If two people decide to turn their relationships into a lifetime commitment they will definitely have to share their good news with their family and friends. It is a time to introduce the future in-laws to one another. To announce and celebrate this great event they should start to plan an engagement party.  According to the tradition this party should be hosted by the parents of the bride and should be held at their home. However nowadays the social etiquette has changed and the rules of this party are not so strict. Anyone can host the engagement party and sometimes it can be planned by the future groom to make the proposal to his intended bride.
This party can be held in any place which you consider as special: a home, a restaurant, or any other place. For example, you can choose the scene of your first date, or your favorite corner restaurant. If you enjoy the outdoor activities you can plan a picnic at your favorite hiking spot. The engagement party can be simple or elaborate. You can take cake and coffee at the home of one set of the parents; if you are celebrating at your best friend’s home you can choose champagne and hors d'oeuvres; or it can be a casual buffet at her sister's house; a sit down dinner, barbecue, or brunch which can be hosted by the groom's parents. The rules for this party are very simple and there are only a few of them:
1. Your guests should invite friends and family who will be invited to the wedding. 2. However your engagement party shouldn’t be full of people from the wedding guests list. It should be a more intimate affair. 3. Gifts are an option and they are not obligatory. You mustn’t put the registry information on the invitation. If the purpose of this party is to introduce the two families to one another you should have an ice breaker or two planned to help warm things up. Also you can choose someone who knows most of the guests very well to welcome people to the party and make the introductions. Engagement Party Menu
1. Champagne Cocktail Punch. It can be served in the festive punch bowl. 2. Marinated Green Olives with Oregano. If your guests like olives, they can be served as addictive little nibbles. 3. Sage Sausage Bites with Balsamic Apricot Dip. It is a simple and fast dish that will look like you took much longer to prepare. 4. Blue Stuffed Mushrooms. They should be prepared beforehand and simply popped into the oven to bake when your guests arrive. You can make a delicious combination of blue and cream cheeses, basil and pecans. 5. Goat Cheese and Spinach Dip. It is an updated twist on the ever popular spinach dip. 6. Mini Shrimp and Cheese Bites. They can be made in advance with just a little assembly and baking at the end. 7. Kourabiedes. These are wonderful, very tasty and delicate cookies. 8. Lemon Cheese Strip Tart. You can find the recipe of this simple and elegant dish from Gale Gand. 9. The beverages for this party: soft drinks, sparkling water, juices and coffee.
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