pearl snap shirts Archives

Entertaining and hosting ideas at home are great ways to bring friends and family together. We have the best 20 entertaining and hosting ideas to spice up your party animal side.

How to Throw a Great Party

So how do you throw a great party? Small intimate get-togethers are more desirable in our 21st century as opposed to large parties. Of course, this is nothing new to the Texas scape, since Texans generally prefer smaller venues such as BBQs, tapas parties, and garden parties.

Our modern world is hectic, and it can be stressful. Entertaining and hosting shouldn’t be. We have a few tips to help reduce your stress over hosting an at-home event. The first tip is to have fun at your get-together. To do this, we suggest designating one or two co-hosts for your event. This provides you with support on both an emotional and a practical level. If you have a tight-knit group of friends and family, you can trade off with them when they entertain as well.

You do want to keep your get-togethers on trend and keeping up with event trends can be tricky. First, consider the group you will be entertaining. Are they adults, children, or a mix of ages, perhaps even seniors, or persons with special needs? Those needs can be quite varied so think ahead for any special accommodations that might be needed.

Top 20 Entertaining and Hosting Ideas

Texans have their own unique styles and preferences when it comes to entertaining at home. Some common ways that people in Texas, or any other region, might like to entertain at home include hosting dinner parties, hosting game nights, hosting outdoor barbecues, and hosting cocktail parties. We have put together our top 20 entertaining and hosting ideas.

20 Top Entertaining ideas to consider include:

Plan a backyard barbecue, with grilled meat and vegetables, refreshing drinks, and outdoor games such as horseshoes or cornhole.
Plan a themed dinner party, such as a Tapas party, Mexican fiesta or Italian feast.
Set up a home movie theater and invite friends over for a movie night.
Organize a game night, with a selection of board games and card games.
Host a wine and cheese tasting, with a variety of wines and cheeses for guests to try.
Plan a murder mystery dinner party, with guests dressing up and solving a fictional crime.
Host a DIY class, such as a cooking or mixology lesson, for guests to learn a new skill.
Organize a book club meeting, with everyone reading the same book and discussing it over dinner.
Set up a backyard campfire and invite friends over for s’mores and ghost stories.
Host a holiday-themed party, such as a Halloween costume party or Christmas cookie exchange.
Host a breakfast or brunch gathering, with a spread of eggs, bacon, pastries, and mimosas.
Plan a progressive dinner, where guests move from house to house for each course of the meal.
Set up a hot chocolate bar with a variety of flavors and toppings for guests to enjoy.
Organize a karaoke party, with a karaoke machine and a selection of songs for guests to sing along to.
Host a potluck, where each guest brings a dish to share.
Plan a themed dinner party, such as a beach-inspired luau or a cozy winter-themed gathering.
Set up a DIY photo booth with props and a camera for guests to take fun pictures.
Organize a craft night, where guests can make their own candles, soaps, or other handmade items.
Host a tea party, with a selection of teas and sweet and savory snacks.
Host a cocktail party with a signature drink and appetizers.

Food and Drinks

Try and keep options open for your guests, and offer games, drinks, and food that are appropriate for the occasion. Do not force party favors, games, or other selections on your guest. Keep it varied, for instance, serve both wine and beer. Offer seating options such as conversation areas and buffet seating. A well-appointed home bar will come in handy for last-minute get-togethers.

Entertaining and Hosting — **Make Your Space Welcoming and Entertaining**

Make your space welcoming and entertaining. You may want to include a theme depending on the event or celebration. Let guests know ahead of time if you have any special considerations. For instance, you might want the event to be free of electronic devices or alcohol. Just be sure to let your guest know this in advance along with any other considerations such as costume required and so on.

If you have a dedicated entertaining space such as a man cave that is open and inviting will make frequent entertaining that much easier. Remember your outdoor spaces also lend themselves to entertaining in good weather.

If professional entertainment is being offered at your event offer guidelines to your guests. Just let your guests know what to expect. An invitation is a good way to let your guests know the specifics of your event, such as an “open bar” or drink limit. If using a professional bartender determine ahead of time if tips will be accepted. You can leave the tipping up to the discretion of your guests. However, let your guests know if it is acceptable to leave a tip for the bartender.

Keep It Simple

We do recommend keeping your events as simple as possible. Maybe a lunch and munch instead of a full-blown dinner party, with a well-designed ‘tablescape’, some wine, and a handful of friends is to your liking. One of our favorites, when the weather is good, is a backyard get-together or garden party. This is especially desirable when having a slightly larger gathering so there is plenty of room.

If you live in a roommate household or have teenage and adult children you might want to designate a specific day for you all to share a day, a meal, and comradery. Have a theme or perhaps make a special dish to share, drinks and so on, making a celebration of the day together. Let others know what their role will be in the get-together, whether they will be providing a dish, preparing drinks, as well as other key items.

In Conclusion, Entertaining and Hosting

To keep your entertaining and hosting ideas fresh, visit some idea boards such as Pinterest for inspiration. Keep it simple if possible while still being festive. Sometimes just a few artificial flower leis and drink decorations can be enough. If you still have children at home and they are included in the event then get them involved with the planning and have them offer suggestions.

Joyful entertaining can be a slippery slope without a well-thought-out venue.

“Let’s raise a glass to friendship and good times!”
Kay Keeton, Editor in Chief

Editor in Chief, Kay Keeton – Texas Lifestyle Expert. Kay is a designer turned author, marketer, storyteller, and influencer. A sixth-generation Texan, Kay is both an authority as well as being passionate about sharing her home state of Texas’s diverse culture and lifestyle. Kay is a content writer and editor of content for various local and national online publications.

Drinks for a Party here.

Home life, culinary education, read here.

What are some popular party games?

Some of the most popular party games include Uno, Loaded Questions, Taboo, Scattergories, What Do You Meme, Jenga, Heads Up, Telestrations, Battle of the Sexes, and Code Names.

What are tablescapes?

Tablescapes are simply beautiful arrangements of tables, dishes, and other décor items for special occasions or for everyday decorative use. A tablescape can be as simple as decorating a tablecloth with plates, napkins, and roses, or more intricate designs with candles, ribbons, and centerpieces.

There is a fine line between history and folklore, and this couldn’t be truer than in the great state of Texas. Many a Texas legend whether it be part truth or fiction is a matter of conceptual semantics for most Texans.

There are many legends and folklore associated with Texas. Some examples include the legend of the Alamo and the folklore surrounding cowboys and the Wild West such as Pecos Bill. Another well-known legend is that of the Texas City Twister, a devastating tornado that hit the city of Texas City in 1943. In addition to these, there are many other legends and folklore associated with Texas, such as the legend of the ghost lights of Marfa and the folklore surrounding the Rio Grande river.

Fine Line Between History and Folklore

Jackalopes really are bigger than life in the state of Texas and I dare anyone to prove me wrong!
Texini Editor

Take the jackalope for instance. Are jackalopes really bigger than life in Texas? Why do Texans revere and protect the Texas horned lizard (Phrynosoma cornutum)? Is it a horned lizard or a horny toad? Is the Texas horned lizard protected because it is endangered or is it because killing a horned toad prevents a cow’s milk from flowing?

Marfa Texas Lights

Are the Marfa, TX eerie lights glowing gases or aliens? Did Texas give birth to wine vineyards in North America and save them from extinction in France? Is Austin TX the Live Music Capital of the World? Does Texas have crawfish as big as lobsters? Is everything really bigger and better in Texas?

Texas Legends have been Told and Retold

Many a Texas legend has been told and retold throughout Texas history. Some will send chills down your spine, some will uplift your day, some will be living legends in your hearts, and others will leave you scratching your head. Texas folklore , Texas folklife, myths, and legends have been carried on by word of mouth for centuries.

Folklore is a combination of cultural expressions or a body of culture collectively shared by a group of people. It can include many elements such as dance, art, music, myths, stories, legends, jokes, food, customs, and beliefs, among others. It encompasses aspects of our culture from different points of view. Folktales began by word of mouth and typically have a lesson or moral buried with them. Folktales get our attention, allow us to fantasize, and reflect on our various cultures as well as the cultures of others.

Texas legends and folklore originating in Texas include stories of Davy Crockett and Pecos Bill – the ultimate Texas tall tale, as well as the Lake Worth monster, and many more. Texas Lifestyle is heavily influenced by our past as well as the past of our Texas settlers. Texas is home to over 27 ethnic and cultural groups all bringing legends, folklore, and tall tales from their various origins. Just as our Latins have the story of La Llorona, Texas folklore is the weaving together of the many nationalities that have settled here. Many go all the way back to our Native American cultures.

The importance of Texas folklore and American folklore is that it keeps our ethnic identity as well as our personal identities from being lost in the exploding population and mass urbanization of Texas and our nation. Sharing folktales, taking pride in the past, and in old traditions bring a richness to our modern-day world that would otherwise be lost forever. [SOURCE]

Part Truth, Part Fiction

Part truth part fiction describes what many refer to as Texas Tall Tales. It is a well-known fact that Texans are prone to exaggeration. But in many ways, everything is bigger in Texas. Texans‘ big personalities are known worldwide. Austin, Texas is home to the Live Music Capital of the World. Texas does have the largest urban population of bats in North America. Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas is the biggest in the US as of this writing. Texas definitely has big culture, big history, and big tall tales.

Guitar metal wall art decor with the landscape motif is so beautifully awesome. Find it here.

TEXINI highlights Texas history, Texas culture, Texas people, Texas folklore, and interesting facts about Texas and Texans.

Find out more about Texini, the leading Texas lifestyle brand that is defined by its celebration of the Lone Star State’s culture, heritage, and values.

Visit often to see updates to our Texas Legends Series.

More about Texas folklore and Texas legends here.

Made in Texas here.

Easy Cowboy Soup Recipe here.

Kay Keeton, Ed.

What is Texas folklore?

Texas folklore is a rich collection of stories, customs, beliefs, and songs that have been passed down from generation to generation. It includes tales of legendary figures such as the Lone Star State’s founding fathers, cowboys, Native American tribes, and more. Each story serves as an interesting glimpse into the state’s history and culture. From tales of brave cowboys and cowgirls to stories about larger-than-life characters like Pecos Bill, Texas folklore encompasses many noteworthy figures, places, and events. The state’s impressive cultural history is also reflected in its vibrant quilt of music genres—everything from traditional polka to Tejano conjunto.

Tag: pearl snap shirts

20 Entertaining and Hosting Ideas