How to Host a Party
Nothing breaks up this last stretch of winter before we can spend evenings outside like having people over for a casual get together, sit down dinner, or game night. Don't let fear stop you from sending out those invitations! We've compiled a list of tips on how to host a party below. 
How to Host a Party
- Think through your guest list. If you have a room full of complete strangers, you may find it difficult for people to relax and enjoy themselves. Bringing in new people is great, maybe just not all at once.
- Whether or not you feel like you need to make your home spotless before your guests arrive, you should always do a quick pick up of your bathroom. Dirty clothes on the floor or an empty toilet paper roll will definitely leave an impression - just not the one you were hoping for!
- Turn down the heat and maybe even open a window or two (or vice versa depending on the weather). Just because you’re a comfortable temperature doesn’t mean you’ll stay that way when your home is suddenly full of people.
- Try to get everything ready as much ahead of time as possible. That way you’ll feel relaxed and ready to entertain the moment your guests enter your door.
- If you’re serving food, don’t try making something you’ve never made before! Stick to something you’re comfortable making or serving and don’t be ashamed to order something in. The purpose of your party is to spend time with your guests, not to feel stressed over feeding everyone.
- Turn on music! Conversations have a natural rhythm and silence is often part of it. With no noise, these lulls in conversation can be awkward or uncomfortable, but with a good playlist and sound system, no one will even notice.
- When the party's over, don’t feel like you need to get everything deep cleaned and put away immediately. Just focus on the things that will be harder to clean or gross tomorrow - food-encrusted plates or spilled drinks, for example.
- Most importantly, just relax and have a good time. That’s what parties are all about! The people you’ve invited will be understanding of any issues that come up (if they even notice!) and if they aren’t, make sure you remember not to invite them back next time.
What tips do you have for hosting the perfect party?
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Stylish Area Rugs
I'm in the market for a new area rug for my living room, and to be honest, it's stressing me out a little! It's such a huge decision! Some of you might be rolling your eyes at this, but I'm being completely serious. The rug you put on the floor can really make or break a room! It acts as an anchor for everything else, and literally plays a major role in defining the style and feeling of a space. So, when it comes to rugs you've got to choose wisely! I've scoured the entire RC Willey website, and these are my very tip top picks for stylish rugs. Still haven't decided what I'm going to do about my living room, but these are a good start! Check them out...
Magnolia Home 8 x 11 Large Pewter Gray Rug
5 x 8 Blue-Gray Contemporary Rug
8" Round Navy Blue Oriental Indoor-Outdoor Rug
8 x 10 Large Transitional Red Area Rug
8 x 10 Large Transitional Blue Rug
And if these rugs aren't necessarily your style, check out the other rugs we carry!
We've got a great selection, and you'll be sure to find something that you love.
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Blue Living Rooms
I have been loving the color blue lately and there are so many different ways to incorporate it into your home! If you are hoping to bring the color blue into your home, whether with a pop of color or a huge statement, you can do it! Check out some inspiration for your new blue living room.
via Emily Henderson
SHOP THE LOOK!
via House and Garden
SHOP THE LOOK!
Similar chair, coffee table, and rug
via Ideal Home
SHOP THE LOOK!
Similar coffee table and sofa
via Lobster and Swan
SHOP THE LOOK!
SHOP THE LOOK!
Similar rug, sofa, ottoman, and pillow
What do you think about blue living rooms? Will you start using blue in your home?
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How to Choose Patio Furniture
When it comes to having the perfect yard, having comfortable patio furniture is essential. An inviting place to sit around a fire pit or a comfortable seat at a picnic table will help make your yard a place you want to spend your time. Picking the right patio furniture fabric will make a huge difference in how much you use and enjoy your patio furniture. Don’t make a mistake and regret your choice! With a little guidance, you can pick the perfect patio furniture with the perfect fabric for all your cushions.
How to Choose Patio Furniture Fabric
The most important thing to remember is that whatever cushions you have on your patio furniture, whether on an outdoor sofa, rug, or seat cushion, will eventually face the elements. You need to make sure you are getting and using fabric that is meant to be outside and will hold up well.
Stick to waterproof or water resistant fabrics, and remember that the pillow inserts of your cushions should be waterproof as well. You should be able to tell if the fabric you will be using will work on your patio by looking for the following disclaimers -
- Weather Resistant or Weather-Proof Fabric
- Indoor/Outdoor Fabric
- Outdoor Fabric
- All-Weather Fabric
- Waterproof Fabric
- Water Resistant Fabric
Just because you’ve picked a good outdoor fabric for your patio furniture, you still will need to do a little upkeep to keep your cushions looking nice. After your cushions get wet make sure you wipe them down and get them completely dry to avoid a mildew smell. If you know there is a storm rolling in, putting your cushions under a tarp or awning will keep them from being soaked through.
Sunlight will fade your cushions, so keeping them out of direct sunlight is a good practice. Even fade-resistant fabric will eventually fade if kept in direct sunlight all the time. Dirt and general wear and tear will also damage your cushions, so make it a practice to wash your cushions according to the manufacturer's instructions a couple of times a season to keep them looking nice and new.
Ideally, you’ll be able to try out your patio furniture before purchasing. Each fabric may feel a little bit different, and you’ll want to find something that is comfortable for you and your family. Check out all the patio furniture options at RC Willey and let us know what your favorite piece is!
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How to Make a St. Patty's Day Rainbow
I've always looked forward to holidays, but having kids took my holiday love to a whole new, sometimes downright crazy level. I LIVE for holidays, and try to make every holiday really special, creative, and exciting at our house. It obviously doesn't always work out like that (sometimes we have major flops), but we sure have fun trying! St. Patrick's day is tomorrow, and it's one of those holidays that can be easily overlooked. A few years ago we started playing 'tricks' around the house for the kids to find (hiding our kitchen table, coloring all toilet water green, green milk in the fridge, balloons and green crepe paper everywhere in the kids' rooms, etc) and last year on a whim we whipped up this rainbow scene at approximately 10pm on March 16th. It was totally easy, and a HUGE hit with my kids. I think we might have to do it every year from here on out now. Here's how to make your own.....
1. Find an empty wall in your home- preferably with lots of space!
2. Gather a variety of colors of crepe paper to make your rainbow- red, orange, yellow, green, blue & purple- plus you can add in different shades if you have more!
3. Measure 5 or 6 long strips of crepe paper (floor to ceiling) per color.
4. Carefully tape the strips next to each other in straight lines on the wall. We found it worked best to have one of us on a little ladder taping up high, while the other was securing the bottom portion on the ground. This is trickier than it sounds. The paper is extremely delicate and can tear easily, so be gentle! Once all of the strips of paper are up on the wall, you might need to adjust a little to try to get rid of any spaces you can see the wall through.
5. Blow up 1-2 dozen white balloons, and secure them to the bottom of your rainbow. My husband threaded them all together with a needle and string to give them a floating effect, and then we taped the back part to the bottom of the wall.
6. Grab a green bucket, and fill it up with green food & candy, and a box of Lucky Charms! Throw around some gold coins or rolos, and leave a funny little note from your family's leprechaun!
Happy St. Patrick's Day! Hope your day is filled with luck!
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St. Patrick's Day Desserts
Aren’t you so glad that there is a holiday in March? I feel like this time of year is when I get tired of the rain and snow and I need something to celebrate. Whether you choose to wear green or not, don’t miss out on an excuse to make St. Patrick’s Day desserts! If you’re looking for something fun to make, check out some of these recipes.
St. Patrick's Day Desserts
MINT CHOCOLATE LASAGNA - find the recipe here!
GRASSHOPPER FUDGE - find the recipe here!
GREEN OMBRE CAKE - find the recipe here!
LUCKY CHARMS BARK - find the recipe here!
MINT CHOCOLATE SANDWICH COOKIES - find the recipe here!
MINT CREME BROWNIE BOMBS - find the recipe here!
Whatever small appliances or kitchen accessories you need, RC Willey has you covered!
What is your favorite St. Patrick's Day dessert?
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Spring Break Activities for Kids
I would argue that Spring Break is one of the most anticipated weeks of the year, but can quickly become the longest week of the year if you run out of activities for your kids. Don’t feel like you have to spend a lot of money to entertain your little ones! There are so many ideas and things you can do together that are both fun and cheap! If you’re looking for ideas of what to do this Spring Break with your kids, we’ve got you covered.
Spring Break Activities for Kids
via Brit + Co
Pull out your art supplies and create a piece of art! Take it up another level by making your own stamps out of potatoes. Click here for instructions!
via No Wooden Spoons
The weather is finally getting nice, so why not spend a day of your spring break outdoors? Give your kids a little more structure by having them find everything on this scavenger hunt list.
Get close to nature by creating your own homemade bird feeders. After you've finished and the bird feeders are hanging in your trees, sit back and see what birds come visit your yard.
While this might be an activity for younger kids, nothing makes a kid happier than playing in the tub. Not only is this puffy paint activity fun, you'll end up with a clean tub and a clean child!
via Hoosier Homemade
If you're worried about keeping your kids occupied all week, make this spring break activity jar. Each member of the family needs to think of an activity they want to do throughout the week. Instead of fighting over who gets to pick the activity for the day, just draw a stick!
What does your family do for Spring Break? Share below!
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Baking With Kids
Working in the kitchen with your family brings you closer and can help each person appreciate the food they are eating more than if they simply sat down and were handed a plate. While it may be easy relinquishing control with other adults who know what they’re doing, it’s important to let your kids in too! Baking with your kids not only allows them to practice chemistry, math, and reading, it can also be fun! If you’re ready to try baking with your kids, stock up your kitchen and try some of these easy recipes we've listed below.
This article had some great ideas in it as well. Do you have any favorite recipes you like to make when baking with your kids? Share with us below!
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How to Get Oil Stains Out of Clothing
Don’t panic next time you spill cooking oil or something greasy on your clothes. All is not lost! There is an easy way to get rid of those stains - check out two ideas below.
How to Get Oil Stains Out of Clothing
This is how I've always gotten oil stains out of clothing ...
... but I am intrigued by this technique as well! Have any of you tried it?
Is there anything more gratifying than getting a stain out of a piece of clothing? Let me know if you have any other tips for getting oils stains out and check out RC Willey's washers and dryers if you're looking for something new!
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Cool Living Rooms
I love pulling inspiration for my home from different homes and pictures I see. I've been wanting to change up my living room and have been searching for cool living room ideas. I've posted some of my favorite living room inspirations below and links to help you shop the look. Check it out!
Cool Living Rooms
via Domino
SHOP THE LOOK!
SHOP THE LOOK!
Similar pillows here and here, and bookcase
SHOP THE LOOK!
via Rustic Room
SHOP THE LOOK!
Similar end table, coffee table, and loveseat
via Decor A Patio
SHOP THE LOOK!
Similar dressers here and here, coffee table, and sofa
What do you think of these cool living rooms?
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