Prost to the Host » Holidays

Celebrations :: Cinco de Mayo 2010

Alysia — Wed, 05 May 2010 15:33:06 +0000

¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo! Enjoy the festivities as we celebrate the Batalla de Puebla. See you later for our regularly scheduled Wedding Dress Wednesday.

Kevin and I having a margarita morning in Puerto Vallarta.

{One Year Ago: Happy Cinco de Mayo}Also check out a few refreshing {Margarita recipes}

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Celebrations :: March Events

Alysia — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 20:10:20 +0000

The month of March is almost gone. Where did the last 29 days go?! My weekends were filled with a mini trip to San Francisco, a science/unicorn themed baby shower, meetings with Fall 2010 brides, a week long family visit and pom orders up the yahoo. Throw in St Patrick’s Day festivities, March Madness and upcoming Easter celebrations, making the month of March beyond hectic. Otherwise, I am doing fine. How are you doing?

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Celebrations :: Mardi Gras

Alysia — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 18:52:08 +0000

Fat Tuesday is here! A celebration that marks the beginning of Lenten Season. Invite your closest friends and get roudy with some sparkly beads and soothing soul food worthy of Fat Tuesday!

MENU

Red Beans & Rice: Hearty and satisfying, this red beans and rice dish is essential for a Mardi Gras themed dinner. Omit the sausage for a vegetarian friendly dish.

Shrimp and Andouille Gumbo: This one pot wonder make a stellar main dish. Adjust the spices for your preferred level of spice and heat.

Beignets: Light and crispy mini donuts make for a sweet finish.

Grilled Shrimp with Remoulade: Quick and easy, but makes for a great presentation. Spice rubbed shrimp and a a healthy remix-remoulade will be a crowd pleaser.

King’s Cake: Traditional dessert served during the festivities. Be sure to add a little baby in the mix to determine who will host next year (or make up another rule). Once the cake has been removed from the oven, insert plastic baby into cake.

What is Fat Tuesday without a Hurricane? Mix in large quantities!

Cheers to you!

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Celebrations :: Valentine’s Day DIY Tablescape

Alysia — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 22:19:59 +0000

What do can do you do with crepe paper and candy? Make an easy colorful diy table setting, of course! Kelly Oshiro and The City Sage joined forces to create this punchy place setting for two. Check out the details at The City Sage’s Blog.

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Valentine’s Day Dinner :: Choose Your Own Adventure

Alysia — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 21:18:37 +0000

Epicurious created a quiz for some interactive menu planning fun. A twist on the “choose your own adventure” theme paired with tantalizing menus will help create a fun Valentine’s Day dinner for the one you love. Click through a few easy questions to find what menu is best suited for suitor.

Based on my skills, food preferences and time, my recommended menu is “Tasty Thai”. We personally don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day, but the menu seems easy enough to tackle for a Saturday dine-in dinner.

What did menu you get?

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Celebrations :: Happy New Year

Alysia — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 16:43:46 +0000

Happy New Years! I am welcoming 2010 with open arms. The year flew by and did not stop to say goodbye. I wish you the best and hope you have a safe and warm New Year! I raise my glass to you!

Cheers!

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Holidays :: Gift Tag Templates

Alysia — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 20:00:05 +0000

There are only 9 days until Christmas! Oh my. If the panic has set in and you are in need of some gift tags. To avoid insanity by shopping at the store, follow these simple steps: 1) click 2) print 3) stick. Voila! You are done.

Festive retro reindeer make any present prettier (Eat, Drink, Chic)

Winter lace embellishes tags for a frosted feel (Martha Stewart)

Bold and punchy red circles will brighten up anyone’s heart (Lauren Makes)

A snazzy purple and blue color palette add a twist to the tradition (Tricia-Rennea)

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Holidays :: Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel

Alysia — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 19:00:28 +0000

I made you out of clay. Well, actually these dreidels are made out of marshmallows and other sweet treats. Enjoy a few simple recipes to get the festivities started. Happy Hanukkah!

Mello Yellow Mallow: Marshmallows and non-pareiles make this a simple and sweet treat. Luckily, non-pareils come in a variety of shades, so finding the perfect color combination will not be hard.

Wagering Kisses: Pretzels and chocolate kisses make this a great salty and sweet snack. If you want to be authentic, use royal icing (it will harden when it dries) and write the four letters. (Scroll through the gift guide to find the recipe).

Icing on the Cookie: Decorated Stars of David and dreidel make a lovely and delicious hostess gift.

Make sure to make plenty for you and your guests or you may be faced with “nun”.

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Holiday :: Cane Cane Themed Cookie Exchange

Alysia — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 11:00:49 +0000

Minty and fresh. Candy Canes are a universal sign for the holidays. This is a mood board designed for a host(ess) with the mostess. S/he wants to invite friends over for a red and white striped theme for a cookie exchange. Gather your favorite recipe for this sweet themed party. Don’t forget to bring a glass of cold milk (or hot chocolate spiked with schnapps).

Rin Tin Tin: Pack your guests goodies in this festive storage tin. Or check out your local craft store or dollar store for affordable storage containers. (Ikea;$8)

Cup of Joe: Bright and cheery red and white stripes had a punch of style to your warm drinks. (Crate & Barrel; $5)

Rosey Posey: Fresh and vibrant roses make this easy centerpeice a sweet choice. Line candy canes to add festiveness to your fleurs. Simple DIY directions are available from My Eco Chic Wedding.

Tagged: These tags are multi-functional. Use them for gift tags, coasters or place settings. Or use them to label the cookie options to help your guests from guessing the goods. (Adonai Jayde; $3)

Cut it Out: Affordable favors can be found at your local craft store for about a dollar or less. Wrap up with a thick satin ribbon and tie off with a candy cane tag (above) for a simple favor that will be used for next year’s cookie exchange.

Sweet Treats

Peppermint Brownie: A soft and chewy brownie topped with luscious chocolate ganache topped with a smooth-as-glass peppermint frosting.

Chocolate Crinkles: Pulled from a local Portland food blog, Bread & Honey featured these little treats last year. I’ve made them several times since and they are always a hit. Thick chewy chocolate cookies that are dusted with powdered sugar. What more could you ask for? Stuff the cookies and make a decadent sandwich. Mmmm.

Mexican Wedding Cakes: One of my favorite recipes that have always find a place in my tummy. Chock full of nuts and the cookie is beyond buttery and delicious. Try this recipe for a no-fail attempt to a classic cookie.

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Holidays :: Thanksgiving Desserts With A Twist

Alysia — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 03:18:07 +0000

Yes. Thanksgiving is just a few days away. Drool. Just a few more days until I stuff my belly with my favorite comfort food favorites. I love the traditional dishes that are served every year. But I often get tired of the simple and very classic pumpkin pie and pecan pie. Don’t like what you’re hearing? Ignore this post. I love to test dessert recipes that cue my traditional senses, yet tingle your palette with Here is a sampling of some desserts that will rev your stomach engines.

Figgy Fixed Up: Figs wrapped in a buttery and flaky puff pastry crust swims in a pool of chocolate.

Tasty Tartlets: Wrapped up like a little package, these tartletts having a demanding stage presense. Dress up with a scoop of ice cream or inhale on its own.

Eggs-cellent Cheesecake: Egg nog cheese cake makes a decadent dessert for the choosiest of eaters.

Gingerly Made: Panna cotta is a creamy Italian custard that melts in your mouth. This recipe is made with ginger and pumpkin making this a spicy and refined way to finish a fantastic meal.

Perfectly Peared: Naturally sweet pears are drizzled with a balsamic vinegar reduction and tossed with tossed walnuts. A simple and easy dessert that won’t burst your belly after a full Thanksgiving dinner.

What is your favorite Thanksgiving dessert? My favorite is pumpkin pie with fresh whipped cream and a bite (read: half) of my husband’s dessert.

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