9 Tips For Planning Your Next Party

December 8th, 2007

Admit it. Giving a party is one experience you unmistakably look forward to.

It is your opportunity to show your prowess at being a good host. That is why you must do everything within your means, whether meager or plentiful, to give the very best party ever to your friends.

To make your party a hit, here are some ideas and tips you should use:

1. Make a list of all the people you want to attend. Send the invitations and have them verify their attendance beforehand. Anticipate more or less 70% of those people to show up!

2. Visualize the event. Think about where you will put the tables, the food, the music, etc. For example, if you plan to have a buffet, it would be better to properly strategize the position of the table for the food. It will be a tacky decision to make your guests go to the kitchen to obtain their food. The furniture, too, should not get in the way.

3. Plan to prepare more than enough food. It is better to have leftovers than leave your guests resorting to raiding your refrigerator when you run out of food.

4. The kind of food you will serve will similarly depend on the theme of the party. If it is a cocktail party, there should be more drinks and finger foods would be acceptable. If it is a dinner party, you should serve the best recipes you can find.

5. In addition, it would be good to have a variety of drinks for your guests. Provide both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to cater to all your guests. Be classy and hire a bartender to take care of beverage preparation for your guests.

6. Arrange decorations that are pertaining to the function and to your theme. These ornaments should set the atmosphere of the event. Thus they should not be too distracting or too loud. Be tasteful in selecting the color, shapes and materials.

7. Do not forget the music. It will be the spirit of your party. Plan on your audio system ahead of time. Also choose the proper songs. They should generally be high-spirited and lively.

8. Have a program if the experience would allow. Think about how long the event would last and choose the right activities for the event. For example childrens parties should include games but cocktail parties should not!

9. You should, in addition, consider your budget in every aspect. Make sure you do not go beyond it. Create a to-do list to keep track of what you need from party supply stores.

Just remember the saying, failing to plan is planning to fail. A well planned party will definitely be a awesome party!

Tom Rockwood is a major contributor to Online Party Supply and owner of RubberArm internet search portal.

How to Select that Perfect Black Dress

November 30th, 2007

It?s mandatory for every women to posses a black dress in her wardrobe, it?s essential. Going for a date, a dinner party, a night out with pals or for a formal or semi formal occasion, that black dress can be dresses to perfection for the occasion, but finding that black dress is going to be that easy, because every body in the world is different, so finding that perfect fit will be some hard work.

I will help you in reducing that hard work by giving you some tips on how to select a perfect black dress based on your body shape.

For a Woman with flabby arms

Select outfits with half or three quarter sleeve or wear a shrug, so that your butterfly wings remain unnoticed. For hiding the problem part of upper arm use a little pinched on shoulder with some ruffly fabric, avoid big poofball sleeves.

For a Woman with thick neck

V-neck black dress helps diverting attention away from the neck and elongates the line.

For a Woman with broad shoulders

Again use V-neck or scoop-necks, which breaks the bulk and draw attention more toward the middle and away from width. Avoid strapless styles and spagetti straps.

For a Woman with narrow or sloped shoulders

A boatneck or straight-across bateau, will give you a wider look.

For a Woman with big bust

Boatneck or bateau will work fine as they draw eyes up, instead of towards the cleavage. V-necks will also work fine with some cautions, as it will cut the bulk, but observe where V widens, or it will reveal more of yourself and also go with thin fabric, as you can’t afford to add more bulk.

For a Woman with no chest

Use simple padded bra it would help. For women?s with semi-flat chest, they can have round neck, a sleeveless. To draw attention towards shoulders you can use short bolero jacket.

For a Woman with flabby belly

To hide rolls you can use ruched fabrics, avoid clingy ones. The empire waist can safe, as it flares from high on waist and hides what lies beneath. Using a body-shaper will not harm, and will also help you look little less flabby.

For a Woman with long waist

Use Wide belt to break up that torso.

For a Woman with short waist

Try ribbon or narrow belt, will help with that distance. Or, you can them completely.

For a Woman with heavy-set

Use dresses whose sleeves don’t fall below the wrist, and can also use a colorful and lightweight shawl or tunic-type top.

You can get that perfect >Black Dress here.

I m just sharing my knowledge of fashion.

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Wine Etiquette

November 23rd, 2007

Correct wine etiquette makes the tasting experience more comfortable and enjoyable. Like most interests, there is a set of protocol that most wine lovers adhere to. Good taste dictates that tasting at wineries, ordering wine at restaurants, and hosting a dinner party all require certain formalities.

Tasting Room Etiquette

In a winery’s tasting room, white wines are generally tasted first, followed by reds, and then dessert wines. Within these categories, lighter-bodied wines preceed fuller-bodied ones. Water and crackers may be offered to cleanse the palate between each wine. Correct wine etiquette does not require that you must finish every glass. Winery tasting rooms provide jars to dispose of excess wine. Do not feel that you need to sample every wine offered- taste what appeals to you.

If you ask for a second tasting of a particular wine, it is in good taste to buy a bottle. Many wineries charge tasting fees which are generally applied to any purchase. It is not mandatory that you buy wine; purchase only what you desire. That being said, if you have made an appointment at a small winery, it is in good taste to make a purchase.

General Restaurant Wine Etiquette

Wine service at a nice restaurant can be an unneccessarily difficult ordeal. The following tips will allow you to follow the customs of wine service with ease and confidence.

When choosing a wine from a restaurant’s wine list, the main goal is to accomplish a suitable pairing with the entrees of your party. If the food orders are too different to generalize with one wine, consider purchasing splits or ordering by the glass. Waiters and sommeliers are there to answer your questions, but availing yourself to their services and advice will be much more beneficial if your questions are relatively specific.

For example, don’t ask the sommelier, “What goes well with a rack of lamb?” Rather, ask, “I’d like to balance the spiciness of the lamb with a full-bodied, Syrah-based Rhone. Do you have any favorites?” Your effort will be appreciated and service and interaction will be more seamless. I guarentee you will be pleased with the outcome.

After ordering, the waiter/sommelier will retrieve your selection, and then present it, label forward, to the host of the party. This is merely to verify it is the correct wine. The cork is removed and placed on the table. Unless it is clearly tainted, (the waiter/sommelier should notice if it is) do not touch or smell it, as it means nothing.

A small amount will then be poured for the host. Swirl the wine in the glass, smell, then taste. This is to make sure the wine is not spoiled and it is not an opportunity to send back a sound wine that you are not crazy about. After approval, the wine will be poured clockwise to the right, ladies first. The host’s glass will be topped last.

Corkage Etiquette

It is increasingly customary in many parts of the country for restaurants to extend corkage policies for patrons whom wish to bring their own wine. However, this is not the case everywhere, (especially on the East Coast), and proper wine etiquette dictates that several things be kept in mind.

Always call the restaurant in advance to verify that corkage is allowed. Ask what the fee is to avoid any surprises. In my experience, very few restaurants charge over $20 as a corkage fee. Some restaurants will waive this fee if an additional bottle is purchased from the wine list, but do not assume that this is the case.

Wine brought to a restaurant should be relatively unique or rare, and definitely should not appear on the restaurant’s wine list. After the waiter/sommelier opens and pours the contents, proper wine etiquette requires that you offer them a taste. Following these guidelines will ensure an enjoyable corkage experience.

The Duty of the Host at Dinner Parties

The duty of the host toward his/her guests is one of the most ancient and enduring forms of etiquette in human civilization. When serving wine, making sure that your guests are comfortable with the process is your paramount concern.

Before serving, always allow wine time to breathe at room temperature. Never pour wine for guests immediately after opening. It is the host’s responsibility to discreetly ensure that the wine is sound and unspoiled. This should be done away from company, and a small amount should be sampled.

Always serve wine to your guests in clean, spotless glasses. This may seem obvious, but it is a very common mistake. Additionally, if more than one wine is served, make sure that they are poured in a logical progression.

Especially with older wines, be aware that there may be a significant amount of sediment at the bottom of the bottle. Keep this in mind when deciding the portion given to each guest. Avoid the embarrassing situation of the last person receiving an unacceptable amount of solids in their glass. If this is a concern with a particular bottle, refrain from pouring the last half glass.

It may be necessary to decant a wine to either remove sediment or to expose it to oxygen. Be cautious with this practice, as older wines may quickly fade if left in a decanter for too long.

Wine enjoyment should be an enjoyable and unintimidating process. With these tips in mind, you are prepared for the majority of social situations that involve wine.

Ben Bicais lives in the Napa Valley and is the webmaster of www.california-wine-tours-and-accessories.com.
ben@california-wine-tours-and-accessories.com

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Choosing The Perfect Wine For Your Dinner Party

November 16th, 2007

I have a friend who loves to cook, and she is truly amazing, every dish she creates is amazing. The problem (well actually there is no problem since she knows me) is she constantly serves the wrong wine with a particular dish. Now I?m no “blue blood”, but I do believe in the biblical verse, ?take a little wine for thy stomach?s sake?. I believe this should be done with moderation; and in so doing I?ve become a bit of a connoisseur. Here are a few of my choices.


White Bordeaux is usually a safe bet even for the novice and if your plan is buy something inexpensive at the supermarket, white is a far better choice than red (less chance of going wrong). One of my favorites is Sainsbury?s White Bordeaux which has a touch of lemon and peach with citrus for good measure, perfect with fish or a bowl of teriyaki (my friend makes a mean teriyaki plate).


Here is one a friend suggested, and to be honest I was skeptical, but proven wrong… Capelands Chardonnay, I really liked this South African wine but some will find the peachy, nutty flavor a bit unusual, I certainly recommend this for a wine tasting evening and the hint of lime and fruit, make it an ideal before dinner wine.


California has long been the land of promise, and not just for movies, but for wines also, this fine California wine Landmark “Overlook” Chardonnay, costs a bit more but it will truly tantalize the palette with figs, nuts, cinnamon and apples flavors to amaze and satisfy. I have a friend is mostly a Jack Daniels drinker; he told me that this is the one wine that made him think of whiskey. I?m not sure if that is praise, but it certainly makes for interesting conversation.


Okay, lets take a leap of faith into the land of red wines, you?re opening yourself to risks, but also great rewards of taste and aromas. My heritage is Sicily, and while I can?t speak a word of Italian (something I fantasize about correcting) when I hear of a good wine from Sicily, in particular Zagara Nero D?Avola/Sangiovese, I know I?m in for an evening of experience and pleasure. This is a red wine full of flavor and suitable for many meals; the taste is full of fruit, with hints of vanilla, flowers and cherries.


Not to be outdone, South Africa again rises to the occasion with Fontein Cinsaut/Merlot; the wine is light, speaks of raspberry and spice. This is definitely for dinner, or perhaps to sit by an open fire late in the evening and watch the sun set over the hills. It is a bit creamy for my taste, but still a wine worthy of praise.


Now think back, to the time of the Conquistadors and Queen Isabella of Spain. I doubt the queen and her band of wandering warriors were thinking of Vi?a El Salado; yet it is a wine worthy of Spain with a deep rich color and scents that tickle and tantalize with blackberry and tannins. It is silky smooth and a wine that might echo that biblical verse… ?… a little wine for thy stomach?s sake?.


Well dinner is almost ready, the candle are lit, the men folk are gathered around and my friend is serving her culinary arts, depending on my choice to round out the beautiful dinner. A sip, a smile, a swirl and the glasses are awash with flavors and aromas captivating the senses and bringing alive the senses.

Planning a Baby Shower

November 9th, 2007

Baby Shower Etiquette - Information and Guidelines

Whether you’ve hosted baby showers before or not, possibilities are youve got some questions regarding the right baby shower etiquette. You would like to generate a truly awesome time for the guest of honor without any unintended blunders. This guide was exclusively made to help you get there.

Take the needs of the mother-to-be into account at every level. That involves all other aspects of the baby shower including games, food and the invitation list.

Baby showers can either be before or after baby is born. Commonly, theyre held 1 or 2 months before due date. But they are also held after baby arrives due to medical or other reasons.

These days, it is flawlessly ok for a close relative or even the couple themselves to host a shower. The rules stating only non-relatives or friends only hosting a baby shower are rather dated now days.

Before deciding on the type of baby shower you plan to hold, girls-only or coed, theme or no theme and so on, you should consult mother-to-be and find out what she prefers.

What guests do you invite? Generally, anyone the mother-to-be thinks she should call. Shes the optimum guide here.

Do you constantly need to send written baby shower invitations? It is generally the more appropriate option. Using a written invitation, guests have all details at his or her fingertips and need not rely on memory. Plus, you can and often should include directions describing where to go.

At the same time, its fine to merely tell people on the phone. Tell them well ahead of time, though. So theyll have acceptable time to buy gifts, arrange for a baby sitter, etc. Leave your contact number with each one so they can contact you easily if they need any direction or other information.

Holding a surprise baby shower can be a great feeling for the expectant mother. But do consult a person close to her that knows about her preference wishes in all situations.

Send out shower invitations at minimum 3 to 4 weeks in advance. Send them earlier for out of town family or guests. Make sure they respond by a date two weeks before the baby shower will be held.

If youre holding a coed shower, you might turn the guys off if you send frilly baby pink invites full of baby talk. Send neutral, trendy invitations.

Register for gifts at only one site. Else mother-to-be may end up getting duplicate gifts she may have to return. Guests may be disappointed if they find that another person has chosen the same gift they have.

While giving gift suggestions, include items at a variety of prices, not merely high-ticket items. You can suggest that guests can get together to acquire more expensive items.

If theres older siblings, make sure they receive a gift each. They may be feeling a little left out with a new baby on the way, so this is a wonderful idea.

Also whether its a coed baby shower or not, buy a gift for the dad-to-be. He will be happy that he was remembered too.

Write down who gave each gift. Important information when it comes time to send out the thank you cards! Its important baby shower etiquette to send out thank you cards.

Hand gifts to mother-to-be for her to open and take it from her once shes completed with it. Thisll save her the hassle of continually getting up to pick up gifts.

Occasionally, some guests may need to leave early. Theyll enjoy it if mother-to-be will open presents while everyone is eating.

Food and related arrangements deserve exclusive attention. Remember, expectant mothers cant eat everything they ordinarily would.

Begin the baby shower on time and keep it fairly short. Be conscious of mother-to-bes level of energy and any signs that shes may be tiring. Bring the party to an end if shes starting to feel run down. Be sure to thank guests for coming as they leave.

Dont expect that the party will go as planned. No baby shower will ever go perfectly. Theres constantly the unforeseen, power goes off merely as gifts are being opened, you forgot to dust one corner of the room, the pack of baby shower favors you opened before the party, turns out to be a different color than you ordered and so on. Sometimes things will and can be out of your control.

Once youve understood these very easy baby shower etiquette guidelines, youll be far more confident about hosting a baby shower. Have fun, and make a special time that will live on in everyones memories!

Author: Billy Pool, For more Baby Cake Shower tips visit http://www.babycakeshower.com

This article discusses many considerations in planning a baby shower. I especially like the thoughtfulness given to all the participants: mother to be, guests, older siblings, and even mentions the father to be. Following these guidelines will surely give a high probability of a fun a successful baby shower.

Throwing A Fun Dinner Party

November 4th, 2007

Everybody loves a dinner party and they are excellent times to get your friends or family together and reconnect or celebrate. A great idea to keep in touch with your friends is to have a dinner party night set up on a regular basis. You can have friends visit your home one-week and you can visit theirs the next. These are great for keeping in touch with your friends as well as celebrate with each other. Dinner parties are also excellent celebrations for birthdays, anniversaries, new babies, and other life events.

Dinner parties can also take on different themes. Murder mystery parties are especially popular with you have enough willing participants. You can also have food style themes such as soup parties for the winter months or Thai dinner parties for an exotic twist. Whichever party you choose you want to be certain that you have an excellent menu and some fine wine.

A simple dinner party with friends is the easiest to plan. If you know your friends well, then it should be relatively simple for you to plan the menu. Invite your friends over for a nice Italian dinner or whatever type of food you choose. Be sure to keep it casual and you may even ask them to bring their favorite wine or wines. You will also want some great dessert planned and perhaps even some fun games for after dinner. These are great and casual parties that allow you to just kick back and enjoy being with friends. Perhaps next week they will invite you over for dinner. These types of parties are also great alternatives to going out to eat, as you get to try different styles of cooking without breaking the bank.

A formal dinner party can also be a lot of fun. Sometimes you just like to dress up and have some fun. The menu should be something special and not something that you all eat on a regular basis, however, the meal should be easy to prepare so that you are not in the kitchen all night and not able to enjoy the company of your friends.

Once you have your style figured out, you will need to begin planning how much time it is going to take to prepare the meal. You want to have plenty of time to conversate with your friends and you want to have time to enjoy the meal yourself. Be sure to plan ample time for cooking, visiting and cleaning. You also need to consider who is coming and if their diet has any restrictions. You may have some friends who are allergic to shellfish, so your Shrimp Scampi might not be the best recipe idea. You may also have friends who are vegetarians, so your New York Strip steaks might not be a great idea either. Be sure to plan plenty of time for grocery shopping and recipe preparation or adjustments.

For a more formal affair, you may choose to print out small menus and invitations to your dinner party. If so, your preparation will need to begin early enough so that you are able to announce the party and ensure that all guests are invited and able to RSVP in time. You may also need to purchase special paper for menus and invitations. You will also want to be sure that your guests are compatible. Do not invite individuals that may not get a long together and be sure to invite those who will be disheartened if you dont invite them. Try to invite people with the same interests so that there will be a good flow of conversation.

Next, you will need to determine how you are going to serve the food. Are you going to allow guests to serve themselves via a buffet in your kitchen or are all dishes going to be sat on the table. For a formal dinner party, you may plan to have all plates prepared and delivered to guests sitting at the table.

Cooking can be stressful. If you are making a new recipe, you may want to make it a week before as a test. If you can make your dessert the night before you will also save a lot of time. Another excellent idea is to prepare cold appetizers and desserts so that they are not taking up precious oven space. If you feel that you are going to be in the kitchen for a while invite your guests to hang out and pitch in the preparation of the meal. You can chat, have a glass of wine and your guests will have a good feeling of being helpful. Besides, people love to watch other people cook.

After the meal be sure to offer mints and a nice liqueur or dessert wine. Coffee is also excellent with dessert and will sort of give finality to the meal. Use this time to ask your friends what they liked and disliked and how you can improve the recipes.


Jim Roberts is a creative writer for The Wine Standard. The Wine Standard carries a wide variety of wine gifts such as wine openers, wine glasses, and many more fun wine accessories. The Wine Standard is a fun wine store that provides tons of great content for wine enthus