Sometimes we need to celebrate…just because. Here are 3 ways I have created celebrations out of typical days.

1. My daughter lost her tooth so I made a fancy dinner and hung party streamers and we called it a “Farewell Tooth Party.” My daughter thought it was so fun!

2. I set the table with our fine dinnerware and we celebrated “Wonderful Wednesday.” During dinner each family member mentioned something they thought was wonderful that day.

3. After having a typical weeknight meal, I reset the table with fancy linens and lit candles and we had a “dessert party” which was a big hit!

What are some creative ways you have turned ordinary days into big celebrations?

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If you find yourself entertaining for a large crowd (perhaps a backyard BBQ), or attending a potluck event, try to avoid bringing the same old boring dishes. I mean really, hasn’t everyone had enough of the same old deviled eggs and potato salad by now? Try to think creatively while still preparing large portion that are crowd pleasing.

-What about fresh fruit skewers in place of the traditional fruit salad?

- pulled pork on rolls instead of meatballs?

- Try Chinese Chicken Noodle Salad in place of Macaroni Salad

- Change things up by preparing Broccoli Slaw in lieu of granny’s potato salad.

What’s your favorite potluck dish to bring that needs to be reinvented? What is the most creative dish you serve a large crowd?

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With the long weekend approaching, I get eager to entertain (shocking, I know). With Memorial weekend having a laid back- soon-to-be Summer feel, I suggest keeping your planning, decorating, and preparation minimal.

Why not have a mellow outdoor barbeque? Or what about a family camp out, tents and all? You can roast marshmallows over the fire (or grill), tell scary stories, and sleep under the stars! Invite friends over too just tell them BYOT- Bring Your Own Tent! Send out a simple outdoor-themed  Evite  (pictured above) to make your planning a breeze!

What are you doing for Memorial Day? How will you be celebrating?

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Using family photos is a great way to decorate not only your home, but also any party space. The next time you are entertaining in your home, consider using personal photos as decoration. If you are hosting a formal dinner party with friends, gather a few photos of your guests and place them in simple frames. Set the photos in your entry way, the bar area, or the dessert table. Not only will this add a personal touch– I am sure the photographs will stir up conversation as well.

If you are celebrating a birthday, graduation, bridal shower, or other memorable occasion– gather photos of the guest of honor to display. Selecting candid shots always gives framed photos a sense of life that others will enjoy looking at.

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Memorial weekend is just around the corner! If you are planning to entertain with a back yard BBQ or even just have a festive family dinner, here are a couple red, white, and blue touches to get you in the patriotic spirit!

Make these festive drink parasols to add patriotic flare to any beverage! See  Martha Stewart’s easy how-to instructions. 

Turn ordinary wooden skewers into festive red and blue drink stirrers by simply garnishing with some fresh fruit. Thanks Country Living for the idea!

What Memorial Day touches to you suggest? Share them here!

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Any party host or hostess has probably has some sort of love hate relationship with these for letters. ­

R.S.V.P. meaning, “répondez, s’il vous plaît,” in french (translated “please reply” in English), can cause such frustration for a party hostess. Why? Because many people do not R.S.V.P. which often times leaves the hostess guessing at the guest count and unable to finalize party details.

Why is that more often times than not- no one R.S.V.P.s? Do invited guests simply forget? Do they not think it is required or important?

Please share your thoughts? I would loooove to know what you think!

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In all honesty, formal sit down meals can be well… a bit dull sometimes.  Why not perk things up a bit with a fun dinner party table game? I came across this game a while ago and it has become one of my all time favorites!

The Unlikely Sentence Game:

While dinner guests take their seat (before plates are served), give each guests a piece of paper and have them make up an unlikely sentence (”Telly Savalas had a phobia of escalators,” say, or “The ancient Egyptians made sunscreen out of dried camel dung”).  Once written down,  place them all in a hat and have each guest pull one out before dinner. The challenge is that during dinner, challenge guests to slip their sentence into the conversation in a natural way without being called to attention (with the  originator of the sentence keeps mum of course).

This game really is a lot of laughs and keeps your dinner guests both talking and engaged. Try it!

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Spring cleaning? Well, why you’re at it- how about giving a room in your home a spring makeover? It’s wonders what a vibrant coat of paint can do! Check out a few of the hot new color combos in home decor this Spring.

Fun and flirty teal and fuchsia

Natural and neutral green and beige

Bold and classic black and Merlot

Get more spring makeover inspiration and check out these other color trends over at HGTV.

What room are you dying to makeover? Share what room colors you’re considering  with us!

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Get inspired to celebrate this Cino De Mayo with these bold party ideas!

The Setting - Create decor using vibrant colors such as different shades of yellow, red, blue, pink, orange, and green. Anything bright will be perfect. Bright and bold paper lanterns would do the trick!

Table Top - Give your party that fiesta flair by using items like sombros or even small piñatas as centerpieces. If using flowers choose a flower like a gerbera daisy that can be found in many bold and bright hues.

Appetizers- For an authentic appetizer, try these mango skewers… YUM!

Cocktails - A festive Cinco De Mayo themed drink is a must! Make variations of tequila margaritas or even fresh mojitios would be appropriate. You can also place ice buckets full of Mexican brand beers on the tables. For non-alcohol sips the fruitier and more colorful the better! Think pineapple, mango, and strawberry drinks.

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