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Let the good times roll!
It's October, so that must mean it's time to set up the
winter holiday decorations, right? At least, that's what
the department stores would have us believe. Nowadays,
Halloween and fall items sit right alongside winter wonderlands.
Ghosts and goblins and turkeys and snowmen all frolic
together before our very eyes. Is it any wonder, then,
that so many of us already feel the pressures of preparing
for the holidays? Have no fear. We're here to help you
prepare for the upcoming festivities.
When planning a party, be it a fall celebration or a special
religious event, there are three key things to remember:
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Keep
it simple. Too often, we put additional pressure
on ourselves because of the images society portrays.
"But Martha Stewart handmade all her invitations,
baked four kinds of pies and sewed |
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individual
napkins and placements for her 50-person fall party, so
shouldn't I?" NO! If you have the time and the creativity,
by all means, craft as many decorations and bake as many
dishes as your heart desires. But don't be afraid to "cheat"
a little if your schedule is tight. Purchase desserts
from your grocer and display them on your own china. Print
your own invitations on your computer and mail with coordinating
seasonal stamps. Mix and match your dishes for a festive
feeling that will also allow you flexibility. Minimize
your menu, offering only one or two drinks, a minimal
number of hors d'oeuvres and so forth.
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Don't
get stressed. If you follow step number 1, step number
2 becomes possible. Because you've simplified your event,
you can be a gracious hostess. Before your guests arrive,
take the time to enjoy some of your favorite music to
calm your nerves. Light some aromatherapy candles. This
will serve the dual purpose of destressing you while setting
the mood for your guests (and everyone looks fabulous
in candlelight). Lastly, wear your favorite outfit; something
you feel confident and comfortable in. If you're not tugging
at your clothes all night, your attention will be on your
guests and making sure they (and you) are having fun.
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Make it fun. It's hard to imagine anything less enjoyable than sitting through a boring dinner or trying to strike up a conversation with strangers. An outstanding hostess will make sure the night is fun for all her guests. From appropriate music to good food, the stage will be set. With creative seating arrangements, the night will carry on beautifully like a play. When a hostess takes the time to arrange place cards, her guests reap the benefits. There is no confusion about where everyone sits, and good conversation is practically ensured because the hostess has seated like-minded people near one another. |
Following these three easy steps will make planning your next
party a blast, pumpkins, snowflakes and all.
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