It’s the start of summer and the gang is coming over for the usual party. There are a few tips that you should read and consider….seriously! If you don’t and someone leaves your party and gets involved in an accident…you could and probably would be considered the guilty party.
To begin with, you should have the plans made, menu planned, drinks or wine attended to. Do consider not drinking or drinking a little. You should have a clear head in case a situation arises.
Provide food and make sure it is high in protein and high starch such as cheese and crackers. Try to avoid truly sweet items or highly salty and/or greasy items. These tend to make people thirsty and thefore, they will drink more….faster. Mix things up, and all will be enjoyed.
Have on hand pop, chilled water and juice on hand for any designated drivers. You could also make mocktails – then no one is looking left out.
Always measure your drinks. Use a jigger and refrain from free-pouring. Do not serve doubles and offer non-alcoholic alternatives between drinks.
About an hour before the party closes, offer tea, coffee and a sandwich, perhaps. Stop serving alcohol. If a guest has over-indulged, be a friend, and take his car keys from him. He/she will thank you in the morning. If he won’t give them to you, call a cab or arrange for someone to take him home.
Have fun and happy summer.
Job Hunting OR Promotion?
When we are out and about at either food kiosks in the mall or fast food places up to the higher end restaurants, in my opinion, it seems that young people today (up to about 35- 36 years old) haven’t a clue how to eat, chew their food or even behave. Before you shut me off, read on…..please!
If and WHEN you are invited to have dinner with your boss, try to remember these few facts and it will be easy for you.
1. Let the boss lead the way…..is he ordering a drink? If he doesn’t, don’t you UNLESS he prompts you to. He may have his reasons. Also, don’t order the most expensive thing on the menu. Keep it cool and don’t drink too much.
2. Do ask what the boss suggests for an entree (if you are in doubt). Again, do not order the most expensive thing on the menu. Follow the lead of your host.
3. It looks so much better if you don’t slouch at the table with your elbows leading the way. Please sit up.
4. A tip for you to consider is not to talk with your mouth full. It could just be a deal breaker. Also, make sure you keep the conversation light and friendly UNTIL your host turns it to business. Watch your language.
5. Always place the napkin on your lap and FOR SURE DO NOT wipe your nose with it. That is disgusting. Keep a fresh kleenex in your pocket/purse to use instead.
6. To make it easier, if in an Italian restaurant, keep away from the spaghetti….nothing is worse than watching someone slurping the noodles in, while trying to have a conversation.
7. Number One rule for sure…TURN OFF THE CELL PHONE AND DO NOT TWITTER OR WHATEVER! Leave that for when you are at home.
Now, that was easy, simple and congratulations, by the way, on your upcoming promotion. Even if your host slips on a few of these….don’t you. He may just be testing…just sayin’.
ONE MORE TIP, be sure you raise the fork to your mouth NOT your mouth to the table. It looks like you don’t know that the arm raises up and the elbow does, indeed, bend.
Now, go get cleaned up and smile! You look great. I really like the fact you didn’t forget to wipe your shoes clean and that the girls didn’t go out with heels that needed repair.
In closing, I have been around the Corporate block for many years and I am lucky to have married one of the corporate elite. Also, I had a Mother who cared about social graces and she taught us well.
Again, just sayin’.
Golf Day and Barbecue
We held an Annual Golf Day Barbecue and wanted to make it a goody. It was rather simple, lots of it and everyone had a great time discussing all the ‘missed shots’. Sounded like the fish that got away time but who cares?
- Barbecued Salmon
- Twice baked potatoes
- Caesar Salad
- Garlic/Cheese Toast
- Corn on the Cob
- Fruit and Cheese Platter for Dessert.
Set out a space to set the food out, and a space for plates, cutlery, napkins. I still put flowers on the table. After all, it is a special time and these people are royalty to us.
Table Setting: A Cut Above Casual
The table setting tonight is a touch above casual….Today, being a special occasion, I have used a beige faux suede tablecloth, black charger plates, with snow white napkins with a black napkin cover and tan and black napkin holders. I added black wine glasses as well as black water goblets. My candles are a warm beige in colour set in black candleholders.
The china I am using today belonged to my husband’s mother. It is a white plate with a silver rim and really looks amazing. Along with this is a cup and saucer at each plate.
Now to bring it a step more, add salt and pepper shakers at each setting (in my case tonight it is set for three) and individual butter dishes.
You could serve meatloaf and make t look amazing at this table. It isn’t so much what you serve to eat BUT how it is presented.
Enjoy!