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Entertaining Tips

Whether planning a casual dinner or a gala event, you can always use tips on how to make your event a seamless success. Our experts share their ideas on planning everything from a casual dinner to a black tie event.

How To Keep Apple Wedges Looking Fine

 
 
 
 
 
July 19, 2008
Nora Scruggs's picture
By Nora Scruggs
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...

How To Get Someone to Hate a Television Show You Love

 
 
 
 
 
July 15, 2008
S. E. Smith's picture
By S. E. Smith
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...

How To Send Out Graduation Announcements

 
 
 
 
 
July 12, 2008
S. E. Smith's picture
By S. E. Smith
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...

How To Set a Table

 
 
 
 
 
July 3, 2008
By Cassandra Seveny
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...

How To Choose Dinner Party Music

 
 
 
 
 
February 28, 2008
Susan Keeping's picture
By Susan Keeping
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.

How To Clean Tarnish from Sterling Silver

 
 
 
 
 
February 12, 2008
Alicia Donatone's picture
By Alicia Donatone
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...

How To Use Chopsticks

 
 
 
 
 
February 7, 2008
Linda Mattoli's picture
By Linda Mattoli
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...

How To Throw a Hollywood Theme Party

 
 
 
 
 
January 30, 2008
Melissa S's picture
By Melissa S
Try spicing up your boring weekend routine by hosting a fabulous Hollywood themed party.

How To Organize a Smoothie Party

 
 
 
 
 
January 22, 2008
Casey Nicholson's picture
By Casey Nicholson
Smoothies are a great way to get together with family and friends, create and enjoy!

How To Cut Onions With No Tears

 
 
 
 
 
January 8, 2008
Marion Cornett's picture
By Marion Cornett
When cutting, chopping and mincing onions, the tears will flow unless a few simple precautions are taken.

How To Make Old Fashioned Giblet Gravy

 
 
 
 
 
December 3, 2007
Cynthia Willis's picture
By Cynthia Willis
This is an old fashioned recipe that has been passed down in my family. This recipe is for a large gathering.

How To Host a Successful Black and White Party

 
 
 
 
 
October 3, 2007
Melissa S's picture
By Melissa S
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...

How To Throw a Wig Party

 
 
 
 
 
July 9, 2007
By Matt Schnuck
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.

How To Start a Conversation

 
 
 
 
 
June 7, 2007
Brian McDonald's picture
By Brian McDonald
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...

How To Get Good Customer Service

 
 
 
 
 
May 9, 2007
Vanessa Raymond's picture
By Vanessa Raymond
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...

How To Enjoy the Sopranos' Final Season Premiere

 
 
 
 
 
April 4, 2007
By Chris Lau
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...

How To Discuss Politics

 
 
 
 
 
March 15, 2007
Brian McDonald's picture
By Brian McDonald
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...

How To Plan an Oscar Party

 
 
 
 
 
February 21, 2007
By Staff Writer
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...

How To Teach Your Children Proper Manners

 
 
 
 
 
February 17, 2007
By W.J. R.
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...

How To Create a Place Setting

 
 
 
 
 
February 16, 2007
By Staff Writer
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...

How To Host a Chocolate Tasting

 
 
 
 
 
February 9, 2007
Vanessa Raymond's picture
By Vanessa Raymond
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...

How To Throw a Super Bowl Party

 
 
 
 
 
January 23, 2007
Liz Smith's picture
By Liz Smith
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...

How To Host a Person with a Food Allergy

 
 
 
 
 
December 21, 2006
By Samantha Rufle
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...

How To Make a Disco Ball

 
 
 
 
 
November 28, 2006
By Staff Writer
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...

How To Decorate for a New Year's Eve Party

 
 
 
 
 
November 18, 2006
By Laura Spencer
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...

How To Create Corporate Christmas Cards

 
 
 
 
 
November 9, 2006
By Malcolm Tatum
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...

How To Find a Thanksgiving Centerpiece

 
 
 
 
 
November 7, 2006
By B. Danesco
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,...

How To Create a Pirate Costume

 
 
 
 
 
November 6, 2006
Casey Nicholson's picture
By Casey Nicholson
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...

How To Use Wedding Reception Etiquette

 
 
 
 
 
August 27, 2006
By Victoria Miller
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...

How To Use Tipping Etiquette

 
 
 
 
 
July 13, 2006
By Victoria Miller
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...

How To Use Proper Etiquette

 
 
 
 
 
June 14, 2006
By Deborah Ng
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....

How To Use Table Manners

 
 
 
 
 
June 13, 2006
Elizabeth Grace's picture
By Elizabeth Grace
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...

How To Observe Funeral Etiquette

 
 
 
 
 
June 12, 2006
By Deborah Ng
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,...

How To Use Dating Etiquette

 
 
 
 
 
June 5, 2006
By Victoria Miller
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...

How To Throw a Great Housewarming Party

 
 
 
 
 
May 21, 2006
Andrea Hermitt's picture
By Andrea Hermitt
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...

How To Use Wedding Invitation Etiquette

 
 
 
 
 
May 20, 2006
By Deborah Ng
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...

How To Use Proper Wedding Etiquette

 
 
 
 
 
May 20, 2006
By Deborah Ng
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...

How To Use Office Etiquette

 
 
 
 
 
May 18, 2006
By Deborah Ng
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....

How To Use Telephone Etiquette

 
 
 
 
 
May 16, 2006
Elizabeth Grace's picture
By Elizabeth Grace
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...

How To Play Kids' Party Games

 
 
 
 
 
May 16, 2006
Elizabeth Grace's picture
By Elizabeth Grace
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...

How To Buy Children's Party Supplies and Decorations

 
 
 
 
 
May 11, 2006
Elizabeth Grace's picture
By Elizabeth Grace
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...

How To Observe Flag Etiquette

 
 
 
 
 
April 29, 2006
By Deborah Ng
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...

How To Throw a Great Hawaiian Luau Party

 
 
 
 
 
April 17, 2006
By Carrie Grosvenor
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...

How To Observe Email Etiquette

 
 
 
 
 
April 14, 2006
By Victoria Miller
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...

How To Throw a Great First Birthday

 
 
 
 
 
April 11, 2006
By Carrie Grosvenor
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...

How To Set Up Outdoor Halloween Decorations

 
 
 
 
 
April 11, 2006
By Carrie Grosvenor
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...

How To Choose and Buy Party Decorations

 
 
 
 
 
April 11, 2006
By Carrie Grosvenor
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...

How To Plan Thanksgiving Dinner

 
 
 
 
 
April 10, 2006
By Carrie Grosvenor
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...

How To Throw a Slumber Party for Your Teen

 
 
 
 
 
April 9, 2006
By Carrie Grosvenor
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...

How To Host a Weekly Tea Party

 
 
 
 
 
January 3, 2006
By Danielle Chong
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...
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