All Things For All Parties

Book Swap Party

 

I was at my son's pre-school the other day and I was talking to a group of other Mom's who were all sharing the great books they have read over the years.  It was really fun to hear all of the different opinions about some of the most popular books and the not so popular.  When I arrived home I was flipping through a Woman's World magazine that my Mom had given me and lo and behold there was a suggestion for hosting a book swap party.  I think this is just the best idea and a really fun one and of course always a great excuse to get a group of friend's together.  So, I thought I would share their ideas with you. 

To-Do List:

• Clear Space for books
• Make signs for book categories and collect items for vignettes
• Prepare swapping bags or boxes
• make or buy cookies
• set out finger foods
• decide on games or trivia

Spa-ahhh Party

The holidays are finally over and it's a New Year which means a Fresh Start; So why not start the year off right and invite your friends over for a relaxing Spa-ahhh Party!  Can you hear the deep sighs now?  What a great way to keep those New Year's resolutions:  to exercise more, eat healthier and take more time to relax and enjoy life.

Chambord Holiday Gift Set

If you're wondering what to get that hip host - how about this year’s Chambord Holiday Gift Set?!

The gift set comes with a 375ml bottle of Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur, 2 pretty flute glasses, and a Holiday Tips Booklet filled with Peacock-themed decorating ideas by Hip Hostess, Jenn Sbranti plus delicious recipes from Chambord like the “Pomegranate Sparkle” and “French Polynesian“.  I absolutely love the color scheme - it really does work for all of the holidays.

Check out the sneak peek of what's inside...

Congrats, Jennifer - You are heading to the Big League!!
 

 

Book: Party Basics For New Nesters

  

Calling all newlyweds, new homeowners, new empty-nesters (or anyone with a roof over their head) - everyone needs to know how to celebrate life at home and this book is a must read!!!  One of the things I loved about this book was the way that Maria talks about feathering your nest as if you were decorating a comfortable resort...whenever I travel I love to check-out how hotels design and decorate their space...I always want everyone who comes over to feel like they have just entered a luxury resort. She says you should, "Create a haven, stocked with amenities, that make you never want to leave. Stock your home with basic supplies, utilizing the resources around you, and you’ll find it easy to celebrate life on holidays or any day."

With page after page of practical basics and style recipes, this book makes celebrating every season easy to do. I recommend stocking a party-ready pantry because creating any event from scratch is always more daunting. I define basic tools, supplies and simple skills that will help you host your next party.

Party Basics for New Nesters is a party-planning guide that shows you how to celebrate your life with practical tips and simple-to-execute decorative accents.

Great Entertaining Books

 

There are so many details to think about when hosting a party. It's a good thing there are some really terrific books to turn to when looking for advice. Some are great for advice on setting the table. Others provide tips on the proper etiquette for entertaining. And the rest are great for picking a theme or planning activities that will make your event extra fun.

1. Emily Post's Etiquette, 17th edition

2. The Art of the Table

3. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Throwing a Party

4. Secrets from a Caterer's Kitchen

5. Entertaining

6. Tabletops

7. Beautiful Napkins

Sandra Lee's NEW Semi-Homemade Magazine

 

I am sure all of you are more then familiar with Sandra Lee?!  She is one smart cookie - who definitely has the true recipe for success. Well, move over Martha because Sandra Lee just launched her new magazine this month. It's filled with yummy recipes, time & money saving techniques (who doesn't like that especially these days) plus lots of great entertaning ideas (always my favorite).  Pick it up on stands now.

SANDRA LEE IS KNOWN FOR HER BEST-SELLING SEMI-HOMEMADE COOKBOOKS AND FOOD NETWORK SHOW but what most people don't know is how she got to where she is today and this story is a page turner.  So, if you are feeling unmotivated these days and are looking for inspiration (or just a good read) then pick up her very moving memoir, Made from Scratch, where she reveals her difficult past and shares what it takes to turn tragedy into triumph. 

Get ready, Rachel...It's the beginning of a new era!!!  Congratulations, Sandra Lee!  You really do ROCK!!