How to Plan a Last-Minute Super Bowl Party

February 5th is Super Bowl Sunday (yes, this weekend)! If you've just now decided to have a little something for friends and family, here are a few tips to help you have a great party in a short amount of time:

Figure out your viewing space. Your TV will be the main focal point of your party. So, you first need to figure out how many people can comfortably sit in the room where the game will be viewed. You might need to move some furniture around to accommodate all your guests. Also, be realistic; if it's too crowded, your guests probably won't have fun. 

Create your menu. Aside from the actual game, a great Super Bowl party is about the food. With that said, create a menu with lots of traditional Super Bowl favorites like chips, cheesy dips, beer and soda. You can also consider making some food in your crock-pot like chili or barbecue; these foods can be made early and kept warm, ready for guests to help themselves when hunger strikes. 

Keep the drinks nearby. After all the salty snacks, your guests will be ready for something cold to drink; be sure to have several beverage options available for quick refills.

Get the help of your guests. When you've figured out your main dish, let your friends/family help you with other items on the menu. And to make sure you don't have too many of certain items, tell them exactly what you want them to bring.

Set up and Timing. Plan to have people arrive about an hour before the game starts. That way, they'll have the chance to enjoy some appetizers and some time to socialize before kick-off. Additionally, if you have the space, have one room for TV viewing and another room with the food. This creates a place for those who may not be as interested in watching the game to continue hanging out without disturbing those who are into it.

Whether you're rooting for the Giants or the Patriots, have an awesome Super Bowl Sunday!

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How to Create a Successful Networking Event

If you're looking to expand your business network an an entrepreneur, organizing a networking event can help you do just that. Although planning an event can be challenging and time consuming, it is possible. Here are some tips to help:

Think about your audience when scheduling it. 
When the event will be and where are essential considerations to boost attendance. You should also have two goals: what you want to achieve and what you hope your attendees will achieve. All of these things will help you focus your efforts, communicate successfully and provide a great experience for everyone involved.


Make the invitation personal. 
More than likely, the first impression that potential attendees will get about your event will come from your email invitation. Therefore, it has to be engaging. The invitation should look professional and should give the invitee basic information about your event. A few tips include:

• Invite people who you feel would be most interested in the event.
• Personalize the invitation by including people's names. 
• Make sure it is branded with your business logo and colors.
• Let the invitee know the purpose for and the benefits of coming to the event. 
• Give clear details about the date, location, costs associated with the event and contact information. 
• Provide a map (if possible) and driving directions. 

Promote. 
Since sending invitations might not be enough to ensure a "packed house," here are a few suggestions to increase awareness, promote attendance and ultimately fill seats:

• Create a website about the event. This is a wonderful place to include all the details about the event.
• Be sure all promotions include your brand, colors and logo. 
• Is the event open to the public? If so, think about promoting it on social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. 
• Send reminders leading up to the event (just don't go overboard). 
• Include an events calendar to publicize upcoming events.
• Obtain a little more information from invitees to use in future marketing efforts.
• If there are fees involved, collect during registration. By doing so electronically, you avoid the security risks of handling and storing credit card numbers. Additionally, if people pay when they register, you're getting a solid commitment from those people that they'll be in attendance. 
• If you're collecting fees, include a refund policy.

Consider post-event activities.
After the event, you'll have the opportunity to make improvements. Post-event activities can disclose useful information about what worked and how you can make the next event better. Some tips:

• Keep track of those who attended and those who didn't.
• Send out timely follow-up communication with highlights of the event, photos and overall summary.
• Do a post-event survey of the attendees to learn about their experiences at the event. 
• Ask them for ways you can improve your next event. 

With these tips, not only will you look professional, you'll also provide a rewarding experience for yourself and your attendees!


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5 New Year's Resolutions for Married Couples

1. Have many date nights a month. Don't rationalize a lack of couple's time for any reason, and that includes your children. The best thing you can do for them is to make your marriage your top priority.
2. Check in often. Take at least 10 minutes each day to check in on one another. Don't go one day without learning how your spouse is doing.
3. Convey your appreciation every day. Let your spouse know three things you appreciate about him or her daily. Concentrate on the things that work in your relationship and what your spouse does well. Whatever you concentrate on expands.
4. Speak from your heart often. While one partner is generally more verbal than the other, frequent discussions about personal emotional topics make people feel closer and more connected.
5. Don't go to bed mad. Even though it's not always easy, particularly when you think you're right, putting a hault on the argument before going to sleep will give you a fresh start in the morning.
   

For five more tips, check out 10 Marriage New Years Resolution's for 2011.

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Wedding Theme Ideas

Need a theme for your wedding but don't have a clue where to start? Here are a few to consider:

• If you want a really romantic event, think about having your wedding on Valentine's Day or having a Valentine's Day theme.
• Want a wedding fit for a queen (and king)? Try a formal wedding.
• Are you, as a couple, really laid back and want a family vibe? Have a casual wedding.
• If you want to feel like glamorous celebrities, consider a Hollywood Glamour Theme.
• If you love nature and the outdoors, think about having a nature-inspired, eco-friendly theme.
  

For more ideas and tips, check out Wedding Themes and Styles.

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Wedding Bouquet Styles

The main factor in selecting the style of your bridal bouquet is your wedding gown style and that of your bridesmaids.

It's essential to go for bouquet flowers that balance and complement the gowns as opposed to taking away from or overwhelming them. The size is important as well, and it shouldn't lessen or overpower the bride's or the attendants' appearance.

Here are four common bouquet styles to choose from:

Arm bouquet. This arrangemet of long-stemmed flowers is one that you cradle in your arm like you would a baby. It can be full and sweeping with several kinds of florals, or the bouquet can be minimal and classic with just one or two kinds of flowers. It's most frequently seen being given to pageant winners.

Cascade. This is also known as a teardrop bouquet, and it's a long, sweeping flow of flowers "water falling" from the middle of the bouquet. It's very dramatic and is still a favorite among brides; this bouquet is often made up of several varieties of flowers.

Nosegay. Also referred to as a posey, this arrangement is small, round and compact and has one or two kinds of blooms. They are usually wrapped tightly and tied with a ribbon and are frequently used for bridesmaids and flower girls. Additionally, it often has more greenery and ribbons than a traditional round arrangement.

Single Stem: This is most often made with a large, dramatic flower and is liberally wrapped with ribbon. Great flowers for this bouquet include hydrangea, calla lilies, birds of paradise and peonies.

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Cake Cutting Songs

One of the most romantic times during the wedding is the cake-cutting. It's the first task the couple handles as husband and wife! Lots of brides and grooms want certain songs played during this ceremony.

The music establishes the tone for the scene, and it will create a lifelong memory with both the couple and their guests. Check out some of the most common cake cutting songs: Most Popular Cake Cutting Songs.

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Tips for Bridal Lingerie

While your wedding gown is the most important thing you'll be wearing on your wedding day (besides the ring, of course), you don't need to forget about what you're wearing underneath. Here are some tips to make sure you look absolutely fabulous at all times:

• Choose a bra with great support. On your big day, your lingerie needs to be like a great friend-- supportive. The primary role of your lingerie? To give support so that you're comfortable and confident at all times. Your bra needs to be able to handle posing for photos, hugging and dancing.
• Know your size. The key to discovering the ideal fit that will support you from the ceremony to the reception is wearing the right-sized bra. If you're not sure what size you wear, visit a local lingerie shop or a store like Victoria's Secret to get a bra fitting.
• Don't forfeit style. You don't have to give up comfort for beauty. Your lingerie needs to reflect your individual style and make you feel confident.
• Prepare for the honeymoon. Don't forget about the lingerie you'll likely need for other occasions, such as your rehearsal dinner and the honeymoon.

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