Western Living Magazine
7 Cool Design Tricks to Get Heatwave-Ready
CBC Just Launched a Show for Design Buffs—and We Love It Already
Inside Booyah Bagels: Red Deer’s Cheeky, Retro-Inspired Bagel Shop
Recipe: I’m Not Your Baby
Recipe: Umbrella Bella
Recipe: Watermelon and Paneer Masala with Spicy Vinaigrette
Local Getaway: Why Nelson, B.C., Is the Small Town You’ll Want to Move To
This Island in Japan Is Every Architect and Designer’s Dream
Just Say Hello!
10 Home Decor Essentials for a Stylish Summer 2025
5 Must-Have, One-Of-A-Kind Items for Entertaining by B.C. Designers
Shop these 5 Indigenous-Owned Lifestyle Brands Across Western Canada
The Western Living People’s Choice Awards 2025: Voting Is Now Open!
Announcing the Finalists for the 2025 Western Living Designers of the Year Awards
Enter Western Living’s 2025 Designers of the Year Awards—DEADLINE EXTENDED
The acclaimed mixologist shares her tips for throwing the bash of the season.
We asked Lauren Mote, the internationally recognized barkeep and the genius behind the Bittered Sling bitters empire, how us regular joes can make sure our next party is one for the ages.
From eggnog to fish house, there’s nothing better for true “ahead of time” planning than punches. Use mismatched bowls, cups, glasses and saucers, and let people help themselves from bottles with nice labels or antique crystal bowls.
Feel free to create your own menu, written on a chalkboard or something cheeky and playful, to let guests know what’s in store.
We LOVE doing our entertaining at lunch or late afternoon and then changing the theme to something low-key or crazy upbeat in the evening, depending on who’s left standing.
It’s easy for a party to get exciting and over the top, and that can cause problems if you live in an apartment or a duplex where the neighbours might lodge a noise complaint. Make an appointment ahead of time at a bar or karaoke joint so you can continue the fun, and you won’t have to flick the lights on and off at 11 p.m. to kick everyone out.
Consider handing out some of your summer preserves: tomatoes, jams and jellies, hot sauces, bitters or bottled cocktails that guests can take home with them.
Hiring a bartender for three hours is affordable and so much fun.
Are you over 18 years of age?