Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Life

Category: Entertaining

  • Welcome to the Neighborhood: Five Great Gifts for Neighbors

    Welcome to the Neighborhood: Five Great Gifts for Neighbors

    Moving to a new neighborhood is never easy. Why not show a warm welcome by giving a welcome basket to your new neighbors? As an established ambassador of your block, now’s your opportunity to bring over a few little gifts for neighbors to make them more comfortable in their new home.

    Fruits, vegetables and flowers

    If you’re a gardener, consider sharing the bounty. Fresh fruits and vegetables are always a big hit. They may even inspire some fun, future garden rivalry. Feeling inspired? Pack your treasures into a box with a few seed packets that easily grow outdoors, a tool for weeding and a nice pair of gardening gloves. Don’t forget to add a

     

     

    Snacks and a drink

    Who doesn’t love treats? Although it used to be the tradition to bring by a bottle of wine for new neighbors, be cognizant of the fact that some may prefer not to drink alcoholic beverages. Instead, bring over a bottle of sparkling water and fruit juice to make a spritzer. To accompany the refreshers, pack a small fruit basket and chocolates.

    If you really want to impress your new neighbors, bring them baked goods straight out of the oven. Make sure to provide a full list of ingredients in case your neighbors have allergies. You may want to make options that are free of nut, dairy and eggs.

    A gift card to a great local restaurant

    Your new neighbors may not feel up to preparing a meal. After all, their kitchen may still be filled with boxes! Offering a gift card to your favorite local restaurant is a nice gesture that will also prevent your neighbors’ stomachs from rumbling. Fortunately, gift cards can be purchased in a wide range of amounts to avoid worrying about overspending. A typical amount for new neighbors is anywhere between $20 to $50. Try to choose a restaurant with a lovely view and a wide variety of menu items to suit all dietary needs.

  • A Few Ideas for an Entertaining Family Game Night

    Spending time with loved ones is a great way to unwind. The best part? Unlike other gatherings that can require a lot of planning, an evening at home is simple. Pull out a board game, whip up some easy snacks and you’ve got yourself a fun family game night. Below are a few of our favorite ideas for making the night a success.

    The games

    Make sure to check in advance how many players a game requires. If you only have three people and the game needs four, you’re in trouble. Also, consider the age of each member of your family and the decade the game was made. While some games are timeless—Scrabble, for example—others, like a Trivial Pursuit game from the 1980s, might not be much fun for younger players. Interactive games and those that inherently have a little healthy competition are always a hit. Gauge the needs of your family. Games with loud noises or buzzers may be fun for some people, but they may cause stress to family members with sensitivities to sound. Games that don’t require boards, bells or whistles are also fun. Charades, for example, has been a parlor game since the 19th century. Originally played by English aristocracy, this game requires only the imaginations of its players.

    Make your own games

    If your family enjoys being crafty, making your own board games can be a lot of fun. A do-it-yourself checkerboard, for example, requires only small, wooden disks that can be picked up from your local craft store, as well as a couple of cloth napkins, painters tape, and paint.

     

     

    The food

    Whereas most parties require a certain amount of food planning and preparation, a family game night can be as simple or as difficult as you make it. For an easy night, order pizza or your favorite take-out. Make sure to have your family’s favorite beverages on hand.

    It can be fun, however, to prepare some simple foods with your loved ones. A big pasta dish with an accompanying green salad is a simple meal to make. You can also concentrate on finger foods. Local grocery stores have a number of ready-made appetizers that you can pop into the oven for a few minutes. Another option is to cut a vegetable or cheese platter. Also, make a few of your favorites such as stuffed mushrooms or buffalo wings.

  • Ten Ideas for Fun Family Games

    Games are a fun way to connect with family. Playing games together creates memories that each family member can cherish forever. The following 10 family-friendly games are perfect for game nights or for any time you want to come together and share each other’s company.

     

    1. Pictionary

    This classic game requires a great deal of drawing, but you don’t need to be an artist. It’s more fun if participants can’t draw. Laughter is sure to ensue when each family member takes a turn sketching an object while others try to guess what it is.

     

     

     

     

    2. Charades

    Charades is another classic that is always fun. Split your family into two teams. One person from each team takes a turn acting out a book, movie or TV show. The actor’s team members must guess what the title is. You can play Charades by timing each team as they perform and guess individually, or by having a timed contest with both teams taking the challenge at the same time.

     

     

     

    3. Telephone

    Many people played Telephone as a kid. To play, have one person whisper a sentence into the ear of someone sitting nearby. In turn, that person will whisper what they heard into the ear of another person. Often, it’s hard to hear anything concrete. However, that doesn’t mean the game stops! Players must simply make up what they can’t hear, and that’s when the real fun begins.

     

     

     

    4. Egyptian War

    Egyptian War has long been a popular card game. This game is similar to the classic War, in which taking possession of the deck is the goal. With Egyptian War, however, there is a lot of card slapping going on, and players must pay attention and strategize.

     

     

     

  • Ten Tasty Finger Foods for Party People on the Move

    Get the party started with delicious nibbles that will make entertaining fun for every host. Finger foods are easy to grab, reducing the stress of guests who may not have room to sit down for a traditional meal and giving guests a tasty way to start conversations. Explore 10 finger foods that will have loved ones already saving the date for your next event.

    1. Stuffed mushrooms

    Stuffed mushrooms are easy to make and gobble up, making them the ideal choice to serve at a party. They can be made for vegans or meat lovers/carnivores. Combine a black rice, vegetable stock, vegan cheese and crushed walnuts for your veggie-lover friends. For carnivores, add sausage.  This incredibly rich blue cheese and Parmesan option for friends who fall somewhere in the middle will be a hit.

     

     

    2. Pigs in a blanket

    For many decades, pigs in a blanket have been popular. Kids love them just as much as adults, and they are easy to make. Just pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees, wrap mini hotdogs in crescent roll squares and bake for about 10-15 until golden brown.

     

     

     

    3. Avocado and pesto tomatoes

    You can thank us for this one later: avocados, tomatoes, and some lemony, cheesy sauce, all secured on the same toothpick. This is one of the easiest finger foods for a party, and all you need is a food processor.

     

     

     

    4. Bacon water chestnut wraps

    Because it’s impossible to eat just one these hors d’oeuvres, you can expect they’ll disappear quickly. Cut some bacon strips in half, heat until almost crispy and wrap each strip around a water chestnut. Secure with a toothpick and glaze with brown sugar and a little mayonnaise. Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes. Serve hot.

    5. Potato salad bites

    Potato salad is a favorite dish at a sit-down BBQ. However, at a party where guests are mingling, it’s not exactly convenient. Thankfully, you can halve small red potatoes, bake them at 450 degrees for about 20 minutes with a little olive oil and then, once soft, scoop out the inside, mash it with some sour cream, chives, salt and pepper. Voila, potato salad bites!

  • Fun Outdoor Yard Games for Summer Family Entertainment and Parties

    Whether you want to entertain your family or host a party this summer, outdoor yard games can be just what you need. There are many fun games for the backyard that you can buy at a store, shop for on the Internet or even make yourself. Consider these classics and favorites to delight every age. Get creative and infuse fun themes into your games.

    Piñata

    Piñatas are beloved at parties. All the work that goes into busting them to break out the hidden treasure is well worth it. For a summertime party, hang a piñata filled with candy, little trinkets or money. Have a bunch of bored little ones on summer break? Make every weekend piñata weekend!

     

     

    Twister

    Twister is a cherished game from many of our childhoods and some of us have probably played it in college. Chances are good that you have Twister game somewhere in your closet or in the attic. Get it out and put it on the grass. Play as a family, invite the neighbors to join in or break the ice at a party.

     

     

     

    Horseshoes

    You might not be able to find real steel horseshoes for this favorite backyard game, but there’s probably a few plastic sets to choose from online. Horseshoes is a great way to pass the time and engage in a little competition between family and friends.

  • 10 Easy Spring Centerpieces to Impress

    Consider these 10 easy spring centerpieces, whether you want to impress guests or create an awe-inspiring space for yourself.

    Whether you’re hosting a brunch, throwing a shower or simply decorating your house for the season, spring centerpieces can add the perfect touch to your table. With the abundance of flowers during spring, it’s easy to find blooms that will bring life to your home. In keeping with the season’s theme of newness, the time is ideal for trying out a fresh style in floral containers or even centerpieces sans flowers.

    1. Keep it cool

    Welcome spring with cool-toned flowers accentuated by a simple tin bowl or glass vase. Choose blossoms like purple or blue grape hyacinth, plum tulips, and grape fritillaria combined with ruffled columbine foliage for a dramatic, yet well-balanced effect. Arrange your flowers on their own or with black pussy willow crisscrossed to form a nest that they can nestle in.

     

     

    2. Make a statement with daffodils

    Gather daffodils from your garden or purchase them from the farmers market or a nursery. The cut blooms are alluring in cream, yellow and apricot. Pair them in a sleek and minimalist container with twigs of heritage pussy willow. Consider cutting daffodils before their buds open to enjoy a long-lasting bouquet that affords glimpses of the flower in its many forms.

     

  • 6 Ideas for a Sensational Easter Table Setting

    What do food, fancy plates and flowers have in common? They’re all sensational for an Easter table setting!

    If you’re coming up short on ideas for your Easter table, or need inspiration for that final touch, there are many ways to set a showstopper.

    Create a design that will make loved ones feel welcomed and delighted. Feel free to incorporate appetizers or desserts into your design. Pull out your spring-colored china or hit the vintage shop for new treasures. Display a complete set or pieces that are mismatched and marvelous. Bring some of the season’s best blossoms into the setting as well.

     

     

    1. Design your own garden centerpiece

    Gather a medium-sized wood or metal tray, some wheatgrass (available at many nurseries), a handful of your favorite cut blooms and floral selections filled with water. Trim the wheatgrass with gardening tools or scissors so it fits perfectly on your tray. Place the flower stems inside of the floral selections and then press the picks down into the grass. Arrange a monochromatic garden centerpiece or one that bursts with color.

     

     

    2. Fill perfume bottles with flowers

    Raid your bathroom or your nearest flea market to come up with statement perfume bottles for an Easter table flower display. These vessels, while always beautiful, take on new life when paired with spring’s botanical bounty.

     

  • St. Patrick’s Day Desserts with a Little Luck of the Irish

    St. Patrick’s Day is fast approaching, and there’s no more festive way to celebrate the holiday than with a crowd-pleasing, Irish-themed treat. To help you get into the spirit, we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite St. Patrick’s Day desserts. There’s something here to satisfy every palate. Many of the recipes can be customized, depending on your audience or the amount of time you have.

     

    Craveable Cakes, Cookies and Brownies

    From light and airy cupcakes to fudgy brownies (as well as options for folks with a little less of a sweet tooth), these baked desserts are sure to delight your friends and family come March 17th.

    • Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies: Who doesn’t enjoy a perfectly prepared sugar cookie? This recipe takes it up a notch by incorporating cream cheese to create an incredibly chewy concoction. Roll out the dough and cut it into shamrock shapes, or keep it simple and scoop it into small balls. However, be sure to let it chill in the fridge beforehand so it’s easier to handle. Coat the cookies with a green-tinted powdered sugar glaze, then watch them get devoured.
    •  Luck o’ the Irish Brownies: Chocolate and mint tops many people’s list of favorite flavor combinations. These supremely rich, triple-layer brownies offer both in abundance. They involve a little mid-prep refrigeration to ensure that the center peppermint layer sets properly. Be sure to factor that into your timing.
    • Irish Coffee Cupcakes: If you like Irish coffee, you’ll love this tasty cupcake version of the popular beverage. The delicate texture of the frosting provides the perfect counterbalance to the bolder flavor of the cupcake. This recipe is best suited to adults, given its ingredients, although you can use caffeine-free espresso powder and omit the whiskey to make it a little more family-friendly.
    • Pot of Gold Rainbow Cake: Want to create a real show-stopper? This stunning cake looks like it should take hours to create but is relatively simple. It involves baking four separate cake layers using a boxed mix (hello, time-saver!), and then cutting a circle in the two inner layers and filling the resulting “well” with candy-coated chocolate balls. Perhaps the most complicated aspect of this recipe is the multi-colored frosting, but dividing the different colors into plastic bags and then piping them onto the cake one by one simplifies the process. (And if you want, you could always skip the rainbow and simply frost the entire cake green.)
    • Irish Soda Bread Cookies: Not everyone is a fan of super-sweet desserts. For those who prefer a something slightly subtler this St. Patrick’s Day, these Irish soda bread cookies fit the bill. After all, what could be more authentically Irish than soda bread? The unique flavor of these cookies comes from the addition of dried currant – as well as caraway seed, which lends just a hint of anise to the overall taste. If you don’t like licorice, you can easily omit this ingredient.

  • Tips and Tricks for Hosting the Best New Year’s Eve Party

    From catching up to planning resolutions, spending time with loved ones enhances the season. December 31 is the perfect time to craft a new you for the upcoming year by hitting the reset button. Whether you’re trying to move on from the past or are simply eager to head into 2018, host the best New Year’s Eve party with these tips.

     

    Host your New Year’s Eve party at home

    Hosting your fete at home is budget-friendly. While renting a venue for the night may seem like a great idea, it can mean starting 2018 with debt. Take advantage of you space you already have at home.

     

    Make it BYOB

    It’s tempting to supply festive beverages for your guests. However, doing so limits your entertaining options while also spiking your New Year’s Eve budget. To keep your party costs low and ensure your guests have their favorite drink for the evening, make it a ‘bring your own beverage’ event. You can supply champagne for the midnight ball drop if it is important to you. Otherwise, stock up on ice, cooler space and cups.

     

    Hook up the speakers

    Head into the New Year with the best tunes of the past 12 months. Hook up your smartphone to loud speakers or sync up with a Bluetooth speaker. Be sure to include a mixture of different genres to ensure every musical preference is represented.

     

    Keep the NYC ball drop in the background

    With the music blaring, the last thing you want is to keep on the television. However, a lot of people look forward to seeing the December 31st festivities happening in New York. Simply press mute and hide the remote. When midnight is right around the corner, trade in the tunes for some television and watch the ball drop with your loved ones.

     

    Give out party favors

    Consider putting together a little gift bag for all your guests to enjoy in 2018. Party favors are an excellent way to thank everyone for coming while also gifting them with something that’ll make their night even more memorable. Something as simple as chocolate kisses for midnight or fortune cookies are delightful options for New Year’s Eve party favors.

    End the old and begin anew with tips to make your loved ones feel celebrated.

  • The Cost of a Wedding

    The cost of a wedding has reached an all-time high. According to The Knot’s annual study, the national average for weddings in 2016 was a whopping $35,329, not including the honeymoon. That’s an increase of eight percent since 2015’s study, and if this year follows suit, the average cost of a marriage will increase to $38,000. To put it into perspective, that’s enough to feed 350 children every weekend for an entire school year (Washington Post). Here’s how people are exceeding the five-digit realm for their wedding budget.

    Location plays a huge role, with a national average of $16,107 spent on venues

    Wedding venues are at the top of the list in terms of priority when it comes to weddings. With 48 percent of couples requiring a scenic backdrop for their wedding, as reported by The Knot. Couples are also now choosing to have more weddings away from home, with 49 percent of weddings more than 200 miles from the bride and groom’s hometown.

    Despite the overall number of destination weddings being down, a significant number of couples are still choosing to take their vows overseas. The top locations for destination weddings in 2016 were:

    • Hawaii (35 percent)
    • The Caribbean (27 percent)
    • California (14 percent)
    • Florida (12 percent)
    • Mexico (10 percent).

    As for the most expensive locations for a wedding in the United States, Manhattan is at the top of the list with an average of $78,464 for the whole wedding and Long Island weddings follow with a cost of $67,831. Weddings in New Jersey were the third most expensive, with an average of $62,606. As for the least expensive,  take a look at Arkansas ($19,522), Utah ($20,337) and Montana ($20,794).

    The cost of hiring professionals for the big day accounts for an average $13,249  

    Although the wedding location accounts for approximately half of the budget, hiring professional services makes up a majority of the other half. On average, couples are spending $4,156 for a band and $1,245 for a DJ, $2,783 to have professional photos taken of their big day and $1,995 for a videographer. Add in the cost of a wedding planner ($2,037), ceremony musicians ($755) and officiant ($278), and you have a total cost of $13,249 just in extra staff.

    Wedding decorations, invitations, flowers, favors, cake, and transportation equals $4,705 on average

    The details of the wedding add to the cost of a marriage, totaling $4,705 on average. Couples are spending an average of $2,534 on florists and décor, $582 for a wedding cake, $462 for invitations, and $268 for wedding favors. If you add in transportation, a cost of approximately $859, the total cost of wedding details is $4,705.

    The wedding necessities account for an average $9,007

    There are some things no wedding is complete without; they’re also some of the costliest features of a wedding when combined. On average, couples are spending $6,163 on the engagement ring, $1,564 on a wedding dress and $280 for the groom’s attire. Wedding bands are another wedding necessity. Depending where you go, a plain 14-karat gold ring or a simple platinum band may cost around $1,000 (The Knot). Keep in mind that this is for the simplest of wedding bands, for something more extravagant, the cost will increase depending what you plan on doing to personalize the rings.

     

    With all expenses considered, a marriage in 2016 cost, on average, $35,329. Fortunately, there are various ways you can cut costs, such as hosting a backyard wedding instead of a destination wedding, sending virtual wedding invitations instead of the traditional kind, and opting to hire either a band or a DJ instead of both. Consider creating your own favors, decorations and centerpieces to save money.

    Keep in mind that money isn’t necessary to have a beautiful wedding.With a little ingenuity and creativity, you can create memories on your own dime within your budget.