possible games, such as monopoly, clue, etc, and have a vote. You can also vote on where to play or what snacks to have, this can make everyone feel like they have a voice in the matter, which is always a good thing.

3. Have Snacks

Put some snacks out, you might even want to replace a meal with family snacks during game night. That can be a great way to mix things up.

4. Invite Other People

Don't just keep it in the family. Invite other people to your family game night so it becomes more social. Ask your kids if they want to invite their friends over, you can use it to meet your kid's friends or even their new boy/girl friend if they have one.

You might also want to join your family game night with another family and see how that goes.

5. Have Fun

Remember it is all about having fun. Don't come in upset about something that happened. Instead be ready to have fun, and enjoy the moment. Everyone will have a better time because of it.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Rosenberg

Finger Foods - The Key to a Great Party

In two of my previous articles I wrote about party planning and tips for great entertaining. Here, I will focus on one aspect of cocktail parties, the food.

Food is usually a focal point of most parties, but as I've said before, there are things we need to avoid in order to host the best possible events.

The main thing to avoid is serving foods that require your guests to use forks and knives. It has a tendency to kill the party atmosphere because it changes the mood as guests stuff themselves to the point that tiredness is sure to set in. You now have a situation where your home is cluttered with dirty dishes and utensils, a bunch of yawning guests and a party that will end way too early.

Clearly, from my thirty plus years of party planning experience finger foods are the way to go.

Think of a party as a performance. You are putting on a show.You are entertaining your guests. The show starts with the tablescape. It's the focal point of the room. A fabulous spread of party appetizers creatively displayed on multiple levels and lighting that accentuates the mouth watering hors d'oeuvres.

Proper mood lighting everywhere else, good music and an open bar. These are the elements of a party that offers a great time for everyone lucky enough to be invited.

Finger foods are perfect for cocktail parties because they allow your guests to mingle without having to carry around a dish and utensils. You want people to be able to hold their drink in one hand while the other is free to pick on those delicious appetizers.

I have found that it is far easier to serve hot appetizers on hot plates, so you won't have to think about the fire going out under the chafing dishes while the food gets cold. Plus, decorative platters make a much nicer presentation than chafing dishes.

You should consider a combination of cold appetizers and hot, and leave them out all night so guests can satisfy their hunger without having to pig out. It's perfectly okay to use small dishes or even good quality or theme related paper or plastic plates, particularly for informal events. You may need cocktail forks and decorative toothpicks. There should be no need for knives.

Make sure whenever you will be using toothpicks that there are handy receptacles for guests to toss them in or they will be all over the house. The same goes for shrimp and olives. You will be finding tails and pits for days. Remember, it's this kind of attention to detail that sets great entertainers apart from the rookies.

I am not a big fan of clearing the table and serving a spread of dessert and coffee. I consider this practice a "party killer". What happens here is you take yourself and perhaps several guests out of the fun zone and into clean up mode.

When my wife occasionally serves cake and coffee at one of the many theme parties we host each year, it is always served in a different part of the house so it will not affect the mood for those that want to remain in the fun zone.

Finally, If you follow this time tested entertaining philosophy you will notice at the end of the party that there is a lot less clutter, easier and faster clean up and you actually had a great time at your own party. You will be the new entertaining guru of your group.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Papantonio

Consider Outdoor Games For Your Child

If you were to think about buying a present for your child then what would it be? Maybe a DVD or the latest computer game? Or maybe something smaller like a chocolate bar or some sweets? With childhood obesity on the rise, matters such as this are now more likely to have greater consideration than they once did.

There can be no doubt that many of the decisions that we make will have a big influence on the lives of our children. That doesn't simply mean that it could have an impact in the short term. Many habits picked up by young children will continue into their adult lives.

Does that sound worrying? It probably should do - children who don't get enough exercise and who have poor eating habits face a greater chance of serious health problems in the future.

All of this can sound rather daunting but parents are in a position to make changes. By doing so, we can ensure that we give our children the best possible chance.

In the introduction to this article we made mention of eating habits and also of computer games. Why did they get a mention? The reality is that many children are happy to spend endless hours playing video games or watching television.

Parents may be happy with this behaviour, believing that it keeps children out of harm's way. But does it really? Could it be that such forms of entertainment will increase the chances of problems?

Computer games and watching television tend to involve very little movement. As such, they mean that kids taking part in these activities are unlikely to be getting as much exercise as they really need. Are your children getting outdoors to play more active games?

If not, it may be worthwhile to encourage them to take part in more active forms of play. This is not as difficult as it may seem - many kids love to spend time in the fresh air.

If your own child is reticent to do so then you may be able to help. By demonstrating how much fun can be found in outdoor garden games you can encourage them to lead a healthier life.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keith_Barrett

Outdoor Games Can Be Healthy

When you look at the games that your children play, do you ever think about how times have changed? You may not have sat back and thought about it, but it's clear that childhood habits have changed as generations have moved on. This needn't be a bad thing but it is something that's having an impact in many areas.

Think about your own childhood, for instance. You may think back to endless hours spent outdoors, enjoying summer sunshine and the company of friends. How are things for the children of today? They may be more likely to be spending time on their computers or in front of the television.

Does this mean that they are less sociable? It can sometimes seem that way, although some would quickly point out that technology has had the reverse effect. Computers and mobile phones can often be used to increase communication levels.

But how about the exercise levels that children get? It seems intuitive to acknowledge that they will be getting far less exercise than previous generations. We can see this by thinking about the amount of movement involved to watch the television or play most console games.

More worryingly, we get a clear idea of the impact of eating and fitness habits when we see figures reporting further rises in childhood obesity. Do such figures give cause for concern? They surely must do for most parents.

If you're worried that your children are too inactive then it's obviously important that you do something about it. This will sometimes mean that you'll need to spend a little money but is equally likely to involve you spending some time with them to increase their exercise levels.

One good way of doing this is by emphasising the importance of outdoor play. Outdoor games tend to involve a higher level of activity and can thus be much more useful in increasing fitness levels.

By demonstrating that garden and outdoor games can be fun, you can help your children to become more active. If they are enjoying themselves and keeping active at the same time then this can only be good news.

It's a good idea to help your kids to enjoy more healthy pastimes. It will be great for them now and will also help to provide them with a better future.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keith_Barrett