Posts from Entertaining

Decorating Easter eggs is one of those holiday activities that the kid in all of us loves (second only to dressing up on Halloween). With our master list of DIY decorating ideas for all skill levels, you can indulge your inner kid and still end up with some seriously grown up results.

A Spring Vegetarian Dinner for Six

So you're sitting around the table after dinner, or having drinks at a house party, or maybe even a bar, and you're with friends, and someone says, wouldn't it be fun if we were to play a game? But your brother borrowed your copy of Risk and never gave it back, and your old roommate absconded with Settlers of Catan. Not to worry! There are plenty of highly entertaining games that you can play with your friends that only require a pen, paper (napkins?) and a little bit of ingenuity.

Dear Alice,

I'm having a dinner party and one of the guests (a work colleague and friend) is a picky eater and quite high maintenance when it comes to food. She greatly enjoys cooking and analyzing meals, even if eating in the work cafeteria. How can I make a picky eater and hobby cook with high expectations feel comfortable at my party? I'm afraid she won't like anything as I am not a superb cook, myself.

Thanks!

Sincerely,
Fledgling foodie

Oscar night is a movie buff's high holiday, and gathering a bunch of people together to toast a bunch of great films, gawk at the celebrities, and — yes, break down the fashion, dress by beautiful (and sometimes awful) dress — is such a great way to mark the yearly occasion. It's a perfect storm of pop culture and the arts, and deserves a full juicy evening to celebrate. Here's how to throw an Academy Awards party that will pay appropriate homage to the culture and creativity of contemporary cinema, and be totally silly fun in the process...

If you are hosting a party this Sunday, you may be pretending that it's all about the outcome of the battle between Patriots and Seahawks. But, everyone knows that the real reason for any party is for everyone to have a good time and the best way to guarantee that happens is to be a relaxed and happy host. If you want your Superbowl shindig to be a success, the time between now and Sunday evening is key. Once the kickoff happens, you'll be able to kick back and ENJOY along with the rest of your guests. Here's how...

Dear Alice,

I've been invited to a potluck/birthday party. I know I should bring a dish to share but since it's also a birthday party, should I also bring a gift for the birthday girl?

Sincerely,

Gift Guessing

I'm not big on heart-shaped boxes or candy or jewelry— but towels, kitchen sponges, and cold, hard cash? Ooooh, baby...

Unlucky in love? Unhappily single? Madly in love but still think Valentine's Day is stupid? Mr. T, Abraham Lincoln, and Voldemort have got just the cards for you...

Apartment Therapy staffer Elise recently got engaged to her main squeeze Ryan (congrats, you crazy kids) and she needs our help. Her tiny, 450 square foot apartment isn't big enough to accommodate an onslaught of wedding gifts, but she knows that if she requests "no gifts" her well-intentioned relatives and friends will buy her presents anyway (they just won't necessarily be to her taste). C'mon, let's crowdsource this. What should she do?

From The Kitchn: A Pizza Party on the Porch

You know the kind we're talking about. They open the door, dressed comfortably but stylishly, with a warm, welcoming smile, no perspiration in sight. The home's clean and fresh, but not so immaculate you don't feel like you can't get comfortable. You leave later that evening feeling revived, renewed and energized by the experience. Want to be that kind of host yourself? There are four things you can do that will add to giving off the appearance of being an effortless and gracious host next time you entertain (though unfortunately, it will take a bit of effort to appear effortless looking).