My wife and I are taking care of our out-of-town niece, who is a month short of her fourth birthday, this weekend (and possibly our nephew, who is six months younger). We don't have kids of our own, so we're kind of clueless about how to entertain children that age. What are some fun and not-too-expensive kid-friendly things to do in Toronto this weekend?
[more inside]
posted by The Card Cheat
on Feb 15, 2013 -
13 answers
Canapes & Logistics: how to create a great, professional party in limited space
[more inside]
posted by Marzipan
on Aug 27, 2012 -
7 answers
In a couple of weeks, I'm going to be babysitting my 6-year-old nephew for several days. What are some fun ways I can keep him entertained at home?
[more inside]
posted by raztaj
on Aug 23, 2012 -
20 answers
Is it thoughtful or vulgar to leave a candle burning in the guest bathroom when you entertain?
[more inside]
posted by Morrigan
on Nov 28, 2011 -
79 answers
Miss Manners Filter: How can I diplomatically mention to friends that their infants are not welcome at my upcoming birthday celebration?
[more inside]
posted by stellaluna
on Aug 9, 2011 -
96 answers
I need a cookbook recommendation. My mum would like to buy me one for Christmas, but I'm having problems choosing. I'm pretty picky.
[more inside]
posted by ms.v.
on Dec 7, 2010 -
30 answers
"American Thanksgiving" in Melbourne, Australia -- for a few Americans and a bunch of new Aussie friends who have never celebrated, but want to help with the cooking. How should I use the next few days to prepare?
A few of the difficulties: I've never hosted Thanksgiving before, in ANY country. I'm not sure how to best coordinate the pot-luck aspect -- trying to shape a decent team-effort menu would be wise. I'm not even sure where the best place is to buy a turkey.
Bonus points for menu suggestions that add Aussie flair to the American holiday (let's put kangaroo in SOMETHING), or that go over-the-top American (who says we can't have turkey AND bacon cheeseburgers?).
[more inside]
posted by adamk
on Nov 21, 2010 -
27 answers
I'm looking for some really captivating, funny, and/or interesting podcasts to keep me occupied during a long, boring commute.
[more inside]
posted by windbox
on Jun 26, 2010 -
47 answers
Parties 101: What do I need to know about hosting a successful party? Not a dinner party, not a crazy late-night drinking party, but something in-between.
[more inside]
posted by EmilyClimbs
on Apr 16, 2010 -
22 answers
My wife and I love to have dinner parties, but the stress of figuring out the menu and preparing the meal often overshadows the fun of the event (and thus makes us not want to entertain as much). I'd like to have a short list of go-to meals that we could pull together with little stress and with little notice. Any recipes that you'd care to share?
[more inside]
posted by hawkeye
on Feb 26, 2010 -
42 answers
Is it a bad idea to try to hold an engagement party with 50-70 guests in a two-bedroom apartment?
[more inside]
posted by Clambone
on Jan 14, 2010 -
35 answers
What short, creative performances can guests put on at my party to entertain themselves?
[more inside]
posted by Kateruba
on Dec 1, 2009 -
11 answers
On a regular basis, I'm going to be having informal discussion evenings in my home, with two to four people at each one. They (and I) need to eat dinner, but the focus of the evening isn't the food. I'm looking for food ideas that meet a number of criteria, and trying to figure out more variety.
[more inside]
posted by modernhypatia
on Nov 18, 2009 -
16 answers
Tips for entertaining: I'd like to have more friends over to my apartment, but it's boring in here!
[more inside]
posted by neca
on Oct 22, 2009 -
38 answers
How can an introvert survive and hopefully thrive while entertaining short to medium term house guests? (Long term being out of the freaking question!)
[more inside]
posted by srboisvert
on Jun 8, 2009 -
20 answers
What are some good meals to cook for dinner parties/groups of people? What are some good cooking tips for the same?
[more inside]
posted by Hartster
on Mar 9, 2009 -
28 answers
I love entertaining at home, but I also love going to bed. How do I encourage my guests to leave at a reasonable time?
[more inside]
posted by anonymous
on Oct 14, 2008 -
37 answers
Where do two foodies take a family with children in Toronto? And once we've eaten, what are the must see places for boys, 6 and 8?
[more inside]
posted by gesamtkunstwerk
on Jul 19, 2008 -
8 answers
I'm looking for ideas for simple, make-ahead pantry-stocking recipes for things I can use as appetizers or nibbles -- spiced nuts, marinated olives, etc. I'd ideally like things I don't need to refrigerate (although I do know how to can things), but I'm also thinking of some made-ahead-and-frozen cheese cracker dough as well; I'd also like things that keep a while. I'd love to be able to just pull some crackers and bread out, grab a couple jars, and there it all is.
[more inside]
posted by EmpressCallipygos
on May 19, 2008 -
11 answers
My friends are really into good food, good wine, good conversation. How can I throw a dinner party that will knock them off their feet? I am reasonably comfortable in the kitchen, and generally don't have a problem finding decent recipes. I want the party to seem effortless and casual, like it's not something I spent all of Saturday working on, but leaves them desperate for an invite to the next one. Give me your tips!!
posted by ms.v.
on Sep 3, 2007 -
19 answers
I'm going to be doing some large group entertaining in the near future and I'm curious how to go about making sure all the tables look exactly the same for that "wow" impact when people walk into the room. Are there any tips and techniques for helping keep all the tables look the same even when using several people to set them all?
posted by riverjack
on Apr 1, 2007 -
12 answers
Guitar playing (and guitar listening for those who dont play) What are some good songs to entertain on the guitar that do not require singing that are comperable to 'Little Martha' by the Allman Brothers?
[more inside]
posted by comatose
on Feb 20, 2007 -
19 answers
Nothing better accompanies the StuporBowl than a huge pile of ribs. My problem: I need a great ribs recipe.
[more inside]
posted by docgonzo
on Feb 1, 2007 -
17 answers
I want to throw my first major party and I need tips on fitting 25+ people into an apartment.
[more inside]
posted by madman
on Dec 1, 2006 -
19 answers
I'm looking for easy outdoor party themes and ideas. Do you have a memory of a good outdoor party? What makes an outdoor gathering memorable for you?
[more inside]
posted by FunkyHelix
on May 13, 2006 -
21 answers
Dinner Parties! I'm looking for impressive recipes. How did you last knock your guests' socks off? A few minor restrictions and links to previous great threads inside.
[more inside]
posted by CunningLinguist
on Nov 27, 2005 -
18 answers
I'm turning 30 in October, and I want to do something interesting to celebrate.
However, I don't want to make the guests have to spend a lot of money or travel long distances, and they are of varying ages and physical limitations.
I'm thinking of something along the lines of "How to Host a Murder," but I'm open to pretty much anything.
[more inside]
posted by exceptinsects
on Apr 25, 2005 -
4 answers