So you’re planning your wedding and starting a wonderful new phase of your life. As you plan the cake, dress design, invitation list and venue decorations, also plan your lives so that your happy day is the beginning of happily ever after.

Hosting a dinner party is loads of fun, but planning and carrying off a successful evening can be a little stressful. Those feelings of stress can rock your ‘hostess with the most-ess’ confidence, and sometimes lead to chaos in the kitchen …

Don’t stress – here is a selection of dishes that are suitable to serve to all types of guests, from small fry to the in-laws, or even your partner’s boss! Check out these kid-friendly, sophisticated and casual meal plans.

How do you remember you childhood Christmases?

Got a picnic to plan? You can make a picnic as fancy as you please, but if you want to keep things super simple, use our checklist below and enjoy the outdoors.

Looking for a venue to host a hen's party, birthday bash or just a fantastic girls’ day out? We think a day at the races is the answer. There's nothing like frocking up, sipping a glass of your favourite tipple and taking in the action - both on and off the field! Send out one of our racy invites created especially for you.

It’s often difficult to find mum a gift that is gorgeous, useful and inspirational (and costs under $50) but we think we’ve found one. My Grandmother’s Kitchen is full of recipes for love, life, happiness and food from grandmothers around the world. It really is the perfect gift this Mothers Day.

The Splash of Red Foundation is a tribute to all babies and children who have passed away unexpectedly and to the loving and bereaved families that they have left behind. It is dedicated to raising awareness and much-needed funds for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and Sudden Unexpected Death in Childhood (SUDC) charities and research programs in Australia.

If you are a fan of eating and drinking well, then this weekend, indulge your passion for culinary delights by asking a friend to join you at a food and wine event.

OK, so we admit that it’s a bit daggy, but have you thought about having an election party this Saturday? After all, Federal elections only come around every few years, so even if you’re only mildly interested in the outcome, why not invite some friends around to watch the coverage unfold on the telly? Of course, it’s not polite to ask your mates who they actually voted for, so make it clear the party is just for fun, not a forum for heated political debate!

There’s no excuse for being stuck with nothing to do this weekend! We’ve got ideas to beat boredom – in all states and territories. Here’s what’s on near you (most of these events are perfect for Mother’s Day):

Some Australia Day trivia is a great way to get your guests into mood of the day. Here are 8 quirky questions to get you started. Nip down to the local $2 shop and grab some cheesy Australia Day memorabilia as prizes!

Aussie Day is just around the corner and there’s no excuse not to get out and enjoy all that is… Australia. There are so many great ways to get into the spirit with local, state and federal governments all hosting activities this year. There will be live bands, fireworks, photographic and art exhibitions, entertainment for the kids and more. There are over 5,000 events planned for NSW alone!

Awards nights are a fun reason to invite a group over to watch the event on TV. The Oscars (or Academy Awards as they’re officially known) in March are the biggest awards night of the year, but you could also throw a party to watch the Emmys (especially if you’re a fan of US TV shows!) and of course, there’s our own local version, The Logies.

It’s Bastille Day next week (Wednesday July 14), so why not get in the spirit with a gathering to celebrate everything Gallic? Either host a party at home, or head out to a Bastille Day event … here are some ideas:

Are you having an end-of-winter crisis? Can’t remember what your body actually looks like under those tracksuit pants, bulky jumpers and ugh boots? Well, it’s time to shed the winter layers – literally and mentally – and shape up for spring with our inspirational tips.

Parties are heaps of fun, but there are some situations that can throw you out of your comfort zone. We’ve got some simple ways to deal with common party fears, so you can focus on socialising with confidence (instead of flipping out) …

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Birthdays are traditionally a time for reflection – soul-searching, thinking of the years gone by, and looking to the future.

Mad for rugby? The Bledisloe Cup matches each year see our mighty Wallabies go up against the All Blacks.

If you have a children's special occasion to attend and you're required to bring a plate, we have some great ideas to ensure your contribution is a hit on the day.

Here are the answers to common cocktail food questions – from what type of canapés to serve, how to serve them, and the number of bites required to satisfy each guest’s hunger …

The Chinese believe you should eat ‘lucky’ foods to bring on a prosperous new year, and clean your house to sweep out the bad luck from last year ... sounds to us like getting ready for a dinner party!

Get out and about these Christmas holidays and check out what your city has on offer.

Got Irish heritage in your family tree? Even if you don’t, St Patrick’s Day is still a good excuse for a themed party. Go green on March 17 and decorate your place with banners, balloons and badges featuring shamrocks and leprechauns. Oh, and stock the fridge with Guinness if it’s your kind of tipple! Or simply invite a few mates to hit an Irish pub together to dance a jig and have a drink. We’ve got lots of cheeky St Pat’s Day invites you can use.

It was International Women’s Day on Monday, but there are still lots of events being held this week and beyond, celebrating the achievements of women across the world.

Kung Hei Fat Choy! The Year of the Rabbit is upon us… from Jan 28 to Feb 14, it’s time to celebrate Chinese New Year! This yearly celebration is marked by fabulous night markets, colourful parades and a smorgasbord of delicious food. There are some spectacular events planned in most capital cities so use the links below to check out what’s on in your town:

Before we have a baby, most of us spend hours poring over name books trying to find just the right name - it needs to fit well with our surname, be meaningful, and suit our child as they grow from a child into an adult.

The chilly weather calls for cosy nights in, so if you’re a fan of comfort food and love to share a hearty meal with mates, plan a Christmas in July event at your place. We’ve got stacks of Chrissy invites to choose from …

Whether you’ve decided to whip up a Christmas  in July feast yourself or you’ll be sharing the task with friends, here are some delicious Christmas in July menu plans and catering ideas that are guaranteed to spread some Christmas Cheer!

Do you love Christmas and all things festive? Then don’t wait another six months for December to finally roll around. Instead, celebrate Christmas the way those who live in the Northern Hemisphere do – when it’s wintery and chilly outside, and warm and cosy inside!

Seeking some culinary inspiration for Christmas? Look no further! Here are 10 brilliant Christmas recipes that we’ve hunted down for you… all 10 of these recipes are tried and tested and will ensure your Christmas cooking gets off to a great start.

The cupcake craze has been in full swing for a few years now, and thankfully it’s showing no signs of letting up!

As the weather starts warming up, pool parties can be found in almost any neighbourhood. The relaxed atmosphere pool parties create make them the perfect party to celebrate a birthday, moving house, end of school or just as a catch up.

The doona is coming out and we’re experiencing crisper mornings and cooler afternoons once the sun disappears behind the clouds … yes, we’re in the last weeks of autumn before the big winter chill arrives with a vengeance.

Here’s an interesting cause to support: Live Below the Line, a campaign designed to help us understand the obstacles faced by those who live in extreme poverty. The challenge is to live for less than $2 a day for a week, like 1.4 billion people do around the world.

If you’re hosting a Christmas event at your place this year, there are a few simple steps you can take to avoid last-minute stress, and ensure this Christmas is a happy one.

Whether you have an office party to plan, a Christmas dinner to host, or a New Year’s celebration to organise, why not create your own invitation?

Make the most of the extra hours of light that daylight savings brings – don’t you just love leaving the office when the sun is still shining? Here are some top ways to make the most of daylight saving:

Spring brings the start of food festivals across the country, like Crave Sydney, a celebration of food, outdoor, art and fun, incorporating the Sydney International Food Festival. This spring, plan to head to one of the many events, or set yourself an at-home culinary challenge – a three-course, formal sit-down dinner in the spirit of fine food!

Setting the scene for a baby shower is an easy theme that you can either create in a subtle, stylish way, or go all out! Here are some ideas to have your place looking baby-licious before the guests arrive to celebrate the bub’s impending arrival.

Want more time to enjoy Christmas Day and less time slaving in the kitchen? Try this fantastic salad. Ingredients - 1 shoulder of lamb (approx 2.5 kg), 4 shallots halved but not peeled, 6 cloves garlic left whole, 1 carrot peeled and halved, sea salt, 500ml boiling water, small handful freshly chopped mint, 1 pomegranate.

If you’ve got a few hours spare, maybe it’s time you became a volunteer? It might sound like a daunting commitment, but most organisations will welcome you even if you can only help out infrequently.

Thinking of getting away for a ski weekend? Check out our favourite ski sites and leave more time to plan your après activities.

Having a kitchen tea? What a fun way to celebrate before you or your friend tie the knot! Whether you’re hosting your own party or it’s being put on by your beloved bridesmaids or favourite aunt, there’s one thing you can’t do without on this occasion – presents!

As a host of many social events, it’s always such an unexpected delight when a guest surprises you with a thank you gift. A small host gift is the perfect ‘thank you’ for the effort we all know goes into hosting a great party or event.

Have you got a mini-break on the horizon? Lucky you! Whether you’re heading off as a twosome for some romance, escaping the city with a gaggle of girlfriends, or taking the whole family tribe along for the ride, packing is the least exciting part of getting away from the daily grind …

Dads young and old deserve a day of fun with their kids on Father’s Day! So on Sunday 5 September, give him the day off from his usual weekend dad duties and invite him to do something special together. Here are some ways to celebrate Father’s Day and show him how much he means to you:

Spring has sprung, so why not get out and smell the daffodils? What better way to enjoy catching up with friends than over a picnic. Here are some tips to ensure your picnic is as enjoyable and easy as possible:

If there was an election between Earth and global warming, which would you vote for? In late March each year, as part of Earth Hour, people across the world are urged to VOTE EARTH by using their light switch as their vote. And you can VOTE EARTH too, by switching off your lights for one hour on the designated night.

Easter is a wonderful time to entertain at home and hosting an Easter egg hunt is an egg-sellent way to get into the spirit – for both the young and the young at heart. Why not host a hunt in your office or get friends together for Easter brunch?

Can’t wait for the first holiday break since Christmas? The good news is, Easter will be upon us in a month (Friday April 2 to Monday April 5), bringing four blissful days off from the office grind. Bring it on!

Get out and about and do something interesting this Easter long weekend!

Easter is a lovely chance to spend time with family and friends. There’s the fun of the Easter bunny for the kids, and a few days off for the adults. Enjoy the long weekend in the company of loved ones with a meal at your place – here are three easy recipe plans for inspiration.

Hosting Christmas Day at your place? Having your nearest and dearest around can bring much joy and unfortunately a few headaches. With busy schedules and other priorities it’s easy to end up in a flap just before the big day. Follow our simple guide below and you’ll remain as cool as Mrs C herself!

Did anyone say nachos? How about inviting some families over this weekend for an early dinner with the children – and give the gathering a Mexican theme! It’s fun and suitable for all the family. Here’s an easy-peasy Mexican-inspired menu plan:

Spring Racing Carnival kicks off in a few weeks in Melbourne, with 50 days of racing excitement to be had. In Sydney, Royal Randwick Spring Carnival starts on 25 September and runs through to 2 November (Melbourne Cup Day, of course!). Here are some ideas to gear up for a day at the races, whether in Melbourne, Sydney or at your local racecourse.

When the coldest season of the year is finishing up, we can usually think of a million reasons to be glad spring is coming. But here are a few positive things about winter to help get through those last few weeks of dull weather!

If you’ve been tasked with feeding the hungry footy fans on finals day, some simple preparation and planning can go a long way to making the day a success.

“Christmas is all about the children.” How many times have you heard that?

We’re thrilled to share that our party and event directory has recently undergone a massive facelift. One of the things you told us in the recent member survey was how important finding party and event suppliers was to you, so we have improved our directory BIG TIME. What’s new…

If you’re a lover of parties, or a lover of list-making, then this handy party event planner is for you! It’s available to all myinvites.com.au members and comes in both pdf and excel format – so you can either write on it or fill out and adjust the checklist on your computer.

Who said having a few families around to your place had to be hard work? We're all in favour of keeping things simple, especially when you're trying to do the organising with little ones around your ankles. So if there are some families who've hosted your tribe recently, it might be time to return the favour. Here's how to keep the occasion fuss-free:

Let’s face it, squeezing your party planning in around work, friends, family and the rest of your life is stressful. Drowning in party paperwork and e-mails and losing track of your to do list? Follow five super simple tips to Paper Flow your Party, from Brigitte Hinneberg, author of Paper Flow, your ultimate guide to making paperwork easy! The end result? An organised, fabulous event and a relaxed and confident host.

Looking for a unique gift for your mum or a mum you love that won't break the bank? See our top picks for gifts under $50 for 3 often hard-to-buy-for mums and purchase them with the click of your mouse!

2 GIFTS FOR THE MUM-TO-BE

Cuddle Wrap Gift Box

A beautiful and useful gift for a mum to be. 

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