The Hostess and the Guest

We are on the final leg of our classic party planning topic. I am partly sad and partly excited about this because I have decided to hold up on doing any more on my "Being Classic in a Modern World" series for a while. Do not worry, we will get back to it a few more times in the months to come. I just feel like we need a little break and I have plans to some FUN!

Now, to the topic at hand!

The Hostess

Whether you are hosting alone or co-hosting, there a few things that help you to be classic at it. First, have most of your preparations (such as food) ready to go. You miss out on your own party and lose the chance to be a great host if you are spending your whole party in the kitchen. Second, greet each guest as they arrive or soon after. If you have a large number of guests, this is critically important. No one really wants to feel forgotten about. Attempt to make small talk with every guest at some point. Third, don't spend the whole time stressing. Allow yourself to enjoy the party and let the little things go. Lastly, dress comfortably and classic!

The Guest

Being a guest has changed a lot over the years. I truly feel like a few classic rules still apply.First, always RSVP. Please please please... if you do nothing else, do that. It helps the host or hostess prepare for food, entertainment, etc. Second, be no later than 15 minutes late. If you are going to be, be considerate and let the host know (in advance if possible). Last, dress to the formality. If you are unsure, ask.

Now, for some less required but still wonderful guest thoughts:
If the party is even remotely formal, bring a gift for the hostess. This has died and it breaks my heart. I feel like as a hostess, I put a huge amount of work into making the party special for my guests. This small token allows the guest to show they appreciate the effort. This is not really required for small get togethers, especially between very close friends. However, there is no rule that you can not!

Anyway, this is the short and sweet look at being a classic hostess or guest. I would love to hear your tips on being a classic host or a great guest. Feel free to share in the comments below!

Be on the look out for some awesome new adventures over the next few days.

Location, Decoration, Entertainment and Food

You know how many people you are inviting, you've picked lovely invitations and you know what your celebrating. Now it is time to get into some specifics! Places, food, entertainment, and decorations are the fun part of entertaining if you ask me! Once you have narrowed down how many people will be attending it is easier to start planning these things. 

The first on the list is location. Without a good location the best and most important parties can fail. However, I have found that with a little help and a lot of creativity, you can make any space into a good one. The only rule that can not be broken in my opinion is having enough room with seats for everyone in attendance. People will feel uncomfortable and will lose enjoyment if they can not even find a place to take a seat.

I currently live in a rather small apartment but I love to entertain. So when I have a party pushing over ten people I get creative with my space. I will move furniture around, rent or borrow chairs and utilize the outdoor space that I have. This allows me to entertain a little larger group even in my small setting.

If you have the money to rent a location, go for it. It helps with the clean up but can make set up a bit more challenging. It also gives you a restriction on length and time for your party if you do no rent for the entire day. Hotels, churches, libraries, and banquet hall are all options to consider when planning. Always choose one that fits the purpose of your event. (I would not likely put a cocktail party in a church or a dance party in a library!)

Once you have chosen a location you can move to entertainment and decorations. Nearly every party requires at least a little background music. Some parties require much more like a DJ or band. Look at the size and budget for your party. Remember when choosing a band or DJ you are paying for so much more that a night of entertainment. You are paying for their set up, equipment, and take down. Decorations are the fun part. Once you have a reason to party it is usually fun to chose a theme as well It makes buying invitations and party supplies easier. A few of my favorite themes include:

• New York City
• Luau
• Masked Balls
• Colorful

There are hundred, maybe thousands of themes to choose from so don't feel limited. Do a little internet searching and if you have the time play around with a few ideas before settling on one. You can find ideas on my Pinterest boards: Unplanned Party Plans and Renew and relive I DO.

Last but certainly not least you have FOOD! I feel like I could have spent an entire post on this subject alone. I love to prepare the menu for my parties. I always look to find creative ways to serve and prepare my food. The only rule of thumb here is to keep it simple enough when you are cooking that you are not spending your whole party in the kitchen. Other options include pot lucks and catering, all depending on the formality of your party.

If you are looking for a few fun party food ideas you can check out my Pinterest Boards: My "Julia" Project, Cooking Crafty: Nummies, and Cooking Crafty: Starters.

How to be Classic in a Modern World

Interestingly enough, I see more classy people now that I am involved in the blogging world. Perhaps this is because I don't see all of the aspects of the people or perhaps its because bloggers inspire one another, either way it has been encouraging to me. I have always been accused of being an "old soul". With that came my desire and passion for being a woman is truly classic. I find pleasure in standing out by doing things that are not meant to stand out. In a world wear loud, crazy, and sometimes obnoxious are popular, I enjoy being motivated and classy. This is not to say that I don't love some fun, wild, and crazy things or that I've never done anything not so classic. I have, I just have such a a long history and love for classic that it far outweighs them.

If you look through past posts or the recent ones where I spoke on classic fashion, you can tell that I appreciate modesty. I can also see the purpose behind good quality (even when circumstances deter me from having such things). If you have been a reader for a long time you know that I love to be a hostess, I am honored in my role as a wife, and work diligently to be a wonderful parent to my boys. Some of these qualities  I would consider to be uncommon in this modern world. I also take more pleasure in helping, giving, and building up others than thinking of myself. As I see it, if your mindset is focused on others, its a whole lot easier to be a classic woman in this modern world.

I promised categories of all kinds for this series and I intend on making good on my promises. I am excited about the next category. Being my favorite, "being a hostess" is next on my list for discussion. There are so many aspects with this.

• Planning and types of parties
•  Invites and thank yous
• Cooking and Preparing
• Decorating 
• Being a great hostess
• Being a considerate guest

Among the things I wish to discuss will be how to dress for, set up, invite others to and plan different levels of formality, creative and classic ideas for decorating and cooking, and what is expected out a host or hostess.

You may be wondering how and why I even know much about all this. This is all I can say- I grew up with a very good hostess for a mother and I have read etiquette books from many different generations and pulled out the aspects that still apply today.

I wont say I am a perfect hostess or guest, but its a goal I strive for and I feel like it a skill every classic woman should have a basic understanding of.

Just so Classic- Denim

Denim by amandadear featuring mid length skirts

Last, but not least in my classic wardrobe selections- denim! Although this has not always been in a classic list, it is now something no one would go without. Certainly denim has a new more chic persona. I enjoy mixing denim with more formal and classic pieces to really create a timeless look.

Blazers with jeans, polos and pearls with a denim skirt- there is great flexibility with being modern and classic!

Just so Classic- Work Wear

Work Wear by amandadear featuring a black jacket

Not every classic woman is a working woman, but I think that the numbers are now high enough to include this in my classic fashion. I happen to be a working woman and these outfits really make me think professional, classic, and timeless. Nearly all these pieces could have been purchased yesterday or years ago and still be relevant. These colors are of course not the only options. Camel, navy, pintripes, and greys all fit well in a classic wardrobe. Some people would also include a classic sheath dress which I included in the little black dress section.

Just so Classic- Underthings

Underthings by amandadear featuring STELLA McCARTNEY

Nothing more necessary than classic underthings!Both smooth line bras and panties are requirement to look polished in any outfit. Keeping a nude color also helps keep it undetected.Of course, a little something lacy is also a classic. For special occasions and on days you really want to feel your best, these are the flare that cant be seen! (At least not be everyone!)

I also included a slimming full and skirt slip. Although the slimming aspect is not a requirement, it sure helps keep clothing smooth.

Just so Classic- Handbags

Handbags by amandadear featuring Michael Kors

Although the colors can range for purses and hangbags, classic colors include tans, browns, nude, black, and navy. However classic styles keep the basics are made well and can last a life time. I believe there is three main types of purses/handbags that every woman should own.

1. A clutch- A smaller handbag that can go from day to night.
2. A handbag- This one is for everyday use.
3. A tote- This is really just a larger purse that is useful especially for working women. It could also be used for a more fashion friendly diaper bag for mothers!

Although I mentioned the classic colors, I love to play with color. This is one of those areas that I can do that. I do own a few classic pieces that are timeless, however I also have some great funky ones as well!

Just so Classic: Shoes

Shoes by amandadear featuring a pointy toe stilettos

Probably one of my favorite of accessories; shoes can make or break an outfit. Above I covered a few shoes I consider to be modern basics. I find that having a black and brown or nude pair of almost every type of shoe seems to cover most wardrobe choices. They only places this varies is the classic red heal and sandals. Sandals are one of those things you can go a bit crazy with or stay as simple as you like. They are usually affordable and can be replaced yearly so its fine to wear whatever fits your personality. The same goes for sneakers/tennis shoes. I prefer a simple design but color doesn't need to be avoided!

Some ladies avoid heels altogether, and that is perfectly acceptable too. As long as you have option for work and formal wear!

Do you have any styles you feel are classic that I missed?

Just so Classic-Pearls

If little black dress are the most classic wardrobe choice, than today's pick is the most classic accessory!

Pearls

Lovely, simple, and timeless- they work with nearly everything. Great thing is that today we have more options than ever for earing pearls. Although I do no own any of these exact pieces, they are dreamy!

Pearls by amandadear featuring 18k earrings

What do you think is the most classic accessory?

Just so Classic: The Little Black Dress

The Little Black Dress by amandadear featuring a flare dress

 I decided to start my fashion part of being a classic woman series with the most classic garment of all- the little black dress! 

The next few posts are going to have these fun little pictures created on Polyvore. Although I was not at all brand specific, I did try to pick out a few of my favorite styles of  the little black dress. It can be instantly dressed up or down and is GREAT for personalizing. 

I find that nearly every woman looks classy in a black dress! The great thing about a little black dress is that is still very available in our modern world. The key is not to show too much skin. keeping the hem line no shorter than right above the knee and the neckline modest add to the timelessness of this wardrobe basic.

The Classic Woman

There is a lot that goes with being a classy woman. From style to manners and education and demeanor, a lady is purposefully one of a kind. Although there are many things that are similar between each classic woman, there are no two alike. Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe are very different, however both so classic.

Characteristics of a classic woman include

• modesty
• poise
• grace
• considerate
• knowledge of her own selfworth
• respectfulness 
• well-spoken
• educated
• humble
• good manners
• (often times) well dressed

Being a classy or classic woman doesn't mean you have one or just a few of those characteristics. It means embodying so many of them that people can almost instantly recognize that there is something different about you. A classic woman stands out in a crowd, not because she acts or dresses exuberantly so that people are forced to notice, but because she doesn't have to do those things.

She is the one that can remain calms when in a challenging situation, can laugh at her own mistakes, and makes the best of what life throws her way. It is just as much about attitude as it is about style. That being said, style is often the first thing people think about when it comes to a classic woman. That is where our journey will begin!