Cocktail Parties and Weekend Getaways

We've gotten several questions this morning so let's get to them:

This will be the first Christmas I'll be away from my family because of work reasons. My girlfriend and I are looking to do something special on Dec. 22 to 24 that doesn't completely wipe out our wallets. We're looking for something within driving distance, possibly staying in a cabin and maybe going skiing for a day. Any suggestions for great, cozy locations? And is skiing even a decent option in late December around here?

Ellen McCarthy, a staff writer in the Weekend section of The Washington Post, offered this advice:
I would think about heading to the Charlottesville area. You could stay in a bed and breakfast in that area, hit the quaint downtown and some of the local wineries during the day and have great restaurant options at night. From there it's a quick hop over to Wintergreen Resort for a few hours on the slopes. Plus it's a beautiful drive, with or without snow.

I am wondering what sort of gift/gift package/ gift basket to send to the staff/trainers at my gym. I go to a personal trainer at a personal training gym. I am going to get my personal trainer an individual gift, but I also wanted to send a group gift to the gym for all of the other trainers and staff to share (under 10 people). Obviously since these individuals are all health-conscious, sending a cookie basket, chocolates or a Harry & David assortment is not really smart. This gym is next door to a florist who brings them fresh flowers to display every few days, therefore, flowers or a wreath would be unnecessary. Any suggestions? I would like to keep it under $100.

Terri Sapienza, a staff writer in the Home section of The Washington Post and the BEST shopper I know, had this to say:
What about a gift basket that has fruits? Or a subscription to the fruit-of-the-month club for the gym? You can usually get them in 3-month, 6-month, 9-month or 12-month packages. For the trainer, I would just give a nice, big tip, equivalent to the cost of one session.

I am having a cocktail party for about 20 people. I was just going to serve about 6 or 7 bite-size hors d'oeuvres and I am trying to figure out how much of each to make. The party will last about 4 hours. I read somewhere that I needed 8 to 10 servings per person per 90 minutes. Is that correct? Can you help?

What a timely question! Today's Food section is the first of two parts on entertaining. The second part runs tomorrow in the Home section. Annie Groer, who wrote several entertaining stories in this package, shares some of her reporting here:

Dennis Hogan, catering manager of Dish Caterers in Silver Spring, offers this formula. If you offer six types of hors d'oeuvres, figure on two pieces of each type per person, per hour, or 12 per guest. He always prepares about 20 percent more of everything.

And Linda Garner, president of Gala Events in Bethesda, says the timing of your party is also a factor. If it's from, say, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., or from 8 p.m. onward, it's clearly not dinner and you won't need as many as if your party goes from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. or 7 to 9 p.m.

Just remember, though, that you never want to run out of food. Go to Trader Joe's or Costco and get some frozen finger foods -- anything from pigs in blankets to mini-quiches--so you have a backup if you run out of homemade treats. Remember, the more people drink, they more they'll need to eat to absorb the alcohol.

By Liz Seymour |  November 29, 2006; 12:14 PM ET  | Category:  Gifts , Parties , Shopping , What to do
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