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The Goderich Signal-Star, 1981-03-04, Page 50Being a good hostess requires organization As a hostess, how does a bride. gain self-assurance and competence in her new role? The first rule for successful parties is to be organized. Don't leave anything to chance. With so many working wives' today, it's especially important that the party theme and menu be planned well in advance. The table setting, which often sets the theme for the whole party, should enhance the,. appearance of the food and the room. "Entertaining for any hostess is easier when she feels secure in her choice of table appoint- ments," according to Charles Solt, design director for Lenox, whose fine china and crystal head the list of Most. popular • bridal^ registry selections. ''An attractive table can be the basis for a successful. party. A new bride wants to start her new life iii the happiest possible environment," he continued, "scl use .your fine china and crystal often and enjoy them. As classic'' patterns, such as these made by Lenox, provide lasting 'value and never go out .of style; they 'are, a very worthwhile in- . vestment.in today's economy." • Home entertainment Entertaining at home is gain- ing in popularity among young couples—along with the phenomenal interest in prepar- ing fine food. "And after pre- paring a culinary delight, what could enhance it more than a beautiful table setting?" asks the designer from Lenox. A successful hostess is able to express her own personality and individuality in her new home environment. Here are some suggestions from Mr. Solt on how the bride can be relaxed and self-assured, and have fun along with .her guests. Attendants Three out of four or 76 percent of newlyweds have a bridal party of about 7.2 people. Nine out of ten or 88 percent of newlywed women who had a bridal party pur- chased gifts for th.ei, bridal attendants. Prepare for. sun Many honeymooners opt for a resort vacation, for very good reason. Traditionally, a week or two of soaking up the sun, relax- ing and ,getting accustomed to spending a great deal of time to- gether has been the perfect rec- ipe for getting a marriage off to a fine start. Whether you opt tor a trip to the Caribbean, or a weekend at a nearby resort, make sure it's the time of your life,. • • Bring evening clothes with •ou, so you can do the town in style: • Make sure to take an ample , amount of sunscreen with you. ' Do be certain that the sunscreen you choose is one that is formu- lated for your skin type. Opt for maximum protection if you are fair -eyed and fair -skinned. There's -no sense spending your honeymoon iri discnmfort. • You'll probably be spend- ing the better part of your time in a bathing suit, so why not bring two or three? Also, remember to pack a cover— a snazzy caftan or a terry robe — for when you've had your quota of sun for the day. That way, you won't have to languish in the shade. • Don't forget protection for your nose, lips and eyelids. You may find preparations that are specially formulated for the sen- sitive areas of your face. Enjoy! It's a period of time you'll want to reminisce about for the rest of your life. • Decide with your husband how and when you want to en- tertain. The occasion can range from a very formal dinner for "the boss" to a.group of friends invited over to watch. the Academy Awards. • Plan a menu that leaves you free to spend time with your guests. Simplicity is the key- note. In advance, prepare sev- eral dishes which can cook largely undisturbed until time for last-minute finishing touches. • Prepare both your appetizer and dessert ahead of time. This leaves you free to concentrate on the main course. • Set the table and arrange the centerpiece before guests ar- rive. Today's hostess luckily need 'not feel bound by supposed table setting "rules." Even though her dinnerware remains the same. the look of the table can be varied with subtle color variations. For formal occasions, a cloth picking up one of the colors in the china pattern will add a soft glow to the entire room. If de • - sired, napkins 'in a deeper tone of the cloth or picked up from another color in the dinnerware pattern will create a more drarpatic table. To create the popular country look for an informal dinner, a small overall print, plaid cloth or placemats can be chosen. The colors should tie in with the china design as well as the decor of the room. If space is limited at a sit down dinner, it may be more practical to set dui a group of small tables rather than one big one. For seating, this enables the hall and 'sometimes a corner of the living rpom.to be used. If it's a buffet and guests are going to 'sit anywhere, plan on food that doesn't need to be' cut. Music will add a pleasant background to the scene. It should not be too loud.or guests won't be able to converse easily. ow that you've ecided...who, what, where and when let us help you announce it to your world! - WEDDING INVITATIONS ALSO PERSONALIZED WEDDING NAPKINS, MATCHES & CAKE BOXES 1 by INTERNATIONAL &n1 OF STRATFORD • Getting married is one thing, announcing it to friends and relatives is quite another. Invitations to the wedding must be carefully chosen. First, because they reflect your style and the emotions toward that very important day of memories. Second, because invitations can become o very expensive endeavour. However, whether you choose to have a very small intimate wedding with say 20 guests or a Targe wedding with 250, invitations must go out! At The Goderich Signal -Star we understand this and can help you chodse your wedding invitations, the right invitations for you, with confidence. Here Barb and Colin look over just what is available from our elegant and extensive selection. A selection from which you too are sure to fill your needs. Our wedding gift to you... a Keepsake copy of your Invitation processed in luxurious gold. Huckins St., . Just off Hwy. No. 21 South of Goderich OPEN DAILY: 8:30 A.M. TO S P.M. PHONE 524-8331