B by Brandie (+ a Giveaway)
This morning I’m excited to share a brand spankin’ new line of home accessories with you – the site just went live today! B for Brandie is out to add a dash of fashion to the table in a very chic way. Fresh colors, sophisticated patterns and contemporary designs abound in their debut collection that features dinnerware, flatware, glassware, placemats and napkins. The best part is that it’s all made to be mixed and matched, bringing a very personal touch each and every time you gather around the table. Perfect with the holidays being just around the corner and entertainment being taken up a necessary notch.
To get those wintery dinner party juices flowing, one of you has the chance to win two of these brilliant blue-themed place settings along with a pair of Olivia Champagne Wine Combo Glasses (my favorite!)! Each setting from B for Brandie includes an Astor Charger Plate in gray, Vanderbilt Dinner Plate in navy, Truman Dessert/Salad Plate in turquoise, and a Truman Bowl in navy as well as a set of Olivia Champagne Wine Combo Glasses that can be used as wine or champagne glasses with a flip!
THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.
Congratulations, Brittany!
To Enter:
1. Leave a comment below telling us your favorite entertaining secret.
2. Like B by Brandie on Facebook.
3. Leave a valid email address in the form (for notification purposes).
4. Do it all before Sunday, November 17th at 11:59pm CST.
vanillaneedle
November 12, 2013 at 9:40 amone year ago, it was a long shot and required commitment, but right now it’s the most important ritual for me. jogging and yoga session are energizing and entertaining me every single morning.
annie
November 12, 2013 at 9:47 amRoommates and friends — Delegation is key! I find when I accept a little help in the kitchen or take up someone on his/her offer to bring a bottle of wine or a tasty dessert… life is so much better. Outside of that, preparation (when there’s time) and great background music seem to do the trick.
kelly rae
November 12, 2013 at 9:52 amMy entertaining secret is to keep it simple. I think guests appreciate a non stressed host more than anything.
sydney85
November 12, 2013 at 9:54 amThe Boy Scouts motto “Be Prepared”. Planning and going over all details such as setting table ahead of time, checking platters and serving pieces. Cooking as much as you can ahead of time. I do not like to be rushed so when guests arrive I am ready to enjoy them and not look frazzled.
Jenny @ Hank & Hunt
November 12, 2013 at 12:00 pmI’ve been dying to get my hands on these glasses!!! Love them!!!
My tip for entertaining? Make one thing, whether it is garland or a floral arrangement or a signature dish and then simplify everything else. Buy it, hire it out, anything.
Mary Frances
November 12, 2013 at 1:03 pmMy entertaining secret is to leave myself lots of time! There are so many “quick and easy” idea out there, but I enjoy the process (and the party) less if I’ve whipped it out and haven’t really thought through everything I want my guests to experience. Hosting people in your home requires a lot of effort – and sometimes, you just need to enjoy it.
Lauren S.
November 12, 2013 at 1:21 pmMy secret is to prep ahead as much as possible, so I can actually be present with and enjoy my guests (rather than spending the whole night in the kitchen/running around). Also…dishes can wait!
Marissa
November 12, 2013 at 1:27 pmWhen hosting any party I like to light candles and put on background music that’s soft enough to make people feel comfortable and relax. Oh and always have a bottle of bubbly ready to pop. Makes guests feel like VIPs.
Audrey
November 12, 2013 at 2:00 pmI love the have a theme when I entertain. Gives strangers something to talk about!
Emily
November 12, 2013 at 5:35 pmI like to plan ahead and give myself plenty of time to cook, clean, etc. Good music in the background is also a must. I always make a playlist ahead of time.
brittany
November 12, 2013 at 6:25 pmWhen having guests over for dinner, I always serve dessert either on our wrap-around-porch or in the living room – this allows everyone (including me!) to leave dinner dishes where they stand, and gives guests a chance to socialize with other people than the ones they were sitting next to during the meal.
Lea Anna
November 12, 2013 at 8:16 pmMy secret is only inviting people I really like. Drama does not belong at one of my parties!
Elizabeth @ hobbylobbyist
November 12, 2013 at 10:33 pmMy favorite entertaining tip is to adjust your lighting! Make it feel cozy and special. (and I liked B by Brandie on FB.)
Dyane Amos
November 13, 2013 at 9:39 amMy tip:Always be a gracious host!
Maralee
November 13, 2013 at 12:32 pmI like a small group–it’s easier to socialize, and it keeps things stress-free for me.
Susan Miller
November 13, 2013 at 3:42 pmMy favorite entertaining secret is actually keeping the little ones entertained. I am always picking up inexpensive kid friendly things at the dollar store/spot and making goody bags to always have on hand. Happy kids, happy adults.
Thanks for this giveaway!
Megan S.
November 14, 2013 at 12:13 pmMy entertainment secret…a good playlist no matter how low key or fun the party. it helps set the mood and flow and can get people talking easily.
The place settings are gorgeous!
Jessica
November 15, 2013 at 3:01 pmMy entertaining secret: greet everyone with a cocktail! After the first one, they don’t realize that dinner is late to the table! 🙂
I liked ’em on Facebook! My fingers are crossed!
Taryn
November 16, 2013 at 9:59 amI love to put postit notes on all the serving trays ahead of time so I can gauge space and arrangement.
Marek Cornett
November 16, 2013 at 10:04 amI clean up as the party goes on. It saves me the morning after when the last thing I feel like doing is picking up glasses strewn about the house!
Elaine Stephenson
November 16, 2013 at 1:40 pmA good secret to entertaining is to use a tride and true recipe…I don’t like to risk making something for guests unless I know I can make it well!
courtney d
November 17, 2013 at 8:44 ammy entertaining secret is to keep it simple so that I can enjoy the event as much as my guests.
ats
November 17, 2013 at 10:26 amI like to have it all ready in advance. If I am not stressed it will be perfect. I like to have a soundtrack in mind too.
Tess
November 17, 2013 at 10:45 amA party dress! Planning stresses melt away once you strap on a fabulous frock.
Amy
November 17, 2013 at 6:58 pmPicking a theme can really help tie disparate elements of party planning together. Not that it has to be a rigid theme, it can just be nice to have a way to organize the various aspects!
Jessica Vartanian
November 17, 2013 at 7:04 pmMy entertaining secret simplicity & Choc chip cookies! Everyone loves a good treat!
Lauren carlson
November 17, 2013 at 7:06 pmMy secret is to enjoy my guests and not get carried away with so many little details.
Jordan Troublefield
November 17, 2013 at 8:01 pmWine and good music. Thats the key to all successful dinner parties. 🙂