party

back to the business of blogging

The other night I was awoken by the sound of a beer bottle breaking and a melee of voices that could best be described as auditions for Jersey Shore.  From my 2nd floor opened window perspective there was a lot of posturing and zero punching.  The antagonist, who could easily be a voice double for Ronnie seemed to be removing himself from the skirmish only to keep shouting at the wasted hysterical protagonist, “walk away son, walk away” which…

how to write a thank you note

thank you note card from Hello LuckyIn light of the most recent installment in the ‘how to be a gracious guest’ series, it has been brought to my attention the excuse reason many do not send a thank you note is out of ignorance as to what to actually write.  As surprised as I may feign, this is not my 1st time I have given a correspondence tutorial.

 

TellaPress thank you card found on EtsyMany, many years ago when…

How to be a gracious guest (part 3: dessert)

 

It has been a lovely event – you danced, drank and dined and now it is time for you to depart.   And at the appropriate time too – not the first to leave, but certainly not the last.  You do NOT want to be that person.  The last to leave is neither helpful nor welcomed – just lingering because there is alcohol available and the hostess has doesn’t have the gall to escort you out the door.   Regardless how…

how to be a gracious guest (part 2: dinner)

So now it has been established that your are a VIP guest with your hostess gift in hand, but what is that in your other hand?  A shopping bag with ingredients to whip up a little something to bestow upon the already planned and prepared menu?  Unless you are attending a potluck dinner or the hostess has specifically requested you bring that amazing dessert you are famously known for baking, leave all cooking contributions for the food banks.

 

You…

how to be a gracious guest (part 1: the appetizer)

Do you have a friend who is well meaning, but a tad unrefined when it comes to proper party etiquette?  Perhaps she hails from a culture where entertaining isn’t fraught with formalities.  Or there isn’t a distinction in the style of gatherings?  If so, then this partyjeanie post should serve you well.

 

With the summer season in full swing, socializing is a priority and no one wants to be left off the invitation inventory.  Over the course of…

nailed it

Twenty years ago when I was in an intense French manicure phase, (it was really more of a thick white band with clear top coat) my biggest concern was that one day I would be sporting a significant sized diamond on my left ring finger and it was my obligation and responsibility to always posses perfectly manicured hands.  Chipped and peeled polish would be an affront to the radiance of the ring.  My priorities may have shifted over the years,…

please take your seats

With the Easter Bunny due to hippty hop here on Sunday and Elijah making a hasty exit earlier this week at Seder, family and friends are gathering around the dining room table.  In the spirit of both of these holidays, strangers or those without close connection with the host may find themselves becoming a temporary member of the extended family.  How to make these new found friends welcomed and comfortable in an unfamiliar setting?  Assigned seating, of course!

 

Pre-arranged…

the Smith isn’t so common

Do you have one of those stand-by restaurants that serve really good food and as much as you want to dine elsewhere, you keep returning because it is so reliable and possibly the Caesar dressing may have a secret addictive ingredient that compels you order it 3 times a week?  Well ok, perhaps the latter is more a personal issue, however it doesn’t diminish from the dependability of The Smith located in the crosshairs of 3 different university dorms in…

this stand takes the cake

I have watched bits and pieces of the movie, Steel Magnolias repeatedly and though I have learned of many (perhaps fictional) traditions from this serving of homemade Southern culture, what has always charmed me is the concept of an old fashion backyard wedding.  I can’t think of anything more darling and intimate for the guests – for the family hosting, it seems like an absolute horror show.

 

In my genteel dream version there would be a sweets table –…

a sticky situation

I am just mad for decorative tape, although I never felt justified in purchasing a roll of the novelty versions I had seen in stores – if I am exerting the effort to post a package, I am certainly not spending addition time and creative energy in lavishly decorating the mailing box – that dedication is allocated to the gift.  At least that was my attitude until I found TapeSwell’s awesome collection of graphic and stylish tapes.

 

The…

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