Tips for Hosting New Year’s Eve parties

Ence Homes suggests these eight tips for hosting your 2012 New Year’s Eve party at your homes in St. George.

K-I-S-S – Though you may be planning to share a kiss with your loved one when the clock strikes midnight, it’s also important to keep it super simple when planning your New Year’s Eve party. There’s no need overdo the party or your decorations. A simple party is always fun and you can use some of your Christmas ornaments to fill vases and other holiday trinkets for your New Year décor.

RSVP – Send out RSVP cards to get a count of how many guests are coming to your party.

Party Favors – Horns, noisemakers, hats and confetti are fan favorites sure to bring out the kid in every one.

Food Menu – Hors d’oeuvres and appetizers are simple foods to serve. Chips and salsa, meatballs, mini crab cakes, mini pizza’s, sandwich wraps, deviled eggs, cold cuts and vegetable platters and mozzarella sticks are easy to make. Keep in mind those guests who have allergies, are vegetarian or vegan.

Toast – Serve champagne for the midnight toast but have an alternative like sparkling cider available for guests who don’t drink. Sodas, water and juice are great to have too. If you’re serving alcohol make sure there are designated drivers for your guests to get home safely and have the number to local taxicab companies. You may even want to designate a room or two in your homes in St. George for guests who may need to spend the night.

Game Night – Board games, card games and a friendly game of poker are fun ways to keep the party going all night.

Music – Rock out to the top jams of 2011 or to your favorite tunes all night. Invite your guests to share their favorite songs to add to your New Year’s Eve party playlist.

Have Fun – New Year’s Eve is a time to have fun. Relax and enjoy bringing in the New Year with your friends, family and homes in St. George neighbors.

We hope you had a great 2011 and from our family to yours we wish you a prosperous 2012. Happy New Year!

 

Great Christmas gifts under $25

Ence Homes suggests these five great Christmas gifts all under $25 as you look to complete your Christmas shopping for this year.If there’s an avid golfer or tennis player in your family then you cannot go wrong with buying golf balls or tennis balls for them this Christmas. This gift is sure to help you’re loved one improve their game and there are plenty of good brands available under $25. The golf balls will definitely come in handy for those residents that are able to practice their game on the putting green or golf course in there St. George new homes communities.

For the movie lovers on your Christmas list consider DVD’s. There are plenty of DVD’s/Blu-Ray movies, TV box sets or trilogies your movie fans can add to their collection. A popular DVD this year is the Justin Bieber: Never Say Never DVD. This is a great gift for your kids who may have Bieber Fever and costs about $19.99 at your local retailer.

Multi-tools are fan favorites amongst the gadget lovers. They’re compact, can be stored in many places and great to have for fixing up things around your St. George new homes.

Wine and champagne aficionados will enjoy the champagne opener. It’s easy, practical to use and costs about $20. This will come in handy all year long for opening up bottles for any occasion including dinner parties or romantic evenings. An alternative is bottle openers on your iPhone case that you can bring anywhere.

Digital picture frames and digital key chains are great Christmas gifts that are priced for under $25. These are great ways to keep precious memories with you around your home, at work and while you’re on the go.

Whether you’re on a budget or just looking for great gifts at a reasonable price these are great gifts for you to get those on your Christmas list. Happy shopping and Merry Christmas!

 

Christmas Events in St. George

Ence Homes encourages you to get into the Christmas spirit by bringing your family out to Tuacahn’s Christmas in the Canyon and The Forgotten Carols near your new home in St. George, UT.Christmas in the Canyon kicked off the day after Thanksgiving and is open every evening, Thursday through Saturday, until Friday, December 23rd. There will be hot chocolate, Christmas lights and Christmas music for your enjoyment and entertainment. The Tuacahn Gift Gallery will also be open for your Christmas shopping needs. Santa Claus is available for your kids nightly from 6:30 PM until 9:00 PM. Entrance into this event is absolutely free. A Live Nativity scene, with real live camels and period costumes, will also be shown each night in the Amphitheatre at 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM. The cost is $2.00 per ticket or $10.00 per family. The Live Nativity is a great way for you and your family to come and see what Christmas is truly about.

Another event near your new home in St. George, UT is The Forgotten Carols. This year marks the 20th anniversary of Michael McLean’s play. The show runs from Wednesday, December 14th until Friday, December 16th at Dixie State College in the Cox Auditorium beginning at 7:30 PM each night. Tickets are now on sale ranging in price from $14.50 to $30.50. Group discounts are available by calling the box office at (435) 652-7800. For more details visit their site.

From the Ence family to yours, enjoy this season’s festivities close to your new home in St. George, UT and have a wonderful and merry Christmas.

Tips for Hosting Thanksgiving in your New Home

You’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner at your home. As your prepare for Turkey Day there are things to keep in mind. Here are tips for hosting Thanksgiving dinner at your new home in St. George, UT.

Prepare ahead of time as much as possible. Pre-select your Thanksgiving dinner menu, know how many guests you’re having, how much you’re planning to serve, where everyone will eat and where your serving station will be. Look through your supplies to see if you need any additional serving trays, pots and pans, utensils and dishes.

Cook as much as you can ahead of time to alleviate the stress and pressure of Thanksgiving Day. For a juicy and delicious turkey, leave enough time for it to thaw and not to overcook it.

Set the mood by placing Thanksgiving ornaments and scented candles throughout your house, adding centerpieces to your table and hanging a Thanksgiving wreath on your new home in St. George, UT door.

Even though you’re the host, enlist the help of your guests. They can assist by cooking, decorating, setting the table and cleaning up. If a guest asks if they should bring something, say yes! A potluck is a great idea, especially if it’s your first year as host. Your guests can bring a desert, wine or a dish or two to accompany your main course. This will allow you to spend more time with your friends and family and less time in the kitchen.

Party favors for your guests to take home are a way to thank them for sharing the holiday with you. Keep them practical and Thanksgiving themed. Popular party favors include miniature pumpkins, mini bottles of maple syrup, scented candles, decorative baked goods and spiced candied nuts.

Remember, Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful and share this holiday with your friends and family. Following these tips for hosting Thanksgiving at your new home in St. George, UT should help make this years Turkey Day run smooth. Ence Homes wishes your and your guests a wonderful Thanksgiving. Gobble, gobble!