Party Ideas, Tips & Guides

Christian Petersen / Getty Images

SMEG

Starbucks

Aldi

Patron

When it comes to hosting your very own dinner party, it could be daunting to think about the chores that come with the big task. We spoke with home entertaining and organizing experts to learn what are must-dos after guests leave, as well as a few tips and tricks that will help make the post-event tidying go more swiftly and smoothly.

Are you dreaming of a relaxing break this spring or summer? Then imagine a weekend spent in a luxurious hotel set in beautiful gardens, with delicious breakfasts, three-course dinners and superb leisure facilities, and add to that a gardener’s delight of live Q&As, talks and demos with the Gardeners’ World team. Sound appealing? Then join us for one of these exclusive events!

A native of China, tea leaves  were delivered around the world in Clipper ships, created the furore at the Boston Tea Party during the American war of independence and still provides badly paid work for workers in India, Sri Lanka, Kenya and China.

Courtesy of Shawn Johnson / Target

If you’re a dedicated fan of Taylor Swift, you probably already know that her classic drink of choice is vodka with Diet Coke. But that doesn’t mean the pop star doesn’t have a go-to cocktail that's a little more elevated—and her latest girl’s night out gave us a new order to try. Rye restaurant in Kansas City reported at the beginning of January that when she's getting drinks, she usually goes for a French Blonde cocktail. 

In the Kelce home, guests are treated like family. Whether you’re there for a summer potluck or a Sunday football watch party, you’ll experience the same comfortable, everyone-for-themselves atmosphere you’d likely find at your own family gatherings. Donna Kelce’s home is a no-frills environment: You won’t be served on fancy dinner plates, but there will be plenty of snacks out when you arrive, and you’re never expected to take your shoes off.

If there’s one kitchen essential that shouldn't be sitting on the sidelines when it comes to throwing a game day viewing party, it’s a slow cooker. 

The holiday season is a festive time for so many traditions and navigating each of these can look like something as practical as making sure you don't schedule a Christmas party on the first night of Hanukkah, to inviting each guest share something about their family's tradition, to choosing a theme that is completely removed from any religious celebration.

The holiday party has finally come to an end and it's time to clean up. To efficiently help you tidy up your home, we asked some experts for their best tips to combat post-holiday messes without the stress. From setting up garbage bins in high-traffic areas to using a cleaning caddy as you tackle each room, your home will return to its normal (and cleaner) state.

Montes & Clark has teamed up with The English Garden to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a dinner party bundle, worth £126.

Ben Fink Shapiro | Design: Better Homes & Gardens

Today’s photos are from Bill Ziebarth.

A wine and cheese party is equally about presentation as it is about food and drinks. For example, curating a charcuterie board is an art form that requires a lot of trial and error, moving pieces around, and creativity. With that said, don't display the finished masterpiece on any random board or accompanied by standard items. Why not make the whole event a work of art? To do so, be intentional with each and every detail, even those you think might go unnoticed.

Rhododendron buds

You know by now that it's always good manners to show up to an event with a little trinket for the host in tow. But if you're feeling stumped about what to bring with you to the next summer get together that's on your calendar, we're here to provide you with a whole new list of ideas that are sure to be well received.

I MUST GO OUT TO THE STILL AND SEE IF THE LATEST VINTAGE is ready for the holiday weekend’s festivities. (And you thought I grew all those potatoes for mashing and baking, did you?) I love the play, dear Andre Jordan, on the somewhat obscure informal definition of “potted” (intoxicated by drink or drugs, esp. marijuana: a party where everybody was pretty much potted), which really matches the idea of a potting bench/table/shed. But it seems like a doodle (and a party) in need of a soundtrack…and so I made one. Feeling retro? Feeling brave? Caveat emptor: Heaven help us, since 80s music is not my strength or taste.

EVERY SUMMER, SOMEONE OF THE AMPHIBIAN PERSUASION sets up housekeeping in the seasonal water gardens by my kitchen door–a pair of big glazed clay troughs I fill with water and floating plants. This year’s renter: a female green frog who’s inclined to wearing something skimpy in green velveteen at poolside.

For just $40, plus $10 for lunch, visitors can enjoy Nate and Berta Atwater’s modernist masterpiece, before heading to John Gwynne and Mikel Folcarelli’s rarity-stuffed hidden garden, Sakonnet. Amazing Opus Nursery, the place of master grower Ed Bowen, will be on hand all day for a plant sale that’s every bit as special as the palette of Dixter.For those within a day’s drive, this is a garden party not to be missed. Get glimpses of all the gardens (as well as of Dixter) and the event details in this pdf about the event. Best of all: Each dollar raised will be matched by the UK’s “lottery board” so that Great Dixter may carry on in its colorful, inspirational style.(Anthony Chammond photo of pots at Dixter from Flickr.)

Read along as you listen to the June 9, 2014 edition of my public-radio show and podcast using the player below. You can subscribe to all future editions on iTunes or Stitcher (and browse my archive of podcasts here).Side note: The photo above came from another neighboring business, Crossroads Food Shop, where I order my work-fueling takeout breakfast on gardening days. When I opened Friday’s meal in birthday week (short stack, egg over easy, syrup), inside was a message from owner David Wurth—and a candle. I am so lucky to live here, with such dear, wacky friends nearby. Make my birthday cake pancakes anytime.the garden birthday music showEVERY YEAR at my birthday, the late peonies and roses are blooming, a

Is there any better feeling than a successful summer garden party? All your friends in one place, laughing and socialising in the summer sun. What's not to love?

Helleborus Party Dress Picotee

This is a sponsored article

With warmer weather and longer days on the horizon, it’s time to start thinking about throwing a garden party! But instead of the same old store-bought decorations and catering, why not add your own personal touch with some DIY Garden Party Ideas? Whether you’re hosting a small or larger gathering, these DIY Garden Party Ideas will have your guests ooh-ing and ahh-ing all night long. So roll up your sleeves, and let’s get started!

If you're planning to host a dinner party soon but need a bit of a refresher on how to throw the best get-together possible, you won't want to miss out on these expert tips. Below, entertaining pros share their guidance for creating beautiful tablescapes, deciding upon a drink menu, and much more.