Holiday Hosting Tips

This post is a companion to my Holiday Eating Tips post of November 19.

The holidays can be a challenge for anyone planning to host a family, friends, or office gathering.  Realizing that love, friendship, and the comfort of your guests are more important than fancy hors d'oeuvres or your new china pattern may help.  So, here are some tips for hosting a loving, friendly, comfortable party this holiday season.

1. Be yourself.  As a party host, you don't need to be the "perfect, super" version of yourself that is really only possible on a scripted television show.  Your friends and family love you and your co-workers enjoy your company, so relax!

2. Find out if any guests have food restrictions or allergies.  This is not always possible, but if you can either through the grapevine or your invitations ask guests who may not eat certain foods for religious or choice reasons or have severe food allergies to let you know privately beforehand.  Some people who eat a limited diet may offer to bring a dish for themselves or help you figure out how to include them in your food spread.

3. Don't push food and drinks too hard.  Some of your guests may be dieting or have food/drink issues that they haven't shared.  Have the food and drinks available and politely offer more occasionally, but don't be offended or upset if someone passes on a second helping of pie or a third glass of wine.

4. Offer a mix of healthy and "traditional" (high in fat and calories) food and drink options.  More and more people want to have at least one healthy option when attending a party.  You don't have to spend a lot of money or time serving a huge variety of items, but at least offer a tray of vegetables, fruits, low-fat cheeses or meats amongst the cookies, fudge, and mini quiches.

5. Don't embarrass late arrivals.  Some of your guests will arrive later than you expect.  Don't say, "Hey, look! John decided to show up!" or "I'm glad you're finally here," since phrases like these can make your guest uncomfortable and unwelcome.  Instead, warmly greet them as if they arrived right on time.  If the late guests offers an apology for their delay, let them know everything is fine.  You could say with a genuine smile, "No worries, we are glad you're here."

6. Turn it down! Some people only see each other at holiday functions.  This is especially true at family or large office parties.  Keep the music or entertainment volume low enough that people can easily hold a conversation.  This is especially important if anyone with hearing difficulties is attending.  Also, take into account the age and musical tastes of your guests.  We may love heavy metal, but Aunt Sue or your boss will not appreciate Steve Harris' excellent basslines.

Images from Microsoft Clip Art website

Holiday Eating Tips

The holidays can be a challenge for anyone trying to eat well, lose or maintain her weight.  The friend luncheons, family gatherings, and office parties usually offer a lot of temptation and little heathly or low fat/calorie options.

Here are some tips I will be implementing the next couple of months.  I hope they can help you.

1. Pass on the appetizer and dessert.  Many appetizers and desserts are loaded with fat and calories.  Based upon the portion sizes in most restaurants, a salad, entree, and vegetables are more than filling.

2. Get a to-go box (doggie bag).  Portions can be huge at some restaurants (or homes!).  Plan to eat half or two-thirds of your meal, then take the rest home for a quick lunch or snack the next day.

3. Don't pass on meals.  It is harder to say "No" to holidays sweets when you've skipped the previous meal.  Hunger can also make you eat faster, which can result in eating more than usual.

4. Eat a healthy snack at home before the party.  This is a supplement to the previous tip.  You don't have to eat a huge meal before heading out to food festivities.  Instead, a small protein and vegetable snack will help you say "No" to a second or third helping of your favorite holiday treat.

5. Drink water between glasses of punch or alcohol.  Not only will you save calories by slowing down your high-caloric drink intake, you can stay more sober.  Don't let friends, family, waitstaff, or party hosts push you into drinking more than you feel comfortable.  Remember: No Beer Pressure!

6. Plan your eating schedule for the entire day.  When visiting multiple homes or parties over the holidays, you may overeat at one place, then feel obligated to eat just as much as the next.  Instead, plan and stick to the amount you can eat at one party so you can enjoy something at the next.  Family and friends should respect your choices.





Images from Microsoft Clip Art website

Twitter Tips to Help You Tweet Your Best

I found a great blog post on ProBlogger with many helpful suggestions on using Twitter effectively. I recommend reading it.

Additionally, I have a few tips of my own to improve your Twitter followers' experience.

DON'T use Twitter as a message board or mailing list. As stated in the ProBlogger post, if you converse back and forth with someone on Twitter, and someone is only following you, they only see half the conversation. Think about how annoying it is to hear half of a cellphone conversation. It's a weird and disjointed experience. Your followers may feel excluded and bored by your constant replies.

DO take your conversations to an more appropriate web asset. Move the talk to direct (private) replies, e-mail, or if it's a multi-person conversation, move it to a message board or mailing list. On a message board or mailing list,everyone can see the full discussion and join in.

DON'T use Twitter as a full-sized blog. Twitter promotes itself as a "micro-blog," where users can express themselves in 140 characters or less. It's usually acceptable to occasionally carry a thought over to a second Tweet.

DO use Twitter to link to your full-sized blog. If you would need to post three or more Tweets to express your concept or information, post all of it in one blog post or website paragraph and provide a quick description and link on your Twitter page. People will follow the link if they are interested.

DON'T allow spammers to follow you. Letting your follower numbers grow by not blocking (removing) spammers and deleted accounts is not only dishonest, it encourages spammers and other bad netizens to continue flooding the Internet with their porn, spyware, malware, and phishing programs.

DO follow people in your area of interest. If you are a gardener, you can search Twitter for other gardeners. Follow them and they may follow you. It's a good way to develop a network of like-minded individuals who can actually help each other.

DON'T be vulgar. I have stated this before, but it bears repeating since I see so many people damage their reputations by being sexually explicit, swearing a lot, and being mean, cruel, and sarcastic. Your boss or potential employer will seek information about you on the Internet. Even if your Twitter account is for personal use, demonstrating you cannot be civil and polite in a public forum will damage your chances for a promotion or job opportunity.

DO be positive and encouraging. It can be difficult in this instant reply world, but if you can't be nice to a fellow Tweeter, unfollow him (and block him if necessary). If someone Tweets some good news, send them (genuine) congratulations. If someone Tweets a concern or problem, show support and assist them. You have to give good to receive good.

AV eddy Gets to the Truth, and Gives Some Hot Stock Tips!

First, a few things I learned from my wonderful mom:

1. Mom was right about washing hands and covering mouths when we cough.

2. Mom was also right that the best way to handle a jerk is to ignore him.

3. Mom was totally right that when you have nothing good to say, don't say anything at all. (Makes you look classy and in control.)

THANKS MOM!

Now, a few things I've discovered on my own:

1. A watched blog never updates.

2. Someone who talks bad about others is talking bad about you.

3. You can go far by being polite, confident, and reliable.

4. Loving pets make the world a better place.

5. The dishes really won't wash themselves.

Here's a Hot Stock Tip:

Don't be in a hurry when making stock. Allow the meat and vegetables to simmer for a few hours and make sure the water doesn't evaporate too much. The only vegetables needed to make a flavorful stock are onions, celery, and carrots. Whole garlic cloves are a nice option.