| How to Photograph Pets Posted: 08 Nov 2018 12:00 AM PST Your pets are the cutest, and of course you want photos of them to post online or just have around the house! However, whether they stay still or bounce around, pets are a tricky subject for photography. You have to work with the pet to get it to look at the camera, and you have to be quick when you're taking photos! EditLetting Your Pet Get Settled - Hold the camera out to the animal for a good sniff. Anytime an animal sees something new, it's going to be curious, especially cats. Let the animal take a moment to give the camera a good sniff all over, so it will be less likely to do so in the middle of your photo shoot.[1]
- If you're not photographing your own pet, let the animal give you a good sniff, as well, so they are more comfortable in the session.
- Get them used to the flash and shutter sound. Sometimes, the flash will freeze an animal in place for a second, which can be good if you're trying to get a still shot. However, both the shutter sound and flash can distract the animal enough to ruin the shot, so take a few shots just so they can get used to that part of the camera.[2]
- Try shooting a couple of shots towards the ceiling so the animal can hear the shutter sound and see the flash.
- Give your pet a minute to explore a new area. If you go outside or you take your pet to a new area, it is going to want to explore. Give it a few minutes to look around first! That way, it won't be as distracted when you're ready to take the pictures.[3]
- If your pet is on a leash, walk it slowly around the area, letting it sniff as you go.
- If you're in a confined space with a small animal, give it a chance to walk around by itself for a minute.
EditTaking Your Shots - Go outside if you can. Natural light is great for any photography, and pet photography is no exception. If it's especially bright, pick a shaded area where you'll get ambient light for your pictures.[4]
- Try the hour just after sunrise or the one just before sunset. These hours, called the "golden hours," have the best light. Avoid the harsh light of midday.
- Of course, you won't be able to take some pets outdoors. In that case, try to get your pet in an area with as much natural light as you can. Open blinds and curtains to let in the light!
- If natural light isn't an option, try using a detached flash. Point it up at the ceiling, and it will reflect back down on your pet to create perfect lighting.[5]
- Pick a background that's not too busy. Aim for mostly solid colors in the background, instead of patterns and other people. For instance, grass or even a solid color piece of furniture work well in the background.[6]
- If the background is too busy, your pet won't stand out as much as you'd like.
- Try to pick a background that makes your pet stand out. For instance, pick a bright color for a black cat, or a dark color for a blonde dog.
- Target the pet's face. Most of your pet's personality will show up in its face, so make it prominent in the pictures. If you're manually focusing the picture, use the eyes as your target![7]
- Your pet's personality shows up in their face, so try to capture that! Work on getting a photo of your pet's expressive eyes or goofy grin.
- Make your pet the whole picture. Get up close to your pet, so that it takes up the whole photo. That way, your pet is the focus, and not some interesting thing in the background.[8]
- It helps to get down on your pet's level if you can. Lay down on the floor or sit down. As a bonus, your pet will probably wander over to see what's going on.
- If you need to, you can crop the photo later to cut out the extra space.
- Wait for the perfect shots. A treat can entice a pet to look your way, but it may not. However, eventually, most pets will look at you and the camera. Just be patient and wait your pet out.[9]
- While you're waiting, have your shot already set up so that when they look at you, you're ready to take the shot.[10]
- Include your pet's personality. Whether your animal is goofy, lazy, playful, or stubborn, try to make that a part of the photo. If you're not photographing your own pet, ask the owner about the animal's personality quirks.
- For instance, if your animal tends to be lazy, try to capture a photo of them sleeping.
- If your pet can do a special trick, show that off!
- Try different angles and shots. Pets, like human subjects, look different from different angles and framing them in a variety of ways can bring a variety of perspectives to your shots. In your photo shoot, take some tightly cropped facial shots (even focusing in on a single features like the eyes, nose, or ears) but also make sure you take shots that show off your more of your pet's body.
- Working on different angles may give you an unexpectedly good shot you never would have gotten if you hadn't moved around some.
EditEngaging Your Pet - Work in short increments to keep your pet interested. Think of your pet as a toddler, and you'll have a good idea of how long you can keep its attention span. By taking breaks and only shooting a couple of photos at a time, you'll have a happier, more engaged pet for your photos.[11]
- Set an alarm for a couple of minutes if you keep forgetting to take breaks.
- Bribe your pet with treats. Most animals love treats, so now is the time to break out your pet's favorite one. Split the treats up into small bites, as you may need to bribe your animal quite a few times.[12]
- Try asking someone to hold a treat in their hand near the camera. Make sure the pet knows they have it, and then have the person hide it away. This trick usually evokes good expressions from the animal, especially dogs.[13]
- Ask your pet to play with you using one of its favorite toys. A playful pet will make for good photos, and using a toy will help keep your pet nearby. Grab the toy, and play with your pet like you normally would.[14]
- If you have another person nearby, it might be easier if they use the toy to play with the pet while you snap pictures.
- Tug-of-war toys work great for dogs, and string-type toys work well for cats, as you can entice them to come over. Any toy that keeps your pet mostly in the same place should be fine.
- Balls don't work as well, unless someone is throwing a ball in your direction. Otherwise, the animal will be running away from you.
- Use the appropriate voice for the type of pet you're photographing. For a dog, be very, very cheerful. Dogs love upbeat voices, especially when you're telling the dog what a good boy or girl it is! Other pets may do better with calm, almost cooing voices.[15]
- You know what your pet likes to hear! Use the pet names you have for it, using your happy voice.
- For instance, try a cheerful but calm voice when working with cats. For birds, be very cheerful, but not so loud you scare them. Whistles may help, too!
- If it's not your pet, get the owner to talk to the pet instead, as they may have better luck than you.
- Surprise your pet so it looks your way. Of course, you don't want to scare your pet, but something new and exciting can make it want to see what's going on. For instance, you could have a person pop out from behind you or use a squeaky toy to make a noise.[16]
- You could also try unique noises, such as finger drumming, tongue-clicking, scratching, and whistling.
EditPerfecting Your Skills - Increase your shutter speed to capture your pet's joyful movements. Most pets are not going to sit perfectly still for you to take a photo! With an increased shutter speed, you're less likely to end up with blurred photos due to your pet's movement.[17]
- Try setting your shutter speed at 1/500 to begin with.[18]
- Brighten up the photo with dark pets. You may find it difficult to take pictures of pets that have black fur, including dogs and cats. You lose some of the detail in all that darkness. One way to help combat that problem is to increase the exposure, so the picture is brighter.[19]
- On most iPhones, you can increase the brightness by tapping on your pet's face in the picture to focus on it, then move the sun icon up when it appears on the screen. Adjust it until the picture is bright enough to capture your pet's face in all its glorious detail.
- On an Android phone, it's easiest to adjust the brightness after you take the photo with photo editing software.
- Use the widest aperture you can for a detailed face shot. Pick the lowest f-stop number for your aperture, which will be the widest setting. That will bring your pet's face into focus while blurring the background.[20]
- If you can, also use a wide-angle lens to go with the wide aperture.[21]
- When using a wide aperture, get close to your pet and have them at least a few steps from the background behind them.
- Put your camera on continuous focus mode. An easy way to achieve this effect with a more expensive camera is to just hold down the shutter halfway. You can also try using the multiple shot mode instead.[22]
- Lose your tripod. Pets are moving targets, and tripods are almost never necessary for shorter lenses in good light.
- Any animal can get aggressive, especially in an unfamiliar setting or with strange people. Watch for signs of aggression, such as raised fur or feathers, angry noises, posturing, and teeth-baring.
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| How to Repair a Pop up Sprinkler Head Posted: 07 Nov 2018 04:00 PM PST As pop-up sprinkler systems age, it's possible for the heads to chip, break, or become stuck in the up position, resulting in dead, swampy grass and exorbitant utility bills. If you run into one of these issues, the simplest solution is to replace the worn out head with a brand new one. Dig up the grass around the sprinkler just enough to expose the fitting and unscrew the faulty head. Then, screw the new head on in its place and turn on the water to the sprinklers to give them a quick test run. EditAccessing the Sprinkler Assembly - Cut a circle into the grass around the faulty sprinkler. Take a serrated knife or trowel and saw a wide circle around the exposed sprinkler head. You just want to score the turf to make it easier to remove later, so only cut deep.[1]
- Be careful not to cut too deep, or you could accidentally sever the tubing running to the inlet on your sprinkler system.[2]
- If the ground around your sprinkler is an especially loose material, such as gravel or mulch, skip the scoring and go straight to digging out the soil.
- Remove the intact grass around the sprinkler using a hand trowel. Do your best to carefully pry up turf in as few pieces as possible. Once you've worked it loose, set the turf aside somewhere nearby. That way, you'll be able to replace the section later after you've changed out the sprinkler head.[3]
- Don't worry if you happen to damage the turf while trying to lift it out. It's a small enough patch that the grass should grow back fairly quickly.
- Dig into the dirt surrounding the sprinkler head. Now that the turf is out of the way, use your trowel or shovel to scoop out the soil along the sides of the hole. Keep digging until you can see the thin metal supply pipe connecting the sprinkler head to the main water line.[4]
- As you dig, heap the dirt into a small pile nearby so you can easily fill in the hole when you're done.
- Perform a quick inspection of the supply pipe to check for damage. If you see a leak or rupture, the problem may be with the water line rather than the sprinkler, in which case you'll need to hire a plumber to come in and take a look.[5]
EditReplacing the Sprinkler Head - Unscrew the faulty sprinkler head from the riser. The riser is the small pipe that connects the sprinkler to the water line. The sprinkler head sits on the riser, which helps to regulate its up-and-down movement, rather than directly on the water line itself. To remove the sprinkler head, twist it to the left, or counterclockwise.[6]
- If the riser comes off with the sprinkler head, simply unscrew the two pieces and reattach the riser to the water line, being careful not to damage the threading of either piece in the process.[7]
- Be careful not to let too much dirt or debris fall into the open water line. It may help to cover it with a small cloth or plastic bag while you're working.
- Buy a replacement sprinkler head that's the same size as the old one. To ensure that you're getting the type of head you need, take the old part to the store with you and purchase the same brand and model. If for some reason that's not an option, confirm that the new head has the same overall length and diameter as the old one.[8]
- Sprinkler heads come in several different sizes and lengths. If you get one that's too long, it will stick up high out of the grass after you install it. If it's too short, it may not reach the surface of your lawn from its seat on the water line.
- Consider shopping around for a head that features a removable flush cap rather than a traditional nozzle. Flush caps make it easy to clear dirt from the head following installation or use.[9]
- Wrap a length of thread seal tape around the male end of the riser. Wind the tape neatly around the riser threads so that it forms a thin, uniform layer. Applying thread seal tape (also known as "Teflon tape") will fill excess space between the riser and the body of the sprinkler head, creating a snug connection and decreasing the chances of future leaks.[10]
- You can find thread seal tape in the plumbing aisle of any hardware store or home improvement center.
- It's not necessary to use thread seal tape on polyethylene risers, as the soft plastic will typically bend and expand enough to form a secure seal on its own.
- Screw on the new sprinkler head. Position the female end of the sprinkler head over the male end of the riser and twist it to the right (clockwise) to install it. Continue tightening the head by hand until it's nice and secure.[11]
- Jiggle your new sprinkler head a few times to make sure it isn't loose. Any extra movement could be a sign of a poor connection.
- Adjust the sprinkler nozzle to direct the spray pattern where you want it. Rotate the sprinkler head until it's pointing toward your lawn, shrubs, of flower beds. The last thing you want is for your newly-installed sprinkler to water your car instead of your plants!
- There should be no need to adjust a radial sprinkler head. These send out water in a full 360-degree radius, ensuring even distribution over the area they're situated in.
EditChecking for Issues and Filling the Hole - Turn on the sprinklers briefly to test them and remove dirt from the line. Let the sprinklers run for 30 seconds to a minute to make sure all small particles of dirt and debris have been flushed out. Then, shut them off as you prepare to fill in the hole you dug. After a quick test, they'll be ready to run on their regular cycle.[12]
- While your sprinklers are running, keep an eye out for leaks around the riser. If you see water escaping, tighten the sprinkler head or add an extra layer of thread seal tape until the leak stops.
- It's a good idea to test your new sprinkler head before backfilling the hole in case something goes wrong and you need to reinstall it.
- Flush the open water line to clear out major clogs. If your water line is stopped up with dirt, you may need to flush it out more thoroughly. Remove the new sprinkler head and turn on the water to the sprinkler for 30-60 seconds to let the debris-filled water drain out of the open line. Don't forget to turn the water off when you're done.[13]
- You can also fit a flexible hose or section of PVC pipe over the water line while flushing it out to redirect the water to another part of your yard.
- In some cases, a clogged water line may be the actual cause of a malfunctioning sprinkler rather than a broken head.[14]
- Fill in the hole around the sprinkler. Shovel the dirt back into the opening around the water line, making sure it's distributed evenly around the base. Once you've returned all the loose soil to the hole, tamp it down flat around the new sprinkler head using your palm or the back of your shovel or trowel.[15]
- Since the new sprinkler is the same size as the old one, you shouldn't have any extra dirt left over.
- Replace the loose section of turf you cut earlier. If you managed to remove the grass in one piece, lower it into place around the new sprinkler head. Apply pressure to the turf by stepping on it or pressing the back of your shovel against it to compact it down.[16]
- Water the transplanted section of turf right away to help it reestablish its root system.[17]
- Tread lightly around your sprinkler for the next 1-2 weeks to avoid harming the grass while it grows back.
- You can often buy replacement pop-up sprinkler heads for as little as $10-20.
- Put on an old change of clothes before you start tinkering with your sprinkler. Since you'll be working directly on your yard's water line, things may get a little muddy.
- Damaged grass should grow back within a few weeks. Afterwards, it will be like it never happened!
- If you continue to have trouble with your sprinkler system, it could be that there's an issue with the water line itself. Contact a qualified outdoor plumber to diagnose the source of the problem and make any necessary repairs.
EditThings You'll Need - Replacement pop-up sprinkler head
- Hand trowel or shovel
- Thread seal tape
- Serrated knife (optional)
- Cloth or plastic bag (optional)
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| How to Make Rangoli Posted: 07 Nov 2018 08:00 AM PST Rangoli is a traditional Indian sand-painted design often seen during Diwali, the Indian festival of lights. Historically created on floors inside and outside of homes, Rangoli can be made in a wide variety of designs, sizes, and materials. Whether you're looking for a fun activity to do with the kids or making decorations to celebrate Diwali, Rangoli can be enjoyed by beginners and experienced artists alike. EditDesigning Your Rangoli - Choose the design you want to use. Rangoli can be made in any number of designs, but whether you choose a simple or complex design, most are symmetrical. You can use a plant or animal for inspiration, or you can create your own geometric design.
- Depending on your skill level as an artist, you can choose small, basic geometric or floral designs, or venture into designing larger, more complex animals, gods, or goddesses (like the Hindu goddess Lakshmi, who is traditionally honored during Diwali).[1]
- Flowers such as the lotus are very popular for Rangoli. Some other traditional designs are fish, snakes, tridents, and the peacock - India's national bird.
- You can also buy ready-made stencils to make the application even easier, or you can make your own. Stencils are easy to use and offer a variety of designs.
- Decide where to draw your Rangoli. You can draw it on a flat, dry floor inside or outside of your home, or you can draw it on paper to display anywhere.
- The earliest Rangoli were created in small 2x2 patterns, but can now be any size, even covering entire floors. The size of your design can help determine where you should draw your Rangoli.[2]
- If you're just starting out, it is best to create your Rangoli on black paper, since there is more room for error on an erasable surface. The bright colors of your design will stand out beautifully against the black background. If you go this route, glue the paper to a piece of cardboard to give it some backing and structure.
- If you decide to make your Rangoli on the floor, be sure to do it in a place that won't disturb normal walking routes.
- Sketch the design outline on paper. Use a pencil and eraser to practice drawing the outline of your Rangoli on black or white paper. Keep practicing until you are happy with your design.
- If you are creating the Rangoli on black paper, feel free to practice the design on the black paper you're using for the finished piece. Just make sure to sketch lightly so you can easily erase any lines if needed.
- Draw your design outline in chalk on the floor. If you are not making your Rangoli on black paper, you will need to draw a basic outline on the floor, or wherever you are creating your Rangoli. Draw the outline in thin, light chalk lines.
- Draw the chalk outline lightly just in case you need to erase any mistakes.
EditFinalizing Your Outline - Thicken the outline of your design with white chalk. This is good for beginners, as the white chalk helps cleanly and clearly define the borders of the design. Experienced Rangoli artists can skip this step.
- If you've already drawn a thin outline on the ground, darken it with one more layer of chalk.
- Using white for the outline is traditional in India. White is a sign of peace and purity, and it will also make the finished Rangoli look brighter and more polished.
- Create an adhesive surface if you are using black paper. If you're creating a Rangoli on black paper, you'll need a surface that the textured materials can stick to. Add a small amount of any cooking oil to your entire design to help the materials stick.[3]
- Don't douse the paper in cooking oil. Just apply a little oil to the tip of a finger and follow the chalk outlines of your design. Then, use the same method to apply a little more oil to the inside of your chalk outline.
- Give dimension to your outline with a white, textured material. It is customary to use natural substances like semolina, rice, or sand.
- To easily and cleanly pour the textured material onto your chalk outline, roll a piece of newspaper into a cone, snip a hole in the narrow end, and fill the hole with the material. Using your finger as a stopper with which to control the flow, follow the borders you've drawn to outline your design.
- Experts can add dimension by hand, rubbing the material between the thumb and forefingers and following the lines of the design.[4]
- Choose the materials you will use to fill in your design. Rangoli can be filled in with any number of colorful household materials like spices and grains, or with store-bought materials like pre-colored Rangoli powder.
- It is traditional to use colorful, natural items like turmeric, chilis, grains, and even pasta.
- You can also use natural materials found outside, like flower petals and dried leaves.[5]
- Another option is to use ground up chalk, or even colorful powders specifically designed for making Rangoli (often mixed with white powder for a better consistency).
EditFilling In Your Rangoli - Fill the inside of your Rangoli with your chosen materials. Use the paper cone or your fingers to completely fill your Rangoli with the chosen materials. This is the most interesting step, and usually the most fun.
- To fill in your Rangoli, you may utilize the same paper cone you used to add texture to your outline, or you can use the thumb and forefinger to manually add the materials.
- In Indian culture, it is important to completely fill in your Rangoli, leaving no open spaces.
- Mix different textures and colors in your design. Using a variety of colors and dimensions will enhance the artistic nature of the final design. The variety is what gives the Rangoli its wow factor.
- This is where you can get really creative with your Rangoli design. Mix and match different materials until your Rangoli is full and you are pleased with the colors in your design.
- Add the final touches. Place some candles and clay pot-lanterns around your finished Rangoli to light up your design.
- If you've created your Rangoli on black paper, move it outside or to the desired display area. Then you can surround it with any candles or final touches.
- Use chalk to write in a few wishes if you want to make your Rangoli extra special.
- Before sketching your design, you may wish to draw a grid to help ensure symmetry.
- If making Rangoli with children, cut down on the mess by omitting any textured materials. Have them draw and color in their Rangoli with chalk, crayons, or markers.
- Practice some chalk Rangoli on a sidewalk or other piece of outdoor pavement if you wish.
- Be patient. Making a beautiful Rangoli takes time and focus.
EditThings You'll Need - Black paper
- White paper
- Glue
- Cardboard
- Pencils with erasers
- White chalk
- Vegetable oil
- White textured material like semolina or white Rangoli powder
- Additional colorful materials like leaves, flower petals, colored powders
- Candles or clay pots (optional)
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| How to Host a Friendsgiving Posted: 07 Nov 2018 12:00 AM PST Of all the holidays, Thanksgiving has the best food. Friendsgiving is a Thanksgiving feast with your friends. And best of all, you and your friends can have whatever foods you want. Find the perfect space to host your friendsgiving and invite your friends. Ask each of them to choose a dish they want to bring. Make sure no two people bring the same dish. On the day of the event, set the table and provide appetizers for your friends. Introduce your friends to each other and enjoy the camaraderie that follows a successful friendsgiving. EditPlanning the Friendsgiving - Decide when to hold the friendsgiving. Most friendsgivings are within a week of Thanksgiving, either the weekend before or the weekend after. Each scheduling decision has its own pros and cons. Weigh the decision carefully, and get your friends' input during the planning stage to find out if most of your friends have a scheduling preference for the friendsgiving.[1]
- If you schedule your friendsgiving before Thanksgiving, you could use the event to test new recipes and get feedback on some dishes that you want to bring to your family gathering on Thanksgiving. Plus, your friends will probably still be around.
- If you hold your friendsgiving the weekend following Thanksgiving, on the other hand, your friends might still be out of town with their own families. Plus, they could be burned out on eating turkey (if you choose to incorporate it).
- On the plus side of hosting a friendsgiving after Thanksgiving, though, you can get turkey and lots of other Thanksgiving foods on sale.
- If you plan to host a friendsgiving instead of (or in addition to) attending your family's own Thanksgiving, you and your friends could schedule the friendsgiving on Thanksgiving day.
- Choose a location. You'll probably have the friendsgiving at your house, but you need to locate the best place to host the event and find ways to maximize your space. For instance, if you have an outdoor patio with a table that seats eight, but your dining room table only seats four, you'll probably want to have the friendsgiving outside on the patio.[2]
- Think about what the weather is usually like in your area in late November. If you're at a high likelihood of rain or nasty weather, you'll have no choice but to host your friendsgiving inside.
- If you want to host the friendsgiving indoors but don't have enough space, you might be able to rent furniture from furniture rental companies for the event. Even a few card tables and folding chairs can provide you with the extra seating you need.[3]
- Alternately, you could hose the friendsgiving at your significant other's house (with their permission), or at the home of a close friend who has more space.
- Invite your friends. Without your friends, you can't have a friendsgiving. There are several ways to ask your friends to attend your friendsgiving. For instance, you could:[4]
- Send your friends an email or text message. Write, "Hi, I'm having a friendsgiving on [insert date]. Would you like to come? If so, can you bring a dish to share with everyone else? Write me back soon with your decision and any questions. : )"
- Talk to your friend directly or call your friend on the phone. Ask your friend, "Would you like to come to my friendsgiving celebration? I'm inviting several friends and everyone will bring a dish to share. Are you free on [insert date]?"
- Don't invite too many people. Think about how much space you have at your home. If your dining table only seats six, invite six people. If you can make room for extra seats or a foldout table, go for it, but stay conscious of how many friends can eat comfortably at your home.
- Talk about what each friend will bring. At friendsgiving, each friend should bring a dish to share. But you want to ensure that your friends don't all bring the same dish (ten pumpkin pies, for instance, might be a bit much). Coordinate with your friends to identify a dish that they can provide.[5][6]
 - If your friends are really passionate about cooking a particular dish or type of food, encourage them to bring their specialty.
- For instance, if your friend has a top-notch mac & cheese recipe, encourage them to make and bring that.
- Suggest to your friends that they can also buy ready-made foods, and do not have to cook anything from scratch.[7]
- Let your friends know how many people are coming so they can provide enough to feed the whole group.
- If your friend is bringing their significant other, ask them to bring two dishes.
- Think about friends with special diets. For instance, if some of your friends are vegan, ask them and a few other friends to make (or buy) vegan dishes. Friends with special diets should be able to have a proper meal, not just a single item.
- Ask your friends to have their dishes ready to eat when they arrive at the party. Otherwise, you could end up with a roomful of friends all vying to use the oven.
- The only exception to the free choice of dish each friend can bring is the turkey. If you decide to include turkey in your friendsgiving, you – the host – should cook it and the gravy, because nobody wants to transport a big, cooked bird and a pot of gravy to another house.[8]
- Don't feel trapped by Thanksgiving traditions. Thanksgiving is associated with several specific foods like turkey, pumpkin pie, cranberry sauce, and mashed potatoes. But friendsgiving isn't Thanksgiving. You can break the rules, or make new ones. For instance, instead of turkey, you could have sushi. Instead of pumpkin pie, get a cake. You could even choose a themed cuisine (like Chinese or Mexican) and have all the friendsgiving food conform to the theme.[9][10]
- Finalize the plans. When you've figured out when the friendsgiving will be, who's coming, and what everyone is brining, send your friends a mass email with all the information. You could also use an app like Google Calendar to coordinate and finalize all these details. This will give your guests the opportunity to clarify and confirm what or who they're bringing.[11][12]
EditOrganizing on Friendsgiving Day - Tally your plates and flatware. Before inviting a bunch of guests to your house for friendsgiving, ensure they'll all be able to get a plate. Count your knives, spoons, plates, bowls, and forks. You should have at least one for every person who is attending, plus one of each for you.[13][14]
- If you don't have enough flatware and plates, purchase some sturdy disposable plates and plasticware for the event.
- You could also ask a friend to bring a few extra plates and flatware sets for the friendsgiving.
- Have snacks and appetizers available. Hors d'oeuvres and appetizers provide an opportunity for friends who don't know each other well to mingle and chat. They also provide a little something to stave off hunger if some of your guests are running late and you don't want to start the friendsgiving dinner without them, or if some of your dishes aren't quite ready on time.[15]
- Pre-made snacks and appetizer platters are readily available at most grocery stores. You might consider getting a meat, cheese, and crackers platter, or a fruit salad.
- Veggie trays with carrots, celery, and pepper sticks and ranch (or another veggie dip) is the perfect appetizer for healthy friends.
- Have a variety of appetizers ready to appease the various tastes of your friends.
- Since snacks should be ready to eat as soon as guests arrive, it's best to provide the snacks and appetizers yourself unless you have a very trustworthy and reliable friend who you are sure can arrive before anyone else. If you arrange for your trustworthy friend to bring the appetizers and hors d'oeuvres, let them know that you're counting on them.
- Set the table. There are many ways to set the table. You could cover the table with an elegant and decorate tablecloth, or you could just leave the bare wood of the table showing. You could place candles or flowers in the center of the table to set the mood, but if you're cramped for space, you could just reserve your table space for the dishes you and your friends will enjoy.[16][17]
- You could set placemats in front of each seat.
- You could also wrap silverware in a napkin and place it in front of each seat for a more formal dining experience.
- Experiment with different styles before the friendsgiving and find one that works for you. Use your knowledge about your friends and their preferences to find something that will make the event enjoyable and memorable for them, too.
- If your cuisine has a theme, your table-setting should conform to that theme, too. For instance, if your friendsgiving theme is Japanese food, you might place a small bust of a geisha or a folding fan in the middle of the table.
EditHaving a Great Friendsgiving - Let your guests seat themselves. Friendsgiving should be a low-key affair. There's no need to seat your friends in a formal seating arrangement or use a seating chart to decide who sits where. When your friends come in, say, "Make yourself comfortable and sit wherever you'd like. We'll eat soon."[18]
- If some of your friends don't know your other friends, introduce them and share something about each with the other that would be of interest to them.
- For instance, if your friends Joe and Susan don't know one another, say to Joe, "This is Susan. She is an astronaut." Then turn to Susan and say, "This is Joe. He writes about astronauts."
- Provide alcohol. As the host, you'll be responsible for ensuring your guests all have enough to drink. You probably already know your friends' drinking habits, but if you don't you could just ask them at some point before the friendsgiving what they like to drink. If your friends don't drink much (or at all), then you don't need to have much. But if your friends like drinking during dinner parties and get-togethers, provide an appropriate amount and variety of booze.[19]
- If you find the cost excessive, you could also ask each of your guests to bring a bottle of wine or a six-pack of beer along with their dish.[20]
- In addition to alcohol, of course, your friendsgiving should have soda, water, and juice available for people who don't want to drink.
- Don't forget to stock up on ice for both alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks.
- Dig in. All the dishes should be placed on the table and passed around, or arranged on the kitchen counter for buffet-style self-service. If your food is arranged on the counter, fold a notecard in half along its vertical axis, then turn it sideways to create a small sign. Write the name of the dish and the name of the person who made it on each card.[21]
- Schedule some activities. After dinner, invite your friends to join in card games like 21, poker, or hearts. You and your guests might also enjoy a rousing round of Trivial Pursuit or charades. Think about what sorts of activities you and your friends enjoy and provide the opportunities to do them at your house.[22]
- To keep the friendsgiving in the spirit of Thanksgiving, you could provide everyone with a small piece of note paper and a pen and invite them to anonymously write something they're thankful on the notepad and drop it in a jar. During or after the meal, pull out the pieces of paper and read what each person is thankful for.[23]
- You could also take an informal vote among your friends for the best dish of the night. Don't vote for yourself![24]
- Send leftovers home with your guests. If you have anything left over at the end of the night, invite each of your guests to take some leftovers with them in resealable containers or plastic bags. This will ensure they have a little something for the road.[25]
- You might also be able to obtain some disposable takeout containers from certain restaurants. Just approach the restaurant managers and ask if you could have a set of eight or 10 takeout containers and lids for your friendsgiving.
- Have a good time. If you're having fun, your guests will, too. Even if some small inconvenience occurs – a friend spills their wine on the table, or drops gravy on the carpet – just stay cool and don't let it get to you. Instead, focus on the big picture – you and your friends are enjoying a great meal, great conversation, and having great fun together.[26][27][28]
EditSources and Citations
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