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ASK BAC: Top 15 Hosting Items

I often get asked by friends and readers about, (no shock here), “hosting”, entertaining and general advice when it comes to party planning, gifts and the like. Some of the most common questions revolve around tips, must-have items that you can use over and over and of course, budgeting.

Because of this, I have decided to start posting commonly asked questions in a little “Ask BAC” format. So if you have questions – please send them my way (bac@hostingandtoasting.com)! I will pick frequently asked ones and post about them each month.

First up, I know that entertaining as a whole can be a little intimidating. You may not be the best chef (neither am I!), have the creative mind of a Pinterest board or have an apartment the size OF a dining room table instead of an apartment WITH one. So,  I thought I would share with you my top 15 items to have for beginners (in no particular order).

1. An Apron – This one is pretty much a no-brainer, however, if you don’t fully know why, you can read more about my adventures HERE. Below are a few I am loving.

2. Matching Set of Wine Glasses & Flutes (suggested for 8) – You will break one or two (or three if you’re me) – you should always have a set for a number you’re comfortable entertaining for plus a few extra. 8 is a good number to start.

3. Vases – Whether it be mason jars or glass ones that came with your Valentine’s Day delivery, hold on to vases. Also, don’t be afraid to get creative with it and use items that aren’t ordinarily a “vase” (glass carafes work too – see below).

4. Serving Tray or Large Dish -This is pretty self explanatory but it’s good to have one or two of these for drinks or menu items if you’re hosting a dinner. I’d also recommend investing in a custom lucite tray. I love my large one below custom from Pretty Smitten.

5. Matching Set of White Plates –  The same rule applies for these as for the glasses (although you’re probably less likely to break these).

6. A Favorite Cookbook, an app on your phone or the number of a good restaurant – Everyone needs a little guidance in the kitchen.

7. Oven Mitts – Don’t get burned (a few faves below).

8. Tealight Candles and Matches (or a lighter in my case) – I think non-scented works best for dinner tables and around the house. You can light these and put them in jars or candle holders. Also, I am afraid of matches (yep, I wish I could use cute ones like these), so I rely on a candle lighter.

9. Ice Bucket – Perfect for chilling wine, bubbly, beers or water – I have a few of these in different sizes in silver.

10. A Universal Tablecloth – Everyone needs a go-to tablecloth that can use on multiple occasions. No matter what size, be sure to have something that fits your table and goes with everything. It should also be machine washable.

11. Your Own Signature Dish – This must be your go-to when cooking for friends or serving appetizers too. Something that is your no-fail dish that’s also a hit among guests. For me, I make a mean risotto, among others.

12. A Healthy Sense of Humor – May I remind you WHY again?

13. Grace Under Pressure – As an event planner, this is also one of the most important parts of my job. It’s also something to maintain when hosting and entertaining for others. No one wants to see the person in charge flip out or in this case, the person, hosting, have a melt down.

14. A Carafe – A WHAT? A carafe is an open-topped glass flask typically used for serving wine or water. You can also use for juice bars, mimosas and yes, as a vase.  I have a few of these in my cabinets and they’re super affordable too ($4.99 at World Market).

15. Bottle of Bubbly – If all else fails, you should know how to put this one to good use. Cheers!

 {Image via}

How-To: Engagement Gift Basket

I am BEYOND excited to share with you some BIG announcements today!

First and foremost, my little sister Megan Elizabeth (or MEC as I like to call her), GOT ENGAGED over the weekend! I don’t share too much of my personal life on H&T but I could not keep it a secret ANY longer. (For those of you that follow along on instagram, you might of seen a few posts documenting the weekend.) Megan is truly the best sister anyone could ask for not to mention my very best friend and role model. I am beyond happy for her and Ben, her beau-now-fiance, of almost 8 years. She said YES, I flew to Tampa for 14 hours to surprise her at dinner and now, let the planning begin! (I have also been “hired” on as the “wedding planner” so be prepared for many many posts to come on their wedding events throughout the next year.)

Part of her surprise was this engagement basket I put together to congratulate her. It is the perfect DIY gift for a sister, BFF, cousin and especially if you’re a MOH (Maid of Honor) or a bridesmaid. I am superstitious/old fashioned and don’t believe in using new monograms before marriage BUT I could not resist one item below and besides, it’s not technically a monogram…

What’s in the Engagement Basket?

For Toasting: 

For Planning:

  • Wedding Magazines: The Knot & Martha Stewart Weddings with post-it stickers (I went through and tagged helpful planning items and things she would love plus included extra stickers for her to tag her favorites)
  • Custom “Bride to Be” May Books Wedding Planning Diary
  • “Happy Days” Pencils

For Pampering: 

For Practicality: 

  • Box of 50 Thank You Cards with “For Your Faves…” tag
  • Engagement Ring Holder with “For Your Rock…” tag

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For Fun:

  • Assorted Ring Pops
  • Cheesy “Bride to Be” Hot Pink Beads

For Memories:

  • Picture Frame for their engagement day photo
  • Handwritten Cards from Yours Truly (one for my sis and one for the couple)

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2018 UPDATE:

I do not sell these custom baskets but recommend looking for similar ones here. 

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{Actual Photo by the Bride-to-Be}

Up next? A recap of my “Make-Your-Own-Gourmet-Pizza” & Prosecco Dinner Party that I hosted on Saturday after a worldwind trip to Tampa!

H&T Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

I don’t really believe in the typical Valentine’s Day celebration…I know that “every girl says that” but truly, I never have been one to want a dozen red roses (I prefer other flowers, sorry) or an overdone fancy dinner on February 14th.

However, that certainly doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be shopping for your BFF, sister or even yourself – so alas, here is my official gift giving guide for 2014.

Bronzer //  Nail Polish // Earrings // Lipstick // Boots // iPhone Case

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Cupcake Mix // Book // Bralette // Tortoise Clutch // Clarisonic // Baseball Hat // Drybar Set // Gift Tags // Hanky Panky Set

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Body Creme // Coasters // Plate // Picnic Set // BFF Kit // Socks // Ring // Baseball Tee // Pave Bracelet

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Candle // Scarf // Custom Cookies // Paper Straws // Jewelry Case // Coffee Mug // Glitter Coasters // Cologne // PJ Set

And while my readership is primarily female, I am sure this may help out a guy friend or two as well.

Happy Shopping, Cupid!

Everytime I remember you.

Today I decided to take a break from regular blogging to remember and celebrate the lives of my Godparents, aunt and uncle and role models; who were given their guardian angel wings 2 years ago today on January 9th, 2012.

My aunt helped raised me and was like a mother to me my entire life. She inspired me to finally start H&T and I like to think that she is somehow, some way, following along too.

Thank you for reading.

“I thank my God everytime I remember you.”
-Philippians 1:3

{Image via}

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving from Hosting & Toasting!

I hope everyone is enjoying delicious food and wine with close family and friends.

We are freezing up here in DC but I am so thankful to have my family in town from the Sunshine State to celebrate today.

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P.S.

Kate Spade is having an early sale with up to 75% OFF NOW!

J.Crew Factory is now 50% OFF Everything & J.Crew is 30% OFF all purchases too!

Check back tomorrow for more sale roundups!

Now..back to the mashed potatoes…