Case Studies...
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A Crash Course in Hosting
Get the lowdown on how to be the perfect host. Whether its your first dinner party or your very first drinks evening, allay your fears and find out what you need to know to impress your guests....
A Guide to Halloween Entertainment
If you are looking for some inspiration this Halloween - look no further. This is a quick summary that is guaranteed to give your party a scary edge!...
A Stress Free Dinner Party
Dinner parties are no small task. Cooking and playing host for a small group can leave your stress-levels reaching a critical level. Find out what shortcuts are available and how you can make the nigh...
A Wine Buying Guide
If you want to be the perfect host, you need to master the world of wine. Follow our foolproof rules to buying better wine and you will be the toast of the party....
Added Extras That Make Your Dinner Party Different
Having people over for dinner is one of life’s pleasures. Planning ahead and paying special attention to every detail will ensure that your dinner party is a great success....
All About Dress Codes
Dress codes: frequently used but rarely discussed. Just what does smart casual mean? How formal is "formal dress"? Read our guide for advice on this social minefield and make the right wardrobe decisi...
Book a Children's Entertainer
Looking for some great ideas for children's party entertainment? We have a short guide that will give you information on what you need to know about providing entertainment that kids of all ages will ...
Boy's Night in
Want to invite the boys round for a night in but need some direction? Read on and pick up some of these straightforward and simple tips to guarantee a good night for all....
Cater For a Large Family at Christmas
It’s Christmas and your turn to play chef. If you have more than ten family members coming then you better start preparing the feast. Here are some helpful tips when you have to cater for a large and ...
Catering for a Wedding
Food and drink are as essential at a wedding reception as the presence of the bride and groom! Hit the right note with your guests and make all the right choices....
Catering for Food Intolerances or Allergies
There are many people these days with food allergies and this is something you should be aware of when catering...
Choosing Caterers for Different Types of Events
Choosing the right caterers is important of course, and there are a few things to think about before booking that can help ensure the day goes smoothly and without any hiccups....
Choosing the Right Performers
It might well be that you want to add a bit of fun to your event by offering your guests some entertainment. This could range from a solo performer at a grand piano to a children’s entertainer making ...
Classic Christmas Recipes
Want a quick crib sheet of the key Christmas recipes? We have pulled together some of the most famed and delicious festive dishes and given a quick rundown of how you can serve them up....
Classic Party Cocktails
Learn how to mix a classic cocktail in a matter of minutes with our countdown to the most popular drinks at the bar....
Conversation Do's and Don'ts
The art of conversation is a skill. It can be learned and perfected so if you are shy or nervous of chatting to strangers read on....
Create The Right Party Mood
Decorating your home for entertaining need not mean balloon and gaudy tablecloths. Find out how you can make a tasteful impact on the big night....
Creative Easter Activities
Easter bunnies, chocolate galore and spring weather make Easter a fantastic time of year. Get crafty with some of these entertainment ideas!...
Cutting Back at Christmas Time
Filling your home with festive cheer without draining your bank account? Yes it is possible and we can show just how to do it....
Easy Menu Ideas
If you are not the most confident chef or if time is of the essence during your forthcoming dinner party, read on. Here are some simple and easily achievable menu ideas that can minimise your preparat...
Entertain Guests at Christmas
Switch off the television and read our guide to entertaining your guests at Christmas....
Entertain Unexpected Guests
You receive a phone call from a friend to say that they will be coming round in ten minutes. What do you do? Panic? Relax. Preparing for unexpected guests is achievable in that timeframe. Read on and ...
Entertain your Boss or Colleagues
Does the thought of having the boss round for supper or inviting your colleagues for a slap up dinner bring you out in a cold sweat? Read on for perspiration-free partying!...
Entertainment Etiquette Explained
If you are hosting an event, or even simply attending one bare in mind that etiquette hinges on one golden rule: "Keep your guest's comfort in mind". Let us show you how to hold the perfect party and ...
Entertainment Ideas For a First Date
First Dates can be daunting, terrifying and downright disastrous - so here's how to make yours go with a bang rather than a clang!...
Entertainment Ideas For Dinner Parties
If you are bored of the usual dinner party and want to offer your guests more than just a sit down meal, read on. Here are some entertainment ideas that will get your party going....
Five Ways to Expand Your Horizons Through Alcohol
There are many exciting ways to improve your knowledge while enjoying your favourite tipple, here are five of the best....
Games to Play at a Dinner Party
Occasionally a dinner party can become uncomfortable and boring, which is why we have selected a few fun games that are sure to get your guests having plenty of fun....
Games to Play at a Kids Party
Here is a list of slightly unusual games that make an interesting difference to the more common kid's party games....
Get Creative With Kid's Parties
Children love to make things and adults love party preparation help! Enlist your nearest and dearest to help hold a kid’s party to remember!...
Girls Night In
Get your best friends round to yours for a night of ultimate glamour to make the Sex and the City girls proud....
Great Budget Wine Ideas
We all know that some bottles of wine can cost a small fortune. What many of us don’t know is that there are some gems out there that will give you change from a £10 note. Get our lowdown on some of t...
Great Ideas For Christmas Stocking Fillers
Sometimes an orange and a shiny shilling just won’t do. It‘s time to get original – check out our short list of alternative stocking fillers for all members of the family....
Guests With Special Dietary Requirements
Finding out that one of your guests is a celiac sufferer of a vegan might send you into panic. But do you really have to prepare two different menus? Read on to discover how you can overcome this obst...
Guide to Cooking a Christmas Lunch
Ready, set and cook! Christmas lunch requires serious preparation. Don't start without our indispensable cooking timetable!...
Healthy Party Food for Kids
Make your next kids' party into a healthy affair with our ideas for good, nutritious party food....
Hold a Children's Make-Over Party
Nearly every little girl loves dressing up and making up - so why not indulger her on her birthday with a mini make over party?...
Hold a Greek Themed Dinner Party
Hold a Greek-themed dinner party for family or friends and recreate the spirit of a wonderful Greek holiday....
Hold a Kid's Themed Party
Make your child’s next party stand out and give it a theme. Let your and the party girl or boys' imaginations run wild and make it a day to really remember....
Holding A James Bond Party Night
A James Bond themed party will offer glamour, a touch of mystery, and the chance for all your guests to dress up to the nines!...
Holding a Themed Event
Sometimes a really good way to add a bit of pizzazz to an event is to give it a theme....
Holding an Event in Another Venue Not Your Home
Sometimes it's better to hold your event in another venue....
Host a Dinner Party for Single Friends
If you have a bunch of single friends it can be very tempting to try and pair them all off - and if you are hosting a dinner party, playing matchmaker could be as important to you as your starters and...
Host a Great Summer BBQ
A BBQ is serious business. We have pulled together some sensational recipes and some top tips that will make you King of the Grill!...
Host a Summer Picnic
Host a wonderful summer picnic for your loved ones with our tips for a grand al fresco day out....
Hosting a Fundraising Event
Advice on how to put together and host a successful fundraising event....
Hosting the Perfect Outdoor Party
Help and advice on how to host and organise a perfect outdoor party....
Hosting Your First Dinner Party
Hosting your very first dinner party? This is a big step and you need some basic advice on how to cope with it. Read our short guide and learn how you can host a successful night....
How to Avoid Poisoning Your Guests!
Hosting a dinner party for friends is enough of an event without food poisoning making an appearance, too. Get back to basics with our food safety tips....
How to be a Good Party Guest
It might be obvious but sometimes everyone needs a reminder of good old-fashioned manners. Read the following tips and you will find out how to be a good party guest....
How to Choose Wines for a Party
Deciding what wine to serve at a dinner party is not as simple as it seems. It’s not only about serving white with fish and red with beef, its about the order of the dishes, the mood of your guests an...
How to Deal with Difficult Guests
Most parties will have at least one bore, one drunk and one womaniser - so how do you handle them?...
How to Mix Parents and In Laws
If you've put off the first meeting of your parents and in laws for as long as you can, read our guide to making it a smooth introduction....
I Survived a Dinner Party Disaster: A Case Study
If you need to know that your dinner party could have been worse read our case study from one hostess who cooked up a real storm....
Innovative Ways to Entertain Clients
Client entertaining can feel a little uninspired. Take a look at our ideas for making business a little more exciting....
Keep the Peace when Entertaining Family
Worried that a certain someone will spoil your big event by misbehaving? Damage limitation and preparation is the answer!...
Keep to a Budget When Entertaining
Entertaining always sounds like a good idea until you realise that the event you intend to host is going to leave a big hole in your pocket. Follow our failsafe budget party rules to entertaining on a...
Kid's Party Invitations
The first step to planning the perfect kid's party starts with the invitations. Find out what you need to include and how you can present the party facts in our short guide....
Lazy Entertaining Ideas
Entertain the easy way with our great guide to putting on a fabulous party with minimum effort....
Low Maintenance, Big Fun: Kids' Parties at Home
Throwing a children's party needn't be a drama. Try our tips for low maintenance, big fun....
Make a Date With Your Spouse
Make a regular date with your spouse and watch the magic zap back into your relationship overnight....
Make a Perfect Party Punch
No party is complete without a bowl of punch. Whether it's a warming mulled wine or a fruity non alcoholic drink your after, we have some recipes that will be the perfect addition....
Make an Easter Feast
Whether its family or friends coming over for Easter lunch, you need to put on a feast to remember! Read on and get the insider’s guide!...
Make An Impact With Wedding Invitations
Letting your chosen guests know of your impending big day is one of the most important and exciting parts of the wedding plans. Make your selection carefully. The card you choose sets the tone for the...
Mixing Different Age Groups at Parties
If you’re planning to invite a broad range of age groups you’ll need to think about the needs of every generation....
My Winter Wedding : A Case Study
A winter wedding can feature all the warmth of a summer's day. We talk to one couple who welcomed their guests into a winter wonderland....
Open House Dining and Secret Restaurants
There's a new craze sweeping the country for underground restaurants - a place were you can meet new people and enjoy lovely food and hopefully make new friends. It’s an exciting way to enjoy a night ...
Organise a Fancy Dress Party
A fancy dress theme is fun for all ages and all types of party - and with careful planning and preparation, is sure to delight all your guests!...
Organising a Company Party
Here are a few tips and some important steps to take when organising a company party for colleagues and staff....
Organising a Hen Party: 'Hentertaining'
Got to arrange a hen do? Host a hen party to beat all with our unusual 'hentertaining' ideas....
Organising A Surprise Birthday Party
Organising a surprise birthday party can be a stressful affair - but the important thing is not to let it turn into a thankless task! And that means preparing and planning down to the last details!...
Party Food on a Budget
Entertaining with limited funds is possible. You just have to know the shortcuts. Let us show you how to host a dinner party on even the most modest of budgets....
Party Games for Adults
Playing party games for adults can help liven up any party. Party games are also great ways to break the ice between people and get the whole crowd laughing....
Perfect Party Food
Get some advice and ideas on what nibbles and canapés you should be serving to your guests at your next party....
Planning a Party: Top Ten Rules
If planning a party makes you nervous, follow these top ten tips and your fears will melt away. You will see that it is all common sense and well within your reach, whatever event you have in mind...
Planning My Riverboat Shuffle: A Case Study
A riverboat shuffle is a fantastic way to entertain your guests in a scenic and relaxing setting. We find out how a wartime theme made for a night to remember....
Salsa Dance Classes at Your Party
Something that will really make your party go with a swing is the inclusion of hot latin dancing! But the chances are - unless you’re living in South America - that most of your guests will not know h...
Setting The Table
There are so many rules and etiquette guidelines that you can follow when setting your dinner party table. Fine bone china and crystal glasses are not pre-requisites but keeping everything looking goo...
The Best Non-Alcoholic Cocktails
Cocktails don't have to include alcohol. We have some of the most delicious cocktail recipes on tap. All are alcohol free, healthy and delicious....
The Last Minute Dinner Party
If your idea of cooking normally involves a microwave and a ready meal, then the thought of catering for a dinner party might be a daunting one. Add to the mix, the thought of cooking for guests who a...
The Singles Dinner Party
Round up your single friends and hold a dinner party in their honour. Learn how you can keep the mood light whilst keeping a sparkle in the air. Read our short guide and make love, or at least a very ...
The Themed Dinner Party
Instead of holding a traditional dinner party, adopt a theme. This is pure fun – get dressed up, transform your home and take your taste buds on a journey to remember....
The Vegetarian Dinner Party
Hosting a vegetarian dinner party and not sure what to serve? Vegetarian food is delicious and versatile. Let us give you some ideas...
Throw a Baby Shower
Once only the preserve of stateside new-borns, baby showers are now big business. This is the perfect way to celebrate the forthcoming arrival of a baby....
Throw a Cocktail Party
Cocktail parties are a great way to entertain because they accommodate any kind of guest list. You can invite friends, neighbours or business colleagues. However, regardless of what kind of crowd you'...
Throw a Golf Lovers' Party
Throwing a golf lovers' party isn't as tricky as you might think, and it promises to be a lot of fun....
Throw a Party For 10
Small parties are intimate, fun and are free of all the worries and hassles that large scale celebrations bring with them. With the numbers on the low side you can concentrate on the details and give ...
Throw a Party For 100
Throwing a large party can be a huge undertaking. Find out to do it the right way without getting totally overwhelmed....
Throw a Poker Party
Become a high roller among your friends and host a poker party. If you are the first in your social group to do so, read on. Our helpful pointers will help you get quids in....
Throw an Engagement Party
Celebrate your engagement and throw a party to be proud of. Use our handy guide and get all the bases covered....
Throw the Perfect Divorce Party
Throw a divorce party to remember with our tips for the perfect way to celebrate single life....
Top Ten Party Bag Fillers
Giving party guests a bag on their departure is one way to guarantee your reputation as a great host. We have given a rundown of some of the best gifts you can use to fill them up. Inexpensive and cr...
Wedding Entertainment Ideas
At the heart of the wedding reception is the entertainment. Its important to get it right and to make sure that you and your guests get into the party mood. We can take you though the options that are...
Wedding Etiquette
Are the rules and regulations surrounding weddings driving you crazy? Let us sooth your mind and give you a stress-free rundown. This is a quick drive through the etiquette minefield....
Weekend Away Parties
Sometimes just one night isn’t enough! It might be that you’re having a hen or stag weekend, or you might just have a spa break or be away for a birthday treat with friends, but having a weekend away ...
Where to Host Kid's Parties
Do you invite lots of young guests to run riot in your house or do you play it safe and hold the party at an external venue? Here we will try and help you answer these questions and give you some tips...