Lifestyle

How To Host A Surprise Engagement Party For Your Bestie

Published

3 years ago

February 28, 2021

Your best friend is about to take an essential step in their relationship, and they’ve asked you to participate in the moment. Being the excellent hostess and best friend you are, you were thrilled to take on the challenge. You want the event to showcase their special bond while also accommodating the needs of the other guests. With such a huge responsibility on your plate, you’re probably wondering how you can pull it off. Here are a few suggestions.

Ask About A Budget

Whether you’re throwing the party as a gift or your friend plans to pay, determine your budget in advance. While you may have a ton of ideas rolling around in your head, you don’t want to let your imagination break the bank.

Get Input

Before you start planning the engagement party, find out what your friend wants. Though you’re hosting the event, you must remember the day is all about them and their love. Ask them for ideas. If they don’t have any, jot down some of their common interests, favorite foods, and other things that you can use to come up with a theme.

Decide On a Venue

The next significant factor to consider is the venue. If the event is going to be small and intimate, you may be able to host it at your house. However, if you’re expecting many people, it may be best to look for a restaurant in Austin where you can reserve space for the occasion.

Food And Drinks

Whether you’re having the engagement party at your house or a local restaurant, you’ll need to decide on a menu. Remember to keep your friend’s food interests in mind as you make selections. You should also ensure you have a list of guests with special dietary needs so everyone can partake in a decent meal. As for drinks, it’s often best to select a few signature drinks and then have a few primary selections for guests to choose from.

Popping The Question

When planning an engagement party, don’t forget about the main event – popping the question. Perhaps they need your input selecting the ring. You can help them browse diamond rings or chose something more affordable, like moissanite rings or another diamond alternative. If they already have the ring, maybe they need help to decide how and when to ask the question. You might place the ring in a dessert or set up an area with the perfect romantic backdrop for your friend to ask one of the most important questions in their lifetime.

Decor

Speaking of a romantic backdrop, don’t forget to consider decor for the engagement party. Flowers and candles are always ideal decorations to help set the mood. You can drape the tables in white linens and create colorful centerpieces. Photographs are also excellent. Placing photos of the couple around the room gives guests an insight into their love story. Be sure to include elements like their favorite colors to personalize the space.

Activities

The engagement might be the main event, but you’ll need to keep your guests entertained until that moment arrives. Besides enjoying a good meal and conversation, think of cool games and activities for guests to enjoy. They can answer questions about the couple for prizes, play charades, or test their knowledge of romantic movies. If you have the space for it, you can even set up a mini photo booth for guests to capture this special moment.

Love is such a beautiful thing. Especially when it happens for someone you care about deeply. If you’ve been dubbed with the task of hosting an engagement party for your bestie, do the best you can to make them proud. By remembering the factors listed above, you’re sure to do a good job setting the scene for your friends to take a new step in their relationship. It will be an event that everyone enjoys and remembers for years to come.

Lifestyle

From Wealth to Fields: A Billionaire’s Commitment to Small Farmers

Published

2 weeks ago

July 11, 2024

Michelle Langton

In recent years, billionaire Stefan Soloviev has transitioned from the world of New York real estate to the fertile farmlands of the American West.

His journey from urban wealth to rural development showcases a unique dedication to revitalizing small farming communities and transforming the agricultural landscape.

A New Vision for Agriculture

Stefan Soloviev, son of the late real estate tycoon Sheldon Solow, has amassed a considerable amount of farmland across Colorado, Kansas, and New Mexico. Soloviev’s agricultural enterprise, Crossroads Agriculture, spans over 400,000 acres, making him one of the largest landowners in the United States.

This substantial investment is not merely a financial venture; it represents a commitment to supporting and empowering small farmers in these regions.

Soloviev’s approach to farming is characterized by his desire to move away from competitive practices that often leave small farmers struggling. Instead, he emphasizes collaboration and sustainability.

By leveraging his resources, Soloviev aims to create a farming environment where smallholders can thrive alongside larger operations. This philosophy is particularly evident in his strategic acquisition of the San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad, a critical transportation link for agricultural products in the region.

Revitalizing Rural Communities

Soloviev’s impact extends beyond farmland acquisition. His purchase of the San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad at a bankruptcy auction for $10.7 million highlights his broader vision for the agricultural sector.

This railroad, previously owned by Iowa Pacific Holdings, connects the San Luis Valley to the national rail network, facilitating the efficient transport of goods and boosting local economies.

The acquisition is seen as a positive development for the San Luis Valley, with Soloviev’s Colorado Pacific Railroad expected to be more community-focused and supportive of local initiatives compared to the previous owners. This includes potential cooperation with local recreational projects, such as the proposed Heart of the Valley Trail, which aims to integrate rail and trail use for community benefit.

Soloviev’s dedication to the region is also reflected in his willingness to work with local stakeholders to address community needs. His approach contrasts with more traditional, profit-driven business models and underscores his commitment to fostering a sustainable and inclusive agricultural ecosystem.

Building a Sustainable Future

Soloviev’s investment in the Colorado Pacific Railroad and the broader agricultural infrastructure is part of a long-term vision to create a more resilient and sustainable farming community. By improving transportation networks and providing support to small farmers, he hopes to mitigate some of the challenges these farmers face, such as market access and transportation costs.

Moreover, Soloviev’s initiatives are seen as a way to preserve and enhance the rural way of life, which is increasingly threatened by industrial farming and urban encroachment. His efforts to balance economic viability with environmental stewardship demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the complexities of modern agriculture.

In conclusion, Stefan Soloviev’s transition from urban real estate mogul to a champion of small farmers is a testament to his innovative and community-oriented approach.

His significant investments in farmland and infrastructure, coupled with a commitment to sustainability and local engagement, are paving the way for a brighter future for small farmers in Colorado and beyond. Through his efforts, Soloviev is not only transforming

the agricultural landscape but also setting a precedent for how wealth and resources can be used to foster positive change in rural communities.