How To Host a Dinner Party on the Spur of the Moment

How To Host a Dinner Party on the Spur of the Moment

By Gera Richardson

Some of our fondest memories are from social gatherings with good friends, good food and good times. Even if you're short on time you can still plan a great little dinner on the spur of the moment. It isn't hard to do. Here are ten tips to help you.

Tip 1--Know your Reason: You don't need a reason to get together on short notice, but most times you have one. Perhaps friends are in town for the day. Or you have a new HD television and want to share a movie with friends. Why should you know? You might want to postpone the dinner to have more time to plan it. But you don't have to delay. Impromptu dinners can make for the best of times.

Tip 2--Make It Informal, Simple and Small: I usually invite just friends with perhaps one or two new people I think fit in with the group. Plan on four to seven people (counting yourself) for a cozy gathering.

Tip 3--Do a list: Even if you use the back of an envelope write down what you need to do. Include memory joggers. With so little time you have to schedule and use it wisely

Tip 4--Limit the Errands You Run: Get groceries and supplies (including cleaning supplies) from a combination grocery and department store. If your meal is from a restaurant, phone in your order to be ready an hour before your guests arrive. Have it delivered only if service is reliable and timely. Otherwise, pick it up. Check that it's complete, but leave it closed until you are ready to serve.

Tip 5--Make Sure You have Enough Dinnerware: If not, pick up what you need with your groceries. Good quality paper plates, platters and plastic utensils are fine. Get the finest paper napkins you can. Your guests will appreciate it. I use the dinner size for meals and the luncheon size folded in half for bathroom guest towels.

Tip 6--Do not Fret If Your Home isn't in Perfect Shape: You're doing this on the spur of the moment, so your home may not be as organized and spotless as you would like. Do the college dorm stunt: put everything in closets. Vacuum, dust and fluff. Put dirty dishes in the dishwasher or in closed cabinets. But make sure to thoroughly clean the powder room or bathroom. Provide amenities: liquid soap, guest towels, toilet paper and a small waste basket. Before guests arrive, add an electric air freshener set on low. Spray your entire home with a mildly scented air freshener. Then close doors to off limit rooms.

Tip 7--Serve a Simple Meal: I set a simple table and serve meals that require little work or attention. (You'll need that time for other tasks.) Below are two menus I often use but feel free to develop your own.

Menu 1: Serve fried or grilled chicken from your favorite restaurant (allow 2-3 pieces per guest) with rolls or biscuits from there or a grocery store bakery (allow one dozen per 7 to 8 guests). Serve a comfort food like macaroni and cheese. It works well with chicken. I buy frozen family trays and add extra cheese (4 to 6 ounces shredded) after I bake them. Time them to be done thirty minutes before serving but keep them covered. Mixed greens with vegetables like carrots, spinach and radishes are readily available. Add your favorite chopped vegetables (tomatoes, onions, green peppers) from the salad bar or store deli. Serve with a variety of dressings. Serve dessert with coffee and tea. If the dinner is substantial, serve a light dessert like ice cream. If the dinner is light, serve something substantial.

Menu 2 Chinese Carry-Out: I purchase complete dinners for four or eight. I always order extra egg rolls and sauces (but I also keep sauces on hand.). I serve heavier desserts with this menu. Nice extras: fortune cookies are amusing and delivery is usually reliable.

Tip 8--Do not Sweat Cleanup: There should be little of it. I wait until guest leave and clean up quickly.

Tip 9--Complete your Preparations Early: Finish your preparations (including setting your table) at least thirty minutes before guests arrive. During that time take a quick shower, change into something comfortable, start your music and light your candles.

Tip 10--Relax and Enjoy your Friends: Last minute dinners can make for the best of times for everyone. So cherish them and their memories.

Gera Richardson Loves to entertain with family and friends. She is a gourmet chef and is currently developing commentaries on good food, parties and entertainment. Be on the look out for them.

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


http://EzineArticles.com/?How-To-Host-a-Dinner-Party-on-the-Spur-of-the-Moment&id=5877527

Image source: Google

How to Plan the Perfect Party- Insignia Productions' Ranee Bartolacci-Meir Shows You How (PL-I)

Guestlists, themes, food, décor, music, venue— with so many countless details that go into planning an event, it’s no wonder that so many people seek outside help when planning their special occasions…which is where Insignia Productions steps in. With past recent events including a pre-Oscar’s lunch with legendary filmmaker Quentin Tarantino to celebrate his eight-time Academy Award-nominated film, Inglourious Basterds, Insignia Productions Owner, Ranee Bartolacci-Meir is the go-to event producer for the world’s most exclusive fêtes.


As a luxury full-service event-planning firm, Insignia Productions specializes in intricate and inspired design, customized planning and the logistical production of all event types and sizes – from professional meetings and conferences to weddings and birthday bashes – based in New York City, the Hamptons and Los Angeles. Ranee builds a personal relationship with every client and manages each event from beginning-to-end. Ranee’s uniquely hands-on approach allows her insight into each client’s personality, resulting in events that are is carefully-crafted according to the client’s wishes, tastes and style.








How to Plan the Perfect Party—

Insignia Productions’ Ranee Bartolacci-Meir shows you how

From important decisions such as choosing the venue to the seemingly minute details, so much time, effort and organization is required for a memorable event, it is easy to lose track. Luckily, party-planning extraordinaire and Owner of Insignia Productions, Ranee Bartolacci-Meir shares her tips for planning the perfect party…



o PICK A THEME— Selecting a theme and the detailed customizing of your event from beginning-to-end will show off your personality while creating a one-of-a-kind event that your guests will be sure to remember. Remember: every detail counts— from the invitation, which will set the stage for your fête, to a truly memorable favor that will bring back memories of that special celebration for your guests.

o THE ELEMENT OF SURPRISE— Every party should possess that Wow! Factor, which is an aspect of the event that surprises and delights your guests, to truly make it memorable. Whether the surprise is as grand as an unexpected entertainer (a big band or famous comedian, just to name a few), as personal as a slideshow of old family and friends photos, or as glamorous as the star-style treatment for your guests complete with red carpet and photographers. Something unpredicted and unforgettable will ensure that your wedding, benefit or birthday party will stand out from the rest!

o MAKE A LIST— Before any planning gets underway, decide on an overall budget for your event, followed by prioritizing the event elements; for instance, food, drink, entertainment, décor, lighting, in addition to all other details that are considered essential for your event. Every host has distinct priorities and the order of those priorities is different.

o SCHEDULE SUCCESS— Throughout your event, make sure to keep everything moving continuously and exclude abrupt changes or breaks. Your party should follow an organized timeline and flow, which allows for all aspects to happen on time, according to plan and in a “natural” order. Whether it is the food, the entertainment, the lighting, anything…everything must be in synch. Your guests should be oblivious to any changes in mood settings that go on around them and focused on enjoying themselves. A natural flow and a detailed timeline will ensure a flawlessly fun event.

o BE A GRACIOUS AND FUN HOST— The most important of all! Be sure to meet-and-greet your guests and thank them for coming. Let them know how happy you are that they attended and that they have made your night special. Toast them! And remember, it is important to not be a nervous wreck and have fun. If the host is overwhelmed, then the guests will notice and that’s no fun. Dance and have a great time and let the event flow. If you see guests slowing down, get them off their seats, talk to them, whatever it takes to have them enjoy the event.

ABOUT INSIGNIA PRODUCTIONS: A luxury full-service event-planning firm, Insignia Productions specializes in intricate and inspired design, customized planning and the logistical production of all event types and sizes – from professional meetings and conferences to weddings and birthday bashes – based in New York City, the Hamptons and Los Angeles. Client specific, Insignia Productions works to fulfill the individualized needs of its clientele. Insignia Productions Owner, Ranee Bartolacci-Meir builds a personal relationship with every client, making certain that he/she is granted the necessary level of attention. With her team, Ranee manages each event from beginning-to-end— attending each meeting, ensuring that the chosen theme is carried throughout all aspects of the event and each component is meticulously planned, absolute focus is placed on even the smallest of details. Ranee’s uniquely hands-on approach allows her insight into each client’s personality, resulting in events that are is carefully-crafted according to the client’s wishes, tastes and style. With an extensive background in New York City’s event-planning industry, Ranee established Insignia Productions in 2008, inspired by her passion for working one-on-one with clients, helping to celebrate milestones and create memories. Recently, Insignia Productions organized and produced a pre-Oscar’s lunch with legendary filmmaker Quentin Tarantino to celebrate his eight-time Academy Award-nominated film, Inglourious Basterds. For further information, please visit wwww.insigniaproductions.com.

ShesDaily.com

Disclosure: the above publication is for entertainment purposes only. It is courtesy of Lawlor Media Group for Shesdaily.com. Image also courtesy of Lawlor Media Group.

Social Life Magazine Celebrates New Years with 2010 with An Exlcusive Preview Tasting of SIN Vitality Drink

Social Life Magazine Celebrates New Years with 2010 with An Exlcusive Preview Tasting of SIN Vitality Drink



Social Life Magazine



presents



New Year’s Eve 2010



Prince George Ballroom

15 East 27th Street



Thursday, December 31, 2009

9:00PM to 2:00AM



Exclusive Preview Tasting of SIN Vitality Drink

Open Premium Bar All Night



Tickets, $115


Live Countdown from Times Square Gourmet Hors D’oeuvres

Champagne Toast at Midnight Bottle Service Tables Available



Music by DJ Marvilous & Tyger Lilly



TO PURCHASE TICKETS, PLEASE VISIT:

www.sociallifemagazine.com/NYE

ShesDaily.com

The above publication is for entertainment purposes only. Courtesy of Lawlor Media Group New York, NY

Affordable Stylish Summer Luncheon

Courtesy of Skirt PR

Affordable Ways to throw a Stylish Summer Luncheon

Jenna Lowe, Lifestyle Expert for the Karen Neuburger brand has great tips for pulling off a beautiful party in your backyard or home with friends.



Jenna explains, “As a lifestyle designer, I’m always thinking entertaining in a way that will engage the five senses – sights, sounds, taste, touch, and smell. It’s important to keep all of these in mind, especially when throwing a party during the summertime.”





TOUCH: Invitations

“Picking the right invitation and themes for the party is very important as it sets a tone and keeps party guests on the same page of what to expect,” Jenna explains. “One of my favorite summer themes is High Tea at High Noon. It’s a great chance to bring girlfriends together to sample light hors d’oeuvres enjoy one another’s company.



A great resource for invitations is BeforeYourParty.com, a design-your-own invitation website. Hosts and hostesses can personalize everything on the invite from the color scheme to the font, artwork, and layout ($100-$300 for 50 invitations). Or, to save on cost, try sending invitations from a free online, invitation website like www.evite.com.”




Invitation available at BeforeYourParty.com



SIGHT: Setting the Table

“The table setting should be the main focal point to any party and take center stage. Create something whimsical and fun, and don’t make anything too formal. One way to do this is to mix and match tabletop pieces to create different looks. I’m obsessed with KN Luxury Home’s Willow tabletop line ($8-$32, www.bonton.com). The ruffled design is feminine and whimsical and all pieces in the collection are microwave and dishwasher safe. I also love KN’s Rattan Charger ($12) new Thicket 20-Piece Flatware Set ($86), which is adorned with a nature-like design, perfect for summer.”



SMELL: Fresh and Clean

“Scent is an essential element to parties – more than people think. Instead of opting for traditional flowers that don’t last very long., why not set up beautiful diffusers? They add color and great scents to the party. Try KN Karen Neuburger® 6-Pack Trial Reed Diffuser Gift Set ($20, www.bonton.com). The set features 18 reeds with 18 decorative and various scents including Pink Cashmere, Asian Pear, Warm Sugared Vanilla, Tranquil Oasis, Fresh Linen and Lavender Vanilla.”





SOUND:

“Before the party, create a fun mix of songs to keep the energy up at the party. Pick songs that really center around your party’s theme and don’t be afraid to mix genres or eras of music,” Jenna explains. Here are some of Jenna’s favorite picks for the perfect summer playlist:



The Beach Boys ''California Girls''

Red Hot Chili Peppers' “Dani California”
Lynyrd Skynyrd “Sweet Home Alabama”

Yellowcard “Ocean Avenue”

Sheryl Crow “Soak Up the Sun”

Violent Femmes “Blister in the Sun”

The Beatles ''A Hard Day's Night''

Sublime “Summertime”

The Wallflowers “One Headlight”

The Monkees “Daydream Believer”



TASTE: Flavorful Food

“Finger sandwiches are an easy, affordable, and adorable solution for food at parties. Simple recipes include cucumber and ham and cheese sandwiches. Pair them with fruit and veggies platters and my favorite Shrimp Dip (find the recipe below).






Jenna’s Shrimp Dip Recipe


Ingredients:

2 8 oz. packages of cream cheese (full strength, not light!)

¼ cup of milk (1% is fine)

2 tbs Miracle Whip salad dressing (not mayo!)

1 cup of Parmesan cheese

2 tps of crushed garlic

2 4 oz. cans deveined shrimp

¼ tsp of paprika

Sprig of parsley



Directions:

Put cream cheese, milk and Miracle Whip in a mixing bowl

Mix with electric beater on medium until soft, creamy and totally blended.

Add the Parmesan cheese and crushed garlic, blend

Drain shrimp keeping a little juice for flavor

Fold shrimp and juice into mixture

Taste again and then garnish with paprika and parsley

Chill for 1 hour

Serve with your favorite dipping crackers



TASTE: Delightful Drinks

“What better way to enjoy a warm summer day than with lemonade? Serve it in a beautiful glass lemonade stand and jar ($18, www.surlatable.com) and slice lemons to give extra color. Refreshing and totally chic – your guests will certainly go back for more!”





www.surlatable.com and KN Luxury Home Mocha Glassware Coolers, $26 www.bonton.com



TASTE: Delicious Dessert

“I love serving macaroons for dessert. Try Paulette’s Macaroons (www.paulettemacarons.com). They ship all over the United States and come in a variety of flavors and colors ($36 for 24 macaroons).”

SkirtPR.com


ShesDaily.com

Stiletto Twinkles

Its time to celebrate in style with a perfect fit. This lovely leather high stiletto, is sure to make a lovely and chic bridal shower party favor. A twinkle of shine enhanced by 3 little studs along the toe. This favor is wrapped in style in a lovely purse shaped box tied with a black organza ribbon.
Available online at Cherished Gifts and Favors


She's Daily Finds
ShesDaily.com