Mom Living Articles
Entertaining Fabulously: Tips and Advice from our EverythingMom Members
- Details
- Category: entertaining
- Published on Thursday, 09 December 2010 11:00
- Written by Jen Taylor
- Hits: 1628
Looking at our calendars last month, we suddenly realized that holiday entertaining was nearly upon us and we decided we needed your help. We asked you all an important question: how do you entertain fabulously? We wanted to build a collection of the best tips and tricks for entertaining…and we went right to the source. 
We guessed that our readers might be some of the most fabulous party hosts around and we were right…your answers made us want to be on your next invite list!
There were some great common threads shared by many, and you could hear the voice of experience in the wisdom: preparing as much as possible ahead of time, keep lots of sweet and savoury treats tucked away in case of last-minute guests, asking for and accepting help, using crockpots and other methods to get food ready without any last minute fussing.
But there also were a few ideas that made us smile or want to take notes – so we figured that was a sign of a great tip. And here’s the best news - we’ve rounded up the best of the contributions here, and we’re sharing…
Here are just some of your great ideas for themes, icebreakers, refreshments, style and more!
lisatofts
When my guests arrive, I let them mingle with each other. If I have people who don't know each other (and feel they're a good fit) I'll hand them their nametags but make sure I "mistakenly" give them to the wrong person. That way, they remember each other’s names. I say, "Oh, sorry, Sally, I gave you Robert's tag." and vice versa. Even though I look like a scatterbrain, it makes my guests feel at ease. :)
Jennifer@nicolejane
One of my party must-do's is to prepare the coffee machine ahead of time, and program it to start brewing just before I want to serve dessert! It works every time.
donnal
I like to make my dinner parties more fun by setting a theme for the party each time. For example, one dinner party theme may be Indian food, another Chinese food, etc. The food and decorations will match and the guests are invited to bring one dish that fits the theme.
dewinner
If there are a lot of new people we play a game to see who introduces themselves to the most people and if they remember their names - the prize is usually a nice food basket, it gets people to mingle!
bmom
We love theme parties! We hosted a "Sinners Evening" girls’ night paying homage to the 7 deadly sins. Asked everyone to shop for a $20 gift i.e. “Gluttony” was tickets to death by chocolate, lust (well you can imagine) and we did a Chinese gift exchange where you pick from the wrapped gifts or poach an unwrapped one previously chosen by another guest. Viciously good fun!
missbobloblaw
One of the easiest parties I have ever thrown was a holiday cookie swap party. Each person makes and brings a couple dozen cookies/treats (approx. 12 per guest), and a copy of the recipe(s) to the party. All you need to do is set up a table with trays of the treats (easy peasy!) and each guest gets a tin.
jonnieh
I make sure to always provide a few food options that are vegetarian and food allergy friendly. It's always a good idea to ask guests ahead of time about any food restrictions.
Darci
Also if kids are attending set them up in their own area away from the adults to enjoy music and fun and have a few of the older children take charge, set up a craft station, snack station, some age appropriate games or movies whatever...then the adults can visit. It will be appreciated and the little ones will have fun too.
gingeroo
The number one rule to make non-alcoholic drinks look just as thirst quenching as their alcoholic counterparts is to still use the right glasses from the bar to mix these drinks; don't forget the ice and umbrellas for the Shirley Temples and rim the rims for the Virgin Mary's! This is sure to make your non-drinking friends feel welcome and the party should be a blast!
snickerzmom
I have a simple long black dress that I have owned for at least 15 years. When I bought it, I spent a lot of money to have it customized to fit me, and I added lining to it. Every time I wear it, I get compliments. I change the shawls and accessories that I use with it.
boomda181
When it comes to hostess gifts, I have a Rubbermaid tub where I keep things I find throughout the year. So, if I am shopping and I see something unique that would be a great hostess gift I pick it up and keep it in the tub. If I get invited somewhere I go to the tub to find something for the hostess with the mostest!
And there you have it! Hope you enjoyed these unique twists on how to make your holiday entertaining a little better, a little easier and much more fun. Thanks so much again to those who contributed!
~ contributions edited for length & clarity
