You are cordially invited…

This is very exciting. The sun is beginning to rise that much earlier which means that it will be staying out a few extra minutes each night too. All of this tied together means that the winter chill is thawing out and a new season is starting to stretch its hind quarters leisurely.

It’s time to dust off the cake plates, find the best deals for cheese and out of season fruit and dig out that trusty mojito recipe. It’s time to get entertaining.


Planning, preparing and serving meals is an art which develops through inspiration and thought. There is also a fine art to the “cocktail hour” and while I love nothing better than just chatting it up with a huge bunch of people while nibbling on some tasty nosh and sipping a sparkling or shaken beverage for me it is all about the planning that gets the excitement bubbling. It could be for three people or fifty people.

Every time I start planning a party (for this I’m channeling the inner hostess circa 1964) the easiest part is the food. The hardest part is trying to figure out how to cram everything together in one night without getting everyone completely drunk and stuffed to the brim. All of this in a somewhat classy way, I mean I don’t mind having red plastic cups hanging around but for the sake of being the hostesses with the mostest I am turning to the big ups. Vintage Betty Crocker, because a good laugh is due.

Taking a cue from the lady in red, here are a few fun tips that are recommended for having a successful party.



1) Say Yes to the Dress:A lady whom is entertaining is to always remain in prim form and a dress is always acceptable. Color adds element and life to the evening filled with festivities.
I'm okay with this mainly because I wear dresses all of the time but know that I would be walking around barefoot in my house!

2)Have a Pretty Centerpiece: The way your table looks is just as important as how the meal or nibbles tastes. Set a pretty table with colors and add a centerpiece.
Completely agree with this, a centerpiece makes a table occassion. Period. It can be something simple from the yard that is meaningful or over the top. It makes it.

3)Rest Up: Take 15 minutes prior to your guests arrival to sit down and take a rest so you will be refreshed when your guests begin to arrive. Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh looking.
Fresh looking!?! I love this, who CAN take a break before their guests arrive? There's no time and by the time they do arrive-your hair is crazy and you have flour on your cheek.

6)Always Wear a Smile: Be a little jubilant and a little more interesting. Your party goers days may be in need of a little lift.
Bust out the petroleum jelly. Smiles are always present when you're having a great time with a good group of people.

7)Minimize the noise: At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of washer, dryer, dishwasher or vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quiet.
Be happy to see everyone and greet them with a warm smile and be glad to see all of those in your home.
This is one of those, yeah right moments. If there's a game on you know it's on in the background. Forget about it!

8)Prepare the drinks ahead of time: Always have a pitcher of the most common drink chilling nearby. Easy access will be appreciated.
Easy Access, indeed.

9)Red Lipstick: A splash of color to your lips will only add to the festivities in the room.
If I can remember to put on lipstick then we're in business. Remember when your guests arrive (or atleast mine) we're all over the place with flour marks on our bodies and a sauce smear on the cotton goods.

Whew, I don't know how some women did this because it all seems like such hard work! Now to go prepare the meal and get organized!