Party Foul: Don't Let the Whistle Be Blown on Your Next Get Together

We've all been to a party where red wine ruined the hostess' new cream carpeting, or brought veggies to a potluck just to realize they're ice cold by the time you serve them. Don't worry, these "party fouls" happen to all of us once in a while. But they don't have to keep happening.

For Christmas I was given a book called Heloise Hints for All Occasions, copyright 1995 by The Hearst Corporation. This book is amazing! It has tips and hints for everything you could think of when planning for a special occasion. From pre-party planning, to cooking for a crowd, to special gift ideas - it's got it all! Pick this book up on Amazon or at a local used book store; it'll be a life safer at your next party and save you from those embarrassing party fouls.

To give you a taste of the ideas in this book, I've included a few hints that will help with some common party fouls:

• A glass of red wine was spilt on my new tablecloth. How can I save it?
  Heloise says "pour salt on the stain to absorb the liquid...remove the tablecloth, let it soak in cold water" then "rinse and wash as usual" (p. 99).
  I've also seen this work on carpet, too. Red wine was spilled on an expensive rug at a party I attended. The hostess covered the spot with salt, and let it sit. When she cleaned up the salt, it had absorbed most of the stain and she simply cleaned up the rest with soap and water.
  
  
• My apple pie recipe calls for cups but they're only sold in pounds.
  According to Heloise, for "apples: 1 pound equals about 3 medium or 3 cups sliced" (p.17). This isn't the only measurement hint in Heloise's book. She covers everything from fruit to coffee to flour.
  
  
• My daughter's birthday party is today, and I forgot to buy gift wrap!
  Heloise suggests that you "save the shiny helium balloons you receive for birthdays...and then use them for gift wrap after they deflate. Carefully slit the edge of the balloon to make an opening large enough to insert the gift, then realign the open edges and tape them shut with transparent tape" (p. 125).
  
  
• It's my turn to bring veggies to our family potluck, but they never seem to stay hot.
  When transporting hot vegetables, Heloise suggests you "put the hot vegetables into a wide-mouth half-gallon thermos" (p.65).

I have fallen in love with the handy tips in this book. I recommend it to anyone planning a party, be it a small dinner gathering or an anniversary party for 200 guests. You'll find everything you need to know to keep the whistle from being blown on your next get together.


Image found at www.heloise.com/booksocc.html.

Stress Free is the Way to Be

Tips for Dress Shopping without Losing Your Sanity

Hey all you Brides-To-Be out there! We all know your dress is one of the focal points of your wedding. You want it to make you feel like a princess, and it'll be one of the most memorable elements of your big day. However, it can also be one of the most stressful parts of your wedding prep.

But - it doesn't have to be! I haven't been in the wedding business long, but I've picked up a few tips to de-stress your dress:

1. Do your research: I know, I know - that word "research" doesn't sound appealing at all. Actually, it sounds down right boring. But this research will be fun! I mean, you're looking at wedding gowns - how can that be boring? Purchase some wedding fashion magazines. This time of year, I recommend "The Knot" Fashion Issue. And don't let the price tag of this publication discourage you - the headaches you'll save yourself are well worth it. You can find it at most bookstores, and as well as at the link above. Flip through your new wedding fashion magazine with a pen and sticky notes handy. Mark all the dresses that catch your eye with a sticky, and write down what made it stick out. Write down all your initial thoughts: "like this bodice, hate the skirt"; "like the layers, maybe less frilly?"; etc. All these notes will help you narrow down your choices when you go shopping.


2. Find stores in your area: Everyone knows about the big chain and boutique bridal stores; I'm sure you can think of at least two or three right now. It's possible you pass them every day on your way to work. But, if you're a bride on a budget these may not be the best options for you. Look for local wedding consignment and bargain stores in your area. There are tons around; they just take a little hunting to find. These stores often take in dresses that have only been used once, and some that have never been worn at all. These stores often pride themselves on staying up to date with current fashions, so don't worry about only finding dresses that your great-grandmother would have worn.


3. Go hunting: Go to both the big chain stores and the consignment/bargain stores. Be sure to take your sticky-noted magazine along with you. Use it to remind yourself of things you do and don't like, and to narrow down your choices.


4. Take things slow: It's really unlikely that you'll find you're prefect dress on your first shopping adventure. If you do, CONGRATS - that's awesome!!! If not, that's ok. Don't go into your trip expecting to find a dress the first time you look. It'll only drive you crazy, and that's stress that could easily be avoided.


5. Remember that it's YOUR dress: Lots of people are going to want to help you buy your dress. After all, it's a centerpiece of the wedding. While I encourage you take people along who's opinions matter to you, remember that it's still your dress. Don't try to please the people you're shopping with, letting their ideas mean more than yours. If you don't love it, don't buy it because someone else does. It's your day - make yourself happy.

These are just a few tips I've picked up so far. Shopping for your dress should be an adventure, not a chore. Have fun and don't stress!