weddings and special events and private estates: Gearing Up for Holiday Entertaining

Our hearts and prayers go out to everyone on the East Coast, who have been affected by Hurricane Sandy.

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For me, every October means another birthday and that includes all of my annual doctor appointments, where I can learn how much I abused myself in the previous year.

However, this year, the news was relatively good, along with my desire to lose weight.

After speaking with my doctor, I decided to make the change and start eating healthy and carving out time to exercise every day. Even though, I am only on day three, I am already sleeping better, have more energy in the morning and I have lost 2.5 pounds as of this morning. :)

That being said, I do believe in preventative health care, so if you have not seen your doctor in awhile, please make an appointment with your health care professionals for a check up today!

This week's blog is all about event planning tips for entertaining and weddings, plus my picks of the week.

TIPS OF THE WEEK - Entertaining

Call your favorite liquor store or caterer and let them guide you on quantities of alcohol, ice, mixers, water and garnishes.

Make sure you have enough glassware on hand - our caterers recommend at least 3 glasses per person.

If you are serving martinis, best to serve them in martini glasses. You can use all purpose glasses for wine, soft drinks and even champagne.

Have your camera ready to capture great memories.

If you are having more than 10 guests for a sit down dinner, create fun place cards to make the dinner conversation fun.

Check out your favorite chef on TV Food Network's web site to find recipes that will work with your budget and time.

If you are throwing an election party - add red, white and blue candles, cocktail napkins, balloons, flowers, plates and glassware along with specialty cocktails - add tiny flags for cocktails.

A good friend of mine told me that she is having large cut outs of both candidates, so her guests can take photos with the candidates.

Offer your guests a selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian appetizers.

If you don't have anytime to cook, hire your favorite catering truck (such as In and Out or The Habit) to arrive at your home within a specific time block to serve dinner. Make sure that you let your guests know when to arrive, so they don't miss out. Caterers will want to make sure that they have access to your home or apartment - please make sure to schedule time for a site visit.

TIPS OF THE WEEK - Weddings

If you are getting married and would prefer cash instead of a wedding gift, etiquette dictates that you not ask your guests for cash, especially on the invite. However, you can setup a registry on your web site for your honeymoon, so your guests can contribute.

Trying to decide whether or not to have a wedding video? Most couples will view their video maybe once or twice after they are hitched. We see couples ask for highlights of their wedding. Most clips are less than five minutes and you can add a link to the video on your Facebook page or communicate your link on your thank you note.

Avoid having an open mic at all costs; this is one of the most painful things to watch at a wedding, especially if your guests have been drinking and they're feeling a little too festive. I have seen the bride and groom get dropped in the trick bag in front of friends and family. Please use caution.

Ask your band or DJ to play easy listening music during dinner that will appeal to older guests. Some of your guests will appreciate the chance to talk and catch up, then when the dancing starts, they won't mind hearing the latest tunes.

Thinking of having edible favors? We recommend labeling the ingredients just in case one of your guests has a food allergy. Nut allergies seems to be a more common allergy with guests.

GIANNA'S PICKS OF THE WEEK -