CasaSugar

Open House: What Are Your Thanksgiving Plans?

CasaSugar — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 05:30:39 -0800

This Thursday, friends and family will gather to socialize, give thanks, and stuff themselves silly. Whether you're hosting or putting in a guest appearance, there's always a lot of preparation and work that goes into every Thanksgiving gathering.

This year my husband and I are driving from Berkeley to Whidbey Island, off the coast of Washington, to stay with his family. We're driving because we're also traveling with our two dogs (I know, it's going to be quite the road trip). Once there, we'll help prepare the Thanksgiving meal, take lots of walks in the foggy forest and on the shore, and, I'm sure, play many, many rounds of Scrabble with my mom-in-law.

My favorite part of Thanksgiving is getting to visit with so many loved ones, and to contribute to a meal, and an experience, that would be impossible without many hands. Tell me: what are your Thanksgiving plans, and what are your favorite parts of the holiday?

Source: Flicker User Lane & Anne

How-To: 12 Tips to Make You a Calm and Collected Hostess

CasaSugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:15:57 -0800

If you're hosting Thanksgiving this year, there are a lot of ways to make the holiday less stressful and more enjoyable for yourself. It's best to be well-prepared though, so after you read these tips, you'll want to get cracking!
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Have You Had Any Rude Houseguests This Summer?

CasaSugar — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 14:00:02 -0700

In the recent New York Times article It's August. They're Coming For You, tales of house-guest terror unfold, from the guest that will never leave to those that are paid off by their hosts to get the heck out of Dodge. It's definitely worth a read, if you have the time to check it out. And after you do, you can (hopefully!) breathe a sigh of relief that none of your house guests behaved that badly.

Open House: What's the Worst Houseguest Behavior You've Dealt With?

CasaSugar — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 05:30:16 -0700

Summer's definitely the time to take weekend trips, or to host out-of-town weekend guests. So, I've been thinking a lot about how to be a good houseguest, as well as how to host my friends and family in a gracious manner in the upcoming weeks.

Luckily, almost all of the houseguests I've hosted have been perfect guests. However, there's always that exception to the rule. For me, it was a friend who visited from New York years ago. She went out nearly every night clubbing, and wouldn't return until after two in the morning - on a weeknight. And on the last night of her stay, she brought a random guy home who she'd met at a club that evening. I didn't discover this fact until I literally ran into him in the middle of the night as he walked out of the bathroom. Needless to say, I asked her to stay in a hotel the next time she visited.

What type of bad behavior have you experienced hosting houseguests? Or, have you been that naughty houseguest yourself at some point in your life? Tell me all about it in the comments!
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Have You Thrown a Holiday Party This Season?

CasaSugar — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 12:00:45 -0800

Maybe your digs aren't as expansive as that of French president's wife Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, who hosted the traditional Christmas party at the Elysee Palace yesterday, but that doesn't mean you can't throw a righteous holiday party yourself! Have you entertained this holiday season?

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Gift Guide: The Party Girl

CasaSugar — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 04:30:01 -0800

Everyone's got one good friend who simply loves to throw parties. For many of my friends, that person is me! Aside from delicious grub, some upbeat dancin' tunes, and a well-stocked bar, I've found that every party needs festive lighting, linens, coasters, versatile furniture and trays, and an eye-catching invite to reel the crowds in. But you don't need to splurge to throw a good bash; remember college? You don't need a beer bong apparatus either; you can help your partying pals be the best hostesses ever by picking up one or two easy gifts. Lucky you, I've picked a few out at varying prices.
To check out my finds for your party-hosting pals, read more.

Make sure to check out HolidaySugar for all of our holiday coverage.

Maru Round White Paper Lantern - $4.99	Votive Porcelain Blossom - $7.50
Clear String Lights - $14.99	Ole Runner - $19.95
Faux Python Skin Trays - $22.00	Small Long Fringe Dot Tray by Fringe - $25.00
Mikasa "Cheers" Ice Bucket - $59.00	notNeutral Set of 2 Hurricanes - $32.00
Zinnia Sketch Placemats - $32.00	Proust Questionnaire - Orange - $34.95
Personalized Coasters & Acrylic Holder - $9.00	Simrin Surya Coasters - $44.00
Simrin Surya Collection - Tablecloth - $48.00	Daisy Hill Passementry Placemat- Turquoise - $58.00
DwellStudio Flora Table Runners - $68.00	CLOSEOUT! Martha Stewart Collection "Hemstitched Damask" Table Linens - $6.99
Vinyl Lace Tablecloth by Lovely Lovely - $71.00	notNeutral Tetra Accessories Trays and Mirror Top - $75.00
kate spade "Bonita Street" Vase Collection - $75.00	Party Girl Folded Notes & Envelopes - $85.00
Set of 4 Placemats - Hedgerow Pewter - $88.00	Newsbury Folding Dining Chair - $99.00
Montgomery Folding Chairs - $139.00	Espresso Butler Tray + Teak Stand - $59.00
Terai Folding Chair, Asian - $198.00

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Are You Hosting Family This Thanksgiving?

CasaSugar — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 08:30:10 -0800

Whether you're putting up a sibling or two or an entire extended family, hosting family during the holidays can be both rewarding and overwhelming. Are you welcoming family this Thanksgiving? Source

Would You Use Succulents as a Centerpiece?

CasaSugar — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 06:15:49 -0700

One of the most beautiful weddings I've ever attended used succulents as centerpieces at the reception. The unusual plants were nestled in small colored glass votives that were laden with pretty, tiny pebbles. Would you use succulents as centerpieces at a wedding or a party? Source

How To: Throw a Ladies' Crafting Party

CasaSugar — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 05:15:27 -0800

One of my favorite weekend get-togethers is hosting or attending ladies' crafting days. It's a great way to catch up with friends while finishing pesky crafting projects. Take a look at the slideshow for some of my tips for hosting a ladies' crafting party.

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Gift Guide: Books for the Armchair Hostess

CasaSugar — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 07:00:50 -0800

If someone you know is suffering from a wealth of party theme ideas, a tendency to unnecessarily purchase cocktail dresses, or a habit of saving recipes she's never cooked, she may be an armchair hostess. If you tend to the problem now, she may have a chance at recovery. This awful affliction requires no medication to be cured, and only some light reading therapy. This holiday season, give your plagued friend the answer to her problems: a hostess book. Within days, hours even, you'll see your dear friend off of her lazy chair, actually using those dusty recipe tear-outs, renting dining chairs, and designing party invites with Photoshop. Below are the answers to her problems, which will most likely score you Saturday night plans this winter.

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