July 19, 2008
Fruit trays are a favorite at my school. I have become the preparer of the trays when the teachers get together for events. I really enjoy making them, but the crowd's opinion...
July 15, 2008
There's nothing more exciting than introducing a friend to a television show you love, and firing him or her with enthusiasm to watch more. Learn about what not to do when trying...
July 12, 2008
Graduations are always exciting, and most people are glad to hear the news about a graduation. However, there are a few ground rules to keep in mind when sending out graduation...
July 3, 2008
An elegant table setting can make your dining room or special occasion radiant. Spending a few moments on table presentation will allow you to create a soothing atmosphere for...
February 28, 2008
One of the most important elements of a dinner party is the music. Choosing the right music can make the difference between a successful dinner party and an unsuccessful one.
February 12, 2008
Whether it is sterling silverware or another sterling silver object, try these methods for cleaning and reviving your tarnished ware back to a glorious glint! Try these non-toxic...
February 7, 2008
Chopsticks are two thin sticks, usually made of wood, used by many oriental cultures as our fork. Learning how to use them is not as difficult as it seems, but you are going to...
January 30, 2008
Try spicing up your boring weekend routine by hosting a fabulous Hollywood themed party.
January 22, 2008
Smoothies are a great way to get together with family and friends, create and enjoy!
January 8, 2008
When cutting, chopping and mincing onions, the tears will flow unless a few simple precautions are taken.
December 3, 2007
This is an old fashioned recipe that has been passed down in my family. This recipe is for a large gathering.
October 3, 2007
This article will give you plenty of party planning tips to host a successful black and white party. It will offer ideas for decorations, food, music and anything else to help...
July 9, 2007
If you are looking to spice up a cocktail party or work event, introducing wigs as part of the mandatory dress code is a simple way to make things a lot more fun.
June 7, 2007
Some people make it seem effortless… they glide across a room and, after just a few words, have kindled a warm conversation. For the rest of us, however, starting a conversation...
May 9, 2007
Everyone likes to receive good customer service. And we can all probably recall times that we received customer service that was extraordinary. Here are a few tips to increase...
April 4, 2007
It was a bittersweet moment for fans of the Sopranos when HBO announced the final 9 episodes of the 6th season. Over the last 9 years (Madonn, has it been that long?!), we've...
March 15, 2007
The 2008 presidential election is still many months away, and yet the campaign seems to be in full swing already. Clearly, the next couple years promise to be a true political...
February 21, 2007
Planning that 'Oscar party to end all Oscar parties'?
The arrival. Doesn't the Red Carpet segment of Oscar night entertain us just as much as the awards ceremony...
February 17, 2007
Do you, like me, think that proper manners are going the way of the dinosaur? Do you think it's too late to teach your children proper manners? It's not! Follow the...
February 16, 2007
You've made all the necessary preparations for a soiree to remember - Cornish game hens, a peat fire burning unobtrusively in the fireplace, and the finest Washington State wines...
February 9, 2007
A chocolate tasting is much like a wine tasting minus the hangover. Well, that's not completely true. You get the kind of hangover whose symptoms include lying awake in bed...
January 23, 2007
The Super Bowl is one of the most-watched events every year. Football fans spend all season cheering their teams on in the hopes that their team will play in (and win) this single...
December 21, 2006
For a person with allergies, the hardest place to eat is other people's homes. As a host you can make it a little easier by following these simple steps.
Do a little...
November 28, 2006
Have you ever been to a party and seen a disco ball hanging from the ceiling? You might have thought to yourself, "I can't believe there's a disco ball here! It...
November 18, 2006
Are you intimidated by the prospect of decorating for the holidays? Does the thought of decorating your home for a New Year's Eve party so soon after Christmas have you down...
November 9, 2006
With all sorts of desktop publishing options these days, many smaller businesses are jumping on the bandwagon by designing and printing their own customized Christmas or holiday...
November 7, 2006
Few occasions call for a fuller table than Thanksgiving. Many times, there's barely enough room for all the food, let alone a centerpiece. But before the dinner is laid out,...
November 6, 2006
So you are looking to dress up like a pirate!? It isn't any surprise with all the recent success of pirate movies and memorabilia! Creating a pirate costume is fun and incredibly...
August 27, 2006
The wedding reception of a friend or relative is a very special day. Because it is easy to get caught up in the moment at a social function such as this, it helps to know some...
July 13, 2006
Tipping is a normal -- and often expected -- part of today's service industries, but as a consumer you may not always be sure who to tip and how much. Here are some basic guidelines...
June 14, 2006
Volumes of books have been written on the subject of etiquette. There are proper ways to conduct oneself when attending a social function, religious ceremony, social event or meal....
June 13, 2006
Using good table manners shows a respect for your fellow diners. Even in today's typically casual dining atmosphere, displaying good basic manners is necessary. Most of us have...
June 12, 2006
Funerals call for tact and sensitivity. It's especially important to be on one's best behavior and not act in a manner upsetting to the bereaved.
Upon receiving the sad news,...
June 5, 2006
These days it's not uncommon for couples to go out in groups or for dating to simply be casual. Still, you may find yourself sweating bullets when it comes to the do's and don'ts...
May 21, 2006
Moving into a new and larger home can often give the new occupants an empty feeling. The house literally feels empty. A housewarming party will fill the house with family and...
May 20, 2006
Wedding invitations might seem like simple little things, but how they are crafted can set the tone for the whole event. In fact, there are text books and manuals created for the...
May 20, 2006
At no time is etiquette more necessary than at a wedding. Because of all of the people involved, it's best to follow the proper protocol so toes don't get stepped on and people...
May 18, 2006
Etiquette refers to the conventional requirements of social behavior. Or in more simple terms, it means knowing how to act. Different situations require different types of etiquette....
May 16, 2006
Manners aren't outdated or old-fashioned. Having good manners allows people to see you in a positive light, which is desirable for all of us. Whether at work or in our personal...
May 16, 2006
Everybody loves a party, and kids are no exception. Festive decorations, yummy food, tons of balloons and of course, fun party games, help to make the day memorable. If it's...
May 11, 2006
Planning a party for children? You'll need kid-friendly food, a few games to play and festive decorations. Are you also hosting the party? In that case, you'll need a good...
April 29, 2006
As Americans, we're proud to hang our flags in front of our homes. It's not enough to raise and lower them, however. Did you know there is certain protocol to follow when flying...
April 17, 2006
In Hawaii, the word "luau" means "feast". Luaus are typically large parties where groups of family and friends gather to share good food and good fun. Hawaiian...
April 14, 2006
Email has rapidly become one of the most popular ways for people to communicate. Because some people are still learning the ropes when it comes to email, proper email etiquette...
April 11, 2006
A baby's first birthday is a momentous occasion. They've gone from not being able to hold up their own heads to a curious, smiling, chattering, crawling ball of energy...
April 11, 2006
Halloween is a great opportunity to go all out and set up outdoor decorations in front of your home. From glowing ghosts to scary ghouls, this is the perfect time to use your imagination...
April 11, 2006
If you're throwing a party, it just takes one trip to the party supply store, or one visit to an online merchant to quickly figure out that there is an astounding array of...
April 10, 2006
Planning Thanksgiving dinner for a small family gathering or a large crowd can be intimidating, especially if you've never hosted such a feast before. Here are some great ideas...
April 9, 2006
When you're a teen, nothing is more exiting than inviting a group of your closest friends over to spend the night at a slumber party. Of course, as a parent, the mere idea...
January 3, 2006
You can take turns with your friends hosting informal tea parties. They are best around 7 or 8 in the evening, right after dinner. It's an especially nice ritual because it's...