Be the Cool, Calm, and Collected Dinner Host of Your Dreams Host Like a Pro
THE DAY BEFORE: CHOP, SET, AND ROLL
Prep anything you can store in the fridge overnight — salad dressings, chopped veggies, dessert, you name it. Then, set your table. Want to impress? Add candles, linens, or a low flower arrangement guests can see over. Remember, DIY decorating can help you stay within your budget while still looking stunning! DAY OF: SHOWTIME! Choose your outfit early and give yourself plenty of time to cook. Batch your cocktail before guests arrive so you won’t be shaking drinks all night. And don’t forget — music and lighting work wonders for setting the mood. FINAL TIPS You can prepare for the aftermath by emptying your dishwasher ahead of time ( your future self will thank you ). A secondary location for food and nibbles away from the kitchen will keep guests spread out. And most importantly? Enjoy it . After all, that’s the whole point.
Hosting a dinner party should feel like a joyful gathering, not a full-blown production. But let’s be honest — between menu planning, cleaning, and organizing, it can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, you can throw a dinner party that’s unforgettable and low-stress as long as you plan. PICK YOUR PARTY VIBE First, decide on your theme. Is this an elegant Tuscan evening, a cozy, comfort-food night, or a breezy backyard bash? You can pull inspiration from the seasons, favorite travel destinations, or even your go-to movies! 2 WEEKS OUT: INVITATIONS AND INFO It’s time to rally the troops! Send
your invites — whether a group text or a fancy card — about two weeks in advance. Ask about dietary restrictions now to plan a menu that works for everyone. And don’t stress if someone can’t make it. That’s life! 1 WEEK OUT: MASTER YOUR MENU Lock in your menu and write your grocery list. Balance it with a showstopper main, a veggie or salad, a starchy side, and a dessert. To start things right, you can also add a simple appetizer and a signature cocktail. 3 DAYS OUT: SHOP TILL YOU DROP Get your grocery shopping done a few days in advance so you’re not sprinting through the supermarket the day of. This gives you time to double- check for forgotten ingredients.
THE UNEVEN TRUTH BEHIND SHINGLE INSTALLER CERTIFICATIONS CERTIFIED — BUT NOT QUALIFIED?
We sometimes encounter homeowners who have been persuaded to choose a different roofing contractor because they hold a certification from a particular shingle manufacturer. This reflects a potentially costly misunderstanding of what shingle manufacturers’ certifications mean. Don’t let contractors mislead you on this point! All shingle certifications are not the same! Different manufacturers have starkly different requirements for awarding a “certified installer” designation. Some roofing manufacturers’ certifications are for sale — literally. The only criteria for using the manufacturer’s seal of approval, including its emblem on a contractor’s truck, ads, and business cards, is cash. That’s right: They sell their certifications — with no regard for the quality of the contractor’s work. In return for a payment, suddenly the contractor is a “Gold Installer.” The homeowner is led to believe they’re getting top-tier service, when nothing of the kind is actually assured. A few manufacturers, however, require contractors to meet exacting standards for quality and workmanship
before awarding a certification. GAF, America’s biggest shingle producer and creator of thousands of U.S. jobs, puts contractors through a grueling certification process. CNS Cousins Construction had to meet the company’s criteria for the number of roofs installed and exceed tough standards set by GAF roof inspectors before earning the company’s seal of approval. We are proud to have moved up this year from our previous GAF certification as “Certified Plus,” signifying consistently high-quality work, professionalism, and integrity, to “Master Elite Installer” — a level reflecting exceptional knowledge, customer service, roofing skills, and long-term performance. Our Master Elite status allows us to offer an enhanced “Silver Pledge” warranty on GAF roofing we install, ensuring broader protections for homeowners. With whom do you want to work? A company that buys its certification, or one that has had to earn it? CNS Cousins Construction is proud to be a Silver Pledge Installer for GAF. We earned it, and we know we deserve it. Can you say the same about your roofing contractor?
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