All Things For All Parties

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!)

Hippity Hoppity Easter's On It's Way!

Here comes Peter Cottontail and his friends...hippity hopping all the way to your Easter table!  Anders Ruff has done it again with another one of their absolutely adorable "Easter" Printable Parties.

Universal Studios hired Anders Ruff to design a “HOP” themed Easter party for the release of the movie at Target!  All of the DVD and Blu-Ray discs at Target will have an insert inside with instructions on how you can download your FREE Anders Ruff printable Hoppy Easter party decor set! (For a LIMITED time so be sure to get to your local Target on 3.23.12!)

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.

 

 

 

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.

 

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!

Holiday Entertaining Budget Tips

Photo by WorkingDivas.com

A holiday party doesn't have to cost a lot. Use a few of these quick tips to make your holiday party a night to remember.

I have always been a big believer in repurposing what you already have.  An old-fashioned sled looks great by the front door, a scarf can make a festive table runner, and fluffy woolen mittens accent tabletops or walls.  Frame festive holiday cards and use as wall art or set the frames on tabletops.  You can also make your own garland by stringing together popcorn, cranberries cinnamon sticks or any other fun edible item you can think of...don't be afraid to get creative. 

Use candles to create the perfect ambience.  Candles are inexpensive and an easy way to set the mood.

For the drinks, choose a simple signature cocktail this is a great way to keep costs down.  You can also have everyone bring their favorite bottle of wine or champagne.

Create your own soundtrack from iTunes or Pandora to create your own favorite seasonal playlist. 

Get your hair blown out from a local salon to make you feel extra special.  Wear one of your favorite dresses and pair it with new fun costume jewelry to give a little extra oomph! 

Fa, la, la!