Donna's Entertaining Blog

It's cold, rainy, and dreary today. It's almost impossible to believe that next weekend is the big start of the summer season, Memorial Day weekend. Most people won't be traveling too far because schools are still in session. That's why this is the perfect time to host the first Summer Barbecue of the season. I just hope the weather changes enough around here to host an outdoor party.
_{Photo © Donna Pilato}

We're finally down to the last week of American Idol Season 7. All that remains is finding out which two semifinalists will compete next week for the big title and recording contract. If you're among the many fans looking forward to the last results show, there's still time to plan an American Idol Karaoke Party. Maybe you can use this party to practice for tryouts for the inevitable next season of the show.
_{Photo © Donna Pilato}

We're in the home stretch as far as school is concerned. With just a few weeks left in the school year, my kids only have class trips and a few tests to worry about. It will be a pretty quiet finish for both of the girls since they will look forward to going back to the same school in the fall. But for many families it's time for caps and gowns. If you're one of those families with a child graduating this spring, you'll want to plan a party to mark this special milestone in your family. Before you get started, this feature will show you what you need to think about as you plan your child's graduation party.

What mom doesn't love chocolate? Here are photos of cakes submitted by readers that are perfect for your mom or anyone else who is crazy for chocolate!

Chocolate Fudge Ball Cake
Chocolate Strawberry Cake
Checker Board Cake
_{Photo © Melissa Mendes}

Don't we all wish our parties would be easy, breezy? I know that I always do. When I find myself facing a kitchen cluttered with pots and pans in the sink, and utensils and serving dishes spread across my counter, I always wonder where I went wrong. This reader has a suggestion that just may eliminate some of the last minute entertaining chaos in this new, reader submitted party planning tip.

One of my little secret rituals is reading the comic pages on Sunday. This week the strip called "Edge City" was about a mom who was making phone calls since guests hadn't R.S.V.P.'ed to her party. Throughout the strip her tone was highly annoyed. The punch line was when she received a phone call because she had forgotten to R.S.V.P. to an invitation her daughter had received. So whether or not the reasons are understandable, getting an R.S.V.P. has become more difficult than ever. That's why I've gathered together in this one article, all of the commentary and suggestions from readers on how to improve your response rate.

In order to make entertaining a little less stressful, it pays to have a few tricks up your sleeve. For example, who doesn't love being presented with hors d'oeuvres at the start of a party? But as the hostess, it's easy to get caught up in spending hours preparing fussy little bites. That's why I've put together a new gallery of easy hors d'oeuvres that will be simple to prepare, but look just as enticing to your guests. You're welcome.
_{Photo © Donna Pilato}

Happy May Day! During this quintessential month of spring, a few of us celebrate May Day, some cheer on the ponies for the Kentucky Derby, many of us have a fiesta for Cinco de Mayo, but most of us celebrate Mother's Day, since moms have earned a special place in our lives. If you're planning to entertain your Mom this Mother's Day (May 11), or if you're looking to drop a few hints to your family about how you would like to be entertained, these articles will help with your planning.


Mothering Mom on Mother's Day
Best Ways to Entertain Mom on Mother's Day
Top Gifts to Pamper the Entertaining Mom
An Easy Mother's Day Dinner

Good organization is key to planning a successful party. You need to keep track of when to send invitations, buy favors, purchase groceries, decorate, cook, etc. But unless you have a good calendar, it's easy to fall behind on your to-do list and find yourself scrambling at the end. That's why I was interested in reviewing the WeekDate planner and calendar. It promised to offer a new way to keep track of life's regular and special events. This review will explain how these calendars work and why they make sense for anyone who needs to juggle her own and her family's schedules.
_{Photo © WeekDate}

Cinco de Mayo has always been a favorite holiday in our house. There's always something on the menu that's a favorite for someone at the party. Let's face it, most kids love nachos and tacos. And then there are the margaritas... not for the kids, of course. One of the nicest things about hosting a Cinco de Mayo party is that much of the food can be assembled and baked at the last minute, refrigerated, or kept warm in a slow cooker until ready to serve. Cinco de Mayo falls next Monday, so it's not too late to plan a party, even if you had been distracted by other early May celebrations
_{Photo © Donna Pilato}