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!

 

 

 

 

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!)

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)

Yummy Watermelon Pie

 
Photo by Living Locurto

Watermelon what?!?!  Summer's almost over but while it's still here let's indulge in some sweet watermelon pie!  Doesn't this look like a little slice of heaven?!  So easy to make and very fun to serve at your next dinner party.

Outdoor Summer Lighting

 
One of my favorite things about Summer is having dinner outside in the evenings...there is something magical about a warm, Summer night; so whether you're planning an outdoor dinner party, wedding reception, or intimate Summer party, don't forget to decorate your ceiling...in this case the your sky view or the great outdoors. Decorating or magnifying the night's canopy can help add to the festive feel of the event, while creating a "ceiling" in the outdoor space can define the space. Above are some fun ideas for encouraging your guests to look up at your event.  Whether it be simple, candles, paper lanterns, outdoor lamps or even chandeliers - I am sure you can think of many more creative ideas to give ambience to your evening space.  Have fun and get creative.  Please don't hesitate to share your ideas with us and our readers. 

 

Entertaining with a Tent

 

While the weather's still warm, you made throw one last party or fete at the beach/in your garden/the backyard of your Hamptons summer hideaway. Offer a shade option for your guests and also rain protection in the event of a summer storm. If your friends are like mine...they have high expectations and that's why this is the perfect little sumpin' sumpin' to turn it up a notch.

So have a blast and definitely don't stress. Have a martini & toss up a fab tent from Raj Tents and bam!...insta-atmosphere.  Such a fab-u-lous idea!!!

 

T.G.I.F. WATERMELON COOLERS

 
Photo by All You

Serve up a pitcher of these to help cool off during these Sizzling Summer Days. They are not only refreshing but dee-licious!  Perfect for your next summer party or signature wedding cocktail.

Ingredients:

• 8 cups seeded
• 1/2-inch watermelon cubes
• 2 cups chilled ginger ale
• 1/4 cup water
• 6 ounces frozen limeade concentrate

Preparation:
Arrange watermelon cubes on a baking sheet. Freeze 30 minutes, or until solidly frozen. Working in batches, blend frozen watermelon, chilled ginger ale, 1/4 cup water and frozen limeade concentrate in a blender until smooth. Serve in chilled glasses.

Recipe by MyRecipe.com

Summer Tablecloth Weights

 
I found this both practical and adorable idea in Country Living.  What a great way to anchor your tablecloth!  Fill Pails with Posies or other gorgeous floral bouquets and skip the store-bought weights.  You can easily make your own by filling tiny buckets with the flowers of your choice and a half inch of water. Just suspend the bouquets from your tablecloth using a clip and fishing line or skinny ribbon. Tie and knot one end around the handle of the bucket and the other around the clip. Not only are these useful but they are the perfect summer table decor.  Thanks for the great idea Country Living. 

T.G.I.F. CHAMBORD SPRITZER PITCHER

 

Photo by Esquire 

It's time to celebrate summer with family and friends. As you move your festivities to the outdoors, Chambord is the perfect complement to enjoy the season. The rich, intense flavor adds a delicious touch of luxury to your favorite cocktails.

Enjoy sipping these refreshing Chambord cocktails as you enjoy your summer fun.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups dry white wine
1 cup Chambord Liqueur
1 1/2 cup chilled seltzer or club soda
1/4 cup lemon juice

Feel free to add any additional fruit you want...it definitely won't hurt this recipe.

Directions:

Mix all ingredients in an ice-filled large pitcher. Garnish with lemon or lime wedge.

Summer Entertaining Ideas

 photo by Pottery Barn

Summer is here and it is a wonderful time to plan an outdoor party with your friends and family...so many reasons (exciuses to throw a party). Get ready to fire up the grill and plan your summer party.

Send a festive summer themed invitation. I am a huge fan of paper invitations but it seems like more and more people are using online invitation sites for casual gatherings. So if you want to save money on invites and postage, this is a definite option. No better place to throw your summer party then at home (the beach or park are also great options) and the best part is that there is no site fee. Put together a budget that will cover food, drink and fun party favors. Don't be shy when your guests ask what you need...let them bring something and then cross that off your list and your budget!

Host a backyard BBQ or just make up a fun reason to have a party like an ice cream social, luau or summer fiesta. I live in LA so volleyball is always a great excuse to get friends together for a little friendly competition but my mother who lives in Napa loves bocce ball or croquet (croquet always reminds me of "Alice In Wonderland" - oh and there's another great idea for a themed party). If you are feeling extra ambitious than plan a golf outing with dinner and awards back at your house. Invite all the golfers and their families or dates to join in the fun. All these parties are easy to plan and fun to both give and attend.

For food, you can grill, cater or do pot luck depending on your budget. For decorations hang string lights or place clusters of candles in various spots to set the ambience. Favors are always fun and a great way to say thanks to your guests for coming and nowadays there are so many terrific "light up" items on the market that you can buy in bulk for very cheap or you can always make something homemade for guests to take home with them. And for all you parents with kids that have summer birthdays...plan to do it at home this year and turn your backyard into a water park or plan a carnival for under $100.00.

So get your plans in place now and put together a great party this summer. Enjoy the opportunity to entertain casually in your own backyard and be able to do it on a budget that you can afford.