Donna Foote's Party Planning Tips

Dinner Party Etiquette for the 21st Century: Part 3

2007-02-28T20:58:00.000+08:00

by Robert Jackson

Dinner Party Etiquette - Social Behaviour
If you are hosting a dinner party, use yourself as an example of what you consider to be acceptable social behaviour. Most dinner guests will take their lead from you – and if they don’t, they probably shouldn’t be there and are unlikely to be invited again!

The art of conversation! The successful dinner party host should always encourage lively and varied conversation with honest opinions being expressed and shared. However, proper dinner party etiquette should encourage avoiding sensitive issues or subjects that some guests may find uncomfortable. As a considerate dinner host, if such a conversation is under way, discreetly interject and carefully change the subject. Or if that fails, interrupt by introducing the next course!

For both the dinner host and guest, excessive behaviour of any sort is to be avoided. That should include excessive drinking, excessive talking (being overbearing!), excessive joke telling (particularly bad ones!!) and even excessive eating! A healthy appetite is to be enjoyed, over indulgence however, is not an endearing feature!

To smoke, or not to smoke? Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the host or hostess to dictate on this. As smoking becomes less and less acceptable publicly, it is quite unacceptable to do so at a dinner table unless expressly invited to do so. It can be a sensitive issue. Personally, I would advise that the host makes another room available (perhaps where after dinner coffee will be served) for any guest wishing to smoke. Again, there are no strict rules on this subject – as dinner host, you must make this choice for your guests.

Dinner Party Etiquette - Place and Table Setting
The days of making an impression by setting out enormous and extravagant place settings with numerous pieces of (sometimes confusing!) cutlery and glassware for an excessively long menu are thankfully, largely over. Keep the setting simple by putting in place only that which is required up to and including the main course. Cutlery for any following courses can acceptably be provided as the dinner progresses and concludes.

Excessively large, elaborate table decorations and expensive, hall marked tableware are quite unnecessary (unless ofcourse they are family heirlooms!). A simple yet thoughtfully styled table using the best that you own and can afford can be very affective. Don’t be led into the trap of believing that your table must look like something off the front of a glossy home design magazine! I said earlier that there are no rules. Well infact there is one golden rule………..keep it simple!

If you are hosting a large dinner party, then a table plan and place cards are essential. For a smaller party however, avoid such unnecessary protocol. Simply, casually direct dinner guests to sit where you would prefer them to.

This is dinner party etiquette for the 21st century. All of the above is no more than plain, common sense! And it is also about behaving responsibly and not offensively!

As a final word, please remember that the true art of entertaining has one prime goal………..that of pleasure! It should be enjoyed by host and guest alike. So at all costs, avoid being overly concerned about what is “right, and what is “wrong”. Do what you feel is right ……..and if you do happen to make the odd gaff - as long as you carry it off with grace, honesty and humility, you will happily survive the day!

After all, it is only a dinner party!

Relax…………..and enjoy!

Dinner Party Etiquette for the 21st Century: Part 2

2007-02-26T20:56:00.000+08:00

by Robert Jackson

Dinner Party Etiquette - Myths and Unnecessary Trivia
What rules? There are no rules!!

We hear a great deal about rules of etiquette, as though they were written in stone somewhere, or part of the Constitution! What is acceptable to one person or one society may be totally unacceptable to another. If you must live by rules, then develop your own list of rules! Rules of etiquette steeped in history and tradition have very little real relevance in today’s society.

Some folk firmly believe that unless you come from a background of substantial wealth and a particular upbringing, then you are automatically excluded from certain social choices. This is completely, and utterly, ridiculous! In my profession, I have performed the role of Butler at numerous very grand and formal social occasions for the wealthy and upper classes. And I do not exaggerate when I say that on occasions, the behaviour of some of those attending was truly appalling. Social background, education and wealth are no guarantees of good manners and proper behaviour!

Often a dinner host or hostess believes that the more complex the menu, the more extravagant the occasion, the more elaborate the table setting ……the more he or she will impress the guests! That is far from the reality! A simple yet stylish, well executed dinner party delivered with thought, care and attention, will achieve a far greater result……..for a lot less stress!

Dress code? Just as there are no rules in modern day entertaining, there is also…..no dress code! However, if it’s a formal affair and the host has clearly indicated a dress style (black tie, lounge suits, smart casual etc) then clearly, the dinner guest should respect that. As a host however, do consider carefully whether such a stipulation is really necessary. The trend these days is very much towards casual dining and generally speaking, most dinner guests will be more relaxed in that situation.

Dinner Party Etiquette for the 21st Century: Part 1

2007-02-24T20:47:00.000+08:00

by Robert Jackson

Dinner party etiquette, and indeed the subject of etiquette in general is wrapped up and disguised in layer upon layer of old school tradition!

Here at Gourmet Food Revolution, I intend to dispel some of the mystique of dinner party etiquette. Here you will find easy, commonsense advice and tips to help you through any modern day formal or semi-formal dinner occasion.

Whether you happen to be hosting a party or attending as a guest, this information is for you……………this is dinner party etiquette for the new millennium!

Dinner Party Etiquette - the Basics
Even in today’s fast and ever changing lifestyle, there is one very simple skill which if we don’t already possess, can easily be learned that is guaranteed to get you through even the most trying social occasion – good manners! Yes, something as simple as politeness and good manners will make up ten fold for any lack of etiquette know-how.

And if you are not sure if your manners are good enough, pick a role model and compare your behaviour with them. This could be someone well known on screen or television, or perhaps a friend, colleague or business associate. Pay attention to how they behave around other people. Learn from them!

Learn to be confident in yourself. Unease and nervousness in social occasions will undoubtedly make you feel uncomfortable and thus more prone to unnatural behaviour. A good tip before any important occasion is to go somewhere quiet on your own and sit or preferably, lay down. Close you eyes – and relax by taking long, slow, deep breaths. Then in your imagination, see yourself at that social event looking calm and confident. Imagine yourself interacting comfortably with other guests – you are a total success! Feel the experience – really let it sink in. This type of mental programming will assist you tremendously.

As host or dinner guest, never allow yourself to be persuaded into believing that the more you spend, the greater the impression you will make! That may be true in certain (frivolous!) circles of society, but it is generally not so, and it is certainly quite unnecessary. Spend only that which you can comfortably afford.

Organising Your Child's First Birthday Party

2007-02-22T21:13:00.000+08:00

Organization Of Your Child's First Birthday Party by Melissa Fishman

Party Chocolate Fountain

2007-02-21T13:17:00.000+08:00

A chocolate fountain can be bought by anyone, however in order to find a moderately priced one it is best to shop around. When it comes to interesting party centerpieces, a chocolate fountain can leave many a guest breathless with anticipation to try it. The building of a chocolate fountain can almost be as fun as tasting the end result of your project.

The number of chocolate fountains should not exceed the amount needed to feed your party guests' hunger for dessert. The selection of a chocolate fountain is always a beautiful attraction for the crowd at even the most sophisticated parties. A chocolate fountain may not be good to own; the best idea may be to rent one, because more than likely you will only use it for really big events that may not happen often.

Chocolate fountains are not capable of melting chocolate directly in the base, therefore you have to melt the chocolate in the microwave before you put it in the fountain. The selection of the foods to dip in the chocolate fountain is also an important part of making the dessert a hit at your social gathering. The selection of several chocolates can be presented in more than one fountain which allows the guest to pick their favorite. The grocery supplies for your chocolate fountain need to be simple to get and not too expensive either, even if you buy the name brand items. When it comes spectacular desserts, you don't get much better than a chocolate fountain for your next party.

The building of chocolate fountains may be a piece of art depending on the styling and size of the fountain. The number of people attending your event will dictate how much of a chocolate fountain your party will need. Chocolate is pumped up the inside of the fountains and flows constantly over the tiers, creating a nice chocolate stream for everyone to enjoy. The number of chocolate bars used to make one chocolate fountain depends on how many guests will be served by the party. When it comes to having a chocolate fountain, it's like a molten sea of chocolate bubbling up like lava from a volcano and spilling down the side.

When it comes to outdoor chocolate fountain rentals, the best answer would be to browse online or ask a person who has done used someone local before. The place most chocolate lovers want to go would include a chocolate fountain that was big enough for them to step into. Chocolate fountains are now the greatest thrill at all big events, it does not matter if it is an anniversary or a big office party everyone will be searching for the chocolate fountain.

Gerry Lewis

Party Chocolate Fountain by Gerry Lewis
www.chocolate-fountain-lancashire.info

Be a Responsible Host: Know the Facts

2007-02-21T06:35:00.000+08:00

Proud Party Articles

If you are hosting a party, be responsible by knowing the FACTS
by Jorge Fernandez de Cordova

The winter holidays are a time to enjoy the company of family, friends, and coworkers.

Whether you are planning a dinner, informal gathering, or holiday party, your job as host is very important. Your many responsibilities include planning the menu or catering, organizing entertainment and considering space arrangements. However, some of the most crucial details can be overlooked in all the frenzy. Perhaps your most important responsibility as host for a party or gathering where alcohol is involved is to take steps to ensure your guests' safety both during and after the celebration.

Drinking and driving is an all too familiar and tragic combination. More people are on the road, and they are also consuming alcohol as a part of their holiday celebrations. Statistics like the ones highlighted below remind us how important it is to plan an event where non-alcoholic beverages and alternative transportation options are available.

Tips for Party Givers

Avoid making alcohol the main focus of social events. Entertain guests with music, dancing, games, food, and lively conversation.
Did you know that one in three adults prefers a non-alcoholic beverage? Make sure to offer plenty of non-alcoholic choices such as sparkling water, fancy juice drinks, and soft drinks.
Provide guests with nutritious and appealing foods to slow the effects of alcohol. High protein and carbohydrate foods like cheese and meats are especially good. They stay in the stomach much longer, which slows the rate at which the body absorbs alcohol.
Avoid salty foods that encourage people to drink more.
Require bartenders to measure the correct amount of liquor into drinks (no doubles) and instruct them not to serve anyone who appears to be impaired. Have the bartender check the ID of anyone who appears to be under the age of 30 (no ID, no alcohol).
Stop serving drinks at least 1 hour before the end of the event. Instead, serve coffee, non-alcoholic beverages, and desserts at that time.
Recruit people ahead of time who will not be drinking to help you make sure everyone has a safe ride home.

When the Party's Over

Your responsibility as a host is even more important at this point. Should any of your guests be unable to drive due to alcohol impairment, be sure to provide several options. Below are a few suggestions:

Be prepared to offer your guests alternate forms of transportation.
Know what "safe ride" programs are available in your area.
Keep the phone numbers of several cab companies handy.
If your event will be held in or close to a hotel, encourage guests ahead of time to book rooms for the night.
Provide drinkers with alternatives to driving.
Offer your place to spend the night. Call a taxi.
Ask someone who was not drinking to drive your friend home.

Don't let anyone who has been drinking drive. If the drinker insists, take the keys, ask for help from other guests, or temporarily disable the car.

If all else fails, say you will call the police (and do so).

Be responsible Stay safe AND HAVE A GREAT TIME.
Jorge and Blanca Fernandez de Cordova www.proudparty.com

PARTY PLUS stores

2007-02-20T17:30:00.000+08:00

Party Hire Equipment, Balloons, Party Supplies, Jukeboxes, Marquees, Cocktail Machines

How to plan a stress-free party - Part 2

2007-02-20T06:00:00.000+08:00

Yesterday I discussed the front-end planning - party style, party theme and party location in your venue/s. Today we look at food and drinks.

Your style, theme and to some extent location/s will strongly influence your food and drink choices. Start with the food. What style will complement your party style and theme - eg a cocktail party style with a Hollywood theme will lend itself more to canapes, elegant drinks and nibbles than to cans of beer and pizza. (Although with the way some Hollywood personalities act ... that's for another day.) If you are self-catering, do you have enough heating, warming or cooling items. Do you have enough tables and tablecloths etc for setting out buffet-style food, as well as a bar area and ice bins dotted around the venue (or by the side of tables).

Now work our your approximate number of guests. This will tell you how much and what sort of party hire equipment you need. In this day and age this can be the trickiest part or planning a party, as even your best friends have probably lost the fine art of the RSVP until the last possible moment.

You're going to have to guess a little, but we can make some clever guesses at certain things. For example, most women will drink 1-2 glasses of wine and then keep to soft drinks. Men will tend to drink more beer than wine (although this can be a generational thing), and, sadly, most will tend to drink directly from cans or small bottles rather than glasses. As a rough rule of thumb, about 60-70% of your guest will require a wine or champagne glass, and 50% a soft drink glass. Again, women will eat less dessert than men, and older people will eat less than younger. Tea and coffee are usually only taken by about 25% of large gatherings, depending upon age of the guests and the style of party.

In Part 3 we'll look at the decorations to "hang it all together".

It's just not a party without Party Plus
www.partyplus.com.au

How to plan a stress-free party - Part 1

2007-02-19T21:40:00.000+08:00

My husband and I commenced in the party hire, balloons and party products business 6 years ago. It was our first business and, having never done retail before, we wanted to serve customers the way that we wanted to be served. That meant being greeted, personally helped around the store, given relevant advice, and above all NOT being sold to.

One of the best ways to help our customer is to get them to help themselves. Party planning needn't be long or involved - nor costly. But it does take a little planning and time, so where possible allow at least two weeks before assaulting your party store!

First, have a clear idea of what your style of party. By party style I mean cocktail, formal dinner, garden barbeque, informal with dancing etc. If you can get clear on this you'll be amazed at how much easier the rest of the party will be.

Next decide on a party theme. Even the most informal of parties should have a theme. This can be as elaborate as fancy dress, Hollywood, Football Final, as generic as "magenta and purple" colours, or as simple as "summer barbeque" etc. Once you've got style and theme decided, the hard work is done.

At this point you need to determine exactly where in the venue are you creating various various parts of the party. For example, at home you may have pre-party nibbles and drinks in the lounge-room, then a sit-down meal outside in a marquee or under the stars, followed by dancing in the pergola area. (Don't forget your wet weather back-up plan.) At a function centre you may have the front reception room, then the main dining hall etc. There is no right or wrong with the "where" of venues - you just need to be clear.

In Part 2 I'll discuss the next stages - food and drinks.

It's just not a party without Party Plus
www.partyplus.com.au