So now it has been established that your are a VIP guest with your hostess gift in hand, but what is that in your other hand? A shopping bag with ingredients to whip up a little something to bestow upon the already planned and prepared menu? Unless you are attending a potluck dinner or the hostess has specifically requested you bring that amazing ... read more
how to be a gracious guest (part 1: the appetizer)
Do you have a friend who is well meaning, but a tad unrefined when it comes to proper party etiquette? Perhaps she hails from a culture where entertaining isn’t fraught with formalities. Or there isn’t a distinction in the style of gatherings? If so, then this partyjeanie post should serve you well. With the summer ... read more
please take your seats
With the Easter Bunny due to hippty hop here on Sunday and Elijah making a hasty exit earlier this week at Seder, family and friends are gathering around the dining room table. In the spirit of both of these holidays, strangers or those without close connection with the host may find themselves becoming a temporary member of the extended family. ... read more
shooting the perfect portrait
With the arrival of spring there are a few certainties: there will be one more snowfall after March 29th, NYC street fairs will clog the avenues hawking lemonade & crepes every 4 feet and that all weekends through June will be scheduled with at least 1 occasion to congratulate, celebrate or honor an expecting mother, blissful bride or long ... read more
every dog has his day
I have suburban envy of very few things – outdoor swimming pools, accessible tennis courts, barbecue grills and a yard in which to host a dog party. For years I had denied my baby Bully a proper celebration because his birthday falls in January – too frigid for fun in a dog park and that public space in which to host an event is limited (and ... read more
party prep for any given sunday
With the countdown for Super Bowl XLV in full effect, it’s time to pull out the partyjeanie playbook on game day etiquette. One might question the introduction of formalities for a party that calls for chips, wings & beer served in bottles, however being a considerate and gracious host transcends any occasion. The follow suggestions are ... read more
a scrapbook project for everyone
I love when I get to play partyjeanie and photojeanie for the same audience. Not only do have an opportunity to craft a truly personalized and individualized celebration for someone special, but I also get to design and execute a memorable and specific scrapbook that captures the essence of the occasion. A great way to involve all the guests is ... read more
party prep for the powder room
With Thanksgiving a week behind us and New Year's Eve 30 days away, we are in the preliminary phrase of the premier party season. While most of us will be guests in someone's home, some of us will do the entertaining. Creating a festive and comfortable party atmosphere should be the priority of the hostess and this extends beyond the food, ... read more
gift giving to the hostess with mostest
As the gift giving season rapidly approaches, my hands are wrapped up in retail holiday prep and my head is trying to wrap itself around all the client work I have, considering (and shopping) for an appropriate hostess gift is definitely on my to don't list. Of course there are well received, crowd pleasing stand-bys like candles, wine, sweets ... read more
pretty pink party pom poms
When you are crafty and creative, friends and family often request (or in some cases, enlist) for you to design and implement party décor and favors for their fetes. But when it’s your best friend’s 30th birthday, the pressure to deliver something completely thematic, tailor made and on a shoe string budget then, it is time to break out the glue, ... read more