All Things For All Parties

Summer Etiquette Survival Tips

Now that summer is in full swing and we are embarking upon a big weekend for getting together and celebrating I thought this would be a good time to ask my good friend, Lisa Gache of Beverly Hills Manners to go over some summer etiquette quick tips.

BBQ Etiquette

• Clean your BBQ before guests arrive and make sure BBQ tools are handy and work properly.
• Preheat the grill and allow plenty of time to heat so that cooking time is efficient.
• Arm your backyard with insect repellent such as citronella candles and an electric bug zapper.
• Designate one key grillmaster and then let them do their job.  
• Provide cleansing wipes for sticky foods and toothpicks to remove kernels of corn from teeth. 

 
4th of July & Other Summer Parties 

• RSVP within 48 hours of receiving a party invitation as your host will want a head count asap.
• Arrive with a small gift such as a homemade dessert or decorative item for the home.
• Wear appropriate swimsuits and coverups especially if young children are around.
• Be well-prepared and bring your own sunscreen, towels, toys for the kids, snacks, etc.
• Pace yourself on the festive drinks, especially if you are the designated driver.
• Refrain from lighting firecrackers in front of small children.  They are dangerous. 
• WATCH your own children!!!  Do not rely on others to ensure their safety. 

 
Househosting

• Ask if there are any special food requests or dietary restrictions before guests arrive.
• Store lots of fresh fruit, vegies and snacky foods for quick, easy bites.
• Make sure accommodations are well-stocked with room essentials and clean linens.
• Upon arrival it is especially important to make your guests feel welcome and comfortable.
• Arrange fun activities for parents and children alike.
• Plan one special evening in for a big celebratory BBQ with all the trimmings.
• Organize one special evening out with the gang to a local restaurant.

Houseguesting

• Make sure to bring a gift of appreciation and thanks upon arrival.
• Offer to contribute to the purchase of groceries throughout your stay.
• Keep your belongings neat and tidy and make your beds each morning. 
• Adjust to your hosts schedule.  If they rise early, so do you!
• Do not make plans with other friends while you are a guest in someone's home.
• Treat your host to a special night out for dinner.
• Do not overstay your welcome.  It is always best to leave on a high note.  
• Send a thank you note with photos to convey your most sincere thanks for a wonderful time.

 
Staycations

• Commit to specific dates for your staycation and request vacation time off from work.

• Treat family members with equal respect and patience as if you were on a traveling vacation.
• Refrain from using electronic communications and give your family your full attention.
• Schedule different activities for each day such as a hike, a beach day, a day at the museum.
• Plan dinners out and use it as an opportunity to display your finest table manners.
• Don't forget to take plenty of pictures of all the fun things you did.

 

Lisa Gaché is the President and Co-Founder of Beverly Hills Manners™, an education and entertainment company which promotes a “new school” approach to manners and etiquette for both children and adults.  Lisa is passionate that good manners can be natural, spontaneous and fun.  Her company has partnered with leading brand names to spread the word from American Girl Place and McCormick & Schmick’s to the famed Hotel Bel-Air and Hillcrest Country Club and a host of other Los Angeles-based private schools and social organizations.  She is a sought-after lecturer and modern manners maven whose work has been covered everywhere from National Public Radio to the Huffington Post.

Infused Vodka Party

With a little time, you can funnel your energy into creating colorful and flavored vodkas, offering a taste that is all your own.

Step 1: Gather the essentials

Ingredients: It can take under a week for citrus fruits or strongly flavored ingredients to infuse. Softly flavored or fibrous ingredients such as strawberries, pineapple or fresh ginger, can take between one and two weeks.

Infusion Jar: Basic, tall or round glass jars with tightly fitting lids, preferable complete with pouring spouts are the only initial outlay required for your new in-house vodka infusion center.

Base Vodka: Choosing a suitable vodka base is key to effective flavor infusion. Rye or potato based vodkas are not conductive to effective flavor and color infusion, as they detract away from the taste you are trying to create. The more times vodka is distilled, the clearner and purer it becomes. So try choosing vodkas that are distilled more than three times. More about vodka's taste & quality

Step 2: Choosing your flavor

The choice is almost infinite and stretches as far as your imagination. You can choose between either fresh fruit, or more alternative ingredients.

Mellow flavors include cantaloupe, peach, strawberry, cherry, blueberry, raspberry, blackberry, pineapple, mango and vanilla beans.

Lemon, lime or grapefruit flavors offer a sharper bite to the palate.

If you're seeking more darling flavours, look to fresh ginger, lemongrass, herbs, garlic or chili peppers and mix them with tomato juice for Bloody Mary with a difference.
(also see - Bloody Maria)

Step 3: Time to infuse

Fresh fruit and produce should be washed thoroughly to ensure they are free from presticides and any unwanted party guests. Berry-like fruit, such as blueberries, raspberries and blackberries, should be left whole. Fibrous fruits like pineapple or mango should be chopped into small chunks and strawberries or citrus fruit, cut into thin slices. Thin-skinned juice oranges or Meyer lemons work best, as excess pitch quickly creates a bitter taste. Vanilla beans should be cut lengthways and herbs left on their stems. Chili peppers can be left whole, or cut i half if you want to increase the rate of infusion.

The glass jar should be filled full with the infusion ingredients and the remained with vodka. Tighten the lid securely over the jar and place in the refrigerator or at room temperature, away from direct sunlight.

Infusion time:
Approx. 3 - 4 days: Vanilla beans, lemons, oranges, grapefruit, limes, mint, garlic, tarragon, basil, oregano, dill & thyme

Approx. 1 week: Cantaloupes, strawberries, peaches, mangoes, pitted cherries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries

Up to 2 weeks: Whole chili peppers, pineapple, fresh ginger and lemongrass

If you want to speed up the flavor infusion process, or deepen the flavor, sprinkle a layer of sugar over the top of fruit. Occasionally stir the mixture to dissolve any settled granules.

These are only guidelines. Just remember that stronger flavored fruit and herbs/spices take less time to infuse, whereas softer flavor and fibrous fruit take longer. The most accurate method is to continually taste them, adding more or diluting, until the flavor reaches your preferred intensity.

Fun Entertaining Tips

Are you in charge of hosting the next family get-together and find that you are short on time and creativity? When cooking for a crowd do you find yourself on auto-pilot; preparing the same dishes for every event? Do you get the feeling that family members are viewing your get-together as one more obligation rather than looking forward to it? Maybe it is time to change things up!

Try these easy entertaining tips to keep your family gatherings fresh and interesting:

1. Share the cooking: Host a themed potluck such as A Tuscan Family Feast or a Mexican Fiesta. Assign dishes (appetizers, salads, entrees, desserts, drinks) to family members and give recipes if they request it. This takes pressure off of you and offers your family a delightfully different menu.

2. Add a new recipe: Instead of revamping your entire menu, introduce one or two new recipes along with your family favorites that you usually serve. This adds diversity to your menu and new tastes for family members to enjoy.

3. Buy some of your menu items: Fill in your menu with some fantastic purchased items. How about a dessert from the award-winning local bakery or your favorite tamales from a small restaurant? One or two new purchased items can add interest to your menu and can free up your time as well.

4. Change up the usual activities: If you find that family members always gravitate to the television or are only interested in conversing, shake things up! Again, one or two new activities can go a long way to making your gathering new and appealing without upsetting those who are accustomed to a certain routine.

a. Ask the kids in advance to prepare a puppet show or a talent show to entertain the adults. Some children with outgoing personalities will absolutely love the opportunity to share their singing, gymnastics, acting, dance or musical instruments with the family.

b. Introduce a new game to play such as: Quiddler, an inexpensive card game or Buzzword, a fun game that 10 year olds to adults can play.

c. For summertime entertaining, set up a friendly competition, such as a family volleyball, badminton or softball game. If you have a fire pit, sing campfire songs, tell spooky stories, and prepare S'Mores.

d. Kids tend to get bored when they have several hours with nothing to do. Have a piñata or craft/board game for the kids. Craft stores carry complete kits for kids to make a fun craft. This is not only a timesaver for the host, but it keeps the kids entertained. Or take a trip to the dollar store and pick up a colorful container and fill it with jump ropes, bubbles, sidewalk chalk, puzzles, jacks, etc. to keep your young guests entertained.

Having people into your home for great food and warm hospitality adds quality to life. If you concentrate on doing a few things well, you can pull off enjoyable get-togethers that both you and your family will enjoy. Introducing one or two new menu items or activities to your family get-togethers keeps things interesting. Kudos to you for giving this wonderful gift of hospitality to your family!

Patricia Mendez, copyright 2008 Patricia is the author of the book, Easy Entertaining for Beginners. The book has been named 2009 Silver Recipient Mom's Choice Award. Patricia has designed and written her book for beginners who would like to learn to host casual entertaining but may have never done so in their lives. You don't have to be a gourmet chef or nervous wreck to host a great dinner party! Sign up for her free monthly newsletter with entertaining recipes and tips, all designed for beginners. Receive a free bonus downloadable e-booklet, Party Etiquette 101 when you sign up. http://www.ezentertaining.net http://www.twitter.com/PatriciaMendez

Mocktails

   

OK, so after a weekend of celebrating (it was my 4 year anniversary) I think I need a little detox.  So, I thought I would share with you a few fun tropical mocktails that will pack a punch this summer.

Minted Honeydew Limeade

Orangeade

Sparkling Raspberry Lemonade

Simple Tabletop

 

I think clean and traditional is so pure and elegant no matter what the occasion.  Keep your table simple yet beautiful any time of the year with these fun takes on classic place settings.  There is something very refreshing when you sit down at a table decorated in neutral colors and simple florals.  Ommmm, Ommmm!

1.  Fill a pitcher or vintage coffee pot with fresh summer flowers for the perfect centerpiece.

2.  Bamboo Dinnerware are not only biodegradable but can be paired with so many different placemats or napkins.  They are the perfect neutral for any party (Plus they are eco-friendly).

3.  Miniature bottles of olive oil at each place setting double as placecard holders and favors for your guests. 

4.  Arrange white cyclamen and eucalyptus in vintage sherry glasses (or modern).

Namaste!

Photos by Sunset Easy Party Food

Stay Cool & Green

 

OK, so I don't know if I told you that one of my New Year's resolutions was to be better about conserving energy and minimizing my carbon footprint in the world...Well, it was!!  So, here are some good summer cooling tips on how to begin to minimize YOUR carbon footprint as well as your body temperature.

Skip the drying cycle on the dishwasher.  It gives off heat that can make your kitchen warmer.

Switch on the ceiling fan. When you just can't avoid using the air conditioner, turning on a fan helps distribute cool air more evenly and quickly, so you can set the temperature on the A/C's a little higher.

Swap out your traditional air-conditioning.  Instead, try an evaporative cooler, which uses a small fan to blow air through water-saturated pads and into your home.  This type of machine costs half as much as a central air-system and uses only a quarter of the energy.

Plant trees near windows with air conditioners.  A unit in the shade uses up to 10% less energy than one in the sun.

OK, so I have to confess most of these suggestions came from my parents (God Love Them)...But I am really going to challenge myself this summer and try and do some of them because in this instance...I know they are right!!  (seriously, did I just write that...I must already be overheated).

We all do need to do what we can to be more responsible to Mother Earth...She's all we've got for now.

Entertaining Simple with Matthew Mead

 

It's a new season and Matthew Mead has a new site to go with the new sizzling summer season.  Who-Rah!  I heart Matthew Mead...he is brilliant.  If you don't have his book Entertaining Simple then you should definitely pick it up ASAP - It seriously is the entertainer's bible.  I can't say enough how much you will love this Man and all of his scrumptious recipes and chic decor ideas!! 

Click Here to check out his fabulous Summer Flip Book Preview!!!

Summer Picnic

 

Summer is here so take it outside.  Call your friends and invite them to meet you this weekend for a picnic in the park.  Just follow these easy tips to create the ultimate picnic in the park experience.

Over the years, I’ve learned that an enjoyable picnic begins with efficient planning & packing.  So, don’t get weighed down by bringing everything but the kitchens sink.  Packing materials can double as serving vessels, and kitchen towels that provide cushioning en route can later serve as napkins. Herbal sun tea and chilled wine are the last items to go in the basket.  All of you really need for a fun day in the sun is a picnic basket (or large tote bag), some delicious food, a large tablecloth (or oversized towel if you are sitting in the grass…Pottery Barn makes a great one), disposable hand wipes, sunscreen and bug-spray! 

Stick to Portable Food with Staying Power

When it comes to food, its best to serve flavorful dishes that can be kept at room temperature like a caprese salad or cabbage slaw. Stay away from foods that can wilt or sour in the heat or that will quickly become soggy with dressing.  Sandwiches are another obvious choice since they are easy to pack and dole out to individual guests.  Instead of traditional choices opt for gourmet combinations with original ingredients like Thai Basil Chicken with Cashews and Sesame Chill Dressing on Whole Wheat Wrap and Roasted Portobello with Preserved Lemon and Artichoke on Ciabatta…Yum!

For snacks, I love cheese & crackers and olives…so simple.

Use eco-friendly and bio-degradable serveware

Stay away from heavy glass containers that are unsafe for the park or public areas.  Pack your food in brightly colored recycled plastic tumblers.  Serve food on bamboo plates and utensils. 

Don’t Forget the Music

Music sets the mood for any experiences so help you guests take it down a notch with some chill tunes for your picnic. 

Hosting An Afternoon Tea Bridal Shower

 

The Big Day Is Coming, Let’s Shower Them With Love.  You Are Cordially Invited to a Wedding Shower!

 

Love, laughter and friendship - that’s how it all started and is revisited again in a romantic palette that hints at the guest of honor’s majestic, upcoming wedding day.  Combine soft whites with blues & silver and you’ll have the perfect color scheme to toast everlasting love.

When planning this party, start with a fun theme.  For this occasion, I love high tea and since it is a wedding shower try to add something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue to your decor. Have guests wear fancy gloves or hats to keep the mood festive and light.  People tend to have a better time when they can be involved in the party. I like to have inexpensive props on hand for guests who either forgot or didn’t have any items like this at home. 

Serve tea in fancy tea pots to create the perfect high tea setting. For your something borrowed – borrow your mother’s china or fancy tea pots from a friend if you don't have them yourself. Just be careful with them to make sure no one breaks them. Entice everyone to drink with their pinkie fingers in the air! Make it light-hearted and turn it into a shower game!

For your centerpiece, fill oversized mint julep cups with fresh flowers or use a teapot and set them on a handkerchief or embroidered cloth – this can be your something old.

For your place settings, a sleek silver charger is topped with blue and silver floral patterned china. The crisp and fresh white napkins are loosely tied with a knotted blue, satin ribbon - old, new borrowed and blue mix in an array of colors and patterns that will harmonize the table beautifully.  Stylish silver cube place card holders and graceful blue floral place cards help guests find their seat at the table.  This is the perfect occasion to use place cards since you are playing to a more formal occasion. 

A silver frame can be arranged at each place setting, inside: one of the bride’s favorite pictures of her and her guest (for this table we used pictures of beautiful floral). These elegant and classic favors can serve as both decorations and takeaways, and all the while these charming frames will serve as your something new.

Of course, an afternoon tea wedding shower isn't complete without, of course, the tea and finger sandwiches. Cream cheese and cucumber are my favorite but scones and homemade preserves (or store bought, poured into glass jars) are also suitable for this theme. Don't feel constrained to only serve tea. You can serve iced tea, coffee, or mint juleps as well, but keep in the spirit by serving all of the drinks in tea cups or mint julep cups.

It's a tradition of the bridesmaids to reserve the gift wrapping ribbons to fashion a "flower" bouquet for the bride to use during her wedding rehearsal. So, be careful not to damage or throw the ribbons away.

The most important thing to remember is to have fun!  This is a once in a lifetime occasion for the guest of honor and a very happy one at that.  Your excitement will be passed on to your guests, and that is what will make this occasion that much more special.  Congratulations!  We wish you a lifetime filled with love and laughter.

Utterly Engaged

 

CALLING ALL BRIDES!!!!  I just had to share this amazing new website with you all. D*LSH Design and Red Velvet Occasions have just launched a new wedding e-zine called Utterly Engaged. If you haven't heard about it, Utterly Engaged is a wedding e-zine that gives budget-savvy brides inspiration for their wedding without breaking the bank. Check it out at: http://www.utterlyengaged.com.

This is a great resource for those of you who are utterly engaged to be married and need some fresh ideas!  Have fun!!!