All Things For All Parties

Favors

A favor is a simple gesture that says thank you to your guests. Depending on the favor it can also be another way for your guests to fondly remember the day.  Favors at weddings are quickly becoming a real tradition, as brides and grooms look for creative ways to say thank you to their friends and family. From theme favors to practical favors, from favors that feature the elegance of Asia to the romance of the four seasons to the carefree whimsy of the beach - you are sure to find something that says thank you perfectly.

Fitness Parties

I've heard of Gourmet Gatherings, Pampered Chef and other parties of the sort but I had never heard of fitness parties which according to Fitness Magazine is all the new craze.  Apparently the way it works is a certified personal trainer comes to your house and leads a total body work-out, using various types of home gym equipment which you can purchase after the work-out. These parties are called Healthy Gatherings and they provide you with current, accurate, and relevant health and wellness information for  you and your friends or the entire family...not a bad idea.  So,if you are looking for an excuse to get your friends together and you don't have time to make it to the gym than this is a great way to do both.  I hike with a group of my girlfriends and we have the best time hiking and catching up. Another idea is to hire a local fitness instructor and start your own weekly bootcamp. For all of you brides who want to get in shape before the "Big Day" this could be a really fun way to get in shape and to spend some good quality time with your bridesmaids....Bridal Bootcamp!  I think this is such a fabulous idea. 

You're Invited...

You're Invited to a good old fashioned Americana Patriotic Picnic! 

Proudly share your patriotic spirit this summer.  Pay tribute to America and gather your friends and family for an old fashioned day of fun. Today's post is a teaser from the Partybluprints time saving party plans. This tip provides you with some great invitation options. I just planned a baby shower and I definitely spent way too much time trying to find the perfect invitation for the event...And I had a theme already picked out. It really is amazing how much time you can spend planning an event especially when it comes to those little details.  Partybluprints really does make it so simple for you.  Give them a try this 4th of July (this party plan is FREE) and their plans come complete with menus and recipes, invitations, decor, favors and activities for the kids.  There is even a shopping list for the host...What!  A shopping list for the host. They have done it all for YOU!!!  I wish they could do this for my life! 

*Invitations shown here are by Tiny Prints. (Clockwise:  Patriotic Dots, Star Spangled & 3 Stars)

Stars & Stripes

The 4th of July is almost here and I don't know about you but I am ready to celebrate!  I definitely have a few ideas that can help you to kick-off your party and our nation's birthday. Don't forget your stars and stripes. These flags are the perfect patriotic party decor. They're great for parties and parades and what better way to honor our fallen heros. They are 100% Made in America...you definitely don't see that anymore.  These red star paper lanterns are the perfect complement...indoors or outdoors, blowing in the wind or hanging in your backyard light them up or stack them up...whatever you choose they definitely are a natural item for this day.  Serve up something icy to cool off your guests. I really love to do a signature drink at my parties I think it's really fun. Oh and I should also say it makes the shopping that much easier. I love strawberry daiquiris, there is just something about the sound of a blender that says it's "party time!"  Blend it up with my very favorite strawberry daiquiri mixer from Stirrings; they really do make it just to easy and very yummy...don't forget to garnish it with a strawberry. 

4th of July Sand Centerpieces

I love Martha Stewart (who doesn't...right!). Anyway, today when I was perusing different sites looking to see what other people were doing for 4th of July I found this idea that Martha Stewart had on her site for these great sand centerpieces. It definitely brought me back to 4th grade, Miss England's art class and some of the craft projects that we did in her class.  This project was definitely one of my favorites...colored sand. I actually think I still have the vase (an old coke bottle) filled with brightly colored sand...it was almost as cool as the lava lamp. These centerpieces are not only adorable but SUPER easy to make.  They are the perfect combination of summer and 4th of July. 

Here are the instructions to make your own colored sand.
Materials Needed:

• Sand
• Food Coloring
• Glass or Metal Bowl (you can also use paper cups, paper bowls, or baggie)
  Instructions:

Use one bowl for each color you want to make. Place the desired amount of sand in the bowl. Pour enough water to barely cover the sand, then add a generous amount of food coloring to each container. Stir and set the bowl aside and let it sit until it is the desired color (this can take a while). Once the sand has reached the desired color, empty out the extra water, and pour the sand onto paper towels to dry.

Here's How:
1.  Fill paper cups half full of sand.
2.  Add water to cups to completely cover sand.
3.  Add food coloring to get the desired color.
4.  Stir with plastic spoon.
5.  Let set for 15 minutes.
6.  Pour off water.
7.  Spoon sand onto paper towels.
8.  Spread out and allow to dry.

Drying times vary.

To create this centerpiece: 

Once you have your colored sand, use any vase or glass, set a candle in the middle pf the vase than just layer the sand anyway you want.  Be true to the red, white and blue. 

Hostess with the Mostess

There are two kinds of parties.  The ones you want to attend and look forward to, maybe even the ones you plan your entire summer around; and then there are the rest.  You know, the ones you attend but double book, so you can skip out early.  The ones where you keep checking your watch, wondering when it’ll be safe to vacate the somber premises. 

What’s the difference?  Is it the food, the location, the guests?  It’s hard to put your finger on it, but I bet you can count on one hand, the number of people you know, who really know how to throw a great party.

I really love throwing parties.  But secretly, I like attending them even better.

So with summer here, I think its time to talk about how to be a really great host.  Who knew there were rules??  Ok, well there really aren’t any rules, but there are definitely responsibilities that you’ll just have to get used to if you truly want to be a hostess with the mostess!

For starters you need to dig out your silk scarf and directors cap because that’s really what your main job will be for the night.  If you think about it, you are really just the director of a play and depending on how well you execute, the resulting experience will be the difference between you showing your guests to the door at 2 in the morning or them ducking out at half past 9 to try to make it to another party…don’t you just hate that!

Starting with your guest list, consider trying to invite guests that compliment each other or who have met before.  If you are planning on introducing a new friend or couple to your social circle, plan a prior meeting over cocktails or coffee with other friends so that they can meet under much more casual circumstances.  If you invite your new friend you met at the gym and the new gal at your office and your neighbor who has never met any of your friends, you’ll find yourself bouncing from newbie to newbie and stressed about whether or not they are having a good time.  No one likes to be the new guy!

Be ready before the party is set to start.  You never know who is going to show up early, and if it’s that cute guy from your office, you definitely don’t want to answer the door in your ratty bathrobe!

Have candles lit and music playing when your guests start to arrive. 

When your guests do arrive, (no matter how frazzled you are) make sure to greet them with a  smile.  Invite them in, take their coat and show them where they can store their purse or other belongings.   

Get them a drink and offer them appetizers.

As other guests arrive, politely excuse yourself and welcome them in the same fashion as before.

As the party continues, mingle among your guest and if you notice certain people that seem isolated or unsure of themselves, try to bring them into another conversation.

Help start conversations by talking about something that you know both guests have an interest in.  Once the conversation is started and they are conversing you can quietly excuse yourself to tend to other guests.  Try to avoid conversations that lead to debate or argument; remember this is a party.

At some point after all of your guests have arrived, and before they leave or you have had too much to drink, take the time to thank your guests for coming, especially those who may have traveled from out of state.  Make it heartfelt, short and to the point.

Your main priority should be that your guests are having a good time, so although it is okay to offer to take an empty plate from a guest or offer to refill or replace a drink, do not spend your time doing dishes. It tends to make guests feel uncomfortable and can send a message that it might be time to leave. 

Keep tabs on anyone you feel might be over-indulging.  Although you are not a babysitter, it is your responsibility as a host to find a guest a way home, if they have had too much to drink.  You may want  to have the number handy of a taxicab or driver service, and check ahead for their availability.  New Years can be notorious for long cab waits and no-shows.  Other options would be to ask someone else to give them a ride home, or ask someone well in advance of the party if they could offer to be a designated driver.  In a worst-case scenario, offer to have the guest spend the night.

As the evening comes to a close, and your guests have begun to say their goodbye’s, offer them a token of appreciation such as a take home favor.  This is something you will need to plan for in advance, but it is a very nice gesture.  It can be something as simple as a small potted plant or picture frame.  Your added thoughtfulness will surely bring a smile to all of your guests faces.

4th of July is almost here...

Oh beautiful for spacious skies....America! America! 

If you are looking for patriotic party decor to celebrate your 4th of July this year....Well than look no further because we (Social Couture) have got everything you need to get your party started.  We even have a complete party plan for you this year...thanks to our new partners, Partybluprints.  So all you need to worry about this year is making sure you don't run out of ice because this party and this summer is off to a sizzling start.  This week we will share with you some additional ideas to help you celebrate America's birthday.

Boho Chic

When it comes to serving a meal to guests in your home, it's not your mother's dinner party anymore. So put away your china and opt for something more fun and chic...Bohemian Chic!  Go with this dashing Darjeeling dishware, it comes in a set of 4 plates and 4 mugs and will definitely brighten up your table. The traditional dinner party definitely has evolved from the formal, dress-up affair to a simpler, more casual, laid-back gathering.  How great is that for all of you with busy schedules (and let's be honest who doesn't have a busy schedule).  Invite friends over for brunch or lunch instead of dinner. I used to only host dinner parties but recently I have invited friends over for brunch and it really seems like people have much more energy earlier in the day plus they have the rest of the day left to do other things.  So invest in a set of fun dishes like these and invite friends over for an early afternoon summer soiree.

 

Honey Mint Lemonade Cooler by Stirrings

Serve this one up at your next BBQ or make up a batch for the girls next time they come over. You will definitely be the new "IT" girl with this one.

How yummy is this recipe?!  It was 100 degrees today and all I wanted was a cool glass of lemonade (with a little something something) and this recipe definitely has both.  It's the perfect twist to a traditional mojito. Let's shake it up!!

Honey Mint Lemonade Cooler

A Refreshing Blend of Bright Flavors

2 parts Stirrings Lemon Drop Mixer
1 part Stirrings Mojito Mixer
1 tsp. of honey
Chopped fesh mint
Ice

Put first two ingredients in a shaker with ice; shake. Add honey and shake vigorously (until honey is well mixed). Strain into a tall glass without ice. Add in chopped mint, and stir. Add ice cubes and garnish with a lemon wedge. 

Dining with your Darlings

Eating out with kids under 5 can mean more than a Happy Meal

When my partner, Colleen was pregnant with her first son and living in San Francisco, I can tell you as her good friend that she never let having a baby slow her down in anyway and that included "eating out." She was more than ready to celebrate the arrival of her son and I think it was just another reason to hit the town. Aiden’s first outing took them to their favorite neighborhood restaurant for a long awaited and much needed glass of pinot. He was the perfect customer. Ok, so I think if I can remember that long ago, he slept in his car seat the whole time we were there, but none-the-less, 4 years later, when I go out to eat with her and her kids -they are still worthy diners. Oh and now there's 2. On many occasions when I have been with her people have stopped at our table on the way out to tell hew how well behaved her children were. So what gives? What is her secret? Does she have perfect children?  I think Colleen would agree that while her children may be close to perfect they definitely have their "meltdown" moments. I just think she has done a great job of incorporating her kids into one of her favorite pastimes. Children do not need to be left behind; they simply require a little more organization and creativity.

Here is Colleen's Recipe for success:

Practice:  Makes perfect If you’ve never eaten out with your kids and they are used to eating at the kitchen bar, start with family dinners. A routine of bathroom, hand-washing and waiting until everyone is seated before starting, will help them know what to expect. Teach manners and do not allow spitting (trust me, I’ve seen it), food throwing or getting down unless excused. It might mean starting with a 10 minute dinner and extending it by 5 minutes every few days. Eventually your kids will understand that just like bedtime, there’s a time and place for everything. 

Prepwork:  Arriving a little earlier means less wait for a table and less wait for your food to arrive. Stick with restaurants that you are familiar with and love. Kids love familiar places and will start to look forward to the outing. Lay the groundwork so that your kids know what to expect. This can be as simple as a routine for baby like a toy that only makes an appearance when dining out, or for older kids, a conversation about what is expected of them.

Baking Time:  45 minutes is about the maximum time that children under 5 can handle. So don’t order the lasagna that takes an hour. And ask for the check shortly after your entrees have arrived, this way you can be paid and ready to go as soon as you are finished. Nothing is worse than a meltdown coupled with a missing waiter. Condiments Bring 1 or 2 toys that are table appropriate, quiet and engaging. Ask for a basket of bread and let your little Emeril practice buttering, or borrow a pen and teach them tic-tac-toe, or connect the dots. One of the pizza joints we favor always bring out balls of dough so our kids can practice sculpting.

Mix it up:  Unless you want a picky eater, skip the kiddy meals. Ask for a 1/2 entrée or give them a portion of yours. Your kids will appreciate getting to eat like the big people and you are molding a diverse palate.

Special Ingredients:  Bring your patience and understanding. Keep the conversation light and use the time to teach them about other cultures and traditions related to the restaurant.

Clean up:  Bring wipes in your purse or diaper bag. Keep an extra change of clothes in the car for the inevitable spill. Other things to consider would be bringing a bib, sippy cup and little utensils for them. Not all dining experiences will be perfect, but just like potty-training, you’ll soon consider it a conquest worth the effort.