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How to Host an At-Home Book Swap

October 22, 2015 by

Do you have a group of book-loving friends who love to talk about their latest literary endeavors? Get them all together for a book swap at your home! These fun gatherings are great opportunities for you to trade books that you’ve read and loved and receive new recommendations. Here are a few simple tips for planning your first book swap.

  1. Set a minimum. In order to ensure that everyone brings enough books (it wouldn’t be much of a swap with just a few titles, after all), set a minimum for each person. For a group of around 10 people, 10 books per person should do the trick.
  2. Bring books that are in good condition. While you may want to get rid of your college philosophy books with notes all through the margins, your friends likely won’t appreciate receiving these in the swap.
  3. Give out tickets. The easiest (and fairest) way to run the swap is by giving everyone a ticket with his or her name on it for each book that they bring. Toss all of the tickets into a hat, and then draw names to decide who picks next.
  4. Add descriptions. If you want to get really in-depth with your swap, instruct your guests to write a short description of each of their books on a Post-It note (think “Recommended if you liked…”).

How to Throw a Book Swap Party [Reader’s Lane]
How to Host a Book Swap Party [One Good Thing]
How to Host a Swap Party [Real Simple]

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How to Take the Stress Out of Home Entertaining

December 18, 2014 by

Even the best party planners get stressed out when it comes time for a large get-together, but there are some simple tips that help to take the pressure out of entertaining. Here are a few smart ideas that will make your upcoming holiday party or gathering effortless and worry-free.

  1. Make a to-do list. Any expert entertainer will tell you that the easiest way to stay organized is by making a to-do list. Detail everything that you need to do to prepare and keep things separated by days. If you start the planning a week or so in advance, everything will come together on party day.
  2. Keep things relaxed. It doesn’t take fine china to set a beautiful table. Keep things low-key by using attractive paper tablecloths and napkins, and make sure that all of your flatware matches so that you can mix and match pieces depending on the type of food that you’re serving.
  3. Create a lively atmosphere. Do whatever it takes to make your guests feel welcome and comfortable, from creating a fun playlist to drawing up seating place cards that best match guests who don’t know one another. This ensures that the conversation will flow all night long.
  4. If all else fails, make enough food. If your guests love the food, you can almost guarantee a good party.

10 Tips To Help You Throw a Great Party Without Losing Your Mind (Or Blowing Your Budget) [The Kitchn]
12 Secrets to Hosting a Stress-Free Holiday Party [HGTV]
The Stress Less Dinner Party [Real Simple]

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , ,

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