party tips

It's often the case that around the holidays — especially a highly-anticipated night like New Year's Eve — there's so much going on that more than one event falls during the same time.

Instead of committing yourself to attending one party only, why not party hop? It's a great way to catch up with all your friends and not miss out on anything.

Since party hopping is my favorite sport, I'm sharing my suggestions after the break.

There's something about surprise parties that puts them into a special category of events. It's the element of surprise; the fact that the guest of honor doesn't know about the celebration! Planning them can be tricky, and if you're entertaining the idea of throwing a surprise for a loved one, there are a lot of things to consider. Get my tips after the jump.

The following post was written by New York-based trainer David Kirsch.

Beginning in New Zealand and ending in Hawaii, New Year’s Eve is a 24-hour celebration that merits a toast to prosperity and good health. Pop a bottle of champagne, pour yourself a glass, and remember . . .

Exactly: remember. Make this a holiday you’ll look back on with great memories — rather than regrets about what you ate (or how much you spent on your tab!). Enjoy yourself, but do so in moderation, with these tips:

1. Don’t wait for the Eve to eat. A protein-rich breakfast and lunch will keep your appetite in check and prevent you from overeating all night long. Have an egg white frittata in the morning and a grilled chicken salad with mixed greens in the afternoon. That way you won’t go in ravenous!
2. This is a holiday where drinking is hard to avoid. If you decide to drink, make it champagne, wine, or vodka soda. Nothing pink or frilly, please!
3. Chase each drink with two glasses of water. It slows down the pace at which the alcohol hits your system, keeps you hydrated, and helps prevent the bloat.
4. When offered a tray of hors d'oeuvres, weigh your options. Choose one that is healthier with protein or vegetables. Although delicious, cheese and crackers pack on calories in quick time! Instead, opt for shrimp with a little cocktail sauce.
5. It’s simple. Keep my advice in mind, and you’ll enter the New Year in good spirits. Good luck and best wishes for 2011!

For more tips, recipes, and workouts, be sure to check out all of David's posts here on FitSugar.

Source: Flickr User Dplanet

In my world B.Y.O.B. stands for "bring your own broccoli." That's just one of our simple tips for handling the foodiness of the holiday season. Watch and learn how you can enjoy your seasonal indulgences and still mind your health.

Editor's note: The following is a guest post written by Colin Cowie, wedding planner and lifestyle guru. This week, Colin reminds us that the end of the party should not be forgotten.

So many months of planning and it’s almost over, and they’ve paid off. You're finally married, everyone is happy, and it was a night you’ll remember forever. With every party, you need a carefully thought out beginning, middle and end. And the one final detail: how should it all end, needs some thought. Should you slip away quietly while everyone is still on the dance floor? Absolutely not! Wouldn’t you rather make a statement and end on a high? Absolutely! ! And that doesn’t mean the same thing to everyone. But to end on a high, sending everyone home thinking, I could have stayed longer and danced all night, wanting more, is the secret to a great party.

For Colin's tips on how to end your wedding, keep reading.

This Sunday, instead of getting all dressed up to enjoy the show, why not grab some girlfriends, sip Champagne, and eat yummy treats? On today's episode of YumTV, Rachel Hollis, celebrity event planner, suggests hosting a girls' night out in the comforts of your own home. Watch now for all her helpful hints!

Who says you need a birthday or anniversary to throw a fabulous party? Recently a friend hosted a welcome back party — for luggage! She attended a wedding on the East Coast and on the return flight her luggage was lost. After waiting nervously for three weeks, it was finally returned. It happened to be a Friday and she decided a celebration was necessary. She sent out a last-minute email inviting friends over for a party.

Trader Joe's catered and she stopped by the party supply store for a welcome back sign and balloons. The suitcase served as a centerpiece and when guests arrived they were asked to wear a luggage tag as a bracelet. I supplied the cocktail and voila, instant fiesta! It ended up being a fantastic night and reminder that one can throw a party for just about any reason.

Have you been to a party that celebrated something out of the ordinary?

For the past two and a half years, I've complained about everything from a lack of utensils to an unfriendly hostess in my regular column called, Party Foul. Well, guess what? I don't just want to focus on the bad. Parties are supposed to be fun, so it's high time I introduce a new feature, Party Fabulous, that highlights haute hostesses and chic party ideas. Take this simple, but pretty garnish, for example. While I've seen plenty of champagne flutes topped with strawberries, I've never seen a heart-shaped strawberry with mint-leaf garnish. I found this lovely detail at a recent bachelorette party. Here's how to re-create it at home:

1. Stem and hull the strawberry.
2. Turn the berry over and run the knife though the bottom so it can be placed on top of a glass (be careful not to cut the berry all the way in half).
3. Take two small mint leaves and place inside the hole. Slide onto a glass. Voila!

Can you imagine how gorgeous a tray of strawberry-topped glasses will look at the entrance of a party? Do you have a fabulous tip for a party? Share your experiences below.