Who says humans should have all the fun? If you’re a proud pet owner looking to have some fun with your friends, a pet party is the way to go. It’s a great option to bring together your closest pals and their furry friends, and create memories that’ll last for years to come. In this post, we’ll guide you through the essential steps to organize an unforgettable pet party of any kind that’ll impress your friends and their four-legged companions.

Need help getting your backyard party-ready? Check out these 9 tips to inspire your outdoor space and discover how you can transform your backyard into an oasis.

Images courtesy of: Etsy (Dog Pawty Birthday Party Editable Invitation); I Heart Dogs (Drinking Out of Bowl).

Looking for information related to cocktails, bar carts, or hosting? You’ve arrived at the right place. From cocktail recipes and bar-cart essentials to hosting tips and tricks, we’ve compiled some of our most popular blog posts to create a one-stop shop. Take out your notepad and pen, and get to channeling your inner mixologist.

We asked Amanda Chen, founder of Salty Paloma, for her best tips and tricks to create a well-stocked and stylish bar cart at home. She weighs in on the must-have items you need, best practices when it comes to restocking the essentials, what type of alcoholic beverages you should have on hand, the decorative elements needed to boost your bar cart’s appeal, and the glassware you should purchase to impress guests.

Known as refreshing go-tos at any brunch, the paloma and mimosa are guaranteed crowd-pleasers — but they don’t have to be basic. Mixologist Taylor Redd knows a thing or two about making a winning drink, and her twist on these two classic cocktails is a testament to that. Read on to learn how to make two of the best beginner cocktails for any occasion that’ll have your guests thinking you’re a certified mixologist.

When mixologist Demario Wallace thinks of springtime, a bright, floral, and refreshing gin cocktail with a dash of bubbly comes to mind. Among his vast repertoire of boozy recipes, Wallace created this light and fresh cocktail that captures the change of season beautifully. “The bright Italian aperitif, followed by the mid spring flowers of the gin tied together by the dry Spanish sherry makes for a dazzling springtime sipper,” says Wallace.

Margaritas tend to be the go-to cocktail for those in search of a cool refresher on a hot day, but Amanda Chen would argue that it tastes just as satisfying on a chilly evening. Chen, mixologist and founder of Toronto’s Salty Paloma, knows a thing or two about making a killer cocktail. With the introduction of flavours like apples and cinnamon, and a hint of maple syrup, Chen creates a cocktail exuding autumnal warmth, both in colour and spice.

Being the host of a party is hard work — sometimes you deserve to just kick back, relax, and enjoy the gathering you’ve meticulously put together. The solution? Hire extra hands. Having a server, bartender, or mixologist at your soiree will give you the support you need to enjoy your party without worry. Read on for the top three reasons why hiring support staff is sure to make hosting and entertaining a whole lot easier.

Now that you’ve tried our cocktail recipes, how about some food? Check out this one-pan breakfast dish, Chef Sous Chef’s Sunday best lasagna, or this 20-minute carbonara recipe.

The familiar aroma of a home-cooked meal, the sound of soothing music in the background, and the sun’s warm glow peering through the window all run synonymous with a weekend brunch. This beloved tradition brings people together to bond over a shared connection, and a deep appreciation of food. Here’s how you can host your own epic brunch celebration this season.

What’s next? Read more about the one thing that’ll make entertaining so much easier; get some tablescape inspiration for your next Sunday brunch; and discover four more unbeatable recipes that’ll wow your loved ones.

As Father’s Day quickly approaches, you might find yourself a little stuck on how to plan the perfect day. Not to worry – we’ve compiled a list of fun activities your dad will surely love, as well as a guide to help you find the perfect gift. 

Quality time is one of the greatest gifts you can give your dad this Father’s Day. By spending this day together and enjoying activities you wouldn’t otherwise get to experience, you’re creating priceless memories you’ll be able to look back on for years come.

Still haven’t quite found the perfect present for your dad? Explore our list of gift ideas suited to everyone’s interests.

A holiday that is truly fun for the whole family, Easter is a time to come together and celebrate the spring season with fun games and good food. If you’re feeling stuck on what to plan for the long weekend, we’ve got you covered. Enjoy a few Easter-themed activities and some delicious recipes we think you should try out.  

If you’re the one hosting this year’s Easter get-together, explore our guide for a few tips that’ll make hosting so much easier. 

Images courtesy of: Betty Crocker (Scalloped Potatoes); Archana’s Kitchen (Honey Glazed Carrots).

If you’re looking for some more inspiration to kick off your Valentine’s Day plans, take a look at these easy and creative last-minute ideas. Need some recipe help for that homemade dinner we recommended? Here’s a dish your family, friends or significant other will love.

Photo courtesy of: Cascades Fluff (Pillow Fort).

Don’t wait for a milestone to set a beautiful table that
will bring people together.

There used to be a time when getting together warranted a reason — a holiday, birthday, or another celebratory occasion. Now, we find ourselves itching for the opportunity to gather around a table and celebrate any moment, big or small. Even if it’s just having people over for takeout on a Friday night, we’ll set a beautiful table simply to be in the company of those we hold dear. Why? Because we’ve learned you don’t need a special reason to celebrate friendship, family, and life when those are reason enough.

In this new spirit of gathering, Amy Burstyn Fritz, co-founder of the dinnerware brand Misette, shares her advice for making your table the perfect place for family and friends to congregate.

While creating an inviting table setting is important for any get-together, it’s only a small piece of your party-planning journey. For even more tips and tricks on how to make hosting an absolute breeze, check out our guide.

You’ll be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t like a well-planned themed party. Themes keep the atmosphere fun and light, and give you, the party planner, ultimate creative freedom. The next time you’re planning a party or an intimate get-together, why not include a few fun DIY projects your guests can create together? The key to ensuring your party goes off without a hitch is to curate projects that are simple enough to be completed in one sitting while still allowing your guests to design something they’ll love. Here are a few DIY crafts we think you and your guests will love:

Choosing a theme is arguably the easiest step to party-planning, but when it comes to hosting, things can get pretty stressful. Not to worry — we’ve compiled a few of the best tips and tricks that’ll ensure your party-planning process goes as smoothly as possible.

It’s easy to forget things at home when it comes to organizing your tailgate party in the Carolinas. Even the smallest things that slip your mind or you forget at home can be a make-it or break-it when it comes to ensuring that your celebration kicks off without a hitch. To help you stay organized and plan for the best tailgate party of all, we’ve rounded up a few expert tips and your very own checklist.

In the history of tailgate parties, there’s never been one that hasn’t had food. If you’re native to the region, you know that a variety of appetizers, finger foods and barbecue specials are always on tap when it comes to tailgate season. Here are a few fan-favorites you won’t want to forget:

• Burgers, sausages, hot dogs, skewers — all of your staples for the grill. Expert tip: Marinate and skewer (if necessary) the meat the night before.
• Toppings for burgers, hotdogs, or sandwiches. Be sure to slice and pack these the night before.
• Chips and salsa because you can never go wrong with them.
• Chili or soups for the cooler seasons.
• Candy, cake, cookies or cupcakes for those that have a sweet tooth (or all four).
• Condiments like ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, relish and hot sauce. Expert tip: Place them in a six-pack beer holder so they’re easy to access.
• Salt and pepper for guests to season their food.

We all know that this is when the real fun begins — when you try out new beverages you’ve never had before and create new concoctions for your guests. We’ll let your Pinterest board inspire you on that front, but here are a list of the essentials that you’ll need when it comes to drinks:

• Pack your cooler(s) full of canned beer or your favorite beverage. Expert tip: Label your coolers so guests don’t need to rummage through each one to find what they’re looking for.
• Don’t forget to stop at your local grocer and pick up a couple bags of ice to keep things cool. Expert tip: You can also freeze some water bottles and use those too.
• Bring some water so people stay hydrated all afternoon and evening long.
• Set up a separate station that acts as a bar or consider hiring a bartender if you don’t want to be responsible for mixing drinks.
• If you feel like getting creative, make some individually-packaged jello shots for your guests to enjoy.

You’ve prepped your food and packed your drinks, but this is almost more important than both of those things — it’s your set-up. Pay close attention to this list in particular and check off every item because each one is essential to the success of your tailgate party.

• Remember to bring your grill, of course. It wouldn’t be a tailgate party without it.
• Buy some paper cups, cutlery and plates so that you don’t have to wash any dishes at the end of the night.
• Bring three coolers (one for cooked food, one for raw food and another for drinks).
• Pack a portable speaker in the car so you can play your favorite hits.
• Bring a folding table and chairs so you and your guests have something to sit and eat on.
• Bring a garbage bag for easy disposal of items.
• Grab a couple blankets or a fan (depending on the season) to either warm you up or cool you down.
• Bring a portable battery in case your phone needs to charge.
• Pack a bottle of sunscreen and bug spray because someone will thank you for having it on hand.
• Bring a bottle of hand sanitizer so that guests can clean their hands.
• Remember to buy a bag of charcoal for the grill and a metal bucket for glowing coals.
• Pick up some lawn games like cornhole, bocce ball and beer pong (if you’re willing to bring an extra folding table). You can also borrow some of these games from a friend.
• Pack a few umbrellas or a tent depending on the weather.
• Remember your tailgate essentials like a lighter, bottle opener, mini flashlight, tooth picks, wooden skewers, wet wipes and serving utensils. Expert tip: Pack all of the items in a toolbox and keep them in your trunk.
• Bring a first-aid kit just in case. If you don’t have this, some band-aids and disinfectant will do.
• Always have a set of jumper cables sitting in your car just in case.

We want to see your tailgate party come to life. Tag us on Instagram or on Facebook for a chance to be featured on our social platforms. Next, learn how to host a winning super bowl party, Miami style. 

Photo courtesy of: Pinterest (Hero Image); Charlotte Magazine (Set-Up).

As any avid entertainer will tell you, hosting a party is no small task — especially when the guest list is extensive. Party prep begins long before the party starts, from running out to the store to get all the food and hosting supplies we need, to giving the house a thorough clean the day before. With all that effort going into the preparations, we know that the host deserves to kick back, relax, and enjoy the party they’ve meticulously put together. Our secret? Hire extra hands. Having a server (or two), bartender, or mixologist there will give the host the support they need to enjoy the party without worry, as the staff will be there to serve, ensure everything is running smoothly, cater to guests, and smooth out any hiccups. But if you’re still not convinced, then keep reading; we’re sharing our top three reasons why hiring support staff is sure to make hosting and entertaining a breeze.

Want more great entertaining inspiration? Read up on bar cart essentials for every homeowner, and five essential entertaining tips for an intimate gathering. Happy hosting!