Valentine's Day!

It has become a tradition on Valentine's Day to give our loved ones candy, flowers, romantic dinners, jewelry, etc., but did you know that Valentine's Day originated in the fifth century Rome as a tribute to St. Valentine, a Catholic Bishop. The first known Valentine card was sent by Charles, Duke of the Orleans, in 1415 to his wife. At the time he sent the card he was a prisoner in the tower of London. Nowadays we send Valentine cards because we're prisoners of love.

Valentine's Day is fast approaching, and you know you want to do something wonderful for your special someone. Should you make a reservation at a fancy restaurant? But you remember how crowded it was the last time. Should you make a romantic dinner at home? But you think that's going to be a lot of work… well it doesn’t have to be!


An Easy Romantic Dinner For Two:

· Purchase packaged, ready-to-use greens for the salad, and ready-made dressing. Go to specialty shops, and bakeries for desserts, and breads.

A steak dinner is easy to prepare. If you don’t eat meat you can make this same recipe with swordfish, or salmon.



Herb Rib Eye Steaks


INGREDIENTS:

* 2 rib eye steaks

* 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

* 1/8 cup chopped pistachios

* 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

* 1 small clove garlic, minced

* 2 tbsp. butter, softened

* Salt to taste

* freshly ground pepper

In food processor, combine the basil, pistachios, lemon juice, garlic, butter. Process till blended. Cover and chill the butter, then form it into 1" in diameter log. Wrap the mixture in plastic wrap and chill until hardened.

Grill steaks, or place on broiler pan 4-6" from the heat, for 10-15 minutes, or until desired doneness. Let the meat sit for about 5 minutes before serving. Slice the herbed butter and place it on top of the steaks, letting it melt into the meat. Salt and fresh pepper to taste.

My “Five Steps for Creating the Energy for an Outrageously Successful Party,” will provide you with all the necessary ingredients to plan and host memorable events that you and your guests will rave about. Whether you’re planning a fundraiser, grand opening, holiday party or family celebration, let my 30+ years in the party planning and catering business be your guide to hosting an outrageously successful and stress-free event. Order your book today!

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30 Ways To Get Your Guests Involved - Part One

This month's party tips are taken from my book...

“Party Planning Secrets: The Ultimate Guide To A Successful Party.”

Chapter 32 - Guests - Getting Them Involved, pages, 177, & 178


30 Ways To Get Your Guests Involved - Part One


1. Introduce your guests. Introduce each guest to at

least one other person who shares a common interest.


2. Reduce your chairs. At a cocktail party, always have

fewer chairs than guests (have just enough for

25%–50% of the guests). This keeps your guests

moving and the energy flowing as they mingle and

circulate.


3. Throw a potluck. This is a natural way to involve your

guests because they will be making a contribution to

the party the moment they walk in the door.


4. Provide name tags. It may sound a little hokey, but

this is a great way for people to feel comfortable

introducing themselves to other guests.


5. Host a wine tasting. This is a wonderful way for

guests to mingle.


6. Supply disposable digital cameras. Provide cameras

for your guests to take pictures. Collect them at the

end of the party, and e-mail the best ones to the guests.


7. Throw a theme party. Theme parties and costumes

are a fun way to get guests involved before they

even show up at the party.


8. Hire a musician, DJ, or band. This will provide

entertainment and get people on the dance floor.


9. Offer a dance lesson. Hire a local ballroom or salsa

teacher to come in and shake things up.


10. Hold a freeze dance. As the party gets going, gather

a group of guests on the dance floor and have the DJ

start the music. Then have him turn off the music at

times during the song. Every time the music stops,

the guests must freeze in position. The last person

who freezes has to sit down. The final person left

standing wins a prize. (This game can be fun for

both children and adults.)

My “Five Steps for Creating the Energy for an Outrageously Successful Party,” will provide you with all the necessary ingredients to plan and host memorable events that you and your guests will rave about. Whether you’re planning a fundraiser, grand opening, holiday party or family celebration, let my 30+ years in the party planning and catering business be your guide to hosting an outrageously successful and stress-free event. Order your book today!

Sign Up For My FREE Monthly Newsletter: http://www.charliescola.com/