Question of the Week

What is your favorite PARTY TIP?

Always be in a good mood and ready for fun... or don't go. Nobody wants to be around anyone (either giving or attending the party) that is crabby, whiney, complaining, or just plain ornery. If you think about it, the best parties you've been to are the ones with the greatest people. It has nothing to do with the food, the entertainment or the wine... it's the happy and fun people that make every party. Chick Karin

Looking for great, inexpensive party favors? Try the Oriental Trading Company catalogue or website for a zillion different items. They may also give you an idea as to what kind of party to throw. I love a theme party picked well in advance; you'll be amazed at your own creativity once you get going on it! Last, when in doubt, go ahead and invite that marginal guest you're considering... their friendship is more costly than the dinner plate. Chick Cheryl

Call Chick Karin... Nuff Said! Chick Megan

Parties in General - Have them whenever you can, nothing like a group of friends and family to lift your spirits. "If you invite them, they will come."

Hosting a Party - Be sure to be the Hostess with Most-est, introducing everyone and making sure everyone feels welcomed and never has an empty glass.

Showing Up - Always bring a bottle of wine for the host of the party. You want to make sure you get invited back to the next party.

Activities - This all depends on the party and the people attending. My sister Karin has so many of these fun ideas, it's quite impressive. I always call her and ask what's fun and she always has some great idea up her sleeve. Here's one of my favorites: If a New Year's party and there are many people that don't know each other, the hostess sticks a famous person's name on everyone's back when they arrive and they have to go around asking everyone else questions about this person trying to figure out the person's name on their back. This is a great way for everyone to meet and mingle.

Leaving - I'm usually the last to leave a very good party. But for those parties that aren't so, echhhem, fun, make sure to have a polite, believable place you need to be. Compliment the home, the hostess and anyone else you might see, if done well, there will be more party invitations in your future. For those parties that you truly had a great time, I call the hostess the next day and tell them what a great party it really was. Jackie O' used to send personal thank-yous on her stationary, but I opt for the casual phone call. You choose. Chick Jana

Never drink too much and lose control and look like an idiot! Chick Julie

Get as much done as possible before "the day", hire someone to clean your house (cooking is much more fun!), lots of fresh flowers and floating candles in martini glasses! Martha

Be one of the guests. Beth