The last few days here in LA have been scorchers so last night we made a pitcher of these yummy cocktails. They are the perfect mix of Wild Blueberry Mixer, Lemon Drop Mixer and vodka. They are absolutely refreshing!!!
1 part Stirrings Wild Blueberry Mixer
1 part Stirrings Lemon Drop Mixer
1 part vodka
Garnish: Stirrings Lemon Drop Rimmer
Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Cover and shake vigorously. Pour entire mix (including ice) into rimmed glass.
OK, I went to a party last weekend that a friend of a friend's hosted and I have to say I was shocked...If I had to guess I would have thought it was one of my husband's fraternity brothers who was hosting this event. So I decided to write today's blog in honor of all the lazy hosts I have ever met - so pay attention if your idea of hosting a party is opening a bag of chips and throwing them in a bowl. Oh and of course we can't forget my favorite red Solo cups which definitely says, "Gee, we went all out for you." So let's be honest unless you are one of my husband's fraternity brothers, this kind of hosting is unacceptable - nor does it make your guests feel special.
The key to hosting a fun party is to make your guests feel like they were your first thought when planning the party. When they arrive they should feel welcome and honored to be a guest in your house (not an afterthought).
I have put together a list of some quick tips to make your minimal efforts look like your are the Hostess with the Mostess. With touches this cute, you might even be able to talk your friends into cleaning up afterward.
1. Forget the Flowers
Flowers are the standard go to centerpiece but they can get pretty costly very quickly. I like to use fresh fruit or vegetables; such as artichokes, pomegranates, apples or lemons. Buy what's in season. Simply stack them in a bowl or vase. If you are having a dinner party you can use a sharpie to write each guests name on an apple for example.
2. And now starring..."Ice"
Make ice cubes for the party, but add mint sprigs, berries, marachino cherries or edible flowers to the cavities before freezing. Then you'll have pretty and fun ice cubes to impress your guests.
3. Dress up a drink
Add a theme or ID to glassware with simple embellishments. Drink umbrellas, metal stirrers or stickers can be used to dress up your drink. They can also serve another purpose by marking whose glass is whose. Garnishes like colored sugar or salt, shaved chocolate or edible glitter on the rim are also a great way to dress up your drink. Invest in a citrus zester so you can make long lemon or orange curls from the rind.
4. Serve it up, baby
Even if you buy an already made appetizer tray at the market be sure to take it out of the plastic tray that it came in and put it on your own serving tray. Serve your drinks and food on trays this makes people feel like they are really being catered to. You can pick-up inexpensive serving trays from just about anywhere - Ikea has some great inexpensive entertaining items and there's always your local consignment shop for fun finds. I have a friend who has the most interesting collection of china - it's absolutely gorgeous and not a single piece matches.
5. Turn down the lights
When the lights go down you know the real fun is about to begin. Candlelight is an inexpensive and easy way to set the mood. You can also buy different colored light bulbs to help set the mood of the evening. I had a Sex & the City party and we replaced all the white bulbs for pink ones. You can usually pick these colored light bulbs up at your local hardware store.
Bonus Tip: Have your guests participate!! For all of you lazy hosts - this means less work for you. You can actually assign guests to help you with something. For that shy friend, have them help you refresh guests drinks - this gets them mingling and not sitting on your sofa all night. For that control freak, have them let you know when it's time to take something out of the oven, tell people where to put their coats or let you know when the cd needs to be changed. I know this seems crazy but the more people are involved in the party the more fun they tend to have.
Don't be shy...Share some of your low-maintenance party ideas!
Give your party a sweet look with these playful and easy-to-assemble candy centerpieces. No party is complete without decorations, and no table is set without a sensational centerpiece. Whether celebrating a holiday or a special occasion such as a wedding, baby shower or birthday, you can make a fun and delicious candy centerpiece. In addition to adding pizazz to your table, candy centerpieces can be easily transformed into a dessert table or favors for your guests. Just scoop a few colorful candies out of these great clear canisters into a cellophane bag and tie with a decorative ribbon and voila you have an instant favor. You can even play a shower game by having guests guess the number of jelly beans in a jar. This theme is definitely one that can multi-task in so many fun ways. This is one dee-licious party!
I don't know about you but the thought of scrapbooking has always been an overwhelming thought for me. Even though I have been to the local scrapbooking store plenty of times to purchase scrapbooking paper and other doo-dads the only thing I have ever used any of it for was for decorating event & party tables; With the new online photo service How Fast They Grow, you can put together an absolutely adorable scrapbook in no time and easily organize all your images into a gorgeous album.
Start by choosing a cover and template style from a range of options such as baby, wedding, family or just for fun themes. Then upload your images to the site and you're all set. The best part is you can just make one page at a time instead of committing to a whole photo book.
Its ingenious Digi-Scrapbook service offers an online solution to preserving special moments with minimum fuss.
Assemble a page in seven minutes or less. There are templates, a drag-and-drop demo, plus albums and protector sheets for sale. Once you’re finished, you can share with friends or order hard copies.
Hey, there’s a first time for everything. I really couldn't believe how easy it was and how adorable the album turned out.
Move over paper lanterns, glowsticks are here!!! There's a new trend in event lighting; Designers are using neon lights/glow sticks to impart an arty feel to parties. So, I guess it's official the 80's are back - day glow, leggings, MC hammer pants, tapered jeans and now glowsticks although you have to admit this is a super cool way to use your glowsticks. String them on a line across the room in lieu of paper lanterns. Hang them on various sized rings to make an ultra-chic chandelier. However you choose to use them you definitely need to pick a few for your next evening event.
I can't believe that summer is already almost over it feels like it was just Memorial day but this year I say don't let the summer go without a fight by...Throw an end of summer bash. The balmy nights and suntanned legs will soon be a thing of the past and cashmere sweaters and football will be here in full swing so make the most of what's left.
Since this is your last hoorah, so set a sumptuous, casual and lazy-loungey scene that says summer. Create multiple seating areas around the yard. Group outdoor tables and chairs, scatter lounges with side tables, and drag your indoor furniture outdoors. Strategically placed lamps (with wires taped to the ground so people don't trip), sofas, coffee tables and even indoor tables and chairs can make a ho-hum outdoor space seem luxe. To take it over the top, place an inflatable chesterfield sofa outside. Scatter similar bouquets around the yard, add a few citronella candles, and include hurricane lamps with white pillar candles to add ambiance when day turns to dusk. For an extra-festive touch, wrap trees or bushes with white holiday lights or string party lights on your deck railing or porch awning.
I have a good friend who's getting married and when she went to register she became very overwhelmed and ended up walking out with nothing. She called me shortly after and explained to me what had happened - she said she had no idea where to begin. I told her that I believe you should always start with the basics. It's the same as building a wordrobe - you always start with your core items then build upon it.
For tableware, I believe this core wardrobe is white plates and bowls, clear glasses and simple white and clear serving pieces. This way your table can always be adapted to whatever the occasion just by adding colorful linens, fun napkin rings and festive centerpieces. If you are going to make an investment in your tableware then you should be able to use it for multiple occasions. Let's face it - nice tableware is NOT cheap.
Be sure to always keep plenty of votives, tealights and candles in your pantry. Candlelight is the perfect (and easiest) way to set an elegant ambience.
I'm all about repurposing - I love finding unexpected ways to use what I already have in my kitchen. Martini glasses have a versatile form that's great for far more than just martinis. The beautiful bowl and pedestal combined offer so many great possibilities. Fill them with small mirrored balls - they are the perfect decorative option for your bar or table. Place mini servings of popcorn at a buffet table and serve them to guests at your next movie or game night party. Light them up - there is nothing more beautiful than the flickering glow from floating candles; I love the way it dances on the water to create the perfect ambience. You can also use them to serve dessert or mash potatoes. It's so much more chic then just putting them in a bowl or on plate - it's all about the presentation!
WC Fields once said, "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house unless they have a well stocked bar." Well, I say build your own and I promise "they will come".
I believe you should always stock your bar to suit your guests. Having a fully stocked bar is an absolute must when having a sophisticated event, and although your guests will always offer to bring something - this is one area that should be fully covered by the host. Especially if you want to impress your guests by making them the latest and greatest unique and tantalizing cocktails.
It doesn't take a lot to build a good bar - you can pretty much cover most of your standard drinks with just a few key liquors, liqueurs and mixers:
For some fun mixers and rimmers head to our Cocktail Section at Social Couture - So many fun choices.
Today's was my niece's 1st day at Junior High (oh I remember those days)...So, today I dedicate this blog to her. Forget ordinary baskets and get in style with this very chic Uno Insulated Lunch Tote for One. This stylish lunch tote is the hip alternative to traditional lunch totes. The tote features a convenient zippered exterior pocket that holds stainless steel utensils and a cloth napkin. The tote offers ample storage with a drawstring top and a strong aluminum frame with durable polyester canvas. This makes a great gift for office workers, school teachers, and friends. Available in different colors. OK so it might not be what the kids are carrying at school today but it is perfect for the office especially if you are trying to avoid the vending machines and fast food restaurants...We do still have a few weeks of summer left.
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