Ideas & Tips — Wedding

Some simple preparation can help you avoid the stressful rush of trying to find a last-minute birthday gift for your sister-in-law, a housewarming gift for your best friend or a Christmas gift for your family. Huffington Post contributor and editor-in-chief of Gifts.com Dana Holmes recommends designating some space for your gift stash, and filling it with universally appealing. "To avoid spending every spare moment gift shopping, I like to stock up on fun gifts and match them with their rightful owners when the time comes," Holmes writes. "I call this my 'gift closet.' I have a few shelves stocked with...

If you've gone out to a brewpub or into the home of a beer aficionado lately, you have probably noticed that there are a whole bunch of different beer glass styles in heavy rotation these days. Each type of glass corresponds to a particular brewing tradition and is meant to bring out the particular qualities associated with that beer style. That's not to say that you can't serve beers in the "wrong" glass, only that serving them in their intended glassware will give you a better idea of which characteristics the brewers were aiming to bring out in the beer....

As the holiday season approaches, you'll likely be shopping for wine to bring to gatherings or serve to your guests. Wine can be a good addition to any meal, but it can be confusing to keep track of the different varieties and which foods they should be paired with. Here's a quick guide to consult before you head to the store: Merlot: Known for its drinkability and well-rounded, fruity flavor, Merlot pairs well with almost any dish, but especially with red meats like beef and lamb. Look for notes of blackberry, black cherry and plum. Cabernet Sauvignon: Merlot's sassier cousin, Cabernet Sauvignon...

If you recently became engaged, you may be wondering exactly how to create your wedding registry. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you begin the process: Do register: Registering makes gift giving easy for friends and family members, especially those who might not be confident that they know your tastes well. Registries let loved ones know exactly what you want, removing the guess work. Be tactful: Instead of referencing your registry on your save-the-date card, include a link to your wedding website and link to your registry there.  Include all price points: The gift your mom's coworker sends will...

Are you in charge of throwing a friend or family member a wedding or baby shower? If so, consider using a garden-theme for a fun and flower-filled affair. Here are some tips:  Arrange fruit: Set out this beautiful basket and fill it with fresh fruit for your guests to snack on. Invite them in style: Send mailed invitations that are in keeping with your garden theme. You might choose a floral stationery or tuck a silk daisy inside the envelope.  Make floral straws: We love Martha Stewart's idea of using pretty paper to turn your straws into awesome centerpieces. For the "stems,"...