Our second holiday of 2016 is right around the corner, and the bottles of wine, champagne and sparkling juice are walking off the store shelves at a quick pace. Hearts, red candy bags, cupids, chocolates and perfume sales are not far behind in the race.
These are the norm in gift choices, but what about setting aside the "choice" gifts and giving a gift from the heart? One of my loves is cooking. A nice dinner and good conversation beats a box of chocolates for me any day. Cooking doesn't require a finesse of a chef when it is from the heart. I remember when I was growing up as a little girl, how those dishes that Mama called "thrown together" were some of the best meals to me. Why? Because of the love put into it. It was not just about getting kudos on her culinary skills, but it was about the point of her cooking - that she would do whatever she had to do to make sure we were fed, full, and nourished.
These types of meals are the ones that win hearts even on a holiday like Valentine's Day. Cook something that shows your significant other that you love them enough to give them your best. Put in a dash of understanding, a sprinkle of patience, a cup of hugs, fourth-cup of thank yous, a half cup of chivalry, a cup of laughter, and a cup of love. You will be surprised at how your meal turns out when you think on these things while you're cooking that special Valentine's Day meal.
So, don't stress about having the "perfect" meal of steak, potato, salad and fancy-schmancy dessert. Just put some plain ole love in what you cook, for it's the best gift that comes from the best place - your heart.
(Look out for next week's blog post on an easy-peasy Valentine's Day recipe)
Showing posts with label entertainment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label entertainment. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Greets and Eats
Good food and good hostesses go hand-in-hand. I've never been to a place where the food was so great without excellent service. It is important that if you're planning on hosting a New Year's Eve bash or get-together, that you be an exemplary host.
Great hosting tips include setting the atmosphere. Provide a relaxing ambiance and promote your theme well. Don't over-do it, just do enough to set the tone for your party.
Many people don't comment on decorations, but believe me, they matter. Loud colors and over exaggerated props can damper a party quicker than flat soda. Be subtle, but engaging. A nice tablecloth and a few table centerpieces will do just nicely.
Music. Everyone LOVES music. I may be old, but loud music is such a turn-off at a party. You can't hear your conversations, it makes your head hurt, and blaring music is hard to listen to. Make sure your music is in harmony with your decorations - subtle, but engaging.
As a host, be polite. Be well-dressed whether it's a house party or elegant soiree. Have your clothes ironed and neat, and wear a smile. This may seem elementary, but many people don't understand how being a great host is just as important to the success of a party just as much as the food and entertainment. If you have guests that are not familiar with your venue (whether it's your house or the local community center), show them where the restrooms are, politely inform them on certain "house rules" such as no smoking inside, you're welcome to go out on the balcony, (if you're serving alcohol) drinks will be served at whatever time, etc. And take their coats, or inform them where they can hang their coats. If you're doing potluck, show them where they can set their dish. Thank and compliment them on bringing their dish for the party. These small things go a long way in producing a great vibe for your party, and locks in guests for your parties to come.
Now, my favorite part of the party: the food. Finger foods are nice, but if you're doing something a little more upscale, keep up with your theme - subtle, but engaging You don't want to overwhelm your guests palates with fifty million flavors and varieties. You want them to be able to enjoy the food as well as the entertainment. Make sure your menu is colorful. Have some vibrant colors and also various textures. Some people like crunchy stuff, some like soft stuff, some like sweet, sour, etc. You get the point. The purpose of a party is to invite people to have a good time. Give the people what they want. There is no greater party than having good greets and good eats.
Great hosting tips include setting the atmosphere. Provide a relaxing ambiance and promote your theme well. Don't over-do it, just do enough to set the tone for your party.
Many people don't comment on decorations, but believe me, they matter. Loud colors and over exaggerated props can damper a party quicker than flat soda. Be subtle, but engaging. A nice tablecloth and a few table centerpieces will do just nicely.
Music. Everyone LOVES music. I may be old, but loud music is such a turn-off at a party. You can't hear your conversations, it makes your head hurt, and blaring music is hard to listen to. Make sure your music is in harmony with your decorations - subtle, but engaging.
As a host, be polite. Be well-dressed whether it's a house party or elegant soiree. Have your clothes ironed and neat, and wear a smile. This may seem elementary, but many people don't understand how being a great host is just as important to the success of a party just as much as the food and entertainment. If you have guests that are not familiar with your venue (whether it's your house or the local community center), show them where the restrooms are, politely inform them on certain "house rules" such as no smoking inside, you're welcome to go out on the balcony, (if you're serving alcohol) drinks will be served at whatever time, etc. And take their coats, or inform them where they can hang their coats. If you're doing potluck, show them where they can set their dish. Thank and compliment them on bringing their dish for the party. These small things go a long way in producing a great vibe for your party, and locks in guests for your parties to come.
Now, my favorite part of the party: the food. Finger foods are nice, but if you're doing something a little more upscale, keep up with your theme - subtle, but engaging You don't want to overwhelm your guests palates with fifty million flavors and varieties. You want them to be able to enjoy the food as well as the entertainment. Make sure your menu is colorful. Have some vibrant colors and also various textures. Some people like crunchy stuff, some like soft stuff, some like sweet, sour, etc. You get the point. The purpose of a party is to invite people to have a good time. Give the people what they want. There is no greater party than having good greets and good eats.
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