When planning a dinner party, think beyond plates and silverware. Your décor and tablescape choices set the mood for the evening.

Start with lighting. If you have a chandelier over your dining table, make sure you also have a dimmer so that you can set the light level lower and more intimate. Think about creating a circle of light around the dining area, covering the table but leaving the rest of the room in semi-darkness.

With no chandelier, this room uses candles for light. The higher tapers on the table expand the light’s reach and a table this long benefits from all six candles. Don’t worry if your candlesticks don’t match. If you choose one type of metal such as brass or silver, or all crystal, using a variety of candlesticks adds charm.

Notice that there are some greens and flowers in the center. With a circular table, it’s important to keep any flower arrangements or other types of centerpieces low so people can talk across. However, with a rectangular table such as this, you can use higher arrangements as long as you set them in the areas between each set of place settings. For example, on this table, there are two arrangements, set between the first and second seats on the left and right, and then the second and third seats.

With an interesting table like this one, a tablecloth would be a crime. Instead, some simple placemats suit the settings. Cloth napkins are an appealing touch. They don’t have to match the placemats, but still should coordinate with the linens and dishware. Remember that good quality table linens do fine in the washer but will shrink and be damaged in the dryer. You should always line-dry linens.

Add your glassware and scatter some candles or other low lights around your home so that the ambience of the dining table is continued throughout your house. Then everything is ready but your menu and your guests.

Would you like to exercise regularly but find it difficult to make time for it? Well, one help is to exercise at home rather than having to run to the gym.

Aerobic exercise is the easiest to fit in. Add a walk to your routine three or more times a week. Once around the neighborhood – with your dog if you have one –will improve your aerobic capability. Add time and speed as you get into better shape.

For strength training, pick up a few free-weights or wrist and ankle weights. Often the package will include some basic exercises. If not, check online or pick up a book or magazine.

Yoga is the best option for improving flexibility. This exercise is manageable for people at any level of fitness. Pick up a DVD or book on the basics to get started. This is one skill where taking an occasional class can improve your form and capability.

Be sure to determine a good location at home for both yoga and strength training. In front of the couch can work well, especially if you can see your TV/DVD from there. Just move the coffee table to the side and you will probably have enough room to stretch out.

If your living or family room has carpeting, just add a beach towel and you are ready to start. If you want more cushioning, or if you have hard surface flooring such as wood or tile, pick up a yoga mat like those shown in the photo. For a small cost you can be comfortable for any floor exercise.

No excuses anymore – start exercising and make a commitment to your health and well-being. You can do it!

Have you noticed that people at parties often tend to end up in the kitchen? Well, how about planning a party in your kitchen?

While you may not be able to throw a large party in one room, particularly if your kitchen is not very large, you can still have a handful of friends over and make the event special and unique.

Start with the menu. Stick with finger-foods that you can pull out of the refrigerator or heat up quickly in a toaster oven or microwave. You don’t want a hot pan on the stove or a heated oven to increase the temperature of your kitchen or create a risk of burns. Combine some healthy snacks such as vegetables and dip or cheese and crackers with something indulgent but tidy such as cookies or chocolate. Look for an opportunity to showcase seasonal fruits and vegetables.

For décor, coordinate your linens with your kitchen. If you have a light kitchen like this one, add some color with a series of tablecloths or napkins scattered on your counter top under your serving plates. Add some fresh flowers and bowls of fruit to make it feel even more inviting. Take advantage of a kitchen in earth tones by placing small pots of herbs among the appetizers.

If your kitchen is eat-in or has a snack bar, set that up for seating. If not, bring in some chairs and even a few small throw rugs to define a seating area. Think about adding in a couple of special cold drinks – both alcoholic and non-alcoholic to satisfy both preferences.

If you love your kitchen, show it off with a special event that highlights it and let other people enjoy it too.