All Things For All Parties

A Simple Memorial Day Menu

First of all, I can't believe that I haven't posted since Cinco de Mayo....Wow!  Where did the time go?!?!  We are back now with some fun food suggestions for this weekend's festivities!!

So, fire up the grill and break out the cocktails because Summer is almost here and it's time to Party!!

To Start:  I am all about bite-size appetizers so why not start things off with some Cheesy Mini Quiches...Yum!  I found this great recipe in All You Magazine - so click here to get the recipe for these tasty little treats.

Don't forget to put a little crudite plate together with a nice veggie dip for those guests watching their waistline (since Summer means Swimsuits!).

For your Main Course:  I think kebabs (turkey kielbasa or sirloin-vegetable) are such a great choice and an easy way to serve your guests. 

For the sides:  make a cold potato salad.  Boil the potatoes (whole with skin) than peel the skin and slice them like potato chips than just add olive oil, onions and season them to taste!!  Serve cold.  They are easy and super yummy (recipe by my mother-in-law). 

My husband's favorite Memorial Day side is ColeSlaw so of course that will be on our menu. 

To Drink:  I love drinks that allow your guests to be able to serve themselves so make-up a batch of Strawberry Lemonade Punch.  Just add 1 (12 oz.) pkg. frozen strawberries (with juice and sugar)
1 (12 oz.) can frozen pink lemonade.  Mix lemonade according to can directions. Add frozen strawberries, slightly thawed, and mix.

For Dessert:  Just keep it simple and go with good ole fashioned ice cream sandwiches.  Just make-up a batch of chocolate chip cookies; place one scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies and voila...You are everyone's Hero!!!

Happy Memorial Day!

 

 

 

 

T.G.I.F. CUCUMBER JALAPENO MARGARITAS

Aye Caramba!  Tomorrow is Cinco de Mayo and I am definitely planning on finding a nice patio to sit on to enjoy a frosty margarita.  The Cucumber Jalapeno Margie is my absolutely favorite and I think you will become as addicted as I am once you make-up a batch of these little diablos!  Ole!

Serving Size 1

Ingredients:

2 slices fresh jalapeno chili
3 slices peeled cucumber
1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
1.75 ounces Corzo Tequila Blanco
Garnish: unpeeled slice of cucumber

Directions:
1. Add jalapeno, cucumber in cocktail shaker. Muddle to break up chili and cucumber.
2. Add lime juice, tequila and ice. Cover and shake vigorously. Pour into a 12-ounce bucket glass.

All Things Preppy: Grosgrain Napkin Rings

Check out our online shop to find more great Grosgrain Napkin Ring Colors!  Perfect for any occasion (I just bought a set for my Mom for Mother's Day!)

Throw a (Beginners) Poker Party

Phot

Photos by Kelly Lyden from the Party Dress.

What a great excuse to get the Girls together...Invite them over to learn Texas Hold'em, America's new favorite and easiest style of poker.

#1  Round up all your players...the more the merrier.  Gather round a table that will fit all your guests comfortably.  Be sure and let your guests know what the "stakes" will be...you can limit bets to whatever 25 cents for example or for the first night just use poker chips and have all the fun without the money.

#2  For the decor, give your space a casino vibe.  Use a black and white striped tablecloth and game inspired decorations.

#3  Serve up "winning" cocktails like club sandwiches and Royal Flush Martinis.  Use cookie cutters to cut snacks like cookies into hearts, clubs, spades ord diamonds.

#4  Review the rules and be sure to keep a cheat sheet out for guests so they are able to see what hand is higher than another one. 

Winner, winner chicken dinner.

Have fun!!

 

I HEART VALENTINE'S DAY!

If you're talking about something that's "hot" and "sexy" than you must be talking about our "NEW" Hot Pink Vase Corset...It's the perfect item for Valentine's day or that upcoming Bridal Shower your hosting or just having the girls over for some good catch-up.  Change the ribbon to spice things up or to match your decor.  Whatever the occasion...these Vase Corsets make the perfect centerpiece.

T.G.I.F. ESKY'S HOT SPOT

OK, I have to confess that I have seriously been the biggest slacker when it comes to blogging these days...I think the holiday took all my mojo and any bit of energy I had; but I have decided that enough is enough and it's time to get rid of this lazy, slacker attitude so I am back!  Starting next week I will start posting on a regular basis and I am also planning on making some exciting changes to this blog.  I welcome any and all ideas. 

Let's get this weekend started with the perfect happy hour cocktail...Esky's Hot Spot!

Toasty Baked Brie

What party would be complete without a cheese plate, and what could be better than a warm, baked brie!!!  It definitely makes a comforting cold-weather addition to your next soiree. While some recipes serve up the gooey goodness in puff pastry, this version takes an even simpler approach, with just four ingredients to spread atop accompanying crackers or crostini...come on who doesn't love easy?!?!

I don't know if I am just really hungry but the maple-pecan-topped wedge just looks so incredibly yummy that I think I am going to have to make this appie for my hubby's bday celebration tomorrow evening

Ok so here's how to make it straight from Everyday Food...(thanks for sharing)

T.G.I.F. CHAMBORD'S SWEET-TINI

"Deck the halls with be boughs of holly, fa, la, la, la!"  Serve these us as your signature cocktail for your Holiday Party this weekend and everyone will be singing, "Tis the Season to be Jolly!"

Sweet-tini

4 oz Korbel® Sweet Rose
1 oz Chambord Flavored Vodka
2 oz Cranberry-Apple Juice

Shake vodka and juice with ice and strain into a chilled wine glass. Top with champagne and garnish with a strawberry slice.

The Family Holiday Dinner

When it comes to having the family over for holiday dinner, sometimes planning the menu is the easy part.

Whether you're hosting a small group or large for your holiday meal, we have you covered.  Here, we'll share a couple of fun ideas for unique holiday tablescapes.

THE KID'S TABLE
To make sure the kids behave during dinner, try putting together something sweet -- and whimsical -- idea for a Candy Cane-inspired table. First, lay out a red table runner, green placemats, red napkins and whimsical holiday plates like these adorable Snowman Plates.  For an extra yummy effect, we suggest adding an edible centerpiece using lollipops and candy canes arranged in white pales lined with chocolate rice cereal as "dirt." The best part? This centerpiece also doubles as dessert, since guests can graze right from the pots.

 

WINTER WONDERLAND 
"Think of your table top as an extension of your closet and personal style. Mix what you currently have in your cabinets with special holiday pieces, top basics with flea market finds or borrow complementary patterns from friends and family. Mix colors and patterns to make each person's place setting unique.

 

 

 

How to Host the Perfect Holiday Open House

My Mother has a Holiday Open House every year for her clients so I decided to write her a "How To" Blog to help her have a stress free Open House this year (Stress-Free is the Key Word here).  Even though she has been doing it for years it still becomes the most stressful time for her (I usually like to avoid her house around this time).

A Holiday Open House is by design a very relaxed and informal party and a great way to entertain a large group during the holidays.  The best thing about it is that friends and neighbors can arrive at their convenience betweeen a very wide timeframe and during these busy times it really is such a wonderful gesture.  What I love the most about this type of party is that you usually have a lot of time to get to really catch-up with friends and family since you can are able to do it during staggered times in the day verses that 2-3 hour window you have at most parties.