Surprise your guests with conversation starters that will delight your party. Bring out that first cold drink and the conversation starts. Best of all, you will be in charge and well versed on the subject, because you created the setting. "But how can I do this," you might ask yourself? Relax; directing the conversation can be as easy as subliminal eye movement.

Most parties begin by offering the guests something to drink. It doesn't matter whether is a cup of coffee, soda, spirits, cold beer or even a cold glass of water. Whether it is indoors or outdoors, the guest needs to know where they can place their refreshment without staining your furniture or leaving a syrup ring on your patio blocks. Your response is fast and effective. You hand them a drink coaster.

This point is where your plan begins because this will not be any ordinary coaster. You have been planning for this and now you have your chance to see your expectations come to life. From the first guest to the last, the results are usually the same. A conversation now has its beginning. That little coaster is starting all the commotion and the conversation spreads throughout the crowd leaning toward more diverse conversations and the sociable chatter goes on.

You witness that it isn't the coaster itself that is starting this discussion, but what is on the coaster. You have chosen your party theme and had it engraved on the coasters. Just one look and the guests can't help but start talking about whatever subject is on the coaster. The image could be anything from pictures of sail boats to images of past presidents or even your wedding pictures. You can even coordinate your pictures to represent the current holidays. A great idea is to select several different pictures, one for each coaster.

As the guests begin to mingle, they ask one another "what is on your coaster" and the exchange begins to spread. Even those who are usually lost for words now have something to talk about with everyone. And just think; this was all your idea!

Any old drab coaster will not be very impressive. I prefer to use cork coasters. They are light weight, slip resistant, absorbent and easy to clean. Let's not stop at the coaster itself. The picture and words will grab the attention.

The picture must clear and crisp. I find that laser engraved pictures can produce dramatic results. The image is burned into the cork surface and will not rub off or wear off and can be very detailed. Then the words come into play. Choose an attention getting phrase such as "The Way Things Were," or "Stupid is, Stupid Does," or even "Kevin and Alice - 30 years in love." Whatever phrase you choose, the wording should complement the picture.
In conclusion, the theme on your coaster must match the theme of your party. If you are having a fund raiser for breast cancer, you would choose the appropriate logos and sayings attributed to the cause. Religious gatherings are great; include biblical pictures or quote different Psalms. If you are having an outdoor barbeque, funny pictures of hotdogs or chips on the run might work. Once you start thinking, the possibilities are endless and rewarding.

The author's website has examples of just such coasters. Take a look at the true beauty of these coasters and let your mind start to wander.

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