3%
is the average
number of guests
that won’t show
the day of the
party.
1
2
Design and Photo by Amanda from Oh
My Little Dears / Featured on Bump
Smitten, www.bumpsmitten.com
3
SENDING THE INVITATIONS TOO
SOON OR TOO LATE! The timing of your
invitations is key to your party’s success.
If they are sent too early, guests have
forgotten about your party by the time the
date rolls around. If they are sent too late,
a good portion of your guests won’t be
able to make it due to prior engagements.
The golden question is; when should
you send your invitations? The rule of
thumb is as follows: for formal and casual
get-togethers, it is recommended that
invitations are sent at least 2-3 weeks in
advance. Be sure to also place attention
in the design of your invitation. We adore
this invitation designed by Natalie of
Westminster Paper Co. (www.etsy.com/ca/shop/
What can we learn about
dinner parties from these
famous sayings? Let’s find
out...
36
(Japidi™ Infrared Heater,
www.japidi.ca)
5
WestminsterPaperCo)
DON’T OBSTRUCT THE VIEW! When it
comes to centrepieces, the possibilities are
endless! You can use florals, accessories,
or edible fruit. The first thing that you must
consider before buying supplies for your
centrepieces is the theme of your party.
Your tablescape should follow your chosen
décor colours (yes, you need a colour
scheme!) and reinforce the theme of the
party. tiP Avoid tall florals as they make it
impossible for guests to converse. Instead,
opt for creative tablescape options that
span the entire table.
STICK TO THE BASICS! When you’re
busy planning an elaborate outdoor bash,
it is not the time to experiment with new
recipes. Stick to recipes you know and buy
a few things that complement your staple
dishes. The rule of thumb is to make a
recipe at least 3 times before serving it at a
party to ensure you get it right every time.
We personally love this torta della nonna
with blueberry preserve by our Food Editor,
Massimo Capra! We could make (and eat!)
this over and over again.
Ombre Flameless Wax Pillar Candles, Available at
Pottery Barn, www.potterybarn.com
NO ODOR PLEASE! Avoid using
scented candles in your outdoor décor.
Their scent will compete with the
delicious smells coming from your food
table and not to mention irritate guests
with allergies and sensitivities.
6
TÄRNÖ, Folding chair,
acacia, steel, www.ikea.ca
Photo by Stephani Buchman
LIFE @ HOME LESSONS
4
Ann Landers said “At every party there
are two kinds of people — those who want to
go home and those who don’t. The trouble is,
they are usually married to eac h other.”
leSSon learned You can’t please
everyone. There will be guests that will have
the time of their lives and a few who always
seem to find something to complain about.
Focus on the positive.
TURN UP THE
HEAT Don’t forget
to add a heat
source for an
evening event.
Cold guests are
cranky and leave a
party early. Warm
up the crowd
with this Japidi™
Infrared Heater and
party into the night.
KEEP IT MOVING! A
party should never have
enough seating for all
its guests. Too much
seating makes for a
stale conversation flow.
Instead have seating for
only 40% of your guests
to encourage them
to walk around and
mingle.
Ernest Hemingway said “I drink to make
other people more interesting.”
leSSon learned Don’t expect others
to lead the conversation or create small talk. As
a host, you should educate yourself on current
events or pop culture to create interesting
conversations with your guests. If all else fails,
ask them about themselves.