When it’s party time, kids don’t have time to sit calmly and eat a plate of food. You can serve them something nutritious, delicious, creative, and amusing. Use small bites that little hands can walk away with. Things that won’t stain carpet or clothing. Kids want their food mobile, quick, on the go…something to get them back to the party games and their friends.
Here are 5 fun finger foods for a kid’s party or family event.
1. Mac ‘n Cheese quesadillas – mix up a batch of good old Kraft Macaroni and Cheese dinner and layer it into tortillas. Fold over and bake in oven for ten minutes at 350 degrees. Cut into small triangles or wedges and serve to your guest brood. They’ll be begging for more of these.
2. Mini pizzas – get mini bagels from the store (or English muffins) and spoon jarred spaghetti sauce over the surface. Cover amply with shredded cheese and bake in the oven until the cheese is bubbling. Kids love pizza more than television, it seems, so they’ll be grabbing these throughout the party. Don’t both putting too much else on the pizzas as kids don’t always go for the vegetables or the pepperoni. Keep it simple.
3. Chicken nugget bites – kids adore chicken nuggets and will come back over and over for more. Serve with a side of ketchup (their universal sauce), barbecue sauce, or really mix things up and place a bowl of Ranch dressing. Have toothpicks available for dipping.
4. Sliders or mini hamburgers – these are great for any occasion to keep little hands full, but they’re especially good for parties because they’re filling and can get kids involved in dressing the bun. Grill up small patties and top with cheese and ketchup. Toss one pickle on top before closing up with the bun. Serve a bowl of hearty potato chips on the side and you’ll see smiles for miles.
5. Pigs in a blanket – a traditional favorite of kids is a mini hot dog inside a biscuit wrap. Purchase Lil’ Smokies sausages at the store as well as canned biscuit dough. Half each individual biscuit and roll a sausage into the center, completely wrapping the dough around it. Bake in the oven according to the directions on the biscuit packaging. They’ll be very hot after cooking, so make sure they cool properly before serving to your younger guests.
These recipes are great for a kid’s party, or even your next family reunion, a holiday party, or a baby shower.
Showing posts with label Food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Food. Show all posts
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Healthy and Unhealthy Forms of Sugar
Who doesn’t like sugar when they are baking? Yes, there are some people who prefer to go sugar-free, but the majority of us can’t get enough of that sweetness. Sugar comes in many shapes and forms when baking, making it hard to know which one is best for what dessert. It is difficult to bake with sugar when you are trying to eat healthy, but it’s not impossible.
Here is an overview of some common baking sugars, what types of desserts they are best used for, and how healthy they are for your family:
Granulated white sugar - Granulated is the most common form of sugar used in cooking and in recipes. It can be used for just about anything you can think of to bake. Unfortunately, there are no nutritional benefits in using this form of sugar. In fact, there are 108 calories in just one small serving size of granulated sugar!
Powdered sugar (confectioner’s sugar) - Powdered sugar looks precisely like its name, powder. This type of sugar is used in meringue pies, some icings, and toppings for pastries. While powdered sugar may have small amounts of vitamins in minerals it is not significant to warrant the whopping 466 calories that are in a cup.
Brown sugar - Brown sugar is made from refined white sugar with molasses added to it. Brown sugar is a common ingredient in spice cakes, muffins, some cookies, and they give a great taste to baked apple goods. It is considered a cooking myth that brown sugar is healthier than granulated sugar. In fact, in most manufactured brown sugar granulated white sugar is used, so the only health value comes from the molasses, and it is miniscule.
It is important to note that these are not the only three sugars that can be used in your favorite dishes. However, they are the most common. Although these sugars are the most commonly used in cooking and baking, they are definitely not healthy. However, nature has provided us with many forms of sweeteners that are pure and do contain some health benefits.
Some of the purest sweeteners and their health benefits include:
Maple syrup - Natural maple syrup is lower in calories than any processed sugar. It contains nutrients like manganese, giving you energy, and is high in zinc, making it good for your heart health. Maple syrup is also linked to building your immune system and maintaining reproductive health in men.
Molasses - Molasses is a good source of vitamins and minerals when consumed in moderation, since it has as many calories as white sugar. Aside from that small downfall, it also contains calcium, iron, potassium and manganese, and is good for the health of your muscles, bones and teeth.
Honey - Honey is a great immunity builder, it is used as a natural remedy, and it is a natural energy pick-me-up. Honey is actually proven to help seasonal allergy sufferers when a teaspoon is eaten daily!
Corn syrup - Caro syrup is a natural form of corn syrup that has been used for a century to treat ailments like pharyngitis and constipation in babies. It is goof in moderation as it is linked to weight gain and increasing heart attack risks.
Whether you are baking cookies for the holidays or just a snack at home, there are many choices a baker has when reaching for a sweetener. If you prefer the taste of processed, it’s not a crime, however moderation is the key to consumption. Switch up your baking and use white sugar for cookies then maple syrup the next time. You are in control of your health and you control the measuring cup. Just decide which type of sugar you want to scoop up!
Criss White is an article writer for My Baby Shower Favors and enjoys baking holiday cookies and other decorated cookies. Criss also enjoys reading when not writing.
Here is an overview of some common baking sugars, what types of desserts they are best used for, and how healthy they are for your family:
Granulated white sugar - Granulated is the most common form of sugar used in cooking and in recipes. It can be used for just about anything you can think of to bake. Unfortunately, there are no nutritional benefits in using this form of sugar. In fact, there are 108 calories in just one small serving size of granulated sugar!
Powdered sugar (confectioner’s sugar) - Powdered sugar looks precisely like its name, powder. This type of sugar is used in meringue pies, some icings, and toppings for pastries. While powdered sugar may have small amounts of vitamins in minerals it is not significant to warrant the whopping 466 calories that are in a cup.
Brown sugar - Brown sugar is made from refined white sugar with molasses added to it. Brown sugar is a common ingredient in spice cakes, muffins, some cookies, and they give a great taste to baked apple goods. It is considered a cooking myth that brown sugar is healthier than granulated sugar. In fact, in most manufactured brown sugar granulated white sugar is used, so the only health value comes from the molasses, and it is miniscule.
It is important to note that these are not the only three sugars that can be used in your favorite dishes. However, they are the most common. Although these sugars are the most commonly used in cooking and baking, they are definitely not healthy. However, nature has provided us with many forms of sweeteners that are pure and do contain some health benefits.
Some of the purest sweeteners and their health benefits include:
Maple syrup - Natural maple syrup is lower in calories than any processed sugar. It contains nutrients like manganese, giving you energy, and is high in zinc, making it good for your heart health. Maple syrup is also linked to building your immune system and maintaining reproductive health in men.
Molasses - Molasses is a good source of vitamins and minerals when consumed in moderation, since it has as many calories as white sugar. Aside from that small downfall, it also contains calcium, iron, potassium and manganese, and is good for the health of your muscles, bones and teeth.
Honey - Honey is a great immunity builder, it is used as a natural remedy, and it is a natural energy pick-me-up. Honey is actually proven to help seasonal allergy sufferers when a teaspoon is eaten daily!
Corn syrup - Caro syrup is a natural form of corn syrup that has been used for a century to treat ailments like pharyngitis and constipation in babies. It is goof in moderation as it is linked to weight gain and increasing heart attack risks.
Whether you are baking cookies for the holidays or just a snack at home, there are many choices a baker has when reaching for a sweetener. If you prefer the taste of processed, it’s not a crime, however moderation is the key to consumption. Switch up your baking and use white sugar for cookies then maple syrup the next time. You are in control of your health and you control the measuring cup. Just decide which type of sugar you want to scoop up!
Criss White is an article writer for My Baby Shower Favors and enjoys baking holiday cookies and other decorated cookies. Criss also enjoys reading when not writing.
High Protein Foods for Vegetarians
Proteins are very rich in amino acids and are absolutely necessary for muscle development. Unfortunately, however, most high protein foods are also hard to digest. For rapid protein absorption, it is recommended that you choose easily digested foods that contain proteins absorbed by the body.
One problem that vegetarians often have is that they do not get enough protein since they don’t eat meat. However, there are alternative foods that vegetarians can consume to get their recommended daily protein intake. Here are some important foods that you can consume to get protein if you are a vegetarian.
Egg whites
Egg whites currently represent one of the easiest ways to increase the level of protein in your body. All you need to do is to eat as many cooked eggs as possible. In most of the cases, a large egg contains around 6 grams of protein, 3.6 grams of which are found in the whites. Eggs are very easy to cook and can be prepared in many ways. Furthermore, those who worry about saturated fat and cholesterol should also try egg whites as well, because they contain good fats and nutrients.
Cheese
Cheese is another very important source of easily digestible protein, with half a cup containing about 15 grams of protein. However, there are also numerous types of cheese that contain saturated fats, so be sure to look at the ingredient labels before buying cheese.
Yogurt
Half a cup of yogurt contains about 4 to 6 grams of protein, even though this amount is completely dependent on the brand that sells a specific product. Avoid yogurt that contains sugar or preservatives in favor of plain natural yogurt with no added flavoring. If you do not want to compromise the flavor, you might want to try and add fruit or honey, which will make the yogurt taste better without compromising the nutritional value.
Soybeans
Soy is also an important source for protein when it comes to vegetarian foods, with half a cup of soy beans usually containing between 16 and 39 grams of protein. Soybeans will always represent an excellent substitute for meat by having approximately the same composition.
Nuts
Various nuts including cashews, almonds, peanuts, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds and walnuts also contain protein. Nuts can easily be added to salads and other meals and additionally add extra flavor.
Fruits and Vegetables
Apples, bananas, papayas, strawberries, tangerines, and watermelons are just a few fruits that contain protein. Some vegetables like beans and peas are also good protein sources and can be used in soups, meals, and other dishes.
Furthermore, soy milk also contains numerous proteins that will be useful for the health of your body. 200 milligrams of soy milk contains 10 grams of protein. The advantage is that soy products usually come with a very low level of saturated fat, at least in comparison with meat, and it is also easier to digest than meat products.
By taking these simple steps into consideration you will be able to eat healthier and increase the quality of your lifestyle considerably. Eating healthy is very important for everyone and you should ensure that you are doing everything possible to keep your meals at the highest standard. These foods can also be served at parties and occasions on platters or even with bread and cookies.
Criss White is a writer and baking enthusiast who has baked vegetarian friendly holiday cookies and other decorated cookies. Criss also enjoys reading when not writing.
One problem that vegetarians often have is that they do not get enough protein since they don’t eat meat. However, there are alternative foods that vegetarians can consume to get their recommended daily protein intake. Here are some important foods that you can consume to get protein if you are a vegetarian.
Egg whites
Egg whites currently represent one of the easiest ways to increase the level of protein in your body. All you need to do is to eat as many cooked eggs as possible. In most of the cases, a large egg contains around 6 grams of protein, 3.6 grams of which are found in the whites. Eggs are very easy to cook and can be prepared in many ways. Furthermore, those who worry about saturated fat and cholesterol should also try egg whites as well, because they contain good fats and nutrients.
Cheese
Cheese is another very important source of easily digestible protein, with half a cup containing about 15 grams of protein. However, there are also numerous types of cheese that contain saturated fats, so be sure to look at the ingredient labels before buying cheese.
Yogurt
Half a cup of yogurt contains about 4 to 6 grams of protein, even though this amount is completely dependent on the brand that sells a specific product. Avoid yogurt that contains sugar or preservatives in favor of plain natural yogurt with no added flavoring. If you do not want to compromise the flavor, you might want to try and add fruit or honey, which will make the yogurt taste better without compromising the nutritional value.
Soybeans
Soy is also an important source for protein when it comes to vegetarian foods, with half a cup of soy beans usually containing between 16 and 39 grams of protein. Soybeans will always represent an excellent substitute for meat by having approximately the same composition.
Nuts
Various nuts including cashews, almonds, peanuts, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds and walnuts also contain protein. Nuts can easily be added to salads and other meals and additionally add extra flavor.
Fruits and Vegetables
Apples, bananas, papayas, strawberries, tangerines, and watermelons are just a few fruits that contain protein. Some vegetables like beans and peas are also good protein sources and can be used in soups, meals, and other dishes.
Furthermore, soy milk also contains numerous proteins that will be useful for the health of your body. 200 milligrams of soy milk contains 10 grams of protein. The advantage is that soy products usually come with a very low level of saturated fat, at least in comparison with meat, and it is also easier to digest than meat products.
By taking these simple steps into consideration you will be able to eat healthier and increase the quality of your lifestyle considerably. Eating healthy is very important for everyone and you should ensure that you are doing everything possible to keep your meals at the highest standard. These foods can also be served at parties and occasions on platters or even with bread and cookies.
Criss White is a writer and baking enthusiast who has baked vegetarian friendly holiday cookies and other decorated cookies. Criss also enjoys reading when not writing.
Fun Foods Toddlers Love to Eat
Mothers all over know that toddlers are into new things. They’re curious and adventurous, which translates to the foods and snacks they’re eating. No longer are they sitting passively while being fed. They’re more involved in the process and want to use their hands to make new discoveries. Give them treats that not only bring a smile to their face, but will provide nutritional value and add to developing healthy eating habits that will last a life time.
Here are some fun foods that toddlers love to eat.
- Cereal is always an obvious option for toddlers. Especially Cheerios. They’re made of whole grain and are easy for a toddler to pick up, hold, and eat. Cereals can be put in small cups or containers and carried around by your child. Avoid overly sugary cereals that provide less nutritional value.
- Scrambled eggs provide an excellent source of protein and are delicious for your kids to eat. They’re easy on the mouth and can be eaten by hand once they cool off a little. Just watch the temperature before serving.
- Miniature vanilla wafer can accompany yogurt or peanut butter (watch food allergies) and, while sweet, aren’t overly sugary.
- Cut up bananas into pieces that your tot can use their fingers to pick up and eat. By cutting the banana into smaller pieces, it cuts down on possibly choking. The fruit is soft and easy to chew.
- Sandwiches made with cookie cutters make eating more fun and interesting when the look and shape is different. Visit a discount or kitchen store for cookie cutters of all shapes like hearts, dinosaurs, animals, etc.
- Use the cookie cutters on cheese slices, as well. Assemble a kiddie cheese and fruit tray with apple and banana slices and cheese either cut in small chunks or in animal shapes. This is sure to be a big hit at any house.
- Sweet potatoes are filled with vitamins and every so good for your tot. Make them some “healthy fries” by peeling a sweet potato and cutting into small matchsticks. Spray with cooking spray and bake in the oven until soft and golden brown. Delicious!
- Cut up broccoli florets and call them “trees.” Serve with Ranch dressing.
- Cut up pineapple and serve with yogurt for dipping.
- Remove skin from a cooked hot dog and cut into small slices for ease of eating. Or serve Vienna sausages from the can in the same manner.
- Popcorn—without all the salt and butter—makes for a healthy and fun snack. Serve in a bowl or paper bag to mix things up.
- Jell-O is a great snack in many fruity flavors. Purchase the pre-made small cups in the store or make a large tray yourself and use the aforementioned cookie cutters for fun shapes or animals.
- Goldfish crackers are perfect. They’re already in an animal form and shape and they’re crunchy and yummy. They can be carried around in a small container for little fingers to delve into.
- Grapes offer nutrition, flavor, and fun. Serve a variety of green and red seedless grapes and watch little hands go to work. Or, cut the grapes in half to make them last longer.
- Applesauce is a winner at all ages. It’s soft, cool, and sweet. Smaller packages found in stores are easy to carry around for emergency snacking purposes.
- Freeze your toddler’s favorite juice for a exciting frozen treat. You can also add small chunks of fruit to the juice as it’s freezing for more variety.
Not only are these great foods for toddler and kid meals day to day, but they are great party foods for birthdays or baby showers.
Criss White writes about family, pregnancy, and baby topics. To check out some baby shower food ideas, visit Baby Shower Ideas.
Monday, August 15, 2011
5 Healthy Foods for Your Kids
It seems today that kids are in a rut with eating the same things over and over again. Growing kids can’t live on French fries, pizza, and hot dogs alone. The key to pleasing any kids’ palate is to make the meal fun for them and not to let them know when they’re eating right.
Here are five healthy foods for your kids.
Nuts and Seeds
For in between meal snacks, feed your kids a handful of nuts. Not only are they rich in several important vitamins, but nuts provide vast amounts of proteins and amino acids. The variety of legume nuts and tree nuts offers variety to any snack with almonds, pecans, peanuts, walnuts, macadamia nuts, cashews, and others. Sunflower and pumpkin seeds are a good source of unsaturated fatty acids which are essential in kids’ growth.
Fruits
Instead of treating kids to a piece of candy, cookies, or cake, assuage their sweet tooth with nature’s own sweet things. Kids will eat what you have available, so keep a bowl of fresh fruit in their reach or in the refrigerator. Apples, oranges, bananas, strawberries, watermelon are easy “finger-type” foods that will satisfy their craving. Also, fruits are high in potassium, vitamin C, and calcium which aids in their development.
Spaghetti
Kids love pasta and there’s nothing that will satisfy their hunger more than a plate of spaghetti. However, you can feed them a nutritious meal without them even knowing. Star with wheat or spinach pasta and use more natural sauces. Avoid the over-sugary stuff in the stores. Also, you can “sneak” vegetables into your kids’ spaghetti by finely chopping onions, mushrooms, olives, and/or peppers. Add large chunks of lean ground beef and your kids will be asking for seconds.
Chicken Fingers
Most every restaurant kid’s menu will offer chicken fingers and fries. What kid wouldn’t love this? At home, you can serve them the same full-flavor without the added fat. By baking breaded chicken, you greatly reduce the fat content of frying. You can also make your own chicken fingers by rolling raw chicken tenders from the store in plain yogurt and then covering in crushed corn flakes or panko bread crumbs. Coat with a cooking spray and bake for the same yummy taste as the fried version. Kick things up with a low fat ranch dressing or barbeque sauce for dipping and your kids won’t miss the grease at all.
Fun Vegetables
It’s almost an oxymoron, but vegetables can be made fun for kids. Instead of forcing the food on them as something they have to have, make it interesting. Teach them the origin of certain foods. Have them help plate what’s for dinner, matching foods by color. Serve smoothies that incorporate both fruits and vegetables in a less “threatening” way to their taste buds. Add vegetables to more traditional foods like carrot or zucchini muffins, or as said before, into spaghetti sauce. Another idea is to start a vegetable garden and get your kids involved. The more they work with and learn about vegetables, the less “scary” they’ll be on their plate. Introduce vegetables to them through a chopped platter of small bites of carrot, broccoli, cauliflower, peppers, and mushrooms, with healthy dip to accompany. And finally, reward your kids for trying new things. Remember, their palates aren’t as developed as an adult’s so make food nutrition fun and it will go a long way to your kids’ health.
Criss White writes about family, pregnancy, and baby topics. To check out some baby shower food ideas, visit Baby Shower Ideas.
Here are five healthy foods for your kids.
Nuts and Seeds
For in between meal snacks, feed your kids a handful of nuts. Not only are they rich in several important vitamins, but nuts provide vast amounts of proteins and amino acids. The variety of legume nuts and tree nuts offers variety to any snack with almonds, pecans, peanuts, walnuts, macadamia nuts, cashews, and others. Sunflower and pumpkin seeds are a good source of unsaturated fatty acids which are essential in kids’ growth.
Fruits
Instead of treating kids to a piece of candy, cookies, or cake, assuage their sweet tooth with nature’s own sweet things. Kids will eat what you have available, so keep a bowl of fresh fruit in their reach or in the refrigerator. Apples, oranges, bananas, strawberries, watermelon are easy “finger-type” foods that will satisfy their craving. Also, fruits are high in potassium, vitamin C, and calcium which aids in their development.
Spaghetti
Kids love pasta and there’s nothing that will satisfy their hunger more than a plate of spaghetti. However, you can feed them a nutritious meal without them even knowing. Star with wheat or spinach pasta and use more natural sauces. Avoid the over-sugary stuff in the stores. Also, you can “sneak” vegetables into your kids’ spaghetti by finely chopping onions, mushrooms, olives, and/or peppers. Add large chunks of lean ground beef and your kids will be asking for seconds.
Chicken Fingers
Most every restaurant kid’s menu will offer chicken fingers and fries. What kid wouldn’t love this? At home, you can serve them the same full-flavor without the added fat. By baking breaded chicken, you greatly reduce the fat content of frying. You can also make your own chicken fingers by rolling raw chicken tenders from the store in plain yogurt and then covering in crushed corn flakes or panko bread crumbs. Coat with a cooking spray and bake for the same yummy taste as the fried version. Kick things up with a low fat ranch dressing or barbeque sauce for dipping and your kids won’t miss the grease at all.
Fun Vegetables
It’s almost an oxymoron, but vegetables can be made fun for kids. Instead of forcing the food on them as something they have to have, make it interesting. Teach them the origin of certain foods. Have them help plate what’s for dinner, matching foods by color. Serve smoothies that incorporate both fruits and vegetables in a less “threatening” way to their taste buds. Add vegetables to more traditional foods like carrot or zucchini muffins, or as said before, into spaghetti sauce. Another idea is to start a vegetable garden and get your kids involved. The more they work with and learn about vegetables, the less “scary” they’ll be on their plate. Introduce vegetables to them through a chopped platter of small bites of carrot, broccoli, cauliflower, peppers, and mushrooms, with healthy dip to accompany. And finally, reward your kids for trying new things. Remember, their palates aren’t as developed as an adult’s so make food nutrition fun and it will go a long way to your kids’ health.
Criss White writes about family, pregnancy, and baby topics. To check out some baby shower food ideas, visit Baby Shower Ideas.
What Food to Serve During a Party
Whenever you’re hosting a party, it’s all about presenting delicious party food that is both simple and elegant. You also don’t want your guests to be laden down with heavy, complicated dishes that require a balancing act whether they’re sitting or standing. Instead, offer them a selection of varied foods that will both satisfy their hunger and free them up for mingling and conversations. And, you won’t be stuck in the kitchen by making these ahead of time and enjoying the party yourself.
Here are some ideas for what food to serve at a party.
Twisted Egg Salad Cups
1 dozen eggs
1 cup (maybe less) mayonnaise
2 tbsp. spicy brown mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh dill sprigs
Wheat bread with crusts trimmed off and cut into four squares
2 tbsp. butter, margarine, or butter-flavored cooking spray
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Put eggs in two inches of cold water and 1 tbsp. white vinegar until they boil. Simmer on low for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, cover and let them sit for 15 minutes. Drain hot water, replace with ice cold water and let them sit another 15 minutes. Peel under a stream of running cold water. Grease a mini muffin tin with butter or butter-flavored spray. Take bread pieces and mold around bottom and side of the muffin pan. Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
In a large bowl, mash hard boiled eggs with the tongs of a fork until the pieces are small and fluffy. Add mayonnaise a fourth of a cup at a time, watching that the mixture doesn’t become too soupy. Add mustard and stir well. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. Fill small baked bread cups with a heaping portion of the egg salad and top with a colorful sprig of dill. Your guests will scarf these up by the handful!
Personal Antipastos
Make a platter of individual antipastos. Purchase a variety of black and green olives, fresh mozzarella cheese balls, fresh basil, feta cubes, grape tomatoes, kalamata olives, Genoa salami, hard salami, and other spiced meats from your grocery store. Using wooden skewers, place meats, cheeses, and vegetables alternately for a hand-held antipasto. Lay out on a platter for guests to serve themselves.
Smoked Salmon Canapés
Lightly bake a store bought Boboli crust and let it cool. Mix together softened cream cheese, lemon juice, chopped chives, and fresh lemon zest. Add a dash of salt and pepper to taste. Spread mixture over the crust. Arrange smoked salmon over the cream cheese blend. Sprinkle with chopped hard boiled eggs, capers, fresh ground pepper, and more lemon zest. Cut into strips or pizza-like wedges and serve.
Cucumber Sandwiches
1 pound of seedless English cucumbers
1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
One and a half tsp. mayonnaise
Salt and pepper to taste
Various breads (white, wheat, rye, pumpernickel) with crusts cut off and sliced into finger-sized servings
Peel dark skin off the cucumbers with a vegetable peeler. Cut cucumber in half long ways. Peel, seed (okay, so they’re not totally seedless) and shred one half of the cucumber. Cut the other half and set aside. Mix together the cream cheese, mayonnaise and salt. Add in the shredded cucumber and stir it all well. Take two pieces of bread (you can mix and match…whatever you want) and spread about a tablespoon of the mixture onto the bread. Top with cucumber slices before adding the top. Makes about 48 finger sandwiches for everyone to enjoy.
Mini Quiches
Mini quiches are available in most major grocery stores and in warehouse clubs, as well. Simply buy some mini quiches in various flavors such as cheese and spinach, ham, bacon and cheese, and bake them ahead of time. Serve them on a nice silver tray with doilies to spruce it up. Add some simple flowers to make it look like you spent all day in the kitchen.
Chafing Dish Meatballs and Wieners
2 lbs. ground beef
1 slightly beaten egg
1 tbsp. onion powder
1 tsp. salt
1 package of Lil Smokey wieners
1 bottle chili sauce
Juice of 1 lemon
1 c. grape jelly
Combine first 4 ingredients. Mix and shape into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Drop into mixture made of the chili sauce, lemon juice and jelly. Simmer 20-30 minutes. (Be sure to keep it VERY low heat.) Serve these with toothpicks.
Criss White writes about family, pregnancy, and baby topics. To check out some baby shower food ideas, visit Baby Shower Ideas.
Here are some ideas for what food to serve at a party.
Twisted Egg Salad Cups
1 dozen eggs
1 cup (maybe less) mayonnaise
2 tbsp. spicy brown mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh dill sprigs
Wheat bread with crusts trimmed off and cut into four squares
2 tbsp. butter, margarine, or butter-flavored cooking spray
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Put eggs in two inches of cold water and 1 tbsp. white vinegar until they boil. Simmer on low for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, cover and let them sit for 15 minutes. Drain hot water, replace with ice cold water and let them sit another 15 minutes. Peel under a stream of running cold water. Grease a mini muffin tin with butter or butter-flavored spray. Take bread pieces and mold around bottom and side of the muffin pan. Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
In a large bowl, mash hard boiled eggs with the tongs of a fork until the pieces are small and fluffy. Add mayonnaise a fourth of a cup at a time, watching that the mixture doesn’t become too soupy. Add mustard and stir well. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. Fill small baked bread cups with a heaping portion of the egg salad and top with a colorful sprig of dill. Your guests will scarf these up by the handful!
Personal Antipastos
Make a platter of individual antipastos. Purchase a variety of black and green olives, fresh mozzarella cheese balls, fresh basil, feta cubes, grape tomatoes, kalamata olives, Genoa salami, hard salami, and other spiced meats from your grocery store. Using wooden skewers, place meats, cheeses, and vegetables alternately for a hand-held antipasto. Lay out on a platter for guests to serve themselves.
Smoked Salmon Canapés
Lightly bake a store bought Boboli crust and let it cool. Mix together softened cream cheese, lemon juice, chopped chives, and fresh lemon zest. Add a dash of salt and pepper to taste. Spread mixture over the crust. Arrange smoked salmon over the cream cheese blend. Sprinkle with chopped hard boiled eggs, capers, fresh ground pepper, and more lemon zest. Cut into strips or pizza-like wedges and serve.
Cucumber Sandwiches
1 pound of seedless English cucumbers
1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
One and a half tsp. mayonnaise
Salt and pepper to taste
Various breads (white, wheat, rye, pumpernickel) with crusts cut off and sliced into finger-sized servings
Peel dark skin off the cucumbers with a vegetable peeler. Cut cucumber in half long ways. Peel, seed (okay, so they’re not totally seedless) and shred one half of the cucumber. Cut the other half and set aside. Mix together the cream cheese, mayonnaise and salt. Add in the shredded cucumber and stir it all well. Take two pieces of bread (you can mix and match…whatever you want) and spread about a tablespoon of the mixture onto the bread. Top with cucumber slices before adding the top. Makes about 48 finger sandwiches for everyone to enjoy.
Mini Quiches
Mini quiches are available in most major grocery stores and in warehouse clubs, as well. Simply buy some mini quiches in various flavors such as cheese and spinach, ham, bacon and cheese, and bake them ahead of time. Serve them on a nice silver tray with doilies to spruce it up. Add some simple flowers to make it look like you spent all day in the kitchen.
Chafing Dish Meatballs and Wieners
2 lbs. ground beef
1 slightly beaten egg
1 tbsp. onion powder
1 tsp. salt
1 package of Lil Smokey wieners
1 bottle chili sauce
Juice of 1 lemon
1 c. grape jelly
Combine first 4 ingredients. Mix and shape into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Drop into mixture made of the chili sauce, lemon juice and jelly. Simmer 20-30 minutes. (Be sure to keep it VERY low heat.) Serve these with toothpicks.
Criss White writes about family, pregnancy, and baby topics. To check out some baby shower food ideas, visit Baby Shower Ideas.
What Foods are Best for Babies
Every new day with your baby is a learning process. There are so many nuances of this complex new person in our life. As a parent, it’s your duty to introduce good, healthy habits in your baby’s first year that will last a lifetime. One of those challenges is knowing what foods are best for babies. When your baby reaches six months, it’s time to start introducing solid food into his/her diet. Arm yourself with the knowledge of food champions that will help aid your baby’s nutritional growth.
Here are a few suggestions as to what foods are best for babies.
Apples
The saying, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away,” is quite accurate. Apples contain no fat, nor do they have sodium or cholesterol. The potassium in an apple is thought to help maintain heart health, blood pressure, and weight. It’s an essential food to eat at all stages of life. Babies can enjoy apples in the form of natural applesauce. They’re sweet, tasty, and filling, and provide multiple health benefits for a newborn.
Banana
Another low sodium, low saturated fat, and cholesterol food is the banana. It contains vitamins A, B6, B12, C, E, and K, and many other nutrients important to a healthy body. Babies love bananas because they’re so easy to chew and they add flavor to something bland, yet healthy, like rice cereal. Bananas also provide a good source of potassium and protein.
Sweet Potato
Yams or sweet potatoes are extremely beneficial to your baby’s growth. They are rich in vitamins A and C, and like apples and bananas, provide calcium, potassium, and sodium, as well as magnesium and phosphorous. They can be roasted, steamed, or baked and mashed or pureed into a tasty meal for your baby. As your baby grows, add chicken or turkey to the mix for extra protein.
Broccoli
This floret vegetable is rich in flavor, as well as crunch, and is an excellent vegetable to introduce early into your baby’s life. Broccoli contains fiber and calcium and can be served to your baby in a puree form or simply in small, steamed bites. Some pediatricians recommend chilled steamed broccoli for babies who are teething. In any event, it’s a versatile vegetable your baby can start with early in life for vitamins and good health.
Spinach
Rich in iron, this leafy vegetable has frightened many generations of kids. However, that doesn’t have to be the case with your baby. Starting your child out with spinach at an early age guarantees them the vitamins and nutrition this formable food offers. Steam spinach and puree it to get your baby used to it. Then, add the puree to rice cereal or pastina as your baby’s taste for it grows.
Avocado
Avocados aren’t just for guacamole. Your baby can benefit from the unsaturated fats in this fruit (it’s not a vegetable, technically) that can aid in healthy development. Some nutritionists claim that the fat in an avocado is the closest in similarity to a mother’s breast milk. There’s no need to cook this fruit that’s packed with vitamins A, C, niacin, and folate. Simply peel and pit the avocado and mash the “meat” with a fork. It’s also another good source of potassium, iron, calcium, and magnesium.
Criss White writes about family, pregnancy, and baby topics. To check out some baby shower food ideas, visit Baby Shower Ideas.
Here are a few suggestions as to what foods are best for babies.
Apples
The saying, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away,” is quite accurate. Apples contain no fat, nor do they have sodium or cholesterol. The potassium in an apple is thought to help maintain heart health, blood pressure, and weight. It’s an essential food to eat at all stages of life. Babies can enjoy apples in the form of natural applesauce. They’re sweet, tasty, and filling, and provide multiple health benefits for a newborn.
Banana
Another low sodium, low saturated fat, and cholesterol food is the banana. It contains vitamins A, B6, B12, C, E, and K, and many other nutrients important to a healthy body. Babies love bananas because they’re so easy to chew and they add flavor to something bland, yet healthy, like rice cereal. Bananas also provide a good source of potassium and protein.
Sweet Potato
Yams or sweet potatoes are extremely beneficial to your baby’s growth. They are rich in vitamins A and C, and like apples and bananas, provide calcium, potassium, and sodium, as well as magnesium and phosphorous. They can be roasted, steamed, or baked and mashed or pureed into a tasty meal for your baby. As your baby grows, add chicken or turkey to the mix for extra protein.
Broccoli
This floret vegetable is rich in flavor, as well as crunch, and is an excellent vegetable to introduce early into your baby’s life. Broccoli contains fiber and calcium and can be served to your baby in a puree form or simply in small, steamed bites. Some pediatricians recommend chilled steamed broccoli for babies who are teething. In any event, it’s a versatile vegetable your baby can start with early in life for vitamins and good health.
Spinach
Rich in iron, this leafy vegetable has frightened many generations of kids. However, that doesn’t have to be the case with your baby. Starting your child out with spinach at an early age guarantees them the vitamins and nutrition this formable food offers. Steam spinach and puree it to get your baby used to it. Then, add the puree to rice cereal or pastina as your baby’s taste for it grows.
Avocado
Avocados aren’t just for guacamole. Your baby can benefit from the unsaturated fats in this fruit (it’s not a vegetable, technically) that can aid in healthy development. Some nutritionists claim that the fat in an avocado is the closest in similarity to a mother’s breast milk. There’s no need to cook this fruit that’s packed with vitamins A, C, niacin, and folate. Simply peel and pit the avocado and mash the “meat” with a fork. It’s also another good source of potassium, iron, calcium, and magnesium.
Criss White writes about family, pregnancy, and baby topics. To check out some baby shower food ideas, visit Baby Shower Ideas.
How to Prepare Starter Food for Babies
The first six months or so of your new baby’s life will be sustained and fortified with milk or formula. However, soon after that, your baby is ready to move on to more solid foods, which can be a challenge to any parent. You’ll need to check with your pediatrician about any allergy risks, but now you’re ready to move on and introduce solids into your baby’s diet.
Here are some suggestions on how to prepare starter food for babies.
Doctor’s Orders
Don’t start your baby on any new food regimen without first talking to your pediatrician. Let him or her know what’s going on with your baby and your plans for introducing solid foods into the diet. As your doctor will tell you, you will be charting the course of good eating habits for your child’s life by what you start them on. Discuss food and preparation options with your doctor before taking that next step with your baby.
Cleanliness
Whenever preparing anything for your baby, make sure your hands have been cleaned with hot water and a disinfecting soap. All utensils, plates, and dishes should also be clean. If you’re preparing the baby food yourself, make sure the fruits and vegetables have been washed properly. Even though you may purchase fresh produce from the grocery store, it still may contain trace elements of pesticides and other chemicals used in the growing process. It’s just smart to clean things when you get home.
Allergy Awareness
When introducing new elements into your baby’s diet, you want to be careful not to set off any allergies that you may or may not be aware of. General rule of thumb from pediatricians is to test a new food for your baby for four straight days and take a “wait and see” attitude. Monitor your baby’s reaction to the new item and discontinue if you recognize any signs of an allergy like rash, difficulty breathing, itching, diarrhea, vomiting, etc. Only introduce one new food at a time into your baby’s diet so you can monitor this properly.
Baby Food in a Jar
Many name brand producers have been making start baby food for decades. They offer balanced nutrition, low sodium, and a variety of flavors to test your baby’s palate. These are easy to find in grocery stores and larger retail merchants like Target or Wal-Mart. Follow the directions on each individual jar to ensure temperature is correct. Feed your baby with a rubber covered spoon so they won’t injure their mouth. Keep a pad with notes on how your child reacts to each new taste for future use.
A Bounty of New Tastes
For baby’s first foods, avoid manufactured cereals and instead take advantage of nature’s bounty. Foods such as bananas, apples, pears, avocados, carrots, and sweet potatoes are excellent starter foods. Bananas and avocados are easily peeled and mashed into an easy paste for baby’s enjoyment. Pears, apples, carrots, and sweet potatoes will need to be baked or boiled first. Peel the item and then cut into smaller chunks for easy cooking and then pureed in a food processor for the best consistency. Again, introduce only one new food to your baby at a time to monitor for allergies and/taste preferences.
Rice Cereal and Pastina
Rice cereal is a perfect first food to start a baby with. Rice cereal is easy to prepare and very nutritious. You can add mashed bananas to it for flavor and variety. Also, pastina (very tiny pasta) can be combined with any of your pureed vegetables for a healthy meal.
Just remember as you’re introducing new foods to your baby, they won’t like everything. No two babies are alike and foods will have different tastes and textures to them. Be patient and experiment with your little one. You’re starting life-long eating habits with the foods you serve. So think healthy and natural.
Criss White writes about family, pregnancy, and baby topics. To check out some baby shower food ideas, visit Baby Shower Ideas.
Here are some suggestions on how to prepare starter food for babies.
Doctor’s Orders
Don’t start your baby on any new food regimen without first talking to your pediatrician. Let him or her know what’s going on with your baby and your plans for introducing solid foods into the diet. As your doctor will tell you, you will be charting the course of good eating habits for your child’s life by what you start them on. Discuss food and preparation options with your doctor before taking that next step with your baby.
Cleanliness
Whenever preparing anything for your baby, make sure your hands have been cleaned with hot water and a disinfecting soap. All utensils, plates, and dishes should also be clean. If you’re preparing the baby food yourself, make sure the fruits and vegetables have been washed properly. Even though you may purchase fresh produce from the grocery store, it still may contain trace elements of pesticides and other chemicals used in the growing process. It’s just smart to clean things when you get home.
Allergy Awareness
When introducing new elements into your baby’s diet, you want to be careful not to set off any allergies that you may or may not be aware of. General rule of thumb from pediatricians is to test a new food for your baby for four straight days and take a “wait and see” attitude. Monitor your baby’s reaction to the new item and discontinue if you recognize any signs of an allergy like rash, difficulty breathing, itching, diarrhea, vomiting, etc. Only introduce one new food at a time into your baby’s diet so you can monitor this properly.
Baby Food in a Jar
Many name brand producers have been making start baby food for decades. They offer balanced nutrition, low sodium, and a variety of flavors to test your baby’s palate. These are easy to find in grocery stores and larger retail merchants like Target or Wal-Mart. Follow the directions on each individual jar to ensure temperature is correct. Feed your baby with a rubber covered spoon so they won’t injure their mouth. Keep a pad with notes on how your child reacts to each new taste for future use.
A Bounty of New Tastes
For baby’s first foods, avoid manufactured cereals and instead take advantage of nature’s bounty. Foods such as bananas, apples, pears, avocados, carrots, and sweet potatoes are excellent starter foods. Bananas and avocados are easily peeled and mashed into an easy paste for baby’s enjoyment. Pears, apples, carrots, and sweet potatoes will need to be baked or boiled first. Peel the item and then cut into smaller chunks for easy cooking and then pureed in a food processor for the best consistency. Again, introduce only one new food to your baby at a time to monitor for allergies and/taste preferences.
Rice Cereal and Pastina
Rice cereal is a perfect first food to start a baby with. Rice cereal is easy to prepare and very nutritious. You can add mashed bananas to it for flavor and variety. Also, pastina (very tiny pasta) can be combined with any of your pureed vegetables for a healthy meal.
Just remember as you’re introducing new foods to your baby, they won’t like everything. No two babies are alike and foods will have different tastes and textures to them. Be patient and experiment with your little one. You’re starting life-long eating habits with the foods you serve. So think healthy and natural.
Criss White writes about family, pregnancy, and baby topics. To check out some baby shower food ideas, visit Baby Shower Ideas.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
How to Find Supplies and Decorations for a Baby Shower
Baby showers are a great way to celebrate the coming birth of a new baby. Gathering together to surprise the about-to-be mommy will involve all the planning and the decision making on what to serve, how to decorate and more. People who have never thrown a baby shower before may not know where to start looking for all the necessary baby shower supplies.
Supplies needed for a baby shower are very easy to find if one were to know where to look for them. Party planners already have a directory full of names and numbers of suppliers to make their lives easier. Most of these suppliers have websites that can be easily found online. Ordering and paying online is easy to do and the delivery can be done within a matter of days, some as soon as overnight.
The invitations are the easiest. They can be ordered from the printers and they could also be bought off the rack. There are also those who can make a custom made invitation just for the baby shower party. Remember though, when choosing custom made ones that some places will have minimum orders. If you only need a few, then it might be economical to print them yourself or use a local print shop.
For party souvenirs, again online shops are the easiest places to go to. There are literally thousands of these e-supply stores and they operate 24/7 so even going through them in the middle of the night or the wee hours of the morning is not an issue. Again, ordering, paying and delivery are easy. Talk to the mother to be and show her the choices that had been narrowed down for her. Let her have the final say on the souvenir and order ASAP so there would be no question of delays.
The local bakery is the best choice for a cake to order, but then again there are also online bakers which can have the cake delivered unscathed and in edible condition. There are really some fantastic choices out there so it is worth taking a look around. However, it is still safest to order from the local bakeshop since there is no risk of the cake being damaged in transit or arriving late due to shipping issues. Also, there is always the choice of making one yourself for the party.
Decorations for the party will greatly depend on the theme and the budget. There are some themes which are cheap and then there are others which can be very expensive. Choose items that are inexpensive like colored plastic and paper tableware. Disposable tableware is easy to clean up as well. Other baby shower decorations include streamers, balloons, and a diaper cake or some other baby shower centerpiece.
The food can be catered, homemade or pot luck. The choice really depends on the planners and how many people are invited. If there are too many people coming in from all over the place, catering would be the simplest solution.
Finding supplies needed for a baby shower party is easy, if you know where to look for them. You might even enjoy searching for these and browsing through the many ideas for hosting a baby shower party.
Supplies needed for a baby shower are very easy to find if one were to know where to look for them. Party planners already have a directory full of names and numbers of suppliers to make their lives easier. Most of these suppliers have websites that can be easily found online. Ordering and paying online is easy to do and the delivery can be done within a matter of days, some as soon as overnight.
The invitations are the easiest. They can be ordered from the printers and they could also be bought off the rack. There are also those who can make a custom made invitation just for the baby shower party. Remember though, when choosing custom made ones that some places will have minimum orders. If you only need a few, then it might be economical to print them yourself or use a local print shop.
For party souvenirs, again online shops are the easiest places to go to. There are literally thousands of these e-supply stores and they operate 24/7 so even going through them in the middle of the night or the wee hours of the morning is not an issue. Again, ordering, paying and delivery are easy. Talk to the mother to be and show her the choices that had been narrowed down for her. Let her have the final say on the souvenir and order ASAP so there would be no question of delays.
The local bakery is the best choice for a cake to order, but then again there are also online bakers which can have the cake delivered unscathed and in edible condition. There are really some fantastic choices out there so it is worth taking a look around. However, it is still safest to order from the local bakeshop since there is no risk of the cake being damaged in transit or arriving late due to shipping issues. Also, there is always the choice of making one yourself for the party.
Decorations for the party will greatly depend on the theme and the budget. There are some themes which are cheap and then there are others which can be very expensive. Choose items that are inexpensive like colored plastic and paper tableware. Disposable tableware is easy to clean up as well. Other baby shower decorations include streamers, balloons, and a diaper cake or some other baby shower centerpiece.
The food can be catered, homemade or pot luck. The choice really depends on the planners and how many people are invited. If there are too many people coming in from all over the place, catering would be the simplest solution.
Finding supplies needed for a baby shower party is easy, if you know where to look for them. You might even enjoy searching for these and browsing through the many ideas for hosting a baby shower party.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Making Your Own Healthy Baby Food at Home
When you are blessed with a newborn baby, it is important to get the child off to a good start by feeding them with the most nutritious baby food that you can find. Baby food is readily available at your local grocery store and although some brands claim to be healthy, most bottled baby foods are processed and contain chemicals and preservatives that are not ideal for a baby’s consumption. One of the best ways to ensure your child gets the nutrients that he or she needs and avoids unnecessary additives is to make your own baby shower food.
Making your own baby shower favors like baby food is not hard. Actually, it is very easy to make and with a little experience, it will become a simple part of your daily routine. Homemade food is not only cheaper, but more delicious as well. It has no extenders and is definitely healthier than the bottled variety. Here are some simple to follow recipes that your baby is sure to love.
When doing any of these recipes, please do not use mineral water or bottled water with mineral salts in it. Always use distilled sterile water for this does not usually have sediments. The sediments may be harmful to the immature intestinal tract of the child. Note that the GI tract is immature until two years of age so use the right water.
A great vegetable to start with is the carrot as this is full of vitamins, minerals and fiber. Simply wash the carrots clean and peel. Cut up into small pieces and place in saucepan. Make a batch as this can last up to three or four days in the fridge. Add bottled clear water to level off with the carrots and set to the lowest flame. Eventually, it will simmer and the carrots will soften. Remove from heat and mash. For finer results, push the mashed carrots through a metal sieve, but do not moisturize! This will release a gummy consistency and the taste could change. For babies four to six months the consistency should be really fine at first to gradually rougher in texture as the child gets older. The older child should be able to chew some tiny bits with their baby teeth if they already have them.
Apple sauce is usually a favorite among babies. Simply peel and core two or three Red Delicious apples, cut up into small pieces and put water to the level of the fruits. Simmer gradually on lowest heat until the apples are soft and easy to mash. Mash thoroughly through a sieve if need be and remove any pits or peel that may have been overlooked. This apple sauce should stay four days up to a week in the fridge.
The same system can be used with peaches. Do exactly the same thing as with the apples for the fresh peaches. Do not use canned peaches if the child is below six months of age. If the child is around six months the making of baby food is easier. Simply grab a can, drain the light syrup and place in clean container. Get the peach halves and push through the sieve and serve to the child.
Again, the finer the texture the better for younger babies, but gradually introduce the different textures so they learn how to chew.
You can even make your own baby food as gifts to other mothers or if you want to make your own baby shower favors for a baby shower party. As can be seen from the simple recipes above, healthy baby food does not have to be bought off the shelf. It can be made in a snap over the stove and will save lots of money.
Making your own baby shower favors like baby food is not hard. Actually, it is very easy to make and with a little experience, it will become a simple part of your daily routine. Homemade food is not only cheaper, but more delicious as well. It has no extenders and is definitely healthier than the bottled variety. Here are some simple to follow recipes that your baby is sure to love.
When doing any of these recipes, please do not use mineral water or bottled water with mineral salts in it. Always use distilled sterile water for this does not usually have sediments. The sediments may be harmful to the immature intestinal tract of the child. Note that the GI tract is immature until two years of age so use the right water.
A great vegetable to start with is the carrot as this is full of vitamins, minerals and fiber. Simply wash the carrots clean and peel. Cut up into small pieces and place in saucepan. Make a batch as this can last up to three or four days in the fridge. Add bottled clear water to level off with the carrots and set to the lowest flame. Eventually, it will simmer and the carrots will soften. Remove from heat and mash. For finer results, push the mashed carrots through a metal sieve, but do not moisturize! This will release a gummy consistency and the taste could change. For babies four to six months the consistency should be really fine at first to gradually rougher in texture as the child gets older. The older child should be able to chew some tiny bits with their baby teeth if they already have them.
Apple sauce is usually a favorite among babies. Simply peel and core two or three Red Delicious apples, cut up into small pieces and put water to the level of the fruits. Simmer gradually on lowest heat until the apples are soft and easy to mash. Mash thoroughly through a sieve if need be and remove any pits or peel that may have been overlooked. This apple sauce should stay four days up to a week in the fridge.
The same system can be used with peaches. Do exactly the same thing as with the apples for the fresh peaches. Do not use canned peaches if the child is below six months of age. If the child is around six months the making of baby food is easier. Simply grab a can, drain the light syrup and place in clean container. Get the peach halves and push through the sieve and serve to the child.
Again, the finer the texture the better for younger babies, but gradually introduce the different textures so they learn how to chew.
You can even make your own baby food as gifts to other mothers or if you want to make your own baby shower favors for a baby shower party. As can be seen from the simple recipes above, healthy baby food does not have to be bought off the shelf. It can be made in a snap over the stove and will save lots of money.
Friday, September 10, 2010
How to Host a Party or Celebration That People Will Talk About
Inviting people to come over and have a party at your place or a venue you rented can be both exciting but nerve-racking at the same time. Coming with a party that will not flop but rather, a party that people will enjoy and look forward to having again is something that every party host dreams about. While you have attended several parties before, being a host at your own party is really different and will require time and effort to prepare. Whether a kids party or a reunion party, here are some things that will help you stage a perfect party that people will love attending over and over again.
-Have a theme that is unique for the occasion. Look on the Internet to get ideas on party themes. Make it age appropriate of course, for example, a children’s party ideally should have a farm or Disney theme while you can save the casino theme for a party with the adults.
-Have decorations follow the theme. Be creative but do not overdo it. Your invitation and guest books should reflect the theme as well.
-Invite people of different backgrounds or simply put, your friends from different areas of your life. This doesn’t mean that your guests will clash; rather, this ensures that everyone will have a lot of things to talk about as they learn from each other.
-Have your food ready beforehand but be careful with things that may spoil easily, including raw foods such as sushi or sashimi. You may prefer to serve the liquor during the later part of the party where everyone is comfortable with everybody else already or you can have it available immediately, depending on your guests. Of course, offer non-alcoholic beverages for non-drinkers.
-Consider having music play throughout the party but make sure that they are the songs your guests would love to hear. Otherwise, they would be distracted by the music and it might ruin the mood. Don’t play the music too loud though, so guests can still converse easily.
-Send invitations on time. This will give them enough time to prepare and put it in their schedule. This way, you can also ensure that the people you want to attend will be able to attend as you have given the notice in advance. In general, provide at least two weeks notice or more if possible.
-During the party, make sure to facilitate introductions, especially for people that don’t know as many other people or introverted individuals. Consider having games and activities that allow people to interact more and get to know each other.
Remember that parties are ways where people have fun, meet new people, or simply have fun and de-stress. Remember that you can have fun also during the preparation phase, while preparing things with the help of your closer friends and family. And during the party itself, part of your job is to ensure that everyone gets to experience the same things as well – where they get to have fun, meet new people, and relax.
-Have a theme that is unique for the occasion. Look on the Internet to get ideas on party themes. Make it age appropriate of course, for example, a children’s party ideally should have a farm or Disney theme while you can save the casino theme for a party with the adults.
-Have decorations follow the theme. Be creative but do not overdo it. Your invitation and guest books should reflect the theme as well.
-Invite people of different backgrounds or simply put, your friends from different areas of your life. This doesn’t mean that your guests will clash; rather, this ensures that everyone will have a lot of things to talk about as they learn from each other.
-Have your food ready beforehand but be careful with things that may spoil easily, including raw foods such as sushi or sashimi. You may prefer to serve the liquor during the later part of the party where everyone is comfortable with everybody else already or you can have it available immediately, depending on your guests. Of course, offer non-alcoholic beverages for non-drinkers.
-Consider having music play throughout the party but make sure that they are the songs your guests would love to hear. Otherwise, they would be distracted by the music and it might ruin the mood. Don’t play the music too loud though, so guests can still converse easily.
-Send invitations on time. This will give them enough time to prepare and put it in their schedule. This way, you can also ensure that the people you want to attend will be able to attend as you have given the notice in advance. In general, provide at least two weeks notice or more if possible.
-During the party, make sure to facilitate introductions, especially for people that don’t know as many other people or introverted individuals. Consider having games and activities that allow people to interact more and get to know each other.
Remember that parties are ways where people have fun, meet new people, or simply have fun and de-stress. Remember that you can have fun also during the preparation phase, while preparing things with the help of your closer friends and family. And during the party itself, part of your job is to ensure that everyone gets to experience the same things as well – where they get to have fun, meet new people, and relax.
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