Party Basics for New Nesters

Maria McBride has authored a new party-planning guide that is perfect for all you newlyweds out there. Party Basics for New Nesters offers entertaining ideas for every occasion. As a “new nester” myself, I need this book! Cocktail parties with friends, I can handle (I think). However, I am now expected to host family gatherings and holiday dinners - help!

McBride gives us practical ideas and tips on the basics of entertaining that are easy to understand and execute. This guide is organized by event and will give advice on decor, menu items, and table settings that combine to create a great party.

Do you have any entertaining ideas or advice for newlyweds?

Never drink from someone else’s wine glass again! I love these Numbered Wine Glasses from Satinbox! These are so fun and functional at parties so your guests will never lose their glasses again! They are sold in sets of 6 and numbered from 1 - 6. The only trouble will be deciding who is numero uno!

After a weekend trip to Las Vegas and seeing crazy bachelorette parties at every turn, I thought it might be fun to share a few other ideas for this pre-wedding ritual! TripHub’s Group Trip Advisor Blog has developed a top 10 list for bachelorette parties. As I suspected, the number one idea suggests going to Vegas for some not-so-tame fun! However, there are also alternatives for a gathering a little closer to home. How does a spa day or a wine tasting party sound? Whatever you choose, make sure to have fun with friends and celebrate your single days while you can!

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What did you do for your bachelorette party?

Add a new twist to your favorite cocktails! GlamDish has found a way to make your beverages a little more exciting with a few interesting garnish ideas. This is a great way to incorporate your theme into your cocktail hour. You could find (or DIY) a cute swizzle stick or charm in your wedding colors or with your monogram. Maybe a signature cocktail with a fun garnish is just the thing you need to spice up your wedding reception!

Are you including a signature drink at your wedding?

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So I couldn’t decide which to post so I figure why not post both.

The first is a fun bachelorette party idea inspired by a fellow WeddingWire member’s bachelorette adventure to Las Vegas.  Here’s a fun way to dress up your personal sized champagne bottles from Social Couture.

The second is fun and creative wedding cake I found on DIY Bride (who has been featuring wedding cakes all month).  While not the easiest cake to make yourself, it still represents the creativity available to each bride for their wedding.  Happy Friday!

(Cake by Cater it Simple)

Cocktails by Jenn is giving away a free Bachelorette party to Vegas to one bride and seven of her friends. Here’s the details for the contest:

WHAT: Cocktails by Jenn is giving one lucky bride and seven of her friends a chance to win the Ultimate Bachelorette Party in Las Vegas! The Grand Prize includes round-trip airfare, deluxe hotel accommodations for two nights, a catered private party, spa services, VIP nights on the town and one-of-a-kind gift bags. Approximate retail price of the Grand Prize is $20,000.
WHEN: The bride and her friends can choose the date, but the party needs to be before April 30, 2008, and be held over a weekend. Blackout dates excluded.
WHERE: The Palms Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.
HOW: Readers can enter to win at www.cocktailsbyjenn.com. The winner will be selected on or around December 28, 2007.

Check out these cute ideas for a yellow-themed shower! While the photos below are from a baby shower, they’d work great for an engagement party or bridal shower too. This is from the ever-fabulous Oh Happy Day blog:

http://yumsugar.com/127739