Hen Party - A Short Break for Girls!

Men have been known to hang out and chill with their mates and cronies on a regular basis to break the monotony of daily life. Similarly, a hen night party is a girl's chance to let her hair down and have a great time filled with fun and excitement. Read on to find out how you can make the most of your hen weekend party and have the time of your life.

Hen Parties

Hen idea parties are by no means a novel concept. However, the activities that girls choose to indulge in during hen ideas parties are forever changing and evolving. Today, girls want a lot more out of their break than their counterparts did even a decade ago. They want a combination of sex appeal, comedy, wit, fun, excitement and a lot more. So, what are the options a girl has to ensure that her hen do party is absolutely glamorous and truly special and unforgettable?

Comedy Clubs

The latest and most popular option available to girls who want to party hard on their hen nights is a comedy club show that is especially designed for the occasion. These comedy club shows combine all the elements a girl wants and puts them together in a fascinating and titillating fashion. These shows include an array of male strippers, drag queens, comedy routines, games and gaffs, numerous gifts and giveaways, top DJs as well as drinks and dinner.

Dream Come True

As you can see, these comedy club shows have everything a girl can want for her hen party. However, if you really want this dream to come true, it is essential that you make your plans well before time and ensure that all your reservations and booking are complete before it is too late to get seats.

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

Secure Your Haven With Exotic Smelling Wickless Candles

In a majority of fire disasters caused by candles at homes, statistics reveals that the mishaps were caused by the candles being left unattended or the candles had ignited any nearby combustible substance or had otherwise been tripped which resulted in fire accidents. Unfortunately, the beddings or mattresses were the first to get ignited in house fires. Children in their fun and frolic tend to overlook the fact that burning candles can raise fire havoc in a house. Therefore, children need a constant vigil whenever a lighted flame candle is around them. Thus, the flame candles are not family friendly and safe at all.

A wickless candle can solve the fire hazard problem very amicably. A wickless candle is nothing but an electric warmer with scented wax which when heated with the aid of a low watt bulb will safely release your choice of perfume. The bulb used in wickless candles glows at 15, 20 or 25 wattage depending on the type of electric warmer that you have. These wickless candles are so safe to use that you can leave them on with your little brat around. Even if your child puts his or finger in the molten wax, that should not cause any problem of burning. Even if you wish to enjoy the wickless candle for 24 hours at a stretch, you will not have any worry about fire mishaps.

This flame-less, soot less, smoke less wickless candle is truly eco-friendly as it does not release any harmful particles in the atmosphere at all! Therefore, there is no fear of soot particles, carbon monoxide vapors or carbon dioxide vapors being released on using it. Thus, it renders itself very safe to be used in your house while there are children, the aged or the pets around.

You can choose your favorite choice of fragrance from a range of exotic smelling wickless candles to have some reviving time for yourself. Try them, they are sure to win your heart.


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

Have a Pleasant Day the Wickless Candle Way

Candles with wicks or without wicks can add a statement to any location by increasing its décor beauty. The wick candles have a loose cord, which helps it to burn by the principle of capillary action. Wickless candle does not have a wick but does have wax, which infuses a fragrant smell all around when it is heated. It is used not for just its scent emitting purpose but also as a decorative object. Of the two kinds of candles, this type of candle is eco-friendly as it serves its purpose without any flame, smoke or soot. In fact, the wax in this type of candle is just heated with a warmer at a minimum temperature by a low watt bulb. This slow warming of the chosen fragrant wickless candle emits its aroma for an extended period lending an enlivening touch to the whole setting. Any person in the backdrop of the wickless candle is sure to enjoy the stimulating environment.

The eco-friendly and risk free qualities of the wickless candle render it safe to be used in places where there are lots of kids, the elderly and pets. They are ideal to liven up the office environs too. These candles are available in many different styles and shapes. One can even opt from a variety of fragrances like orange, French vanilla, lemon, cinnamon, strawberry, chocolate, rose, lavender and so on to name a few.

Each new day, innovative fragrant wickless candles in intriguing shapes and colors make their entry on the market keeping the customers a happy lot. Many people are trying their hand in making a business out of selling these candles from their homes. Others trade via network marketing and the internet way. These candles also make ideal gifts for any occasion. Any person can develop a liking to these non-messy, aesthetic and scented wickless candles.



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

What Can You Learn At Art School?

One of the things many people say as they get older is that they wish they had gone somewhere like art or music at school or at college which would give them that bit more satisfaction from their life. It is a sad fact that many people as they approach middle age, tend to have regrets about what they have chosen to do with their life. Luckily though, it is never too late to go back to Art College and learn about something you always wanted. This of course holds true for people of any age too.

Here is some information on what you will have to look forward to if you do apply and get accepted.

Art History

One of the first major classes you will have will focus on art history. For people who have a natural affinity to modern art, this are of study may make you want to stay in bed all day but it is very important part of art school. Knowing the history of art will give you a mature outlook on your own style of painting and will allow you to have as rounded an opinion as possible about all the many paintings and sculptures that people generally refer to as the classics. Being able to follow styles of art and also the particular methods used by certain artists will allow you to transfer all the perceptions people have about that piece on to your own with a skilfully homage to your subject.

Technical Skill

Art school will of course teach you all the technical skills you need to be able to produce pieces in a range of mediums. You will learn about brush technique and selection, how to create affects using different art materials and proper use of easels. It will teach you about creating depth using shadows and perspective and about how to play with people's perceptions to provoke an appropriate response to your work.

Emotional Skill

An important skill you will also learn is how to get in touch with your emotions. Often a teacher will ask you to try and draw out the emotions of your subject and reproduce them on the page. This will help you to explore your own emotional maturity. Photography is popular form of artistic expression which has touched all our lives through newspapers and films, and art school can teach you how to capture those key moments that will really grab an audience or convey a message which gets a response. After all, a picture tells a thousand words.


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

Tips for Attending Casting Calls

The first thing you will need to find out is where the casting call is being held. If it is right in your hometown, then you will not have to make numerous arrangements prior to the casting call date. If the casting call is out of your hometown, then you will have to make travel arrangements. If you are underage, you will have get permission from your parents and you will also need to be accompanied by at least one of them. Jot down the date on your calendar and ensure that you are packed in advance. Decide whether you will spend the night before the audition there. This will ensure that you are rested and fresh on the actual day of the audition.

Make sure you have professional headshots done of yourself. These are pictures of your face and they will be kept by the casting directors for their records. Professionally done headshots will flatter your appearance and this will work to your advantage. Also, have a copy of your resume with you. This should include all the acting jobs you have done before. If you have no experience, do not worry. Some casting directors specifically look for fresh talent. Some shows may require that you fill some application forms before your casting call. If this is the case, ensure you have done so and sent the forms back before the deadline.

On morning of the casting call, wake up early and head straight to the venue. Chances are that you will be required to line up so the sooner you get there, the less time you will have to spend on the queue. You never know how long it will take until it gets to your turn so make sure that you are dressed appropriately for the weather and for your comfort. It would also be advisable to carry along some water or some snacks. You would not want to lose your space in the line because you dashed off for something to eat. Remember that everyone there is vying for the same role, as you so do not expect random acts of kindness. Some people can be quite cutthroat.

When it finally gets to be your turn, take a deep breath and try to relax. Remember that the casing directors are just regular people. The only difference is that you have to impress them. You can let them know you are nervous and this could break the ice. Keep in mind that the casting directors have been seeing numerous people and could be in store to see hundreds more. For this reason, you have to make your audition as memorable as you can make it. Make the casting directors laugh; this could make them like you more. Bottom line, you have to be memorable so try your best to let your personality shine through. If you are performing a script, it is pertinent that you would have already memorized all your words. Thank the directors for their time as you leave.

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

Stag Weekends Invitations Should Not Be Delayed

You want to plan a fabulous stag weekend break for your best friend and so you are considering different suggestions that can spice up the trip. Well, there is nothing surprising about it. Everyone wants to make something special in the stag weekends of their friends. If you want to do so, you need to plan everything for the trip perfectly. When you want to get the best experience from the trip, you should take care of some of the essential steps for planning the tour. Always remember that arranging the activities or the destination for the trip is not all. There are several intricacies of arranging a trip that you need to know for making it successful.

When you are planning for the stag weekends for any of your friends, you should be careful about the basic formalities of the trip. If you do not keep in mind the basic formalities for the trip, it will not be possible for you to make the tour memorable in spite of including some of the best activities. One of the major formalities that you should never forget to maintain is sending the invitation for the trip in the right time.

In many cases it has been found that people make unnecessary delay in sending the invitation for the party. And in doing so, they make people feel a little offended. Sometimes it happens that few friends cannot join the party as they have received the invitation in the last moment and have fixed some other appointments on that day. Therefore, if you want to ensure a smooth and entertaining arrangement of the party, you should send the invitations as soon as you have planned for the trip. Inviting friends for the stag weekend is not a very easy task, so you should always take proper care of the work.

When you organize the trip, you need to ensure that you have invited every friend. You should invite the groom at first. He is the center of attraction and for him you are planning the party. Therefore, you should invite him before anyone else. When you are making the list of the invitees, you should discuss the names with the groom. He can give you the best idea regarding whom you should invite for the stag night and who should be left out. One thing that is to be kept in mind while sending the invitations is, you should never invite someone whom the groom does not like. You should never call a rival or a critic of the person for whom you are planning the party. It can ruin the charm of the party.

In spite of making discussions on the names of the people whom you are considering to invite for the party, it might happen that you miss some of them. It can later give rise to an embarrassing situation. Therefore, do not take any such chances. Make a list of the people whom you want to invite for the party. After making the list of the people, you can organize the work easily. Invite your friends and mark their names to ensure that you have left out none.

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

10 Exciting Adventures for 4 to 8 Year Olds

4 to 8 year olds can be a demanding audience to entertain. Here are some mini-adventures that will keep them entranced.

1. Sit them on your lap and let them drive your car. Have sudden bursts of speed and prepare to be deafened by the squeals of delight. (Health and safety: In no way is this suggestion intended for public roads. You retain the right to grab the steering wheel at any time).

2. Go camping. Always a winner. Pretend you don't know how to put the tent up. Let them burn the sausages over the camp fire (you must have a real fire). Gaze at the stars. Just as they're falling asleep ask if they heard that strange noise outside... Have some sizzling bacon ready for when they wake up and then have an adventure

3. Make something. Getting their hands on DIY tools (with supervision obviously) really excites boys. Repairing or ideally building something grabs their attention and gives them a real sense of achievement.

4. Start a water fight and make sure you lose. Pick a warm day and have the hose, water pistols, buckets, balloons filled with water etc. ready. Aim for everyone to get soaked through.

5. Play a practical joke on their mother. Again the excitement this generates is incredible. Water balloons are always going to succeed. Another great idea is to be seen handling a particularly treasured ornament and then smashing an old chipped glass or cup. The reaction and realisation are both sweet moments.

6. Go to the zoo together. A great adventure especially if the zoo lets the kids handle insects. Build the excitement by getting them to draw the animals they most want to see. Let them run wild and try and keep up.

7. Prepare a treasure hunt. Plant a series of clues and make some of them seem unpleasant e.g. there's a clue in this bag of worms (which is really cold spaghetti). Have lots of mini rewards and then a final treasure prize.

8. Kids love exploring attics, especially grandparent's attics. Finding old toys and books that their mother/father played with gets them going. Discovering old photos has the same effect.

9. Kitchen antics. Making pasta is messy enough for plenty of fun. Using a pasta machine to make tagliatelle adds to the entertainment. Making their own fillings for ravioli also works wonders.

Melting chocolate and mixing in cornflakes or rice crispies will get faces covered in chocolate and smiling kids. Making muffins, especially chocolate chip ones is always a treat too.

10. Is there anything more exciting than waking up to fresh snow? Get the sledges out, build the biggest snowman, have a snowball fight and if there's enough snow make an igloo.

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

Party Supply - Things You Should List

Party is fun and happy moment for you and the guests. Thus, a great party is started with well planned and perfect organized basic party supplies. Before you throw a party, you should write down all the essential things you need. No matter the type of bash you will held, you must create a list of bash supplies to have remarkable celebration.

Preparing birthday party is easy but not that easy. Many things you have to set up, such as the cake, the invitation cards, decoration and maybe games' reward. The initial step before you arrange the celebration, determine the bash is for who and the age group of the guests. It is crucial to prepare the foods and drink that you will serve within the celebration.

First of all, decide the guests you will invite. It is important to avoid any uninvited or unexpected guests that may come to ruin your special day. In this case, make an appropriate invitation that match with the event. You can design it by yourself or buy the ready-to-use invitations cards.

Then, if you like to make games during the bash, just plan it well. Get all items you need for games, such as the stuff you will need to perform the game and may be the reward for the winner. You must think hard of this part. So, your guest who participate the game, will not disappointed.

For you who plan to have costume party, decide the theme, location and invitation cards. Ensure all things that related to the theme are prepared. Do not forget to inform the guests about the costume, and the theme. So, they will not do any mistake while attending your bash.

The last but not least thing for party you should set up is decoration. Make sure the adornment you choose match with the theme you pick. So, your party's ornament will look so beautiful and not contrast. Since bash is enjoyable for everyone, you have to prepare all the stuffs well to make it unforgettable.


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

Using the Couple's Home As a Venue With a Marquee Tent

Marquees come in many different shapes and sizes and can be used for almost any function. Some tent hire companies offer a free site survey. They come out to your establishment and plan everything for your day. The exact placement of the tent, parking and general layout are looked at. Garden features such as ponds, plant borders and statues can also be incorporated into the layout of the tent placement.

Lighting and colored gel overlays will create a beautiful look to any theme. They can light up your favourite features in your garden to have it blend in with the theme of your function.

The bride can also use the same colors as the bridesmaids' dresses in the interior lining of the tent to have the colours flow through the whole function.

Flowers work beautifully with a marquee tent. It gives for a very classic, elegant look that can compliment any bride. Flower balls can be clamped to the poles or suspended from the roof of the tent.

Having the catering done outside as opposed to a closed building lends itself toward a more calm, relaxed atmosphere where guests can really get to know each other and enjoy the evening together. Many types of outside catering can be done from sit down dinners to spit braais to chocolate fountains. There can either be a separate catering tent attached to the main tent or if the tent is big enough it can have it all under one roof.

Some tent hire companies run a computer program that can design the complete layout for the evening, from the table setting and shaping to the flowers and lighting placing, also the dance floor, toilets and access points.

There are basically two different two main types of marquee structures that you can use for your outdoor function.

The Traditional Radial Tension Roof is perfect for brides where space is not an issue. They are very large on the inside and the supporting poles can be decorated with flowers to make it a beautiful feature instead of just a pole.

The Clearspan Marque is a modular structure with no ropes. They are more versatile then the traditional tent as they can be set up vertical to each other where a traditional tent cannot.


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

Leeds Weekend: People Take This Route To Enjoy Their Day

If you were actually looking for some information on Leeds weekend, you will be happy to know that right now you are reading exactly the correct kind of information that will actually make it easier and simpler to decide your plans your weekends. Over the years, it has been witnessed, this type of celebration has gained momentum. There are few reasons for it. Firstly, these days' people like to marry late in their life. And when they decide to marry, they want entire world to know this. That is the reason you find them indulging into events like this.

Seeing a steep growth in demand for these events, more and more service providers are joining the race. That is the reason you will find them coming with latest type of packages which can suit individual taste of customers. Some of the most popular packages normally include:

Cheltenham Racing Weekend

The Prague Deal

Shoot Off To Edinburgh

Benalmadena Weekends - Fascinating Splendor At Its Best

Bournemouth Rocks

Shoot Off to Newcastle

Bristol Bargain

Benalmadena Fiesta Weekends

Bournemouth Offer Weekend

Guns, Wheels & Water

The Amsterdam Deal

Rage Buggies, Bikes & Boogie

Benalmadena Weekends - Don't Miss These

Next time you think of celebrating weekends in Leeds, you should wisely select one of these packages. When you choose any of the above packages, you will find an opportunity to take part in activities of diverse nature. Some of the activities that often find favor with individuals include:

Blindfold Driving

VIP Lap Dance Entry

Lap Dancing Club Entry

VIP Lap Dancing Club Entry

2 Nights Mid Range Hotel

Guided Bar Tour

There are people who think finding information about these packages would be a daunting task for them. Perhaps they aren't aware of those techniques by which you can succeed in collecting a huge data within seconds. This is all possible at a time when you are still seated in cool comforts of your home.

For instance, if you are looking for paintballing in Leeds, all that you required to do is take help of a local or national newspaper that comes to your house each day. After you have finished reading your article, you should religiously devote few minutes each day to go through numerous adverts that keep on arriving in these newspapers. It is from these adverts that you shall succeed in collecting very vital information like website address, email address, postal address, contact number, helpline number etc. You can conveniently use them and collect necessary information


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

Organize Your Outdoor Events Better - Convenient Picnic Tables

The warm morning sun of the summer months or the cool breeze in the evening often makes people want to sit in the outdoors. Sitting inside the house in the air-conditioning or heating for hours altogether can be stifling as the body yearns for fresh air. Also, it is fun to organize some events outdoors at times that offers much more space and freedom to people to move about, say in a community park. There is a requirement of the appropriate seating arrangements for that purpose. Benches are not sufficient for that purpose, as there is a need for comfortable seating that can accommodate many people, allow them to sit comfortably and also enjoy some snacks and drinks, during the event. Commercial picnic tables are useful for such events and can be placed at parks, schools, community areas and so on. They can also be used at places like theme parks, eating joints and other such places. In fact you can place a picnic table in your own backyard for the family and friends to comfortably sit in the outdoors as they enjoy snacks and games in the sun. They also make any place look more pleasant and inviting. If you need picnic tables for any of the above reasons, here are some tips that might help you.

Picnic tables are available in a variety of sizes, shapes and materials. So, the question is what are your needs? Say, you need picnic tables for regular events that are organized in your apartments, which can be removed after the event. It would be good to opt for recycled plastic picnic tables for this purpose, as they are light, portable, attractive, durable and affordable as well, thus being perfect for such events. The tables should offer more space to accommodate all the people. For children, there is a greater variety that you can choose from as there are picnic tables available in bright attractive colors, in recycled plastic that are resistant to vandalism to some extent as they are strong and durable.

On the other hand, if you want a table to be placed in your backyard, you might prefer a table of a smaller size that doesn't occupy too much space and leaves enough space for roaming around as well. The style and appearance of the table assumes more importance in this case as it is placed in your garden and should go well with the décor of the garden area, or rather beautify it further. Wooden tables are quite affordable and also look good in the garden area. On the other hand, plastic tables offer more variety in terms of color and offer more durability. You can choose among a range of designs, depending on what looks ideal with your space.

Cost is another essential factor. To get the best price for the kind of commercial picnic tables that you are looking for, it is better to do a bit of shopping around. You can find a far greater variety on the Internet, as compared to visiting convenience stores for this purpose. Moreover, you can check out the variety and compare between the prices that various companies are offering at your home itself.



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

Send Invitations With Wireless Internet

If you were to have a big winter holiday party this year, and you wanted to invite not only your closest friends and family, but your neighbors, work buddies, and acquaintances as well, could you imagine having to find out everyone's personal home addresses so that you could send invitations through the regular mail? Today, to those who are generally under the age of 40, doing so seems like an absolutely absurd waste of time. Why spend so much time doing an incredibly large amount of unnecessary work when you could simply log onto your wireless Internet account in your home, and send all of your friends the invite via email or even through a social networking website like Facebook? Sure, you might have to break out the ole Rolodex (or just look up their numbers in your 4G phone's contacts section) to inform your Great Aunt Rhonda and that elderly couple from your church about the big get-together. But for the most part, everyone you know, and these days the mothers of everyone you know as well, has some kind of way to get in touch with them online. It is really incredible when you think about how easy to get in touch with people it is these days, and how you might have access to 1500 pictures of your high school boyfriend without even being sure of what state he is living in at the moment. But concerns about the ever-receding limits of Americans' personal privacy in the age of wireless Internet aside, for the purposes of throwing your party, this instantaneous connectedness is a good thing indeed.

Not only will it be easier than ever to let people know about your party by sending out online invitations, but it will be cheaper, too! Now, you do not have to go buy some kind of stationary, spend time designing it, and then have 100 copies printed out. You will not have to buy 100 envelopes, and 100 stamps. You will not have to take the time to go to the post office, or deal with invitations that get rejected and send back to you in the mail! This way you can spend more money on the things that make every party great - plentiful food and quality alcohol. So keep the change saved, and buy vegetables for another veggie & dip platter, or upgrade from Bud Light to Sam Adams - you will not miss the old days of snail mail for a second!

Another great thing about doing online invitations is that you can make official e-vites that allow you to manage RSVPs more easily than ever. Instead of having to depend on people to call you or send back a response through the mail, all they have to do is take 20 seconds to confirm whether or not they are attending. As long as they have access to wireless Internet, they can take care of letting you know in a few seconds on their 4G phones! Other potential guests can also see who is attending, which is always fun!


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

Tips On Purchasing A HDTV For The Bedroom

If you are wondering, why there is a difference between purchasing a HDTV for the bedroom than other rooms there are several differences to compare. The viewing angle, the size, plasma vs. LCD, the space you have and more.

First, the viewing angle while lying in bed is certainly different from the viewing angle that is needed for the entire family to enjoy a movie. When looking for a HDTV for the entire family, you must ensure that no matter where someone sits in the room, they will be able to see a crisp clear image, in the bedroom you only need to view the screen from the bed, in most cases.

What this means is that you can even purchase a plasma set for the bedroom, as you will be able to view the screen easily as it will be front of you instead of at an angle. On the other hand, if you are going to position the HDTV in the corner and you will be watching from an angle, then you need an LCD. Plasma TV's will not be as clear from an angle as an LCD.

You must also look at the distance you will be viewing from to ensure you purchase the right size set. The best viewing options are 1/3 the size of the set. Therefore, if you purchase a 25 inch HDTV, the best viewing is just a tad over 8 feet.

You should also decide the space you have and if you should mount the HDTV on the wall, place it on the dresser, or if you will need to purchase a stand for the TV set.


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

4 Great Tips and Ideas For Thanksgiving This Year

The months of November and December can be quite tricky in terms of juggling different responsibilities with two major holidays in such close proximity of each other. Invitations need to be sent, menus need to be finalized, table settings decided, music play lists prepared and gifts need to be bought. Its funny how you often end up needing a holiday after entertaining on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Use these simple, yet effective tips and ideas to make life this season more enjoyable for everyone.

Delegate
If you're one of those people who cannot depend on others to match your level of perfection, now's the time to change. The holidays are more about memories and fun, and less about you running the show. Assign tasks to friends and family before the day itself, and with a little genuine flattery you're bound to get affirmative results. Complement your aunt or uncle on their turkey carving skills and request them not only to do the honors this season but to also bring along their carving knife. This 'strategy' can also be applied to saying grace, helping out in serving food and clearing the table as well.

Different Areas For Different Activities
Take some time to plan a layout for the holidays, especially if you're inviting a lot of people. Designate an area for drinks, an area for children to play games, another for snacks and so on. This will help prevent people from falling over each other and any unwelcome accidents. You can usher people towards these designated areas as soon as you have welcomed them into your home, ask them to think of your home as their own and to help themselves. Remember, this season is about doing only what's absolutely necessary.

Adaptable Decor
Use the same tablecloths, dining center pieces, candles and other accessories for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Use trims, ribbons, and a few other differently colored items to change the decor from a fall Thanksgiving theme to a wintry Christmas one. For example, you could use orange and dark brown ribbons to decorate the table cloth for Thanksgiving and use red and silver to entirely change the look for Christmas.

Leftovers
Do not bother about cooking for a day or two after the holidays. There are inevitably plenty of leftovers and make sure you have enough left after the customary take-away packets offered to guests. Use simple recipes, basic ingredients and a grill to change the Thanksgiving turkey into some delicious comfort food which you all can enjoy with your feet curled up on the couch.



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

Get Your Cocktail Party Planning Into High Gear To Introduce a Special Friend to Others

Cocktail parties are the perfect answer when interesting people and conversation, mingling, good food and drink are your party planning objectives. Clever cocktail party planning can achieve all of these with some good planning and a little effort.

Some of the critical secrets to great cocktail party planning are:

Invite interesting people who like to mingle and talk.
Stage your food and drink so people need and want to move around.
Plan 6-8 really tasty, but easy to eat, canapés.
Engage your guests in the party and with other guests through a fun ice breaker.

The Guests are the Key Ingredient

Cocktail parties are the ideal avenue in which to introduce new people to a group of others. Choosing the right guests is critical however. If you want to introduce a friend from out of town, your boss, an important client, or even your new love to people you want them to know, consider these points:

Invite guests who like to talk and have something interesting to say.
Don't invite guests who tend to incite arguments or unnecessarily heated debates.
Let your guests know a little about your special guest in advance.
If it is important for your special guest to meet and mingle with specific people, let them know and be sure they get introduced to each other.
Keep your eye on your special guest throughout the evening.
Consider asking a trusted and close friend to be a "shadow" to your special guest. If they wind up alone or with an empty glass, they can help.
Send out invitations at least three weeks in advance, if possible, and get commitments from people that they will be attending. This may take some phone calling. But...it's critical for your cocktail party planning process, and more importantly, for the mix and mingle factor so important to a great cocktail party.
You want to invite enough people to make your house feel full, but not stuffed.

Mix and Mingle Logistics

Great cocktail party planning allows and encourages guests to move around and meet new people. Staging your food and drink strategically can help this. Place your food and drinks around the party area so they are easy to get to and require people to seek out the goodies you have prepared... and other people.

Wine and wine glasses can be place on a sideboard. Punch or a specialty drink can be served from a dining table or side buffet. Soft drinks, ice, liquor, and garnishes need to be near the kitchen. Be sure to have lots of beverage napkins wherever you have food or drink also.

Place small plates of nuts and candy around the house. Use your cocktail table for two of your canapés. Place the other canapés in places where you want your guests to wander - a living room end table, the dining table, on a porch, poolside, or on the balcony. If you have a kitchen pass-through or an open counter between the kitchen and the living area, that's ideal for a hot canapé that will need replenishing.

A logistic plan like this will keep the party and the party goers moving and mixing. Another tip to save your furniture and make it easy on your guests is to place coasters around the house. They make it easy to set down a glass and get a tasty mouthful.

If you plan to have hired help, first get a bartender. You'll need one for about every 50 guests. If you choose to have servers also, have them remove dirty napkins, canapé plates (if you use them,) and empty glasses. If your home or apartment is going to be a tight squeeze with all of your guests, consider having the canapés passed by the servers. This will reduce mixing and mingling however.

Tasty Canapés are a Hit

6-8 really special canapés are better than a table loaded down with chips, dips, and hard to handle munchies. Choose a variety of ingredients and make sure they can be picked up with one hand and eaten in one or two bites. Serve some hot and some cold. Plan for 10-12 canapés per guest. Here are some suggestions:

Hot canapés

Bacon wrapped scallops with a sherry and teriyaki marinade
Ramaki - broiled bacon wrapped chicken livers and water chestnuts
Brie bites toasted on savory crackers and topped with a dollop of preserves
Mini skewers with one chicken chunk and a piece of pineapple
Crab dip in mini cream puffs
Cheddar spread on toast rounds topped with mango chutney and crisp bacon bits broiled until the cheese is warm and a little bubbly
Mini quiche or savory tarts
Broiled blue cheese stuffed button mushrooms
Garlic mashed potatoes topped with parmesan and toasted hazelnuts served in individual spoons.

Cold canapés

Chilled cocktail shrimp with zesty horseradish mayonnaise dip
Savory finger sandwiches of egg, salmon, chicken, lobster, and shrimp salads
Fresh fruit kabobs on bamboo toothpicks - no more than three small colorful pieces of fruit on each.
Devilled eggs topped with petite shrimp
Peanut butter on savory crackers topped with dill pickle relish
Boiled and chilled half baby red potatoes topped with sour cream, caviar, and a light splash of good vodka. (Be sure to cook the potatoes in salty water)
Pickles, olives, and pickled vegetables (green beans, cauliflower, asparagus tips, mushrooms)
Sushi
Shot glasses of gazpacho topped with a piece of crab meat

Food ideas are endless. Just remember they need to be able to be eaten with one hand and in 1-2 bites and your guests will gobble them up!

A Fun and Not too Hokey Ice Breaker

Write an interesting fact about each of your guests on a self adhesive sticker. Leave the backing on the sticker and as each guest arrives give them a sticker with a fact about someone else on it. Ask each guest to seek out during the party the individual the sticker belongs to. Once they find the individual the sticker describes, they should hand over the sticker so he or she can place the sticker on themselves where others can see it.

This gives each guest a reason to seek out people they might not know, to mix and mingle, and once a sticker is displayed on a guest it gives everyone something to discuss with that individual when they meet them.

Here are some ideas about the kinds of interesting facts that will spark conversation:

Just returned from a trip to China
Won a sporting event recently
Has a new baby
Just changed jobs
Is moving to a new city
Wrote a book and got it published
Is a professional singer/dancer/musician
Ran a marathon in the last year
Has a vintage car
Loves live concerts
Collects coins/stamps/recipes

These are all somewhat gender neutral and "safe" topics to discuss with a new acquaintance. The idea is to give two people who may not know each other something interesting to talk about and have some fun with it.

Try a few of these ideas and you will accomplish your cocktail party planning objectives. You and your guests will all have a fun and memorable evening to remember. They may have a new friend or two also!

E. Ann Hill is a successful party planning expert and hospitality professional with many years of personal and professional party and event planning experience.

She has planned parties for a broad spectrum of guests and clients - from family and friends to national and international dignitaries.

She loves to entertain and wants to share the easy and challenging lessons she has learned with eager novice and seasoned hosts. Her goal is to instill the #1 objective for entertaining - the host should enjoy planning the party and the party itself as much as his or her guests.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=E._Ann_Hill

Dinner Party Etiquette: Food Allergies and Picky Eaters

A young woman that works for me showed up the other day and her face was all blotchy. She shared with me that over the weekend, a friend had cooked her dinner but had forgotten that she is allergic to nuts of any kind. The friend had used a nut butter to cook the meal, thus sending my employee to the emergency room. That's a horrible experience that no one should have to go through as a guest in someone's home.

If you like to host social gatherings, it's important to account for people's allergies and food preferences. Likewise, those of us with specific food issues should take care to inform our hosts ahead of time to avoid any awkward moments-or worse, a trip to the hospital! Below are a few tips.

Ask ahead of time if there are any food allergies. Your guests may not be able to ingest wheat/gluten, sugar, alcohol, meat, or dairy products. You should also take your guests' religion into account-for instance, some Jewish people avoid pork or shellfish, while many Muslims eat only halal meat. When I am entertaining, I like to ask my guests, "Is there anything you won't eat, can't eat, or don't eat?" Once I get the go-ahead I can start planning my menu.

Have a variety of foods available. Cousin Barbara is vegan, Uncle Jim can't handle dairy, and your husband is allergic to strawberries. Does that mean you all have to nibble on tofu? No! Just be sure to offer plenty of options that will appeal to everyone. For example, my friend has a wheat/gluten allergy and when you go to her home she always has crackers that are wheat-free as well as a wide selection of other crackers for people to choose from when we are eating the appetizers. And don't simply limit your vegan or vegetarian options to a side dish of corn or green beans. Try to have at least a couple of dishes (such as a pasta or gourmet salad) and appetizers so that your veggie-loving guests won't feel like an afterthought.

Don't take it personally. Even the most adventurous diner can be picky now and then. If you notice a guest avoiding your quiche because they don't like eggs, don't get insulted or berate them for being picky.

Be clear about your food issues. When you RSVP for a dinner party, politely let the host know if you have any allergies or dietary needs. Simply say, "I'd love to come. I'm vegetarian-should I bring a dish?" or "Can't wait. I should mention that I'm allergic to nuts-please let me know if that's a problem!" For instance, I personally don't eat ham. I will eat pork but I just don't care for ham, so I often have to let my hosts know. Also, I have low blood sugar so I am constantly asking my hosts not to prepare anything that has a lot of sugar in it. I know a man who doesn't eat pork for religious reasons and rather than ask his hosts to use separate grills or cutlery for meat, will bring a mini disposable grill of his own to barbeques so that his burgers don't get tainted. Just be sure to let your host know as early as possible!

Be polite. If you don't want to eat a certain food (or can't), don't treat it with disdain or crinkle your nose. It's rude. If you are a vegetarian, there is no need to scoff at the meat dish, and if you hate veggies, there's no reason to act like a two-year-old around the spinach. Just pass the dish on, or say, "No, thank you-I'm saving plenty of room for the potatoes." Don't poke at the food-that's what kids do.

Nothing ruins a good dinner party like a sick guest. Make sure you are serving food that everyone can enjoy. And if you are the guest with the food issue, speak up but be accommodating too. It'll free you up to focus on the great company!


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

A Fall Feast: Great Ideas for Entertaining at Home

In certain parts of the United States, the early signs of fall are already starting to appear. As children head back to school and the weather begins to change, more families begin to think about fall entertaining in their homes designed with A frame home plans.

A home designed with bungalow craftsman house plans provides the perfect backdrop for entertaining this fall. One delicious and easy cool weather dish is a classic pot roast. The great thing about pot roast is that virtually all of the prep work can be done ahead of time. Throw your favorite fall vegetables-carrots, onions, potatoes, celery-into a crock pot in the morning with your meat, broth and a little garlic and your will have a hearty and healthy dinner for you and your guests. Another great thing about pot roast is there are almost always leftovers.

Beef tenderloin with a creamy blue cheese sauce is a solid main course selection for your next dinner party hosted in your home built with a contemporary home plan. After removing the majority of the fat from the tenderloin, place it in a large plastic bag. Add olive oil, soy sauce, kosher salt, pepper, balsamic vinegar and fresh rosemary to the bag and refrigerate overnight. About an hour before your guests arrive either bake or grill to your liking. A simple blue cheese sauce can be made with heavy cream and fresh blue cheese on the stove. Check through your favorite cookbooks, as there are many ways to prepare this sauce. Again, by planning ahead and completing most of the prep work ahead of time, you will have more time to take in the fall colors and visit with your dinner guests.

Another way to maximize fall entertaining is to bring the outdoors into your home. Dried and fresh flowers, pinecones and leaves are a great way to decorate your table for pennies. These items can be stacked and layered in vases, or simply patterned down the table. If you are looking for a way to give your table a fall makeover, buying new fall-colored napkins is an excellent way to makeover your table without buying an entire new set of dishes.

When preparing your fall menu, remember to try your best to eat what is in season. Fall orchard apples make a great base for desserts from pies to cakes. You can also bake the apples and then serve them with vanilla ice cream or fresh cream. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar on top and you are ready serve.


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

Quick Decorating Tips for Thanksgiving

Psst...Thanksgiving's coming! Don't panic yet, you've got plenty of time. If you are looking around at your house, wondering how to create Thanksgiving - you are not alone in this feeling. Many of us are overworked and simply don't have the time to create a decorator style home for the Thanksgiving holiday. Fortunately there are some quick decorating tips that will make your home warm and welcoming for Thanksgiving.

Begin by clearing the clutter. Even if it is just scooping things up and putting them into the closet or into dresser drawers, that's okay. Guests will notice clutter in rooms and a clean room is far more welcoming for the holidays. Cleaning the clutter takes far less time than you'd think.

Try scented candles for affordable elegance. The key to using scented candles is to not overdo them. Try two or three of them in the room at a maximum and keep the scents complimentary. Pumpkin spice is an ideal scent for Thanksgiving. There are a number of other fall type of scents you may find especially appealing. Another excellent option if you have small children or super active pets are flame free candles. You blow on them to light them and blow on them to turn them off. Candlelight creates a warm glow that makes everyone look attractive.

Add fall gourds and mini pumpkins to the room for a great Thanksgiving look. This is actually a very inexpensive way to decorate. The biggest challenge is that some people will buy them too early and they go soft and gushy inside - and you can't use them. Keep them outside until a day or so before Thanksgiving. Then add them to your Thanksgiving table or the fireplace mantle.

Dishes and serving plates don't have to match to work at your Thanksgiving table. They do however have to be suitable for fall. Try fall colors or neutral colors like white, ivory, beige or bone. Adding heirloom dinner dishes to your Thanksgiving table is a special touch as this holiday is often about gathering family and this honors the older generations.


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

Bay Area Family Places to Play Indoors

While a lot can be said about the great outdoors, there's a lot of fun to be had indoors too. The Bay Area family has a lot of choices for some fun while away from the sun. San Mateo alone has three exciting options for your next family fun day. Here are some places to keep in mind when the weather turns cold and rainy.

Ice Center at San Mateo

Ice skating is an exhilarating way to spend your free time. Glide along the ice and enjoy the freedom of zipping around on skates. Whether your kids want to free skate, or join in on an ice hockey game, Ice Center can certainly accommodate your needs. It's a great way to bond with your kids, and get in some much-needed exercise. Saturday nights can also have a special treat in store for skaters - Ice Center puts on a laser light show, where colors dance to the beat of a live DJ's mixes.

Junior Gym

If your children love to tumble around, but aren't very interested in competition-level gymnastics, then Junior Gym is a fantastic place for them to have some good old indoor fun. This family-owned institution offers a variety of ways for kids to enjoy themselves, while promoting a healthy, active lifestyle at the same time. Warm and friendly instructors make kids feel right at home, and Free Play on weekdays is an especially fun treat.

Kids as young as 2 and a half to 3 years old are welcome to join play sessions with mommy and daddy, while older kids get free rein of what they want to do. If your kids are more into low-impact exercise, Junior Gym also offers a kiddy yoga class, which is another great way for them to stay in shape.

Peninsula Family YMCA

The Peninsula Family YMCA houses several exciting indoor sports programs for kids. Take part in basketball, dodge ball, and other such programs for some thrilling games and clean fun. You can also take you kids swimming.

Other than indoor sporting activities, the YMCA also holds regular family-oriented events. You can take your family to Bingo and Pizza night, for example, or compete in the Rib Fest and Chili Cook Off. Variety is the spice of life, as they say, and the YMCA brings plenty of that.


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

How To Prepare and Roast Pumpkin Seeds

Did you know that pumpkin seeds are very nutritious? It's true! They're high in zinc, protein, essential amino acids and have lots of minerals. They're also loaded with antioxidants and have strong anti-inflammatory qualities. Roasting pumpkin seeds is a fun family project for a fall day, especially when combined with jack-o-lantern carving.

Here's what you do... As you take the seeds out of the pumpkin, drop them into a bowl of water. To remove strings, rub the seeds between your hands. Then pour seeds into a colander and rinse with hot water (hot seems to work better at removing the "clingers and strings").

Dry the seeds thoroughly by spreading them on a clean kitchen towel to absorb moisture from washing. Then transfer them to a cookie sheet and bake on LOW for 2-4 hrs. Timing varies from oven to oven, but seeds must be totally dry or the seasoning won't stick, and who likes pumpkin seeds with no flavor?

Toss the super-dry seeds in a bowl with melted butter or oil and the seasoning of your choice (recipe below). Purists use just butter or olive oil and salt. But it's fun to try other flavors and you can use just about anything. Always start with the 4 tablespoons melted butter in a bowl - then add whatever seasonings you like. Experiment!

Basic Recipe: Toasted Pumpkin Seeds

1 1/2 cups pumpkin seeds
4 Tbsps melted butter or olive oil
Salt to taste

Optional Seasonings:
Garlic powder
Chipotle
Cayenne pepper
Seasoning salt
Soy Sauce
Taco Flavoring
Cajun seasoning
Whatever you like!

The seeds are so tasty sprinkled on top of green salads, and they make delicious, good-for-you snacks. I included them in party-favor bags for several Halloween parties when our daughter was little - put about 3 Tablespoons roasted pumpkin seeds into clear cellophane bags and tied with orange and black curly ribbon. They were a big hit with kids and parents too, since this is the season for sugar overload.

Be forewarned though - (I didn't realize this when I started making them) - one large pumpkin only produces about 2 cups of seeds, which doesn't go very far. What I do to get more without purchasing a pickup load of pumpkins is - a couple weeks before Halloween, I ask my neighbors to donate their jack-o-lantern "guts" and also pumpkins used for decorations. By now, most of our neighbors know I'm a pumpkin seed addict, and several of them just drop them off without my asking. :>

If all this preparation is too much hassle for you, you can also purchase "raw" pumpkin seeds at many co-op stores, farmer's markets, or via the internet. I have to admit that's much easier, especially now that our daughter is grown and we don't do much pumpkin carving. But in our family - fall just wouldn't be fall without roasted pumpkin seeds. HAPPY COOKING!


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

Knowing Your Dinnerware by Knowing a Few Things

When you are the host of a dinner party, your table setting is the first factor that will set the mood. Naturally, your guests have advance information that the party will be either formal or casual from your invitation, thus, will set their expectations of the dining experience to the right level. It's your table setting that will start the party in their heads going, so to speak.

Know Your Theme

So, the question remains: How do you choose the right dinnerware for the party? The answer is simply to choose based on the theme of the party! Since you are the host, you must set the party theme, search through your kitchen shelves for the right tableware, and then begin the work of setting the table from the dinnerware to the accents.

When the party is in celebration of the holidays like Christmas, it is only logical that Christmas-themed flatware and dinnerware as well as the table decorations must be laid out. You need not necessarily purchase dinnerware with Christmas trees, snowmen and Santa Claus printed on it since you are only trying to evoke the spirit of Christmas. You can use the colors of Christmas, for example, as an inspiration - red, green and gold motif on the dinnerware will suffice.

For casual dinners, you will want your guests to feel like part of the family without necessarily making them suffer through plastic eating utensils. Your mid-range dinnerware will do for the party while the kids may have the plastic ones in a separate table.

Know Your Guests

You may also want to invite a mixed group of guests - parents and their children, family and friends, business acquaintances and clients, for example. Your dinnerware and flatware will then be easier to choose once you know the guests who are coming over.

For example, if your guests will determine your career for the next few years, you will want to impress them with the dinner party. Your table setting will then include the best Oneida Easton flatware in your collection. Or it may be that the 5-piece Oneida Juilliard collection you have been saving for important events will finally be used on your first formal dinner with the future in-laws.

Now, if your guests are family and friends coming over for a casual get-together, you can opt for the stoneware instead of the fine china. Besides, there may be the little nieces and nephews being their naturally energetic selves and you want to spare the expensive dinnerware from such abuse.

Know Your Menu

Of course, you want to match the dinnerware with the menu. Formal dinners usually have more dishes from the soup to the dessert, which means that formal dinnerware with its typical five-piece setting is desired. Casual dinnerware usually has just 4 pieces to each set to account for the informality of the dishes being served.

Thus, formal dinners with a menu of soup, salad, main course and dessert will require a soup bowl, a salad plate, a dinner plate, a bread and butter plate, cup and saucer, and a dessert plate. Casual dinners only have dinnerware consisting of a salad plate, a dinner plate and a cup and saucer with the soup bowl and the bread/dessert plate as optional items.



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

How to Plan a Party in Your Kitchen

Recent decades have seen the birth of the designer kitchen. What was once simply an essential part of the household, has now become an integral part of the home's socializing area. Kitchens have become bigger and better, and their designs are becoming more considerate of the other functions a kitchen now needs to have.

Along with these changes, entertaining in the kitchen has become a trend. Many men and women recognize that cooking with friends or with your kids is a great way to bond and spend time together. It also gives generations a chance to pass down recipes or secrets. However, doing this can also lead to incredibly disorganized messes. So it is important to know how to plan a party in your kitchen.

The very first thing you need to do is plan the space where you will be eating or settling down once you're done cooking or while you're waiting for something to finish cooking. Many of today's kitchens have nice little breakfast nooks or a small dining space (sometimes an extension of the main counter.) Just make sure that this place is separate from the work area. Decorate it with flowers and place settings so that your guests do feel that a party is going to take place.

Next, try to get the work area organized. If you can prepare ingredients ahead of time, even better because this will save you cooking time, and give you more party time. Knowing what your friends are good at can also help because you can already think about who will do what. Alternatively, you can choose not to prepare all of these and just wing it. Sometimes it's more fun!

Third, try to plan easy to do dishes or choose to serve finger foods. These are often easier to prepare, and can easily be eaten along the way, should anyone want to take a nibble ahead of time. Some great finger foods include deviled eggs, croquettes, pigs in a blanket, canapes, and mini tacos. Also make sure you have suitable beverages, keeping water close by for those who are cooking more than the others.

Finally, remember to have a clean up station nearby. Next to the sink or on the counter of the sink is usually a good spot. Not only can you wash things off in this area, but you can also set up paper towels and rags. In the cabinet beneath the counter, or at the corner of the counter (if no cabinet is available) keep a mop and broom with adjustable handles that you can lean against the counter. Adjusting the handles to be short will help keep them out of the way and from being an eye-sore, but having them nearby will be a definite plus should anything happen!


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

Gator Football - Make Your Backyard the Ultimate Tailgate Party With an Outdoor Movie Screen

Don't want to sit in a crowded bar to watch the Gators play and you're tired of cramming your friends and family in every room of the house to see the game. Why not throw a real tailgate party in your backyard and show the Gator game on your own backyard movie screen.

With a little work and planning by showing the game on your own backyard movie theater you can easily turn your backyard into the ultimate tailgate party and the next best thing to being at the Swamp. All you need is an inflatable movie screen, projector and some Gator fans.

Here are a few ideas to make your backyard into the ultimate tailgate party:

Set up your backyard movie theater

You'll need to set up your backyard theater and it is easier than you think. First of all you will need a projector to show the game. You can buy, rent or borrow one and you are halfway there. You will also need a screen to show the game on. You can hang a white bed sheet against the house or show it on your garage door, but for about $200 you can get an inflatable movie screen and put it anywhere in your backyard.

Add a Theme

Although hot dogs and hamburgers are traditional food for a tailgate why not try to get fancy and have some fun by adding a theme to the party. When the Gators play LSU cook up some Cajun food and have Mardi Gras beads. If they are playing South Carolina you can serve up some chicken and when it is time for the Florida - Georgia game you can have some peach pie for dessert.

Keep the crowd entertained before and after kickoff

Show other games on the outdoor movie screen or play some Xbox or PlayStation games. Rock Band or Madden College Football will keep everyone busy and entertained.



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

Learn To Purchase First Birthday Party Supplies

If there is a new birthday coming up, then you may be wondering where to pick up some first birthday party supplies. The first party is especially important and will require many celebration type items. There are a few places where these items can be picked up. To find the best selection it may be helpful to check out a few different places.

Card stores make good places to find baby birthday items. They will carry a range of designs and patterns. There will be a section of styles to choose from, the one that a person picks will be based on their taste and style. If there is not enough of a certain pattern or design, more items can be ordered in for the customer to pick from.

Department stores will also carry birthday products. They will feature an isle dedicated to the birthdays of young children and babies. Shopping at a department store may be a great way to find a good selection of products, as well as Loot bags and birthday presents all under one roof.

An outlet store or discount venue is a nice spot to hunt for supplies. They will carry a birthday section that will include cheap party gear. Many people will find first birthday items here and notice that their prices are very low. The low prices often allow people to buy more products and have more decorations than previously thought.

There are certain items that are typical in first birthday parties. Banners are usually hung from a wall as well as on the front door of the house. These banners may have slogans that suggest it is a birthday party for a one year old. Banner colors can vary and their size can be small to very large and drape across a room.

A kids party will feature certain party items. Party plates and matching cups are typically made from a cardboard material and can be thrown out after use. With many patterns and first birthday themed colors and designs, there will be a style for every style. Table clothes and napkins can also come in the same colors and patterns as the plates and cups.

There are many baby birthday themes that are geared for the very first birthday. These themes may feature favorable cartoons or famous singing groups geared for young kids. Often a parent will pick a theme based on what interests the child the most. Often a first birthday theme will have numbers and bright colors as the pattern.

Picking out first birthday party supplies is a nice way to add decorations to a party. The cake may match the supplies and decorations picked. If a baby theme is picked, it is a good way to create a decorative space for guests to enjoy. A baby's very first party is a big event that should be shared with family and friends. Careful time may be needed to find the best supplies that match a person's taste and budget.


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

Tips to Make Your Outdoor Function Great

Organizing an outdoor function (marriage, party, get together) is a great idea. Everyone wants to be the best host, but if there are certain pitfalls whole of the function is spoiled.

So why not follow some best tips and be a great host. These tips are as:

1.) Permission

If you are organizing your function in some local park, you should have permission for having so. The permission will be about organizing the function in the park, about trash removal, about lighting, about photography, about noise etc.

It is very important to have permission first of all before organizing an outdoor function.

2.) Think of your guests first

Think about your guests. Consider the weather and then think about the outdoor function. Proper arrangement should be done for any season. If it is summer, there should be big electrical fans, tent to provide shade, ice cold water bottles and if there is winter season, you can have proper arrangement to that particular season.

Guests must be able to hear everything. It is not that you just enjoy your function, but guests should also enjoy the function. The place should be nice and clean, and speakers must be adjusted at proper places so that every voice is audible to every guest present.

3.) Plan for Wind, Sun

Make sure your tent will stand up to winds if there are any. The tent should be properly set, and if the function is during day time, ensure that the sun should be on the backside of the guests, and not in front of their eyes.

4.) Have Some backup Plan

You should have a proper backup plan, for electricity, and if it rains. If in the mid of the function, lights, fans are off, it will create a mess. And if it rains then also, the function will be spoiled. Why take a risk? You must have a proper indoor arrangement also. In case, at the time of function, it seems that rain will occur; you can change the venue and organize the function there. No fun of waiting for rains to come and spoil your function.

5.) Bug Zapper

Bug zappers must also be placed to ensure that guests are not offended and they don't even spend whole of their evening in swatting flies.

6.) Decorations

The function place should be well decorated. You must pay a visit to the site few weeks before so that you can check out the grass, flowers and other things. The place should look attractive.

7.) Trash Removal

Have proper arrangement for trash removal. The trash should not be scattered here and there. That will annoy guests and could also land you in trouble for not following the rules of trash removal. You can hire some trash removal company that will provide the services to clear out the junk and trash materials.



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

The Different Types of Karaoke Machines

Thinking about buying a karaoke machine? These machines have become very popular recent years, and now that they are affordable for most people, having one is almost a must for people who like a little fun, or just love singing.

As you probably know, there are lots of different machines and brands out there, and a lot of different prices, but what is a must have, and what should you look for when buying one?

Let me first say that there are many different types of karaoke machines. There are: various software for your computer, analog karaoke machines, and digital ones.

Perhaps the most common ones are the various computer software you can buy online. You simply install it, plug in your microphone, and you are ready to go. These products are usually a lot cheaper than buying a separate machine, and you get high value for your money. The only downside is that you will need to carry your computer around with you.

When you think about karaoke machines you probably visualize a box with a screen attached to it. These are the standard analog machines. The analog machines are the ones that require you to put in a DVD or VHS cassette, and the quality is usually no as high as the digital ones.

In this digital world that we live in, quality is getting cheaper, and high value digital karaoke machines can be bought for a reasonable price. The great thing about these is that you can download new songs to them from the internet, making it easy to sing what song you want, or find a theme for the fun night at a friend house. These machines usually require you to have a screen (TV, computer screen, etc) to attach it to.

Most karaoke systems come with microphones, but not all, so be sure you make sure a mic is included.

Before you go out and buy one, I have a few tips when it comes to getting good prices on high quality products. First and foremost, you must decide on a price you are willing to pay for your machine. Then I suggest you head over at amazon.com and check out the user reviews there. You will find almost every karaoke machine there, and it is easy to find a good one.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jack_C._Brown

What Is the Best Home Theater Furniture You Can Have?

When many hear the term home theater they immediately assume that one has a home big enough to build a miniature replica of an actual cinema hall. This may be true, but anyone can have a home theater in that it merely refers to a space or room in your home where friends and family gather to watch sports, TV shows, movies and even to play video games. You need to know what furniture to place in the room and also what factors to look into when purchasing.

The space available is one of the top factors to consider. This is because you need to know the size and also number of furniture pieces that can fit without crowding. You will also need to consider your furniture budget. You can purchase secondhand pieces or use what you already have at home if you cannot afford brand new furniture. You must also consider the number of people who will use the theater before purchasing the furniture.

The top home theater furniture pieces sought after are the chairs. You need to consider your comfort and also the cinema ambience and it is for this reason that many choose leather. You can also go for velvet and suede fabrics which can be designed in traditional and also modern designs, depending on your taste. Singles, doubles and trio seats can save on space in the home theater.

A favorite when it comes to theater chairs is beanbags because they are fun and also cheap. Be sure to shop around for what is cheap, hip and also good for your posture. Other furniture to look into is stands for your equipment like the screen, DVD player, discs, video game consoles, speakers and so on. You need stands to protect the equipment from damages while saving on theater space.



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

Hostessing Do's and Don'ts: From Beverage Dispensers to Dress Codes

There are certain rules that every hostess should follow. Many are just good ol' common sense, while others are things that might not even occur to you. Here are some of the big ones:

Don't:

- Bury yourself in the kitchen while you have people over. Plans sometimes get thrown off-kilter, but try your hardest to keep to a schedule so that you'll be able to give your guests as much face time as possible.

- Badger people about whether or not the food's okay. Chances are no one's going to tell you if your brisket is too dry or the brownies are underbaked, anyway, and preempting the issue will make it seem like you're fishing for compliments.

- Flit around from guest to guest like a hummingbird, asking again and again if they need a drink refill. Invest in a few beverage dispensers and point them out to people beforehand.

- Talk about dishes you were considering serving. There's nothing wrong with making things easier on yourself and going with something simple, like a tasty pasta dish or casserole, but your guests might not be able to think, "Yes, it is a shame she didn't serve that filet mignon."

- Brag. You might be a world-class chef, but your guests will notice and compliment you on their own. (If they don't, it's most likely because they know you know what a great cook you are, in which case you should probably work on your humility.) This goes for decorations as well. If someone brings up the lovely new tabletop accessories you recently bought, or the striking oil painting you did yourself, feel free to make modest conversation of it.

- Let a bad mood ruin the party. If you've been having a terrible day, try to set aside your anger and have fun. If you absolutely know you won't be able to get out of your funk and need to cancel the engagement, let people know as soon as possible.

Do:

- Have a variety of foods. Depending on the size of your gathering, it's wise to see who of your guests has diet restrictions (whether because of allergies or choice), so Sally can eat something other than the salad, and Harry doesn't go into anaphylactic shock when he tries the brownies. This goes for beverages as well. Keep in mind that not everyone might drink alcohol, so have several non-alcoholic options.

- Keep pets locked up. You never know who might be allergic or just deathly terrified of Spot or Fluffy. Plus if puppy get s too excited he might end up knocking over those beverage dispensers! Don't ignore your pet the entire night -- slip away to make sure he has food and water and give him a good scratch.

- Forewarn guests about any special conditions you might have. Not wanting children at a party is perfectly find, but let people know beforehand so they can arrange for a babysitter. Also let them know if there's a dress code. You might not really care if Alice shows up in jeans and a T-shirt, but she probably won't feel comfortable if everyone else is in their finest evening wear.


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

Choosing the Right Custom Bar Mitzvah Invitation

When the time comes for your son's Bar Mitzvah, you want every aspect of the event to be as special as the occasion itself. You probably already have a regular synagogue that you attend, so this part of the event is most likely already taken care of. It is the rest of the celebration that you will have to take extra care in arranging from the custom Bar Mitzvah invitations to the facility where you will have the celebratory dinner and party.

Every aspect of this important occasion in your son's life must be carefully planned starting with the type of invitation you are going to send out to those you are inviting to attend. The one thing that you definitely do not want to do is run out to the store and pick up the first Bar Mitzvah invitation you happen to see on the shelf. Not only is this not going to portray just how important this occasion is in your son's life, it will look very tacky to those who receive the invitations in the mail.

To show your love for your son and how important this occasion is to him and your family you should be looking for someone who can create custom Bar Mitzvah invitations for you. This will give you complete creative license to have invitations made that will represent your son and his interests, something that he will really appreciate. You might consider a musical themed card if your son likes music or plays a musical instrument.

The invitation you choose might include a picture of your son inside printed on one half of the information page and then the details right next to him or perhaps have a graphic image of his favorite instrument instead. The most important thing to remember is that this is one of the most important days in your son's life and the custom invitation you choose should reflect this. Pick the colors and images that best represent your son and you will be creating a memory that will last a lifetime, stay away from the cheap invitations in the stores at all costs.

When you are working with your custom Bar Mitzvah invitation creator makes sure that you have them make you a few spares for those last minute invites that were not on your original list, you can always hand print in their names when you send them out, keep one for yourself and for your son to add to his photo album or scrapbook, he is sure to appreciate it when he is older.


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

Have a Sports Themed Bar Mitzvah for Your Son

Who says that only girls are allowed to have themed parties for their Bat Mitzvahs? There is no reason why you cannot throw a themed Bar Mitzvah celebration party for after the religious part of the celebration is over. One of the great things about having a themed party is that you get to match every aspect of the party to the theme including the Bar Mitzvah invitations you will be sending out to everyone you hope will attend.

The big difference is that instead of frilly invitations, you will find that boys are more likely to be into some form of sports. If your son is an avid sports player you can use a picture of him playing his favorite sport as the main image for his custom Bar Mitzvah invitation. You can have the picture ghosted onto the invitation and then ask the card maker to use a really fun font to print the information about his special day.

You could go so far as to have the information listed in the same manner as a scoreboard might read and then have the front of the invitation emblazoned with either his favorite team logo or perhaps a baseball, a basketball or a football to complete the picture. Since you are having custom Bar Mitzvah cards made for your son, you get to choose the colors and this would be the perfect time to let everyone know who his favorite team is by having the invitations made in his favorite team's colors. If you order invitations that are layered, you can include all of the colors of his team.

As for the information that should be included on the inside, you need to list which synagogue the ceremony will be held and the time and date. You should then list where the celebration party is to be held, what time it will start and whether or not a meal will be served. You should also include a separate card that can be used for an RSVP so that you know how many people will be showing up.

Keep everything as simple as possible and make sure that you order a few extras as you never know who you might suddenly realize you forgot to invite. Don't forget to keep one of these custom Bar Mitzvah invitations for yourself as a memento of this important occasion. Even though you are going to keep one for yourself you should still have it completely printed as if you were sending it out as this makes it more of an exact replica of the ones that you sent out and lastly make sure that you save one for your son as well.


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

A Few Neat Tricks to Ready Your Home for Guests This Christmas Season

The holiday season is a time to remember the twin blessings of family and friends. And as much as many of us love having close friends and relatives inside our home, cleanup between visits and parties' causes stress that threatens to spoil our holiday cheer. Just how then will we make sure everything is presentable and still maintain our peace of mind?

Mom always reminded us of the benefits of planning. If there is something that you can do in advance do it. This will decongest the list of things you need to do on the day itself.

Master the art of fast cleanup sessions. There's no reason to clean the whole house each and every time visitors come and visit. Linda Cobb, a house organizing specialist and writer tells us "If it's not dirty, don't clean it". Get a basket and collect things that don't belong in the room, repeat this for each room then hide the basket in a closet for organizing later. Come up with a cleanup basket that carries all the items you need for cleaning, take this with you to each room you should clean. Clean only parts or surfaces that will be used or seen. Vacuum the areas the guests will use and place the pillows in their proper position. Do not agonize that you were unable to vacuum cleaner under each furniture piece, I doubt your guests will move the furniture around. To judge if the area is fit for company stand in its center and assess it like you're the visitor. Be sure to shut or lock the doors to rooms guests should not have access to. The coats and jackets of your guests must have its own place close to the front door, a coat rack can be setup or a closet emptied and assigned for use.

Get your washroom prepared for many visitors. You may want to invest in a new shower curtain for the holiday season as well as a bathmat as guests tend to spend time in this room. Clean the surfaces of the room efficiently, then put fresh flowers in a bowl or light a scented candle. Sweet smelling soaps and potpourri will prolong the pleasant smell of the room even with dozens of uses. Be sure you stock up on amenities like towels, soap and toilet paper for your visitors.

The outside of the home shouldn't be forgotten as guests see this first. Polish the front door knob and wipe down the door. Sweep the steps or pathway your guests will take. If there is snow or ice, make sure they are taken out so as to prevent accidents. It is recommended to turn the lights on if your friends or relatives are coming at night. Should your guests go to your house throughout the day open the window blinds or curtains so that from the outside the house looks more welcoming, the inside will also have more light.

As a final useful tip, combine some cinnamon and cloves in a pot of water if you have time, and simmer the ingredients till the house smells nice and fresh.

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

Different Options When Choosing Music for a New Years Eve Party

One popular option for providing music at your New Years Eve party is to hire a DJ to perform at the party. DJs are a good choice because they usually play a wide variety of music and have mastered the art of reading the audience and determining which types of music will appeal to them. Encouraging audience participation is another benefit to hiring a DJ. Noise ordinances should also be considered by the DJ. The DJ you decide on need to sign a contract to ensure he will comply with various regulations.

There is a cheap way of providing music for your guests at your New Years Eve party; be your own DJ or ask one of your friends to DJ the party if you have the correct equipment. An extensive CD collection is another requirement if you want to go this route; simply set the CD changer to play randomly. Changing the CDs throughout the night will keep the music fresh throughout the party. Another unique idea is to ask each guest to bring a few of their own CDs to the party. This way each guest can take turns playing DJ for a short amount of time. This is a fun way to provide music for your guests and will definitely ensure that each guest will hear some music they enjoy during the party.

Hiring a band is another option how music can be provided for a New Years Eve party. However, there are some considerations which should be thought over carefully before deciding to hire a band. One such consideration is the amount of space required for the band to set up and subsequently perform, especially when you plan on hosting the party at your home. As with the DJ, noise ordinances should also be considered when hiring a band for a New Years Eve party. This is especially the case if the party is to be held at your home. Another consideration with a band is whether or not they will appeal to the majority of your guests.

A further option for providing some music during your New Years Eve party is to set up a satellite radio system and attach it to speakers. By setting the satellite to station featuring upbeat dance music you can enjoy the New Years Eve party.

Renting a karaoke machine is another inexpensive option for providing musical entertainment for your New Years Eve party. This way guests will provide their own entertainment throughout the night. If your guests are willing to participate, karaoke can be a great deal of fun. Songs can even be along the specific theme for the New Years Eve party.

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

Preparing Your Home for Guests

When it comes to preparing for visitors in your home it can by exciting and overwhelming all at once. It is great to have family or friends in town, and it is a great break from the humdrum of normal, every day life. But if you aren't prepared it can also be hectic and stressful. Here are some tips for planning ahead of time so that you can have as an enjoyable time as possible.

First of all, eliminate the stress of meal times. Planning all your meals ahead of time can do this. If it is going to be a short stay, you may choose to have the meals already prepared and in the fridge or freezer. If it is a longer stay, just have a plan for what meals you want to make and make sure you have everything you will need. You could also plan to go out to some of your favorite restaurants, and you could ask your guest to plan a couple of their favorite meals.

Next, besides planning meals, plan activities. You don't need a rigid schedule of what you will do every single hour of each day, mostly a list of fun things you can do, and fun places you can visit. This will eliminate stress when your guests are there, and eliminate wasting time.

Third, make sure you take time to relax, even if the dishes aren't yet done. Make sure you and your guest have time to just relax and talk, play a game, or watch a movie. Don't spend the whole time so stressed out and busy that your guests feel like they're putting you out.

Finally, plan to not stick to your plan. Be flexible and roll with the punches. Things may not go how you want; a meal may not turn out. Be ready to fall to a back up activity, or order in pizza. The ability to remain relaxed and flexible, while also having a blue print of a plan will make your visitor's stay a welcome and fun one.


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

Thanksgiving Holiday Season and Family Time

The initial thing that most people ponder on when the holidays roll around is spending time with their loved ones and pals, eating wonderful food with kinfolk and mates. They are either starting or keeping their family tradition. There are a quantity of things that you can do as a family. In this article, I will give you a few ideas.

I take into account the greatest way you can spend time with your family over the holiday season, is to share kinfolk stories. You may possibly not be a "history buff' but to hear the stories about how your kinfolk grew up and the things that they did is so interesting and can sometimes be funny. That history can then be told to your kids and your kids' kids. I love hearing stories about my Grandpa's military history. It makes me so proud to know that he served our country proudly!

Do the smaller kids in your family members ever think or feel a little bit left out when all of the adults are in the kitchen cooking the meal? My children always feel like they are left out if they don't get to participate. One way that you can involve them is to find several coloring pages with fun Thanksgiving Day pictures. Tell them that the table just isn't festive enough and that you need them to make the placemats. They will contemplate like they are helping and they will have fun doing it. Be sure to tell the other adults who made them. Involve the smaller kids by asking them to go to the store with you to buy the groceries. If they are able to read, give them the list and a pen and ask them to cross of each item as you pick it up.

Members our family have a tradition where after the meal prayer, we go around the table and share something that we are thankful for. It is a neat way to hear all of the beneficial things that our kinfolk has experienced. It is also a beneficial way to start conversations. Another thing that always goes on in our family unit is a game of football with the bigger kids. As soon as there are enough players, they are outside throwing that football back and forth. They stay occupied for hours! These are some things we have done for as long as I can remember. You can try coming up with a new family tradition that your family members can carry on.

The holidays are all about spending time with your household. These are just a few ideas of what to do to keep everyone busy and get everything done. What ever you decided to do, remember to give thanks to God for all he has done for you throughout the year.

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

Comfort Sleeper - Being The Hostess Everyone Wants To Visit

Having guests in the house and attending them is a very responsible job, especially when you have a small house. But if you are prepared well to attend your guests and to give them full comfort, then it is really fun and pleasant to have them. The guests also love visiting such homes where they are entertained with love and care.

Whenever you have to attend your guests, on what points do you focus? You must be considering these things like to welcome them in a warm way, preparing good food and giving them good company to make their stay comfortable. Providing the guests with all basic necessities should be the responsibility of a good hostess. But what if your guest is coming for a sleep over and you have a small house or you don't have extra bed? You might arrange floor mattress or your living room's couch for the guest, but will this give your guest a comfortable sleep? Well, I don't think so.

Every household woman wants to be appreciated as a good hostess. No body would want to make their impression as a noncaring host. So how to make your guests make feel comfortable and at the same time make your house look spacious and roomy? The simple and practical solution of your problem is to get comfort sleeper. This will help you in accommodating your guests with out any hassle. It is better if you keep a comfort sleeper in your living room so whenever your guests come, you will need to just pull out the mattress from the sofa and transform that into a comfortable bed.

At times, it really makes the guests feel embarrass and uncomfortable when you make arrangements for their stay in their presence. This gives the feeling to them that they are being trouble for the hosts, and they might not visit your home again. So you should be prepared to accommodate them before their arrival. Comfort sleeper will give you the joy of a good sofa in your living room and guarantee of making your guest comfortable.


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

A Few Neat Tricks to Ready Your Home for Guests This Christmas Season

The holiday season is a time to remember the twin blessings of family and friends. And as much as many of us love having close friends and relatives inside our home, cleanup between visits and parties' causes stress that threatens to spoil our holiday cheer. Just how then will we make sure everything is presentable and still maintain our peace of mind?

Mom always reminded us of the benefits of planning. If there is something that you can do in advance do it. This will decongest the list of things you need to do on the day itself.

Master the art of fast cleanup sessions. There's no reason to clean the whole house each and every time visitors come and visit. Linda Cobb, a house organizing specialist and writer tells us "If it's not dirty, don't clean it". Get a basket and collect things that don't belong in the room, repeat this for each room then hide the basket in a closet for organizing later. Come up with a cleanup basket that carries all the items you need for cleaning, take this with you to each room you should clean. Clean only parts or surfaces that will be used or seen. Vacuum the areas the guests will use and place the pillows in their proper position. Do not agonize that you were unable to vacuum cleaner under each furniture piece, I doubt your guests will move the furniture around. To judge if the area is fit for company stand in its center and assess it like you're the visitor. Be sure to shut or lock the doors to rooms guests should not have access to. The coats and jackets of your guests must have its own place close to the front door, a coat rack can be setup or a closet emptied and assigned for use.

Get your washroom prepared for many visitors. You may want to invest in a new shower curtain for the holiday season as well as a bathmat as guests tend to spend time in this room. Clean the surfaces of the room efficiently, then put fresh flowers in a bowl or light a scented candle. Sweet smelling soaps and potpourri will prolong the pleasant smell of the room even with dozens of uses. Be sure you stock up on amenities like towels, soap and toilet paper for your visitors.

The outside of the home shouldn't be forgotten as guests see this first. Polish the front door knob and wipe down the door. Sweep the steps or pathway your guests will take. If there is snow or ice, make sure they are taken out so as to prevent accidents. It is recommended to turn the lights on if your friends or relatives are coming at night. Should your guests go to your house throughout the day open the window blinds or curtains so that from the outside the house looks more welcoming, the inside will also have more light.

As a final useful tip, combine some cinnamon and cloves in a pot of water if you have time, and simmer the ingredients till the house smells nice and fresh.


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

Different Options When Choosing Music for a New Years Eve Party

One popular option for providing music at your New Years Eve party is to hire a DJ to perform at the party. DJs are a good choice because they usually play a wide variety of music and have mastered the art of reading the audience and determining which types of music will appeal to them. Encouraging audience participation is another benefit to hiring a DJ. Noise ordinances should also be considered by the DJ. The DJ you decide on need to sign a contract to ensure he will comply with various regulations.

There is a cheap way of providing music for your guests at your New Years Eve party; be your own DJ or ask one of your friends to DJ the party if you have the correct equipment. An extensive CD collection is another requirement if you want to go this route; simply set the CD changer to play randomly. Changing the CDs throughout the night will keep the music fresh throughout the party. Another unique idea is to ask each guest to bring a few of their own CDs to the party. This way each guest can take turns playing DJ for a short amount of time. This is a fun way to provide music for your guests and will definitely ensure that each guest will hear some music they enjoy during the party.

Hiring a band is another option how music can be provided for a New Years Eve party. However, there are some considerations which should be thought over carefully before deciding to hire a band. One such consideration is the amount of space required for the band to set up and subsequently perform, especially when you plan on hosting the party at your home. As with the DJ, noise ordinances should also be considered when hiring a band for a New Years Eve party. This is especially the case if the party is to be held at your home. Another consideration with a band is whether or not they will appeal to the majority of your guests.

A further option for providing some music during your New Years Eve party is to set up a satellite radio system and attach it to speakers. By setting the satellite to station featuring upbeat dance music you can enjoy the New Years Eve party.

Renting a karaoke machine is another inexpensive option for providing musical entertainment for your New Years Eve party. This way guests will provide their own entertainment throughout the night. If your guests are willing to participate, karaoke can be a great deal of fun. Songs can even be along the specific theme for the New Years Eve party.


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

Preparing Your Home for Guests

When it comes to preparing for visitors in your home it can by exciting and overwhelming all at once. It is great to have family or friends in town, and it is a great break from the humdrum of normal, every day life. But if you aren't prepared it can also be hectic and stressful. Here are some tips for planning ahead of time so that you can have as an enjoyable time as possible.

First of all, eliminate the stress of meal times. Planning all your meals ahead of time can do this. If it is going to be a short stay, you may choose to have the meals already prepared and in the fridge or freezer. If it is a longer stay, just have a plan for what meals you want to make and make sure you have everything you will need. You could also plan to go out to some of your favorite restaurants, and you could ask your guest to plan a couple of their favorite meals.

Next, besides planning meals, plan activities. You don't need a rigid schedule of what you will do every single hour of each day, mostly a list of fun things you can do, and fun places you can visit. This will eliminate stress when your guests are there, and eliminate wasting time.

Third, make sure you take time to relax, even if the dishes aren't yet done. Make sure you and your guest have time to just relax and talk, play a game, or watch a movie. Don't spend the whole time so stressed out and busy that your guests feel like they're putting you out.

Finally, plan to not stick to your plan. Be flexible and roll with the punches. Things may not go how you want; a meal may not turn out. Be ready to fall to a back up activity, or order in pizza. The ability to remain relaxed and flexible, while also having a blue print of a plan will make your visitor's stay a welcome and fun one.


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