Evan Reitmeyer, owner of MyDeejay.com

1) What’s the best way to set a festive tone with music at an engagement party?

It’s always smart to stick with upbeat, recognizable music, and leave the obscure B-sides at home.  People are moved by music that’s familiar.  Also, be sure you only use music with a positive message – no breakup songs!  You don’t need a theme, unless of course your party is designed around one, but try to group songs together in logical sets.  For example, group a few 80′s songs, a few 90′s songs, and so on.

2) Should someone be responsible for music or is an iPod playlist ok?

It really depends on your expectations.  If you’re having friends and family over for a cocktail party or a barbecue, an iPod is probably fine, since you won’t have the need to tailor the music to the crowd and make changes on the fly.  However, if you want people to dance, or if you want your guests to be able to request their favorite music throughout, the event, then you should probably have a DJ.

3) What songs would you recommend for a playlist for an engagement party?

I think fun and kitschy classics like “Chapel of Love” by The Dixie Cups are a great place to start.  Depending on how long the party is, you can certainly program anything from classics like “Fly Me to the Moon” by Frank Sinatra to current top 40 hits.  It really depends on the atmosphere and energy level you’re trying to create.  If you and your event planner have chosen a theme for the party, a good DJ can help you create a custom playlist that will enhance this theme and make it all the more memorable for your guests.

4) What other advice would you offer to hosts in terms of making music a special part of the event?

Music, for better or worse, sets the tone for any event.  Most people have no idea how much the background music in a room affects the mood and atmosphere.  Music can really reinforce the type of vibe you want to have, so pay close attention to your song selections or hire a professional to do it for you!

We are in the midst of the Snowpocalypse here in the DC area. At our house we have at least 30 inches of snow outside. We’ve already shoveled the driveway three times and will certainly be out there again before all of this is over. It’s good exercise, I guess. But let’s be honest, shoveling is not fun!

What will make this all better, I ask myself? Hot chocolate will help. Better still? A hot chocolate bar!

Hot chocolate bars — where you can make your own custom hot cocoa with a variety of “fixings” — are becoming very popular. They are great on a snowy day at home, but even more fun at a party. Guests love the interactivity and the ability to create their favorite cooca concoction. Try it at a winter engagement party, a SuperBowl bash, or a birthday party.

Set out some mugs.

Celebrity-designed mugs available at Neiman Marcus

Pillivuyt has such classic tableware. These extra large mugs are no exception — and would leave plenty of room for making the perfect cocoa creation.

Pillivuyt Eden extra large mug, available at Geary's

Make a few batches of hot chocolate.

A batch of regular hot cocoa for the base is a great place to start. This recipe for Creamy Hot Chocolate from Epicurious would be perfect. I’d recommend offering a couple of other bases, as well, like white hot chocolate or peppermint hot chocolate.

Provide some add-ins — offer both liquid and dry.

Dry:

• Crumbled peppermint sticks
• Marshmallows
• Chocolate-covered marshmallows (like these from Bissinger’s)
• Cinnamon sugar
• Orange twists or peel
• Chopped up candy bar
• Chocolate chips
• Caramels

Liquid:

• Espresso shots
• coffee
• Flavored syrups (like Monin’s organic syrups)
• Peppermint extract
• Vanilla extract

or for the adults…

• Kahlua
• Bailey’s
• Creme de Mint
• Grand Marnier
• Peppermint Schnapps

To top it off:

• Whipped cream
• cinnamon
• cocoa powder

Set out some stirrers.

• candy canes or peppermint sticks
• cinnamon sticks
• artisan stirrers (like this tempting one from Knipschildt — white chocolate with butterscotch and whiskey)

Enjoy!!