The Perfect Dinner Party - The Fab Five of Entertaining

The Perfect Dinner Party - The Fab Five of Entertaining

By R Ayite Okyne

I love to entertain and people always ask me what the secret is to throwing the perfect party. Today, I will focus on elements for a mid-sized dinner party for 6 to 12 people. Now, for any gathering to be successful, you will need what I call 'the Fab Five': Atmosphere, Drink, Food, Company and You.

Atmosphere

Creating an atmosphere for a successful event will include elements such as lighting, music, decor and any other elements that will enhance the atmosphere of any gathering. Focus on what the guests with see, smell, feel (tactile and emotional). Candles are usually a good idea, creating soft, forgiving lighting and hiding a multitude of sins! Music should not be too noticeable if you want to encourage guests talking, but just enough to create an ambience. Flowers can be a nice touch, but, really almost anything can be used to make great centerpieces.

Drink

Give your guests something to drink within 5 minutes of their arrival - wine, a martini, beer, champagne - just something! And always remember to have something for people who do not drink alcoholic beverages. Water and soda will not cut it! Get creative: seltzer with fruit garnishes is a very simple mocktail idea. (A 'mocktail' is a virgin, or non-alcoholic cocktail). You can find other mocktail ideas on many websites online. Don't have people drinking for more than one hour before dinner is served - your guests will either drink too much, or get too hungry. It's called cocktail hour for a reason! Have about one bottle of wine per guest and probably a little more red than white. According to Esquire's The Big Black Book - and in my experience - red wine drinkers will generally not switch to white wine, but white wine drinkers might not mind as much.

Food

Once your guests have drinks, have some hors d'oeuvres ready for them. Crudit�s with an assortment of dips are always a good idea, so is a fruit and cheese platter. But of course, you can make stuff as well. You are only limited by your creativity and how much time and effort you have available at your disposal. But don't give your guests too much to eat, otherwise, your painstakingly made dinner will go to waste!

If you are cooking dinner yourself, never, ever, try to make a dish you have never prepared before. Anything could go wrong. If you want to try something new, do a practice run first to make sure you can get it done the way it's supposed to be before you try making it for your guests. Also make sure you ask your guests if they have any dietary restrictions so you can plan your menu with that in mind.

Company

If many of your guests will be strangers to one another, invite people you think have something in common. That way, you are free to interact with all your guests without thinking you need to babysit anyone. And, for the love of all that's good, don't invite people who don't like each other or are not talking to each other! It's safe to seat people in boy-girl-boy-girl fashion, but I prefer to separate couples and place people next to someone they may not have met before, but will have something in common. And, next to them, I'll seat someone they already know, just in case they need an out, if my hopes for connecting new people didn't work!

You

Finally, you should plan your prep time so you can spend as much time as possible with your guests and not trying to get things done. You need to enjoy your party as well. Your guests came because of you. Don't drink too much, so you can be alert. Just be your charming self, enjoy your company and everything else will fall into place and be just fine.

Happy entertaining!

R. Ayite Okyne is The Lifestyle Maven - a style guru, epicure, lifestyle expert and cultural ambassador with a quest for the inspired life. He authors a blog http://ayiteokyne.blogspot.com and hosts a series of web episodes http://youtube.com/TheLifestyleMaven. Send your questions to ayite@thelifestylemaven.com and he'll be happy to answer them!

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4 Tips For A Perfect Dinner Party

4 Tips For A Perfect Dinner Party

By Cat Morgan

Top Tips for Planning a Dinner Party

There are several things to keep in mind when hosting an event in your home to ensure that your guests have a pleasant and memorable experience.

The first deals with menu planning. Be sure you've checked with your guests concerning any possible food allergies, whether they are vegetarians, and their food preferences. You'd hate to serve salmon to someone who detests fish! And serving nuts to a guest with an allergy to them could cause a reaction, and possibly a serious medical problem.

Plan a do-ahead menu, with minimal last-minute preparation, so that you can be a guest at your own party! Prepare one or more dishes a day or two ahead. Your guests will be more relaxed if the hostess doesn't spend the evening in the kitchen, and you'll enjoy it, too. Spending time with your guests is every bit as important as serving them a delicious meal and providing an inviting environment!

Consideration should also be given to the table decor. Using flowers or candles with a very strong smell can actually compete with the flavor of the food, or even irritate a guest who has a sensitivity to smell. For instance, star lilies in a centerpiece for the dining room might be inadvisable because of their intense aroma, although they may work in a centerpiece for an outdoor table. To be safe, use unscented candles and fragrance-free flowers.

A beautiful and enchanting centerpiece can become an impediment if the height prevents your guests from seeing over it. Be sure to keep your centerpiece at a maximum height of 16" to keep the conversation flowing!

When making a fresh flower arrangement for your table, be sure to strip all leaves and thorns off flower stems that will be under water to keep bacteria from growing. I have found that if I keep an arrangement in the refrigerator and change the water every few days, a centerpiece can last a few weeks (especially roses).

Don't underestimate the time it takes to set the perfect table. If you set the table the day before your event, you'll have plenty of time to look at it several times and make any necessary adjustments to it.

Letting your guests serve themselves from a buffet table will allow them to choose the dishes and the size portion that suits them, and food is less likely to be wasted. They'll also be more comfortable going back for seconds! However, rather than stacking the dinner plates, napkins and silverware on the buffet table, setting the dinner tables with them will create a more beautiful atmosphere.

Cat Morgan loves to find Home Entertaining Ideas on the Internet. One of her favorite sites has lots of party ideas, including complete menu plans for entertaining at home, centerpieces and table settings, and more at SimplyEntertainingAtHome com

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Choose the Best Super Bowl Party Ideas For 2011

Author: Ben

It is that time of year again. Super bowl 2011 is the next big "holiday" for a lot of sports enthusiasts out there. They all want a party to remember, of course they want that each year, but this year has to outdo last year for sure. Finding great super bowl party ideas are not as hard to come by as one might think.

Just throwing the same old "chips and beer party" can be boring. That may be all right for just a bunch of guys who like football, but what about the women and children? Guys have their man caves and that is fine for them. If the party includes women and children then there is a whole new dynamic and you'll want to plan entertainment for that scenario also.

If a back yard is part of the party location, why not rent a giant slide for the kids? Super Bowl party activities do not all have to center just around the game. Try renting a Giant Jungle Slide and keep the kids entertained for hours. That will make those football nuts happy since the kids will be occupied and not running in to interrupt their game.

Women (kids too for that matter) always enjoy Karaoke. This can be set up outdoors or in another part of the house. Karaoke is always great for after the game too. Although, beware…Karaoke plus beer can make a party a VERY long event!

If those football nuts want a way to work off those extra pounds they consumed in beer and chips, rent a giant obstacle courses and let them have at it. A 4 Man 7 Element Obstacle Course will give the guys a competitive activity that is fun packed. There is even a Lil' Tykes obstacle course that the kids can use. Once the kids see dad playing and laughing, they will want to join in, and Lil' Tykes is just their size.

The game may be the reason for the party, but after it is over there is still plenty of time for fun. Keep the party atmosphere going with Pop Noggins and get ready to laugh at the antics of friends and family performing in their very own video. This activity can be used by up to six people at a time. The fun never ends and guests will get a huge charge out of this activity.

There are some great Super Bowl party ideas. And the party hosts, these days have so many options to choose from: Outdoor activities to indoor ones, there are activities to please all the partygoers. The game only lasts for a few hours, but you'll want to plan the party to last all night with these innovative, fun ideas.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/drinks-articles/choose-the-best-super-bowl-party-ideas-for-2011-4022101.html

About the Author

When looking for the best Super Bowl Party Ideas, chip, drinks, and food are the easy part. Thinking of activities that will keep all the guests happy can be difficult to accomplish. For fun packed, unique ideas, many of which are mentioned in this article, try www.TexasEntertainmentGroup.com and let the party begin.

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Working on...Any Last-Minute Holiday Decorating/Party Stories? Celebrity Event-Planners Ranee Bartolacci-Meir and Mark Masone Share Their Expert Tips!

‘Tis the season for countless celebrations…don’t let the stresses of holiday party-planning turn you into a Grinch— Celebrity Floral and Event Designer Mark Masone of Flowers by Topaz and Celebrity Event Planner Ranee Bartolacci-Meir of Insignia Productions are available to share their tips for last-minute party-planning for the holiday season!






FROM MARK MASONE—

· Use what you have! For winter-pretty floral arrangements, bring in outdoor elements and incorporate birch branches, white pine branches and white roses in the arrangements. Love the look of classic poinsettias? Accent the look with rhinestones or with glitter curly-sticks, which can be included in with the plant.

· Any easy way to create a modern flair, forget the typical red-and-green color scheme of the season and embrace different colors, such as plaid, silver, white and jewel tones.

· Remember the little touches that make an event special and unique.



FROM RANEE BARTOLACCI-MEIR—

· Personalize with a theme and carry it throughout. Not only will it make your event memorable but you will have the perfect starting point for the rest of your planning process. 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.

· Every party should possess that Wow! Factor, an aspect of the event that surprises and delights your guests.

· Be a gracious and fun host. 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.









ABOUT FLOWERS BY TOPAZ: Flowers by Topaz boasts an impressive catalog of resources to assist in making any event a memorable success: from silks and custom fresh arrangements, to plush stuffed animals and plants, even personalized gourmet gift baskets for every day celebrations. Mark and the Flowers by Topaz team 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, placing absolute focus on even the smallest of details. Flowers by Topaz offers clients an array of packages to fit the needs and budgets of its clients— specialty services include: contemporary, traditional and custom fresh floral arrangements, plants, European dish gardens, silk arrangements, dried floral arrangements, weddings, gourmet gift baskets, greeting cards, candles, linen rentals, chair covers, invitations and furniture rentals. For further information, please visit www.flowersbytopaz.com.



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. 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 ensures 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 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. Past events include 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 and it is courtesy of PR

Entertain in Style- Let Flowers by Topaz's Mark Masone Show You How

Entertain in Style—

Let Flowers by Topaz’s Mark Masone show you how!

Event planner, florist and decorating guru— from New York City to the Hamptons, Mark Masone is the go-to for any special occasion, day or night. From intimate dinner parties and anniversaries, to over-the-top weddings and premiere fêtes, Mark and Flowers by Topaz provide a one-stop source for everything events. As the leaves change hues and holiday decorations go up, the season brings beautiful bursts of color. Mark shows you hope to bring a stylish send of that seasonal flair into your home…

EVERYDAY STYLE— Bring that autumn feel inside! Purchase bunches of preserved or silk fall leaves and group them in various spots throughout your home. For a chic, yet easy autumn centerpiece, no matter the occasion, place a low vase of flowers in fall-favorite shades (e.g., Orange Gerber Daises, Brown Mums and Red Roses), accented by fall leaves, on your dining room table or coffee table, and voila! the perfect fall centerpiece.

NATURAL CHIC— Try something different this season with modern, au naturale on a classic floral arrangement! Bring together your favorite flowers and the season’s natural branches together for a strikingly chic look: a manzania tree with some green orchids attached to the branches and flowers in fall-friendly shades underneath make for the perfect anytime centerpiece.

THE DINNER PARTY—A cocktail fête, Thanksgiving dinner or birthday bash, dress up your decorations this season with autumnal flair. Place groupings of fall leaves with mini pumpkins and small gourds throughout your home, and add vases of Orange Roses and Brown Hypericum Berries for beautiful centerpieces that your guests will want to take home.

Don’t forget the linens! Colored linens and napkins can transform a table from ordinary to stunning. Using the colors of fall, put down a dark chocolate brown overlay with gold napkins, scatter rose petals in red and orange and add some pillar candles to create a beautiful and intimate table setting.

AN AUTUMN-PERFECT WEDDING— Choosing the colors for your wedding is one of the first (and most important!) steps in your planning…celebrate your special day with the warm hues of fall! The rich reds, oranges, greens and browns of the seasons make your walk down the aisle unforgettable.

ABOUT FLOWERS BY TOPAZ: Flowers by Topaz boasts an impressive catalog of resources to assist in making any event a memorable success: from silks and custom fresh arrangements, to plush stuffed animals and plants, even personalized gourmet gift baskets for every day celebrations. Mark and the Flowers by Topaz team 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, placing absolute focus on even the smallest of details. Flowers by Topaz offers clients an array of packages to fit the needs and budgets of its clients— specialty services include: contemporary, traditional and custom fresh floral arrangements, plants, European dish gardens, silk arrangements, dried floral arrangements, weddings, gourmet gift baskets, greeting cards, candles, linen rentals, chair covers, invitations and furniture rentals. For further information, please visit www.flowersbytopaz.com.

ShesDaily.com

Disclosure: the above publication is for entertainment purposes only and it is courtesy of PR