entertaining reads

20 Mar

Spring & Summer Party Inspiration

categories: books, centerpiece ideas, decorating ideas, easter, wedding

Well, today is officially the first day of Spring! I thought it would be fun to celebrate the imminent arrival of warmer weather with some spring-and-summer-appropriate decorating inspiration from one of my favorite entertaining books: The Perfect Wedding Details by Maria McBride.
Regardless of whether or not you actually have a wedding to plan – wedding [...]

comments 14

Read more → Posted on March 20th, 2009 at 8:58am

19 Mar

Creative & Gracious Gifts for Guests

categories: books, fabulous gift ideas, party favors, wedding

If you’re looking for a creative way to say thank you to your wedding guests – especially those that have traveled far and wide to help celebrate your big day – try surprising them with a “Welcome!” treat in their hotel room or a parting gift as they head home from reception.
Jo Gartin’s Weddings has [...]

comments 20

Read more → Posted on March 19th, 2009 at 6:39am

11 Dec

SURPRISE GIVEAWAY + Home Bar Tips from The Nest!

categories: cocktail recipes, decorating ideas, guest blog

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Build a Bar at Home (Warning: Hangovers Ahead!)
Hi! I’m Carley from TheNest.com, the spin-off home site from the folks at TheKnot.com (every bride’s wedding obsession). We recently came out with The Nest Home Design Handbook, a cool 101 on everything casa-related. I’m thrilled to be guest-blogging on HWTM about building a bar at home—because c’mon, [...]

comments 114

Read more → Posted on December 11th, 2008 at 2:00am

29 Jul

Party Basics for New Nesters

categories: books, food presentation, get inspired

This visually appealing book might be called Party Basics for New Nesters – but it’s full of great ideas and entertaining inspiration that should apply to pretty much anyone…even if you’ve already been a “nester” for quite a while! Author Maria McBride offers tips and instructions for creative, yet doable party decorations, crafty projects, and [...]

comments 6

Read more → Posted on July 29th, 2008 at 8:12am

14 Apr

SURPRISE GIVEAWAY: The Last-Minute Party Girl + $100 Gift Card

categories: books, reader giveaways

I’m really excited to share a great book by cooking & entertaining guru Erika Lenkert as part of our giveaway today! It’s called The Last-Minute Party Girl and is a fun, ultra-hip, how-to read that’s full of fabulous advice, witty anecdotes, and tons of great recipes. Here are just a couple [...]

comments 698

Read more → Posted on April 14th, 2008 at 6:54am

2 Apr

Colin Cowie Chic

categories: books, fabulous gift ideas

For the past couple weeks, I’ve been trying to peel myself away from the computer long enough to spend some quality time with the latest book by lifestyle & entertaining extraordinaire Colin Cowie , aptly named: Colin Cowie Chic: The Guide to Life As It Should Be . The problem is [...]

comments 10

Read more → Posted on April 2nd, 2008 at 7:37pm