Party etiquette

How to handle those awkward networking situations

By Arden / December 28, 2018 /

If your New Year’s resolution is to grow your contacts, get a new job or new clients, networking is one of the best ways to accomplish your goals. Yet, so many people dislike networking because it can feel so awkward. If you are one of those people, don’t feel badly. It’s hard to make small…

Read More
People's hands holding wine glasses that they are clinking

Six tips for hosting memorable parties

By Arden / November 1, 2017 /

Well, I guess it’s official; the holidays are just around the corner. I received my first December holiday party invitation the day before Halloween. I don’t blame the sender; the holidays are getting busier and busier and if you have any hope of having people attend your soiree you need to send the invitation out…

Read More

The message determines the medium: Dos and don’ts for event invitations

By Arden / August 4, 2017 /

There are so many ways we can communicate with people – email, text, social media, instant message, phone calls and mailed notes. It can be confusing knowing what medium to use for event invitations. Just recently a friend received a birthday party invitation via a group text message. She thought it was a little odd…

Read More

Thanksgiving (and other meals) dos and don’ts

By Arden / November 23, 2016 /

Can you hear it? It’s the sound of busy hosts shopping, prepping and cooking Thanksgiving dinner. I’m thankful my sister is one of those hosts. She usually hosts Thanksgiving because she has the bigger house and bigger family. The rest of us get to enjoy the gourmet bounty and family gathering in exchange for bringing…

Read More

A frightening epidemic

By Arden / January 15, 2016 /

There is an epidemic spreading in the Northwest. It’s infecting people right and left and it’s a doozy. Haven’t heard about it? You may already have this disease and not even know it. It’s the RSVPitis epidemic. I’m telling you, it’s bad news.

Read More

Dinner party dos and don’ts

By Arden / September 18, 2015 /

As we approach fall, the cooler months are a wonderful time to have dinner parties and cocktail gatherings, especially around the holidays. My husband and I love to have friends over to dinner. Whether a casual spur of the moment get together or a planned out dinner party, it’s always nice to enjoy the company…

Read More
box of chocolates

Don’t forget the hostess gift

By Arden / December 9, 2014 /

There is a funny Seinfeld episode where Elaine, George and Jerry are headed to a dinner party and Elaine mentions to Jerry that they need to stop and pick up a bottle of wine to bring as a hostess gift. George is perplexed by this and doesn’t understand why he should be expected to bring…

Read More

Cocktail party food and drink finesse

By Arden / December 7, 2014 /

When mingling at parties and networking events, have you ever struggled with juggling a plate of food and a drink? When you have a plate in one hand and a glass in the other it prevents you from shaking hands and you usually can’t eat, at least not gracefully. Thankfully there are a few things…

Read More

Four tips to make your holiday party mingling easier

By Arden / December 5, 2014 /

The holidays are here! Whether you’re attending the company holiday dinner or your neighbor’s cocktail party being ready for mingling with strangers or people you don’t know well will make the events much easier for you. Here are four tips to make your mingling stress-free.

Read More

Networking with Ease

By Arden / October 8, 2014 /

Are you someone who dislikes networking? Do you dread talking to strangers? If so, you’re not alone. It doesn’t seem to matter if you’re an introvert or extrovert, networking is hard for most people. So then why do we do it? As someone once said, networking is one letter away from not working. I wish…

Read More