The Budget Socialite | Living Richly on the CheapThe Budget Socialite

Socialite Savvy 101

Hello Socialites!

Spring has sprung, and summer is simmering on the burner! Nice weather means tons of invitations to sift. Pour a glass of champagne and let’s talk entertaining!

There’s nothing I love more than hosting a good event. Ever been to an affair and notice something small and special: creative appetizers you’ve never thought of; perhaps an exotic signature cocktail that just HAS to be costly to make; floral accents that are too good to be homemade? Be it a cocktail party, a sit-down dinner, or my annual holiday soiree, the magic is all in the details!

Know what detail is absolutely free and yet often overlooked? Manners.

It starts with making others comfortable, which is ALWAYS elegant and budget friendly! You don’t need to spend a million to make others FEEL like a million.

Here’s a few quick tips to get you off on the right foot!

Gracious Guesting:

RSVP. Literally, it stands for the French request, “Répondez s’il vous plait” – “Please respond.” You’ll see it at the end most invitations for a reason: your host needs to plan appropriately! There’s a big cost difference between dinner for 4 and dinner for 10. There’s also logistics that your host needs to consider: are there enough plates/glasses/ice/wine/bail money…wait…strike that last one. You get the picture. Whether you can make it or not, please respond!
Arrive on time to 15 minutes after the start time. It is SO stressful when a guest arrives 30 minutes early. You might catch your host fresh out of the shower, coated in cake frosting, or just arriving home after a last minute ice run. The polite host will stumble through excuses and apologies and pause their prep to tend to you, but you’re not supposed to see the magic before it happens – arrive when the show starts and we’ll all have a better time. Of course, if you’re close to your host, offer to come early and help if you’d like. Key word: offer. Don’t just show.
Never arrive empty-handed. A host/hostess gift doesn’t have to be huge or expensive – you’re simply making a gesture that says “thank you for having me.” A bottle of wine, a set of coasters, a candle, creative spices for the kitchen – there’s many ideas out there, under $10, that are ideal to grab and go!

Heavenly Hosting:

Don’t flip over those who can’t make it. When RSVPs are “with regrets” instead of “with pleasure”, never guilt or hold it against your invitee. For every event you throw, there will be some on the list who simply cannot make it. Be gracious, not petty! “It’s a shame we won’t see you – you’ll be missed!” That’s all the reply you need. Last minute no-shows and cancellations are another story though. You may hold it against them…in the form of limited invitations in the future. You’d be surprised how this fixes those issues
As host, you set the tone of the night – plan your pre-event time well. If you answer the door in a tizzy, with half-done hair and a face that says “CRAP! You’re here!” it’s hardly a welcoming start to the evening. Plan your time out well so you’re relaxed and in party/dinner/cocktail mode when you open the door for the first guest. You should open the door, drink in hand, smile in place! You ARE the party, Socialite!

Make introductions. Obviously, you know everyone at your own event. But do they know each other? As each guest arrives, welcome them to the room with a quick introduction. No need to be formal or complicated – a quick “this is my friend Jane Doe!” usually leads others in the group to embrace the newcomer with conversation… or the pressing business of getting them a cocktail!

I’m thrilled to be guesting, courtesy your fab web mistress, Trinidad!

::champagne glass >CLINK<::

We’ll chat monthly about how you can pull off feats of entertaining fab on a budget! Being a good host doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank. But you know that already, right? Afterall, you’re a Budget Socialite.

See you next month!
(Image Source: EvaSaidIt.com)

Socialite Savvy: now it’s your turn! Have any hosting (or guesting) tips to share? Have any entertaining horror stories? Let us know in the comments.

Contributor | Eva Said It
Eva is a mother, writer, entertaining doyenne, and snark expert based in New York City. Money can’t buy happiness, but it buys her lots of wine and stinky cheese…which is close enough. Catch more of her stiletto clad sarcasm at www.evasaidit.com.

05-15-13 {Beauty}

Blue Eyeshadow

Whenever Spring rolls around, I like to put my the coats and sweaters away to make way for all the happy dresses and skirts I own. The same thing holds true for my makeup. And the warmer weather is all about being bright and cheerful, and what better way to show that than with using blue eyeshadow.

LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT

I will admit, my love affair with blue eyeshadow when I got the free makeup kit with my Lancome purchase. Her name was “Luring” and she was every bit as alluring as the name implied. It was a mix of blue and gold and brown and when applied, she created this amazing brightness around my eyes. I used this as eyeliner with a small brush and water, I’d apply to the crease of my eyes to create a modern smoky eye.

NOT YOUR REGULAR OLD BLUE

Blue eyeshadow might be associated with the 80s, (which has made another comeback) but done right, can bring new dimension to your look. All you have to do is find the right shade(s) for you and use as if it was your usual brown shadow.

Would you do blue? Let us know in the comments!

Co-founder | Scarlett Rocourt
Scarlett creator of Wonder Curl is a Marketing Maven, DIY Diva & Glamour Girl! Her affinity for style, organization & discount designer shopping makes her a true Budget Socialite. Her flare for creativity allowed her to translate that into a career in marketing.

05-14-13 {Living}

Vintage Clothing: Take your finds to the next level!

So, I’m not sure if you realized it, but although I have a love for modern pieces, I LOVE Vintage finds! I mean come on, in times past, things were made to last and my take is “why not modernize it?”. Trends constantly repeat themselves, so “Going Vintage” is not a new concept. However, sometimes it can be hard melding the past with the present. Here are a couple of tips I like to go by when it comes to modernizing my favorite vintage fashion finds.

Use your imagination. When shopping for Vintage clothing, a little imagination goes along way. A dress may look like your great Nan’s house coat. However, adding a cute cardi and a skinny belt can instantly transform that same dress into a fashion hit straight out of an episode of Mad Men.
Have an “Alter” Ego. Depending on the era of your vintage clothing, some pieces may need what I like to call, “Jujing”. You know, a little work to bring it to its full potential. If that’s the case, don’t be afraid to make alterations. Pay your local tailor a visit and remember dresses and skirts can be shortened and sleeves can easily be removed.
Avoid the gimmicks. I love a great Mod dress, but buying a pair of white patent leather knee length “Go-Go” boots and adding Huge Twiggy sunglasses can be a bit much. Remember if you rock an era, it’s all about pairing and modernizing. Instead, try opting for a pair of pumps and a simple skinny gold bangle. We want Austin Scarlett, not Austin Powers.

So you see Socialites, Vintage Clothing can be fun and rewarding. And if you ever feel a bit skeptical, remember these three rules.

Happy findings; then tell us all about it!