If you have space at your venue for children to attend, then why not have a few special activities and food for them? Depending on the type of party you are having, providing some activities will make it more fun for the kids and therefore the parents attending. These can include: an art station, special fun songs that they can dance to (Hokey Pokey, Chicken Dance, Macarena, Conga Line, Party in the USA, or anything by Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga, Justin Beiber, etc.), s'mores roasting station (for an outdoor party- or on a terrace) with adult supervision, laser tag, lightening bug catching, or a pool party (you may want to hire a lifeguard with this one so that you can relax and tend to your guests without worrying about watching the children). One way to save money at your event is to have a children’s buffet table –separate from the adult buffet. Having food specially made with children in mind is usually less expensive with a caterer than including them in adult buffet-count. Items like chicken fingers, spaghetti and meatballs, steak burgers, steamed vegetables, fries, etc. is sure to please the children as well as the parents. You could also add in an ice cream bar or cupcake decorating station for dessert.

Hey Smarties! Here are a few tips for you on how to take care of, and cross your tasks from the wedding to-do list, in the best possible timing and order.

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Grilled Corn and Potato Chowder

Yield: 6 servings (serving size: 1 cup)

Ingredients

1 pound small red potatoes, quartered

1 tablespoon salt, divided

3 tablespoons softened butter, divided

4 ears shucked corn Cooking spray

3/4 cup finely chopped onion

1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper

3 cups 2% reduced-fat milk

1/2 cup half-and-half

2 thyme sprigs

3 tablespoons finely chopped chives

1-1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.

2. Place a grill basket on grill.

3. Place potatoes and 2 teaspoons salt in a saucepan; cover with water. Bring to a boil; cook 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Let potatoes stand in hot water 5 minutes. Drain; cut into 1/4-inch cubes.

4. Melt 1 tablespoon butter; brush evenly over corn. Place corn on grill rack coated with cooking spray. Place potatoes in grill basket coated with cooking spray. Grill corn and potatoes 15 minutes or until slightly charred, turning occasionally. Cool corn slightly; cut kernels from cobs. Place 1 cup corn kernels in a food processor; process until smooth.

5. Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion; sauté 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add remaining 1 teaspoon salt and red pepper; cook for 30 seconds, stirring frequently. Stir in potatoes, remaining corn kernels, pureed corn, milk, half-and-half, and thyme sprigs; bring to a simmer. Reduce heat; simmer 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Discard thyme sprigs. Stir in chives and remaining ingredients.

Every successful event needs to have the following: Great food, room and table décor appropriate to the occasion, entertainment, and detailed planning. Whether you buy food already prepared, have the event catered or make it yourself, you’ll want to have something for your guests to eat when they arrive.

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Funny, easy and delicious dessert for any time of the day.

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