Mar Jennings: IN THE HOME



	July 25, 2008

MAR-Be-Que PARTY IDEAS I often get asked to Barbeque parties—lucky me—and while they are always fun and enjoyable people always ask me what I would do differently. Recently, I was asked by a dear friend if I had any fresh ideas about throwing a Barbeque and would I ever consider co-hosting one with her at my home. It only took me a moment to say: “Yes”, followed by, “Only if I can call it a MAR-BE-QUE”. So that you can be in the loop, too, here are my fun family party ideas that you can incorporate into your next outdoor summer festivities.

Other Articles



Red, White & Blue Who Knew... "We, the people…" doesn't have to mean that "You, the hostess…" have to go un-thanked! Just some savvy twists on the traditional approaches will make your 4th of July gathering remembered by everyone.	Daddy Things To Do Now that Mother’s Day has passed, it’s time to turn our attention to Dad. This year what could we possibly do differently that hasn’t already been done before?	Mom. May. Be Surprised. Whether you call her Mom, Mum, Mother, Mamma, Mere, Madre or Mummy, the connection to this figure in our lives is universal.



Please….. Poof After Yourself! If asked, my friends would tell you that I'm a "poofer" from way back. Recently during a weekend visit with friends in Southampton, I noticed that I was, perhaps, the only one of our rather large group of house guests that took the time to poof the cushions of the chair or sofa I was sitting in.	Creating a Modern Easter Basket As a modern lifestyle expert, I’m always seeking new ways to make long-standing traditions feel fresh and new. For example, the Easter Basket. I don’t know about you, but I absolutely love the idea of a grown-up Easter Basket full of my favorite treats.	Mar's Tips for a Romantic Valentine Experience Valentine’s Day is not only about intimate personal relationships, it’s about showing those you love that you care. So, even if you don’t currently have a “love” interest, you can ignite the spirit of passion through a friendly, loveable gesture.



Mar's 2007 Must Haves Here it is. My list of “must haves” for 2007. This year I’m even more excited about my top five picks. This is never an easy task, but boy do I have fun deciding which ones make the cut.	New Year's Storage Solutions and Resolutions - What to do First Knowing this ahead of time will help minimize the stress and help you better prepare for what is to come.	Home for the Holidays There is no place like home for the holidays. The nostalgia and romance of Christmas is something most of us have felt as both children and adults.



Recycled Liquid Soap Dispenser Because I like to think "green" and recycle whenever possible, I recently had a great idea while drinking a Coke in a vintage bottle.	Holiday Storage Solutions Come January 31st, it’s time to say goodbye to holiday wreaths, trees and what not and get on with it. In my opinion, holiday decorations are for just that, the holidays and not for weeks and weeks or even months.	Wrapping In Style Many times, we're often too busy to take time to wrap a gift in a special way. If you're taking the time to pick the gift out, don't cut corners by not taking the time to personalize the wrapping.



Decorate... Don't Renovate That Old Bathroom Next to the kitchen, the average family bathroom is arguably the hardest working room in the house.	What You Should Know Before Your Next Renovation Homeowners are always looking for creative ideas for improving their property values with minimal cost... getting more bang for the buck as it were...	"Previously Owned" Can be Perfectly New!! I know! I know I'm not the only one that enjoys buying new things; a new house, a new car, shoes, and let's not forget my personal favorite, garden items...



Mar's 2006 Must Haves I created the following list after contemplating the many little (and not so little) things that make life exciting and fun.	Creating a Waterless Topiary Bouquet You can create a beautiful topiary for your home that is fresh, festive and full of color and texture this winter season.	Creating a Pumpkin Centerpiece Bouquet You can bring your garden indoors with a small pumpkin and create a festive splash of fall color in your home.



MAR'S Ultimate MAR-TINI This drink is dedicated to all of the friends that have put up with taste-testing the various prototype drinks I have tried over the years...	The Bubble Bee Summer Cocktail I created this incredibly easy summer drink to help cool down from those hot summer days.	Ironing our own clothes made easy Growing up, I spent hours watching my grandmother, a slave to the iron.



Mar's Simple Holiday Entertaining Tips - Holiday celebrations with friends and family mean new memories to cherish year after year.	Magazine Rack Sometimes, especially during the winter, I'll find myself with an empty urn.	Lime Light Sometimes I like to invent new and fun ways to use votive candles.



Amaryllis for Everyone Long lasting and vibrantly colorful, an amaryllis is so much more than a holiday bulb.	Topiaries 101 Whether it's in my garden or in my house, you'll always find a topiary within view.	Creative Fish This is an excellent way to introduce an easy responsibility to children.



Overnight Guests Entertaining for a party or a meal is one thing, but having overnight guests is a whole other experience in itself.	Table Art We spend so much time and effort preparing the meal, we forget all about the importance of the table.