Planning ahead is key to throwing a memorable party

(BPT) - There's nothing more chic than entertaining with ease and seamlessly bringing family and friends together over a great meal at a fashionable table. If you want to be known as an unforgettable host, follow these tips for entertaining in style to impress guests at your next event:



* Select a theme: No matter the occasion, select a theme and color palette to set the tone and inspire everything from the tablescape to the menu.



* Make your menu: Create a simple and delicious menu using fresh ingredients. Try Chef Nate Appleman's crowd-pleasing frittata with roasted garlic, dill, Parmagiano Reggiano and salami created for Fashion Kitchen (serves 4 to 6).



1. First, roast garlic by placing one head of garlic in the 7.7 ounce CorningWare mini baking dish and drizzle with olive oil. Cover with lid and bake for 30 minutes at 375 degrees. When cool, squeeze the garlic from the skin, discard and reserve the garlic.



2. In a bowl, add four large eggs, 2 tablespoons heavy cream, roasted garlic, 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill and salt. Mix with a fork until well incorporated.



3. Pour mixture into 18.6 ounce CorningWare baking dish and place in the oven for about 15 minutes until egg is set.-



4. Cut into 1-by-1-inch pieces, top with a piece of folded, thinly sliced salami on a toothpick and serve.



* Set the table: To save time, design and set your table the night before. The key to creating fresh new tablescapes is versatile, white dinnerware paired with interchangeable, bold linens. Boutique by Corelle dinnerware delivers statement-making, subtle sophistication with its embossed design and durable Vitrelle glass. Add silverware, glassware and candles to finish the table.



* Prep and pop: Prep dishes in advance and store them in the fridge before baking and serving. When it's time to bake, pop them in the oven. CorningWare French White bakeware can go from the fridge to the oven, oven to table, table to fridge or freezer - no need to change dishes for baking, serving and storing. This time-saver will allow you to greet guests as they arrive and avoid last-minute meal prep. The recently refreshed design delivers contemporary style with its iconic fluting, perfect for every table.



* All in the details: Just before guests arrive add vibrant floral arrangements and light candles to set the mood. Enjoy the company of your guests while demonstrating how to entertain fashionably and effortlessly. For more recipe ideas and entertaining tips, visit www.worldkitchen.com.

Help men reclaim space of their own: Bathroom sharing tips

(BPT) - Most couples acknowledge that women get the majority of space in the bathroom. In fact, men claim that just one-third of the bathroom is set aside for their things, according to a recent U.S. Dove Men+Care Hair Survey, and they often reach for items that belong to their partner, instead of products made for them.



Dove Men+Care, which offers hair care products made specifically for men, has partnered with well-known home improvement duo, Mark and Theresa Clement, to help men reclaim a bathroom space of their own. The Clements, who are space-maximizing pros through their own personal experiences and frequent client requests, dole out some helpful tips for sharing a bathroom with your partner:



* Mark suggests, "Even before you start organizing your space, talk about what you're looking for! Do you like the top shelf-or do you prefer the bottom? Are you frustrated by open shampoo tops or soap left on the shower floor? Speak up! It can be helpful to organize your space together."



* Try to keep in mind that sharing space is all about compromise. Some need more cabinet space while others need more space in the shower. Theresa advises, "Try to be flexible with your partner's requests! I love having my products easily accessible, but I know Mark does, too. Do your best to divide space according to your needs and always respect your partner's space."



* Play with boundaries. Creating structure will remind you which area is yours...and which belongs to your partner. The Clements love "his-and-hers" shelves or shower caddies and also recommend customized drawers or cabinet space if you're looking to invest in your home.



* Stock products for both of you. About nine in 10 men have borrowed their partners' products, according to a recent U.S. Dove Men+Care Hair Survey, but many women wish they didn't. To stop the cycle, find a product he likes, such as Aqua Impact Shampoo from Dove Men+Care Hair-and keep using your favorites!



* While you may not have an eye for decor like Theresa, putting your own stamp on the area is important. "Don't forget about decorations," she says. "Moving in together means creating a space for his and her tastes. Explore the colors and themes each of you prefers and find a way to combine the two for a unique style."

Adding or replacing deck railings is a great DIY project

A good deck system can offer many benefits to a homeowner. Decks provide a place for fall cookouts, neighborhood parties, family get-togethers and countless other outdoor activities. A deck will not only provide years of wonderful outdoor living, it also adds intrinsic value to a home.



Adding a good railing system to a deck can add a variety of positive aspects for homeowners. The style, color and placement of a railing system can make an outdoor living space look sophisticated and stylish.



Whether a railing is designed for personal pleasure, to meet a building code before selling or renting, to increase the value of a home, or an old outdated railing needs to be replaced, the do-it-yourself method can be the best route for your stress level and your wallet.



The first thing to consider before you purchase materials for a do-it-yourself railing project is the style and color. If the idea of staining and painting a railing is not appealing, a wooden railing may not be the best option. You may want to consider a composite railing.



Composite railings are gaining popularity for all different styles of homes. When installed according to the manufacturer's installation instructions, composite railing offers similar support and safety to a wooden railing and is low maintenance because of the exterior of the product. Like a wooden railing, the colors of a composite railing can be chosen to complement, balance or offset the deck and the styles can provide a rustic look or add polish for the outdoor living space.



Some composite railings systems are designed for do-it-yourself projects, and many railings are offered in a variety of colors so that color coordinating with a home's exterior is easy. Certain lengths of composite railings also offer support and strength without the requirement of metal reinforcements which makes them easier and less of a hassle to install.



To ensure that the aesthetic beauty of a deck will be enhanced by a railing system, consider using a brand that comes complete with options like hidden fasteners, a variety of railing lengths, fixed-angle bracket adapters and stair kits. Using a brand with a variety of different options will help ensure that your deck is unified and appealing to the eye.



The post mount is also a consideration when deciding on a brand of railing. Different brands will offer different post mounts. Some will offer products that contain post mounts that work with a variety of different surfaces, such as wood or concrete.



With different color options such as white, grey or taupe, TAM-RAIL is an attractive option of composite railing that has recently been formulated for even greater strength and durability. Colonial and square balusters make these railings distinguishable from other composite railings and post caps are available in New England Post Cap or Pyramid Cap styles. These systems also offer the option of hidden fasteners, a wide variety of railing lengths, fixed-angle bracket adapters, and stair kits.

Using renewable energy for your business

All it takes is for cost of a barrel of oil to spike up, and once again everyone starts talking about renewable energy. Then just as fast as whatever it was that caused the price spike goes away, the conversation dies down. It really is all ridiculous too because the future is coming and it is renewable energy.



Now the fact is that the hardware for assembling your own renewable energy system became cost effective years ago and its growing even more as time moves on. That is that it the cost of putting together, say a solar system is about 30% less than the value of the power it produces over its service life.



The big problem though, is that while the power that comes off your power grid does cost more, it's on an easy payment plan. You simply get your bill once a month, pay it, and that's it. Simple and easy and this is what has so many people hooked. It's just easier that way.



However, for you as a business person, there is the public relations aspect that you have to take into consideration. That is that it's just good for business for you to be seen as a conservationist by your clients or customers and this trend in PR is only expected to grow.



By far the easiest type of system to set up is a photovoltaic solar system that uses solar panels. Now while they are quick to install and get online, they do none the less have a few shortcomings that you will have to contend with.



The first is that they only generate power in the daytime and electricity is expensive to store in batteries, but it can be done. The option that most people take though is to direct excess production back into the grid during the day, get credited for it and then draw it back out at night.



Now if your business is in an area where you have a steady supply of wind, then you need to know that a lot of progress has been made in wind turbines. New off the shelf, high tech turbines that can be generating energy for you in about the same time as it takes to set up solar panels.



The nice thing about wind turbines is that they operate 24 hours a day, just as long as the wind is blowing. Also if you have enough wind and buy a big enough turbine system, you can generate a very large amount of power.



One issue to consider with wind turbines though, is that they do tend to be a bit costly, and it's not just the cost of the turbine that can run up your bill. It's the tower, because good towers can be expensive and that particularly holds true for larger towers that you would mount a large turbine on.

Paint trends: Paint and primer in one makes life easier for DIYs

Manufacturers are always looking for solutions to help consumers complete their paint projects quickly and easily with long-lasting results. The latest innovation that is a big hit with homeowners is Behr Premium Plus Ultra Interior, a high-performance product that allows consumers to paint, prime and protect all in one with a new advanced stain-blocking formula. It's the ideal product for everyday use or even for tough, challenging conditions.



"The new formula is an example of our commitment to deliver the highest quality products at competitive prices, giving do-it-yourselfers the power to achieve their vision in every room," said Aimee Desrosiers, Director of Marketing at Behr Paints.



Formulated for the homeowner looking to paint and protect with the added benefit of keeping stains from bleeding through, it is targeted for high-traffic spaces such as family rooms, kids' rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms and hallways. Other added benefits include a shorter dry time and increased film hardness offering even better durability and a long-lasting appearance.



In addition, the paint is a low VOC, 100 percent acrylic formula with a mildew resistant finish for increased ease-of-mind when painting. "It offers excellent adhesion and ensures outstanding stain, scuff and mar resistance for long-lasting colors and easy-to-clean surfaces," explained Desrosiers.



For more information on the latest paint trends and a robust how-to section visit www.behr.com.

Party-planning tips to make a happy host

As your celebration plans rev up, follow these simple steps to ensure your party-prep is both fun and effortless:



* Go with what you know. Sure, sampling new dishes can be fun and you can introduce a few unfamiliar dishes to your party menu. But for sure-fire success, stick with what guests know and love - and do the familiar with flare. Familiar, traditional and simple are just fine, as long as what you're serving - hors d'oeuvres to dessert - is palate-pleasing.



* Plan one show-stopping experience for your party guests. Host a wine tasting event by pairing your favorite varietals with a selection of premium dark chocolates, like Lindt EXCELLENCE dark chocolate diamonds. Individually wrapped and available in four distinct flavors, these chocolates lend themselves to an array of wine pairings. Try serving Lindt EXCELLENCE A Touch of Sea Salt with a Pinot Noir or EXCELLENCE Intense Orange with a Chardonnay. -



* Make prep manageable. If you're rushing to do everything the night before or the day of the party, it's easy to feel overwhelmed - and make mistakes. Look for ways to minimize day-of prep, such as making and freezing a batch of appetizers the week before, or tackling house-cleaning bit by bit over the few days leading up to the event. The day before, take care of set-up by placing decorations and arranging furniture to facilitate conversation and a clear path to the food table.



* End the evening on a high note. Give your guests something to savor and enjoy on the way home by offering each a parting favor. Individually wrapped treats such as the premium Lindt EXCELLENCE chocolate diamonds say "sophistication" and "'til we meet again" far better than a hasty hug at the door. Consider placing the individually wrapped chocolate in small mesh bags tied with colored silk ribbons. Place the bags on a decorative tray by the door at the end of your night to ensure that every guest leaves your party with a memorable token.



Celebrations should be fun for everyone - the hosts as well as the guests. You can maximize your party enjoyment and create a memorable event for guests by keeping things simple, planning ahead and serving familiar favorites with flare and fun.

Three unique ways to help kids embrace a blended family

(BPT) - About 1,300 new stepfamilies form each day in the United States, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. And of the 60 million American children younger than 13, half are currently living with one biological parent and that parent's partner. As a result, couples are trying to find ways to include their stepchildren in the marriage ceremony and commemorate the union of all members of the new blended family.



Andy Netzel of Geneva, Ohio, turned to Things Remembered, the nation's leading retailer of personalized gifts, to find something unique and meaningful to commemorate the special day he married his wife, Margie, and became stepfather to Emily, 4.



During the couple's ceremony, instead of naming Andy and Margie husband and wife, Pastor Michael Meranda paused after the couple kissed and asked Emily to step forward. The couple hadn't prepared the little girl for this moment. If she knew about it ahead of time, they knew she'd be anxious throughout the entire ceremony.



Andy took the microphone and told his stepdaughter-to-be that it wasn't just he and Margie who were joined, but rather all three of them. He opened a jewelry box with a Things Remembered bracelet inside. It was engraved with "Mom, Emily, Andy."



"To me, this wasn't just about Margie and I getting married. This was a lifelong commitment to our new family," he says. "Margie had a ring. I wanted Emily to have something she could remember this day by, even when she was getting married herself." It appears to have worked. Emily now refers to the wedding day as "the day we all got married."



Personalized treasures



More couples are turning to personalized gifts to commemorate the occasion, says Amy Myers, vice president of Creative Services at Things Remembered. The retailer has seen a steady increase in the number of couples coming in to commemorate the occasion.



"We began noticing couples using commemorative gifts about 10 years ago," Myers says. "Our store managers were the ones who pointed it out to us. We began including engraving suggestions for stepfamilies about five years ago. We have a lot of people come in, not knowing exactly what to say." Myers says the message seems to drive the gift. Once they find the right words, finding a gift is usually the easy part.



Community bricks



Many families have also purchased engraved "community bricks" to honor the day they became an official family. Bricks can be purchased through churches, schools, civic organizations or even to support a special landmark that is special to the family. Online retailer, Cut In Stone, specializes in engraved bricks of all shapes, sizes and materials.



The symbolism of creating a cornerstone to celebrate the day a blended family came together has a powerful impact, as does the permanence of placing the brick in a prominent part of the community. Many families make a family event out of visiting the location of their brick on their anniversary. When purchasing a brick, families should inquire about purchasing a second one to keep in addition to the one that becomes part of the community landscape.



Handwritten letters



Some stepparents use the occasion to create a time capsule of sorts with a handwritten letter. In addition to writing a letter to the child about the formation of their family, stepparents can write about what this new family means to them and their hopes for their future together. This further emphasizes the transformation from a couple to an official family.



The letters are often stored in a special box with a few photos and other mementos from the wedding day. Even if the child is quite young on the wedding day, they'll see the effort that went into making them a big part of that day - and the couple's life.



Just as a first-time wedding is cause for celebration, the coming together of two people and their children to create a blended family is an extraordinarily special event. By taking a moment to recognize and pay tribute to the children in a blended family, couples help children realize they are not losing a parent, but rather gaining another person or group of people to love and support them throughout their future.

NOVEMBER 2016 MARKET UPDATE

November 2016

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