Entertaining

Food safety is important when entertaining

Entertaining at home is one of the ways friends and families spend time together, and food is often at the center of such gatherings, acting as a conversation starter or even the central component of the festivities. But food can also make your gathering memorable for all the wrong reasons.

Forty-eight million people get sick from contaminated food each year, according to the National Institutes of Health. Statistics Canada says that roughly 13 million Canadians succumb to some sort of food illness each year. Common causes of food-borne illnesses are bacteria, parasites and viruses present in improperly handled food. Some foods also contain contaminants that result from the growing or packaging process.
» Read More

Do-it-yourself floral arrangements

Fresh flowers can impart beauty and pleasant aromas anywhere they are displayed. This is why flowers are one of the most popular choices for event centerpieces. Many would-be entertainers desire the classic look of floral centerpieces but may be intimidated by the work required to create dazzling arrangements. However, it is actually easy for the average do-it-yourselfer to create beautiful centerpieces.
» Read More

Party planning like the pros

There are so many different reasons to throw a party. From birthdays to bar mitzvahs, the reasons to celebrate are many. Some people are seasoned experts at planning and executing the perfect party, while others are more apprehensive about hosting. However, with a little guidance, anyone can successfully host a memorable party.

Whether you're planning an intimate cocktail party for a few friends or a large-scale event for a baptism or anniversary, some simple tips can reduce the stress involved in being a party host.
» Read More

Prepare your home before a party

The thought of having people over to your home for a party may sound enjoying or completely terrifying. After all, welcoming guests into your home requires ample cleaning and organization of different rooms to ensure both the guests and you feel comfortable.

Even the most experienced hostess may feel nervous about preparing her home for guests. Although prepping the house may seem like a burden -- especially if yours family tends to err on the messy side -- don't call in the maid service just yet. All it usually takes is straightening up a few key rooms to give guests a good impression.
» Read More

Accommodating overnight guests

Entertaining isn't always just about hosting an evening of cocktails and appetizers or presenting your home as the meeting place for the next holiday celebration. Entertaining also extends to welcoming guests for a night or more when certain conditions warrant an overnight stay.

There are many different reasons a guest might need to stay over for a night or two. Perhaps a relative from afar is visiting, and you've spared him or her the expense of paying for a hotel. Some friends may need a layover spot between traveling. Some hosts prefer to err on the side of safety when a party gets a bit too rowdy by offering a place to crash for the night.
» Read More

5 tips for last-minute entertaining

Holding an event without the benefit of advance planning or preparation can be nightmarish for hosts. Though some hosts may not flinch at such a daunting task, others may fret at the idea of opening up their homes at the last minute. But hosts faced with the task of throwing a last-minute affair can take the following five tips to heart to ensure their party goes off without a hitch.
» Read More

Tips to make you a barbecue hero

Before you venture to your local grill store in search of a new barbecue, here are a few things to consider:

What is your favorite grilled food?

If hamburgers, hot dogs, and the occasional steak are as far as you get, there is a wide range of reliable, reasonably featured grills to choose from. If you are cooking a variety of meals, a number of burners will give you more precise control, while side burners and rotisserie capability make it even easier to impress your guests.
» Read More

Use the Internet to your advantage when dining out

There is no denying that ours is a culture increasingly dependent on technology in all facets of daily life. We rely on e-mail and messaging to keep in touch and turn to our tablets or smart phones to keep track of current events and entertainment. Meetings and even educational programs are offered via video chats and groups. Many people would admit that they'd feel lost without their gadget of choice at the ready. Individuals who rely on technology may be in search of other ways to employ their digital prowess, and researching restaurants and making reservations online might be right up their alley.
» Read More

Create professional looking desserts

Dessert makes the perfect finishing touch to a special event. Hosts and hostesses frequently fret over which foods to serve at their parties, and that includes dessert.

But hosts won't need a professional pastry chef to serve some imaginative and impressive desserts. In fact, it's easy for even novice foodies to make their own delicious desserts.
» Read More