All Things For All Parties

T.G.I.F. THE WASABERITA

Photo by Brian McCay

New Year's Resolution #1:  Low Calorie Cocktails

Another high-calorie monster, the margarita was long overdue for a makeover. Whittle down the calories in this happy hour classic by leaving out the Cointreau (saving 95 calories per ounce) and adding a powerful punch of wasabi powder. Her (Ruhe) clever spin on this go-to is unexpected and guilt-free.

1 teaspoon wasabi powder
3/4 ounce lime juice
1 ounce light agave nectar, such as Wholesome Sweeteners
1 3/4 ounces Tequila blanco

Salt rim of a margarita glass. In a shaker add all of the ingredients with ice. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds and then strain over fresh ice into glass.

Calories: 224

 

2012 Wedding Industry Predictions by Christine Dyer

In 2012, brides will look to be transformed on their big day and they will make their day an extension of their personal individuality.  According to one of our wedding community's members, Streetlight Republic Photography¸“2012 is all about Romance. Lace. Ruffles. Princesses.  The scenery and props of Pride and Prejudice combined with Cinderella’s wedding gown and horse drawn carriage (maybe not a pumpkin though) would be right on trend."  Here is a little preview of what Streetlight Republic Photography expects to see this coming year:

Clever Ideas to Make Life Easier

Hull strawberries easily using a straw.

Rubbing a walnut over scratches in your furniture will disguise dings and scrapes. Rubbing a walnut over scratches in your furniture will disguise dings and scrapes.

A New Secret to Having a Closer Marriage

Photo brought to you by Tiffany's

OK, it's the holidays and I know everyone is running around like a crazy person (including me) which is why I thought I would keep it short and sweet today and share with you an interesting study I read recently about how to have a closer marriage with your hubby.  Apparently, studies have proven that if you let your husband have more guys-only nights he will be a much happier person!  I know you are probably thinking...what the heck but it's true a Cornell University study revealed that husbands who regularly spend time alone with their male friends - to say, watch a game, play sports or drink a beer or two - feel closer to their wives than men who rarely get the chance at male bonding.  Giving him the freedom to spend time with the boys makes your guy feel more independent and masculine, which makes him happier with his life and you! 

My husband has always said that he loves me more because I don't make him feel suffocated so maybe this study is onto something.  Anyway, either way I thought it was a fun one to share and definitely always good to get the conversations going.  Love to read your thoughts.

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.

 

 

 

Simple Holiday Decor

Get the party started with these over-the-top disco-inspired ornaments. Spread good cheer by giving a few extra as gifts.

Mirrored ornaments and frosted glass balls create the look of a Winter Wonderland in a bowl.

Design Tip:  Splurge on two or three mirrored balls, and use more inexpensive plain balls as fillers.  How pretty would this be if you added in some painted white starfish. Or, how about some glittered snowflakes. Both would add some extra texture and glitz.

 

Rustic Wedding - A Big Look on a Small Budget!!

 

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.

L'OBJET GIVEAWAY

Ho, Ho, Ho!!!  As a lover of design and tablescaping, I wanted to share with all of you a first-time ever sweepstakes being hosted by the fine dinnerware and accessory brand, L’OBJET.

Agleam with gold, platinum, and crystal accents, the tableware and accent pieces from L’OBJET are the definition of quiet opulence. Each piece is designed by Elad Yifrach, a former interior designer whose passion for perfection is apparent in every contour and surface.

This giveaway is a chance to win a $500 Shopping Spree to create your dream holiday table. All you have to do is visit L'OBJET to enter. Entry is free and only requires a name and email address. The winner will be notified in just a few weeks.  Enter NOW and make it a Happy Holiday!