Entertaining Basics

The holiday season can mandate festive arrangements of dinner tables, nativity scenes and even the dinner buffet. Similarly, presentation can induce a person to sample the hummus or opt for the...

Whether you're hoping to keep your event budget or creative vision on track, design your own attention-grabbing table number cards to direct guests to the proper dinner tables. Use basic craft...

The living room is a place of comfort, relaxation and entertainment. Often called a family room, the space is best designed for functionality. People should be able to move around and sit in a way...

Setting a dining table is an important skill to learn, as it will come in handy countless times throughout life. Although table settings vary by meal, there are consistencies to where different...

Throwing a party can be exciting, but depending on how much space you have to work with, it can be a challenging task. Entertaining in a small area requires you to get creative and make the most...

The start to an attractive table is a carefully laid tablecloth. Although it doesn't seem very complicated, laying a tablecloth can require a little bit of thought and care to ensure that...

Sitting down for a formal dinner can make some people feel uncomfortable. Knowing even basic etiquette skills might save you from an embarrassing situation. Feeling confident with basic dining...

Table settings have a very specific set of rules for the proper placement of each item. Whether you are throwing a formal dinner party or preparing for a family holiday event, you can ensure that...

When setting a long table, you want to create a sense of intimacy while taking advantage of the long expanse. Table settings for a long table need to make each guest feel honored and important,...

Setting the mood for your party is best accomplished with good decorations. Choosing a theme for the event will inspire your décor better than any visit to a party store will. Themes don't...

As children get older, they are ready to take on new responsibilities around the house. Learning to set the table is a great way to instill proper table etiquette and allow the child to help...

A properly set dinner table may make all the difference when entertaining or hosting a dinner party. From napkins to utensils to plates, there is a place for everything, and everything should be...

Are you having a dinner party? Do you want to impress your guests with a nice, easy, elegant table? No table is complete without napkins. Here is an easy to do napkin fold that will impress your...

Properly set-up dinner tables provide elegance and charm to any dinner event. A basic table setting, which uses a single set of plates and silver, is the ideal setting to use as a refresher course...

Table skirting can add decorating pizazz to any party or social function. Relatively inexpensive, skirting is used instead of table linen and is available in a wide variety of colors and...

Paper napkins work nicely when you are entertaining. They can be used for a picnic, a formal dinner or wedding reception. You can use napkin-folding techniques for the more decorative table and...

A serving tray is a portable table. The tray may hold snacks, drinks, cookies or chips and dip for a group of people. The serving tray is handy for a one-person meal such as a TV tray dinner or...

Buffet-style meals are highly conducive to casual entertaining. A buffet allows for a more relaxed, energetic atmosphere, eliminates the chance of serving guests something they don't like or are...

Checkered tablecloths, fine linen napkins, silk table coverings--each of these items brings to mind a certain ambiance. Whether dining at an Italian restaurant, enjoying a home-cooked meal or...

It is summer and time for a Maryland style Crab Feast. There is nothing that says summer more than this Chesapeake Tradition. Whether it is in North Carolina, the District of Columbia or...

A charger plate is a service plate on the table for a meal setting. You will often see them in restaurants and at formal events. Also known as a chop or service plate, the charger plate does not...

There is a rhyme and a reason for correctly setting up a buffet table. If the buffet table is set improperly, you run the risk of long lines of hungry party goers waiting for their meal and...

The perfect bridal shower is geared toward only the bride herself. A great table sets the stage for the rest of the party and shows the bride how much she means to you.

Would you like to set a romantic table. A special occasion is always right around the corner. To save some money on dinner out, create an intimate dinner for two at home. You can make your...

When your guests arrive for your holiday dinner, the table setting can wow them and set the mood for the delicious food soon to be presented. Here are step by step instructions for a formal table...

Whether you are setting your table for a basic meal, an informal gathering or formal dinner, there are certain rules to consider. The cardinal rule for settling the dinner table is to consider...

Elaborate rules of etiquette govern formal table settings. Most people do not know these rules anymore. Some people may never attend a function with a formal table setting, but if you collect...

Knowing how to set a table is an important part of entertaining well. Setting the table properly sets the stage for a proper formal dinner or a nice, casual meal. To set the table is a combination...

Serving a formal dinner may seem like a hard task to undertake, but the key is in the preparations. By knowing how to present not only the dinner but also yourself, you will be able to put...

A way to make your table sparkle.

Learning how to make a banquet table cover pattern is the vital first step to beginning your table cloth or pad cover shopping excursion. Although the vast majority of uniformly sized tables do...

It is a beautiful night, the stars are shining-perfect for a romantic dinner. here are some tips on how to make the most of the evening.

An elegantly presented table makes any holiday or dinner party unforgettable for your guests. It even gives a mediocre cook a wonderful sense of pride. It doesn’t matter what you serve your...

People eat with their eyes first, and nothing looks as appetizing at a party as a professional looking buffet table. The key to making a professional looking buffet table is uniformity and...

Treat your friends to an Asian theme dinner party complete with an Asian theme table. Eastern style decorating puts an emphasis on clean, crisp lines and natural elements. You can get ideas just...

So you've decided you who would like to have tea with. You've sent out invitations, bought and set up decorations, and have all the menu prepared. What comes next? Setting up your table for...

Make the table you are setting more appealing by covering it with a beautiful tablecloth. We taste food with our eyes first, so use the addition of the right tablecloth to enhance the meal. Read...

Teaching kids to set up the table is one of the most basic steps for them to learn responsible behavior at home and to become a part of the daily activities. For young kids, it is also a great way...

You are having guests over and have determined the food and theme for your dinner buffet, but you want it all to look as beautiful as possible. The buffet setup will make a huge impact on your...

The guests are on their way, you've prepared the food, music is playing in the background, and you're all dressed up in your party clothes. All that's left is to set the dining table for your...

Play the drinking game Rimmer if you want to combine the classic drinking game fun of quarters with the excitement of the Milton Bradley game Operation. Practice at home with your buddies so you...

Even if company is coming just for a BBQ, you can still set a table that is personable and fun, without feeling formal or fussy.

Do you lie awake the night before a dinner party fraught with anxiety? What if they don't come? What if the food is lousy? What if they have a horrible time? Quell those misgivings with a...

Diplomatic careers have advanced and derailed over a simple thing like dinner seating. Think of yourself as the ambassador of the table and set up the seating to maximize your guests' enjoyment.

The art of setting a dinner table is a lot easier with the proper instructions. Whether your dinner is very formal or of the more casual variety, there are a few basic guidelines to follow when...

Whether you're hosting dinner or simply wish to dress up the supper table, you know that setting the table is a process dictated by both tradition and style. Heed the following tips and rituals.