Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Life

Tag: entertaining

  • Celebrate Summer with these Festive Party Themes

    Summer is here and it’s time to party! Start the easy living by planning the perfect summertime soiree. Get your guest list together and pick a date. We’ll help you throw the ultimate summer spectacular with a fun and festive theme.

    Family members, new and old friends alike will love spending a laid-back day or night with great food and beautiful décor. Keep it casual or dress it up. Embrace the spirit of the season and enjoy creating a space for relaxation.

    Here are some of our favorite summer party theme ideas:

    Summer beach party

    You don’t have to live at the beach to bring the surf and sand to your summer party. A backyard isn’t even necessary, although a great outdoor space helps establish a beachy mood. If you have a yard or outside area, little sand islands and trails create perfect places for lingering.

    Indoor and outdoor gathering spots get their beach on when you decorate them with sand-filled hurricane lamps holding simple white candles. Keep plenty of beach blankets and towels on hand for lounging, and make sure you have refreshing drinks for the day followed by warm-up beverages throughout the evening.

    A tropical oasis

    Turn your home into a tropical oasis with colorful flowers and lush plants, as well as tiki torches and island-inspired cocktails or mocktails. Create a rainforest atmosphere complete with soothing soundscapes or invite guests into a thatched hut or luau setting.

    Hand out real flower leis made with orchids, jasmine or plumeria. Serve dragon fruit or guava sorbet and consider hiring a hula dance instructor to teach partygoers traditional Hawaiian and Polynesian dance.

    Movie under the stars

    Wait out the intense heat of the day and congregate around a movie screen at night. Don’t have a silver screen or can’t find a place to rent one? Configure a makeshift setup with a sheet or project onto the side of your house. You can “roll” films from an old-school projector or stream them from your laptop.

    Backyard movies under the stars are some of the most fun summertime parties. Hook up theater speakers, line up chairs (or piles of blankets) and treat your guests to freshly popped popcorn and natural cane sugar sodas for a new release or classic. Your event will be one to remember.

  • Winning Super Bowl Snack Ideas

    Are you searching for super bowl snack ideas that are easy to make and delicious? Hosting a gathering for the big game can be a lot of fun, but it may also leave you stumped for ideas on how to treat your friends and family to a winning menu. The good news is that even if you have guests who have different dietary preferences, you can still make a range of satisfying, indulgent options. If you need tips for preparing tasty bites on the big day, read on as we reveal some of our favorite super bowl snack ideas that are anything but ordinary.

    Mini Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

    When looking for super bowl snack ideas, start with comfort food that will warm chilled guests coming in from the frosty temperatures outside. Mini grilled cheese sandwiches not only offer a warm gooey delight that is easily passed or grabbed from the buffet, but they are a delicious nod to childhood that always makes us smile. Real Simple loves these treats because they are “makeable make-ahead bites that are delicious and downright easy.” But you don’t have to stop there. If you want to add a tangy twist to this classic, the Magazine recommends refreshing this satisfying snack “with a dollop of fruit chutney.” Yum! 

    Sriracha-Buffalo Chicken Wings

    If you love buffalo chicken wings but wish they were healthier, you are in luck! Martha Stewart Living is a fan of this party classic but favors baking this snack so that it is better for you while also minimizing clean up – a win for any super bowl snack idea. You start by baking your favorite chicken wings. After taking them from the oven, you simply toss them with Sriracha butter while still warm and serve them with crumbled blue cheese and celery sticks. The Magazine raves: “The vinegar-[chili] sauce adds just enough of a twist to feel fresh while staying true to all the beloved characteristics of the addictive game day staple.”

    Cheeseburger Egg Rolls with Special Sauce

    One of Southern Living’s favorite super bowl snack ideas is the cheeseburger egg roll. How can you go wrong when combining a childhood favorite with another delightful treat? Prep and cooking time is only about an hour and is as easy as making your favorite cheeseburger recipe and then surrounding all of that deliciousness in a prepared egg roll wrapper. Of course, Southern Living’s special sauce, made from “ketchup, mayonnaise, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and cayenne pepper,” is a game-changer. As the Magazine cheers: “Our Special Sauce will soon be your new go-to condiment.” 

    Bean-and-Veggie Sliders

    Are you looking for a tasty vegetarian version of a classic hamburger slider? Try Martha Stewart Living’s Bean-and-Veggie Sliders. The Magazine loves this super bowl snack idea because, in part, the “[blended] kidney beans and rice, plus grated carrots, broccoli, and ginger, make the patties satisfyingly substantial.” You can top them with any of your favorites, or go for colorful options that the Magazine favors like sliced mango and cilantro. 

    Loaded Sweet-Potato Skins

    Potato skins are a classic option for any super bowl party, but if you are looking for snack ideas that offer a twist on this traditional favorite, you’ll want to try the Loaded Sweet-Potato Skins recipe from Martha Stewart Living. Sweet potatoes have a higher nutritional value than russets, and they can still be filled with decadent ingredients for a thoroughly indulgent taste. For the Magazine’s recipe, “they’re mashed with a touch of buttermilk and paprika and finished with low-fat sour cream, scallion, and bacon….” You might love these so much that you’ll add them to all of your fun, casual gatherings this year.

    Polenta Bites With Bacon, Dates, and Blue Cheese

    A thoroughly filling and delectable appetizer, polenta bites are becoming a party favorite. This creative snack offers the perfect blend of savory and sweet when served with bacon, dates, and blue cheese, but you can easily swap out the bacon for sliced tempeh or Shiitake mushrooms for a vegetarian offering that is just as tempting. While straightforward to make, Real Simple suggests adding a final step: “Broil them right before your guests arrive to ensure the cheese is melted and each bite is warmed throughout.” Don’t be surprised if your guests start asking for the recipe after the first bite.  

    Chicken Satay Skewers

    Chicken satay skewers are always a good choice at parties. Not only are they easy to munch on while socializing, but they are bite-sized snacks filled with lean protein and terrific flavor with the right marinade. Martha Stewart Living favors “a simple marinade made with sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, and red-pepper flakes [that] delivers big flavor,” as well as a spicy peanut dip for an extra kick. 

    Vegan Miso Tahini Dip

    Stumped for an unusual dip that is also lighter than your standard fare and perfect for all of your guests, including those who are vegan or vegetarian? Consider adding Martha Stewart Living’s Miso Tahini Dip to your menu. It’s dairy-free but still delightfully creamy. At its base, it’s made from “umami-rich miso and nutty tahini paste.” The Magazine suggests “[rounding it] out with a little garlic, lemon juice, and sesame oil, [for a] result [that] is a deliciously addictive dip that is guaranteed to get a lot of play at a party.” There is no wrong way to serve this dip, but lightly blanched asparagus stalks and other seasonally-inspired vegetables are among the Magazine’s favorite pairings.

    Tater Nachos

    Chip-based nachos are a terrific game-day delicacy, but if you want to mix it up this year, try Southern Living’s Tater Nachos. Start by cooking frozen tater tots as you usually would to create your base. Pile them with all of the nacho ingredients you most love, including black beans, tomatoes, and shredded Mexican cheese. Next, as the Magazine suggests, “[add] seasoned ground beef, chicken, or even pulled pork to make Tater Nachos even more satisfying and hearty.” After you pop your creation under the broiler for a minute or two to make the cheese extra melty, you can pile on toppings like sour cream, guacamole, and jalapeno slices, or keep them in small bowls for your guests to add to their liking. It’s a one-pan super bowl snack idea that will delight your guests and be a highlight of halftime.

    Chipotle Beef and Beer Chili

    Over the years, a hearty chili dish has become a much-welcomed super bowl snack. Sure to take the chill off of a frigid winter afternoon or evening, chili also can be paired with several other indulgent snacks, from macaroni and cheese to tater tots to chips. However, even your favorite award-winning chili recipe might lose its crown to Real Simple’s Chipotle Beef and Beer Chili. The Magazine raves: “Our Chipotle Beef and Beer Chili is flavored with dark Mexican beer, like an amber lager, smoky chipotles in adobo, and chili powder.” A note of caution: This chili has a serious kick. But if you love your chili spicy, and you want your super bowl party menu to thrill, set this up with sides of cornbread and toppings like sour cream, and get ready for the cheers (and the second half of the game) to start.

  • Five Things to Clean Before the Guests Arrive

    If guests are headed your way, you might be feeling pressure to balance your already demanding schedule and deep holiday cleaning. Don’t panic! The good news is that you only need to focus on a few, highly-visible areas in your home to make a positive impression and create a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere. If you are ready to get started, read on as we reveal our favorite holiday cleaning tips for creating a guest-ready home.

    Declutter and Sweep the Entryway

    Whether your entryway opens directly into your living space or it reveals a long foyer, it is most likely to be the place where your boots, coats, umbrellas, and drop zone now reside. It’s also the first impression your guests will have of the inside of your home. As Martha Stewart Living points out, “it’s hard for your guests to feel welcome if they’re tripping over days’ worth of your castoffs.” It’s no wonder then that one of their favorite holiday cleaning tips is to do a major declutter the day before or the day of your festivities.

    Start by removing your family’s excess stuff. Put extra coats, boots, and other apparel into closets, even if you will need to bring them back out after the event. Similarly, tidy areas that hold mail, extra masks, hand sanitizers, and keys. Wipe down any mirrors and lightly dust table surfaces. If you have the time, do a quick sweep or mop of the entire entryway and threshold once the area has been cleared. After the threshold has been swept, clear away dead leaves or debris from welcome mats or door decorations. Not only will you be amazed at how open and clean everything feels, but your guests will be able to use this space easily for their own needs. 

    Banish Bathroom Germs

    Nothing says “a clean home” like a germ-free bathroom for your guests. One of our most-often shared holiday cleaning tips involves corralling your personal bathroom items before your guests arrive. If you don’t have a vanity or bathroom cabinets, grab a decorative or utility container and stash your daily-use items inside. Pop the top on and move the items into your bedroom or a linen closet after you are finished getting ready. Because they are contained, it will be easy enough to move those items back into your bathroom after your guests have left. 

    Next, disinfect the counters, sink, and toilet. Wipe down the mirror. Clean the soap dish or dispenser, and place freshly laundered (or disposable) hand towels in an easy-to-access spot. Double-check that there are extra rolls of toilet paper available. Pull the shower/bath curtain closed. If you have glass doors on your shower, you may want to do a quick wipe down to remove any soap buildup. If you have extra time, mop or Swiffer the floor. 

    Address Any Living Room Mess

    Do a quick assessment of whichever room is your social space (living room, family room, glass-enclosed sunroom, etc.) and make a list of the most challenging areas. Southern Living suggests that people start to prepare for guests by dusting “for looks and for those with allergies (you don’t want Grandma sniffling and sneezing during the whole visit).” Better Homes & Gardens loves the idea of having a 1-hour holiday cleaning plan, which includes “[vacuuming] high-traffic areas,” decluttering throughout the space, “[tidying] stacks of magazines and books,” and putting out lightly scented candles. 

    Vacuum the sofa to ensure that pet hair and any stray crumbs have been removed. Plump the pillows, add a cozy throw blanket, and generally straighten the couch, so it feels welcoming to holiday company. If you have days available for your holiday cleaning, one of Southern Living’s favorite tips is to clean the entertaining room’s carpet. But if you can’t get the entire thing steam-cleaned, consider spot-cleaning where necessary. The Magazine also suggests hiding the remote to keep the focus on family and friends. However, if your holiday traditions include things like Thanksgiving football or Christmas basketball games (or other family-favorite sporting events), do a quick disinfect of the remote before people arrive. 

    Prep The Kitchen

    Cleaning the kitchen when you are hosting holiday celebrations is tricky. We all like to think that we will be finished cooking before the guests ring the bell, but that’s often difficult for holidays with a significant food element. Better Homes & Gardens suggests that you divide the tasks into two stages. The first stage would take place before food preparation begins, and the second would occur an hour or so before your holiday festivities start. For example, two days before the event, the Magazine recommends “[cleaning] out the refrigerator, [which makes] room for party foods,” “[wiping] down all large and small appliances,” removing fingerprints and old cooking splatters from backsplashes and cabinets, and “[taking] recycling to recycling bins or facilities.” 

    If you are faced with only an hour before the arrival of guests, Better Homes & Gardens offers speedy holiday cleaning tips such as “[wipe down kitchen counters with household cleaner,” and “damp-mop the kitchen floor.” Also, if you are using flatware, glasses, or china that is usually stashed in a cabinet, take a moment or two to rinse off any accumulated dust.

    What do you do if holiday cooking has gotten more involved than you anticipated, and you are really pressed for time? No worries. Martha Stewart Living has the answer: “if you’re in a pinch or last-minute guests are on their way over, stash the dirty dishes inside the dishwasher and run your sponge over the visible water spots.” Take out the kitchen garbage, and you will be ready for the fun to begin. 

    Freshen the Guest Room

    Lastly, if you have guests staying overnight, our holiday cleaning tips include refreshing your guest room. While you don’t have to deep clean the room, you will want to ensure that clean sheets are on the bed (or beds) and the surfaces are dust-free. Replace any light bulbs that may have burned out and grab extra pillows. If possible, make some space in the closet so that guests can hang up their holiday finest. And, as one final tip, Southern Living recommends “[making] sure your guests have water, magazines, and fresh towels within reach.” It’s this extra touch that will make them feel truly welcome in your home for the holidays.

  • Fall Centerpieces Perfect for Entertaining – Home, Hearth and Holidays with BHGRE®

    Autumn has arrived, and the holidays are on the horizon, which means looking for tablescape and fall centerpiece ideas may be on your to-do list. From fun, creative projects that involve the whole family to simple designs that incorporate the best produce of the season, the options are endless. If you are stumped for unique ways to help you make the most of the season’s celebrations, read on as we reveal some of our favorite tablescape and fall centerpiece ideas perfect for busy hosts who are looking forward to entertaining this holiday season. 

    Create Pear Place Cards

    If you want to get into the entertaining spirit and incorporate the flavors of the season while decorating, try setting table place cards using your favorite fall fruits. From delicate lady pears to small pumpkins, you can craft the perfect place card holder by cutting a tiny slit onto the top skin of the fruit and inserting the name card. Want to add a unique touch that won’t break the bank? Meredith Waga Perez, a celebrity florist, suggests to InStyle that people try “the same trick with miniature albino pumpkins, which she says, ‘are a little more stylish and unexpected than traditional orange—plus, in white, they blend in seamlessly with any style decor.’” 

    Light a Lamp Chimneys Centerpiece

    Are you looking for a fall centerpiece idea that offers a lovely glow, doesn’t wilt, and won’t take substantial time to create? You’d be surprised how much your guests will appreciate a simple yet inspired lamp chimneys centerpiece. One of Martha Stewart Living’s favorite fall table décor ideas, this affordable centerpiece involves “simply [placing] candles on small glass dishes and [covering] them with curvy lamp chimneys (which you can find for dollars at hardware or antiques stores).” Then, to complete your celebratory tablescape, you can easily fill in gaps with items like mini-gourds, pears, and colorful leaves. 

    Arrange Golden Branches

    If you are creating a tablescape for a long dining room table or sideboard, you may have room for larger centerpieces. Luckily, the fallen leaves and branches in your backyard can not only be part of an affordable centerpiece but a gilded and inspiring one at that. Begin by grabbing some gold spray paint and adding a beautiful metallic sheen to your chosen leaves. From there, the designers at Martha Stewart Living explain that you “hot-glue [the gold leaves] to the branches, then arrange in a vase.” And, voila! You now have a gorgeous centerpiece that you can use throughout the fall and even into the winter holidays. 

     Surprise with Succulent Pumpkins

    If you find yourself with leftover, uncarved pumpkins in November, you will be delighted to discover that they can be repurposed as an unusual, nature-inspired vase. This beautiful fall centerpiece idea comes from the editors at Southern Living. All you need to do is “add a bit of damp florist foam to the top of the pumpkin and arrange [assorted small] succulents” on it. No need to deeply water the centerpiece to keep it looking festive throughout the season. Succulents survive on very little water; mist the succulents periodically, and you (and your centerpiece) should be ready for another day or night of hosting.  

    Craft a Fall Garland

    Eye-catching centerpieces do not need to be limited to the literal center of the table, and they don’t require professional styling. Another one of Martha Stewart Living’s favorite fall centerpiece ideas is a crafted garland that flows down the table from end to end. While that sounds like it might be expensive, the Magazine’s tutorial focuses on “a centerpiece [that] can be foraged from outdoor materials—fallen leaves, seasonal flowers, or gourds and pumpkins (many of which are abundant at this time of year).” They love using magnolia leaves and apples as part of the runner, but you can also incorporate small lanterns or candles. While these work well for any dinner party or luncheon you might host this fall, they can be fashioned to look particularly joyous at Thanksgiving. And if you have small children, you can even have them help you by adding homemade turkeys made out of leftover mini-pumpkins to the center of the garland. 

    Add Glowing Vases 

    Are you searching for fall centerpiece ideas that work for both indoor and outdoor entertaining? String lights may be your answer. Designer Rosanna Bowles suggested a “super-simple, one-step design” to Rachael Ray In Season: “Pile strings of white holiday lights into colored glass vessels and turn them upside down on the table.” You can also use colored lights in clear vases or mix-and-match. No matter which way you go, you are sure to have a delightful fall tablescape in no time at all. 

    Include Fall Bud Vases

    Bud vases are always a popular decorative element, whether you are upgrading your mantel or styling your Thanksgiving table. Food & Wine is a fan of taking the no-fuss decorative approach to fall and holiday entertaining so that you can focus on family, fun, and food. The Magazine raves about the idea of “[scattering] several small clear glass vases (we’re talking eight to ten, depending on the size of your table) with different flowers of the same color down the center of your table.” The bud vases can be different heights and widths. They even can have different decorative elements, which gives you substantial leeway as you set your festive dining table. 

    Spruce Up Votives

    Do you have dozens of plain white votive candles in the cabinet? Designer Mark Brunetz reveals to Rachael Ray In Season a terrific way to spruce up the votives (even battery-operated ones) without spending a lot of money: Add lentils! One of the easiest fall centerpiece ideas really does rely on some extra beans. Brunetz explains: “[grab] some juice glasses, [fill the bottoms with lentils], [add] votive candles and [tie] it all together with raffia from the craft store.” Before you know it, you have elevated your décor game and wowed your guests.  

    Build Pinecone Turkeys

    Are you searching for a kid-friendly craft that can be incorporated into your Thanksgiving tablescape? Southern Living loves the idea of having kids create pinecone turkeys. The supply list is small – brown pipe cleaners, an assortment of colorful synthetic feathers, glue, pinecones, and wiggly eyes, which can be found at most craft stores. Their tutorial takes you through the steps of creating some truly unique pinecone turkeys – a charming addition to your fall decorations. 

    Style a Fall Terrarium

    Is there an empty fishbowl in your garage or closet? If so, you’ll love being able to put it to use as you DIY a cozy fall centerpiece. Real Simple offers a straightforward how-to guide to creating this seasonally-inspired décor idea. All it requires is some moss, as well as a couple of pinecones, acorns, and mini pumpkins. Add the moss to the bottom of the fishbowl (or round vase), and “then arrange the mini pumpkins, acorns, and pinecones on top of the greenery.”  In minutes, you will have a fall centerpiece that you will be proud to display into December.

  • Let’s Celebrate Labor Day

    Summer is coming to a close, so make sure you enjoy the warm weather and sunshine by celebrating Labor Day the right way. Below you will find fantastic craft and décor ideas, an assortment of scrumptious recipes, and tons of outdoor activities.

    Creative Labor Day Décor

    Get crafting and tap into your creative side with these excellent décor and outdoor design ideas.

    • It’s time to upcycle! Use old glass vases or mason jars to create starry candle holders. Place star-shaped stickers on the outside of a clear vase or mason jar and spray paint the vase with a color of your choosing. Once the paint has dried, remove the stickers and place a candle in the center of the vase. The light will shine through the stars and create a beautiful ambiance.
    • Check out these red, white, and blue decorating ideas to make your home super stylish.
    • Transform old tin cans into stylish decorative vases. Paint the outside of the cans or jars with red and blue stripes, and once it dries, you can glue white stars onto the outside. Use the cans as centerpieces and place flowers or utensils in them.
    • Turn your balcony into an outdoor oasis using these tips and tricks.
    • Create red, white, and blue band sand candles that are perfect for a patriotic centerpiece.
    • Spruce up your pillows and give your plain white pillows a facelift. Cut a star shape out of cardboard and use it as a stencil. Hold the stencil against the pillow and spray around it with red or blue fabric paint. The result will be pillows that will leave you starry-eyed.
    • Uncover how to transform your patio into an incredible gathering space.

    Delicious Recipes

    The recipes below will result in happy stomachs.

    • Grab a toothpick and get ready to enjoy these scrumptious small bites.
    • Fresh and easy to make, your guests will love this cilantro cucumber-melon salad.
    • Perfect pesto! From sun-dried tomato pesto to basil pesto, you can’t go wrong with any of the following quick and easy pesto recipes.
    • This buffalo-style spicy chicken sandwich is finger-licking good.
    • You’re bacon me crazy with this maple-bacon corn on the cob recipe.
    • These healthy labor day recipes will keep you satisfied.
    • Dig into this berry delicious and berry refreshing blueberry ice cream pie.
    • If you’re in the baking mood, try making a three-layered funfetti cake with a Labor Day twist. You will need to make three cakes that are the same size. Add red food coloring into one, blue into another, and leave the third as is. Once the cakes have all cooled, stack them together using your favorite icing. When you cut into the cake, you will have a red, white, and blue surprise!
    • If you’re feeling patriotic, this red, white, and blue tart is tasty and quick to make.
    • Cheers to an assortment of fresh garden cocktail recipes.
    • Bake a strawberry or raspberry pie, but fill about 1/4 of the pie with yummy blueberries. Cut stripes out of a pie crust and place them across about ¾ of the pie. Cut out a few stars from the remaining pie crust and place them on the blueberry section, the ¼ that doesn’t have stripes. The entire pie will resemble an American flag.

    All Around Fun Activities  

    Discover a variety of games and activities that will result in lots of fun.

  • Three Classic Dining Arrangements

    Explore how to make every meal a pleasant experience with these three dining arrangements. No matter the placement, a dining table and its accessories must function to make meals enjoyable and allow for loved ones to move around freely. As such, chairs should be placed around 18 inches apart for ample elbow room. Additionally, rugs should extend 18 inches beyond the back legs of the chairs with the dining table in the center.

    Use windows as the focal point

    For sunshine-filled breakfasts and a view to set the ambiance, move the dining room table next to windows. Casters will make this rearrangement doable if this only works for weekends or special occasions. While Mother Nature may be the best accessory, the right type of window treatments will make your décor shine. Roman shades offer a casual style with minimal fabric. Corniced and woven blinds enhance the color and pattern of a dining set when the sun hits it. These blinds also give off a sense of continuity and provide architectural interest. Swags generate a luxurious feel for traditional dining rooms. If you are seeking an unexpected treatment, consider going asymmetrical or creating depth and a dramatic mood with black curtains. Dashes of pink create a whimsical glamour, while traditional draperies in any color provide privacy and light control.

    Invite every loved one

    Thanksgiving and other holidays are the perfect reason to invite a large number of guests to celebrate at your home. Don’t worry about having enough space for everyone; placing your dining table in the traditional position at the center of the room is ideal for a formal atmosphere or large groups. To make any shared meal extra memorable, focus on crafting the perfect tablescape. Gorgeous linens will ground your feast and express creativity. If serving a meal with sauces as part of the piece de résistance, consider darker colors and laundering tablecloths as soon as possible. Try patterns such as paisley in seasonal colors for an inviting look on a large or small scale. While florals for spring may not be groundbreaking, you can select unexpected hues, such as gray or Pantone’s Color of the Year, Ultra Violet. Fabrics can include burlap or velvet for any occasion. Think about layering or using a runner to set the right tone for your gathering.

    Serve the perfect meal on a grander scale

    For a buffet service, push the table right up to the wall. This will leave ample room for traffic in the center of the room. As the host, consider the following etiquette tips to put guests at ease. Serving a bounty of food offers the opportunity to sample a wide variety of dishes. Give guests a tour of the food stations beforehand or while placing dishes on the table. Ensure that there are plenty of tongs, spoons and serving forks to fend off the use of fingers. Encourage guests to place all serving utensils in their original dishes to avoid cross-contamination and allergic reactions. Keep in mind that spills happen. Provide plenty of napkins or paper towels to keep guests from feeling embarrassed. Handle any mess graciously and discretely if it requires more than a few wipes. Announce whether guests can start eating as soon as they are seated or if you would like for everyone to wait until a prayer is said, speech given or guest of honor is seated.

     

    Serve meals in any of these three arrangements to create a memorable feast that were inspired by the September 1958 issue of Better Homes & Gardens magazine.

  • 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.

  • 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.

     

  • How to Set a Proper Place Setting

    Want to impress your dinner guests with class, style, and knowledge? Nothing projects simplicity and elegance better than a perfectly set dinner table. Take your entertaining skills to the next level, and learn how to set the perfect table, so you can impress every time from now on. Happy hosting!

    How to Set a Proper Place Setting

    There’s no doubt you leave a great impression on your guests when they arrive at a beautifully set dinner table, especially on the holidays. Setting the plate the right way is just the beginning and opens up so many possibilities for creativity. Which themes will you go with this season? For more stylish lifestyle tips and tricks, visit us on YouTube!

  • 7 Halloween Recipes that are Frighteningly Delicious

    Halloween isn’t just about dressing up in fun and spooky costumes; it’s also a time to dress up your food. Pair your costume this year with some of these spooky yet delicious recipes bound to frighten (and delight) your guests. Hopefully, they are daring enough to taste them!

    To help you in your spooky process, we have compiled a few recipes to scare and impress your guests:

    7 Halloween Recipes that are Frighteningly Delicious - bhgrelife.comPumpkin Cheesecake Truffle Mummies Bake from Creme de la Crumb

    This particular dish is pretty spooky, complete with mummy faces and eyes on the end result! Not only is this recipe cheesecake-based, which is always a fan-favorite, but it also incorporates a favorite seasonal flavor: pumpkin. Combined together, they make a delicious mummy bite-sized snack. In addition, this is an easy-to-make, no-bake treat.