Spring Flowers May 5, 2009

This is a table setting that was put together at my house a little while ago while we were entertaining.

I love tulips in the spring time, especially arranged in this white porcelain water jug.  There is something so simple about the arrangement that makes it even more pleasurable to enjoy.

How to figure out beverage quantities February 15, 2009

If have not planned many events, guaging how much wine and liquor to serve at your event may be a daunting task. 

The other day I found a great piece of information to help solve the beverage quantity enigma on the Beringer Vineyard website. 

Under the website section marked “Entertaining” you can find loads of information from recipes, to information about their wine, theme ideas and of course, how to estimate wine/liquor quantities. 

For your convenience, I have included the handy chart from their website in this post.  Hope this helps. 

	ITEM	20 GUESTS	50 GUESTS
	Glassware Champagne White Wine Red Wine Water	20	50
	Napkins (5 per person)	100	250
	8-inch plates (2 per person)	40	100
	Small Forks (2 per person)	40	100
	Food	200 – 280 Pieces	560 – 1000 Pieces
	Beverage Champagne White Wine Red Wine Mineral Water	3 bottles 3-4 bottles 4-5 bottles 12, 10-oz bottles	6-7 bottles 6-8 bottles 11-12 bottles 24, 10-oz bottles
	Ice (to chill wine)	2, 5-pound bags	2, 5-pound bags

Taking it outside January 30, 2009

Depending on where in the world you live, you may be blessed by year round sun.  If that is the case, here are a couple of ideas for outdoor entertaining:

The first idea is adaptable for kids or grownups, using a wheelbarrow, filling it with ice and your favourite bottled/canned drink.  This picture uses bottled smoothies from one of my favourite UK companies called Innocent Little Drinks. The company had an organic start and developed its wide spread appeal due to its welcoming/friendly brand image (you can see their commercials on YouTube if you type in Innocent Drinks).

smoothies in wheelbarow (from Living etc.)

The next two images are chosen for their use of candles to creat atmosphere for night time outdoor entertaining.

Outdoor entertaining with great candles (from Living etc.)

Romantic lighting with votives on steps (Living Etc.)