Things That Entertain Dogs When Not at Home

A well-entertained dog is less destructive.

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Sometimes you must leave your dog at home alone for a few hours so that you can work or run errands. Setting up a system so that your dog stays entertained and responds well to being left alone is the key to ensuring that you don't come home to ripped or ruined furniture or a destroyed house.

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Dogs have an excellent sense of smell, and they are motivated by the scent of treats to entertain themselves. Make a puzzle box to keep your dog occupied when you have to leave it home alone. Fill a box with crumpled newspaper, then insert tasty treats amongst the pieces of paper. Tape up the box securely with duct tape, and cut a few small holes in the sides. The holes will let the scent of the treats escape to tantalize your dog, and it will have a great time tearing up the box to get to them.

Old Toys New

Just like a child, your dog becomes bored of playing with the same toys day after day. If you put some of its toys away and bring them back out after a few months, or even weeks, your dog will feel like it has new toys and become engaged and entertained by them all over again. Buy a plastic storage bin to house your dog's toys, and rotate them in and out of his play area.

Doggie Door

If you have a dog-friendly backyard, install a doggie door so that your pet can go in and out while you're gone for the day. The freedom to go outside will not only entertain your dog, it will save you from having to clean up accidents later in the day. Purchase a pet door that comes with a locking panel you can slide down at night to keep raccoons and other unwanted guests from entering your house in search of food.

Before and After

Make a habit of creating "before-you-leave" and "after-you-return" routines with your dog. Developing routines helps your dog get prepared for being left alone, so it is less likely to respond badly. Take your dog for a walk before you leave; give it a treat; ensure it has plenty of water and feed it. When you get home, set aside time to give attention to your pet. Walking your dog again, playing with it or just providing petting and pampering time are ways to reward your dog for good behavior while you were gone.

ReferencesAmerican Kennal Club: Be a Responsible Dog OwnerSuper Happy Pets: Keeping Your Dog Active While You're AwayTeaching Puppies; Ways to Entertain a Bored Puppy; July 14, 2009Photo Credit Photos.com/PhotoObjects.net/Getty ImagesRead Next:

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Things to Bring to a Potluck Dinner

Keep in mind the potluck's location when choosing your dish-to-pass.

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When deciding what dish to bring to a potluck, keep in mind the location of the gathering and the tastes of the people who are attending. It wouldn't do to make a pot of hot soup in the middle of summer or bring turkey meatloaf to a potluck for vegetarians. Once you have the event's details, start thinking about which one of your recipes you feel comfortable making for a large group of people.

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Dishes like lasagna, sloppy joes, chili, pulled pork sandwiches and casseroles are perfect for feeding a crowd. However, hot food can become unappetizing as it cools. Check with the potluck coordinator to find out if there are outlets available for slow cookers and electric roasters to keep your food hot. Consider using chafing dishes to keep the food warm if you are outside or in a building without outlets.

Cold Food

Salads, cold pasta dishes, fresh fruit and vegetables, dips and salsas are just a few of the many dishes you can take to a potluck. Because these dishes don't require a heat source and can be easy to make, cold food is a popular potluck option. Ask the party coordinator or other people attending what they are planning to bring to avoid making the same food. Fill large pans or bowls with ice to keep cold food from spoiling during summer parties or locations without refrigeration.

Desserts

Individually sized desserts, like cookies or cupcakes, are easy for people to grab, since they don't have to pry a piece out of the pan. Frosted sheet cakes and brownies are easy to make and can feed a lot of people. Precutting cakes and pies before the party will save time, especially if the event is outside and there isn't a knife available. Remember to bring serving utensils for pies, cakes and other desserts that need to be served from the pan.

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Lists of Things You Need for a Tea Party

Create the perfect tea party for children or adults.

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Tea parties are all about enjoying time with friends, relaxing and savoring a good cup of tea. Whether you are hosting a tea party for adults or children, casual or formal, there are a few necessary elements to brewing the perfect tea party. With a few essential supplies and some creative planning, can host a tea party your guests will rave over for weeks to come.

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Serving trays come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Fill several matching trays with light snacks and place them on the tables where guests will be seated. Matching sets of gold or silver platters and trays will create a classy look for your tea party. Two- and three-tiered trays are also idea for serving snacks and hors d'oeuvres. For a child's tea party, use plastic or inexpensive serving trays and platters in a variety of bright colors to create a vibrant setup. You can also use the serving trays to bring cups of tea to the table.

Teaware Set

Decorate one long table for all the guests or a couple of smaller round tables. Tie tulle or large satin ribbon bows around each chair for decoration. Each party guest will need a napkin, dessert plate, silverware, teacup and saucer. You need a teapot, bowl for lemon wedges, serving dishes, tablecloth, creamer and a sugar bowl for each table, or two sets for larger tables. Use matching sets for a more elegant or formal party. If you don't have a matching set, make that part of your casual chic theme by using several mismatched vintage dishes and cups. Add a flower arrangement or tea-themed centerpiece to all tables for added decoration. Teaware sets are available online and at many retail stores.

Tea Selection

Many types of tea are available at grocery stores. A few common teas to make available for your guests include green tea, Earl Grey tea, white tea, rooibos tea, oolong, black tea and red tea. Brew and label each type of tea. Have several teacups on hand, in case your guests would like to try several types of tea. Other refreshments to include at your tea party are iced tea, lemonade, coffee and chai. Include a variety of sweeteners and flavored creamers for the guests to use. For a child’s tea party, you can serve water, milk, lemonade, juice, iced tea and chocolate milk.

Food

Fill the tiered-trays with mints, nuts, trail mix, pretzels and other snacks. Other small snacks to include on tiered trays include quiche, cucumber sandwiches, raisins, strawberries, grapes, cheese cubes and small slices of meat. Tea party fare can include include blueberry scones, tarts, petit fours, fruit and small cookies. Make small finger sandwiches by slicing the sandwiches into long slices. Sandwich ideas include peanut butter and jelly, ham and cheese, pimento cheese, turkey and cheese and club. Make one large table for the main tea party fare and place the snacks on the tables for guests.

ReferencesYour Cup of Tea: Planning Tea PartiesHe And She: Tea Party PlannerPhoto Credit Jupiterimages/Goodshoot/Getty ImagesRead Next:

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