Prost to the Host » Ideas

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!

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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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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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Real Party :: Ice Cream Social

Alysia — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:34:29 +0000

Kim-Erin celebrated her daughter, Riley’s first birthday with an Ice Cream Social theme. She wanted to have a theme that was unique and not overdone. Plus, who doesn’t love ice cream?! The little details really make this party one of a kind. Handmade yarn balls to replicate ice cream scoops make fabulous and affordable centerpieces. Painted terra cotta pots hold a buffet of toppings and candies. Party favors of stickers and candies wrapped in clear cellophane tease the party-goers. Plates with custom labels flaunt Riley’s name with retro Ice Cream Shoppe font. My favorite detail is the photo ice cream tree. Photo ornaments of Riley and ice cream cones are fastened to the branches and drip with charming appeal. Happy birthday, Riley!

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DIY Projects :: Dessert Buffet

Alysia — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:12:10 +0000

Together, Bake it Pretty and Inspired Bride created a table full of candy for the eyes and tummy. I can vouch for Bake it Pretty’s selection and quality, as I’ve used their products for most of my parties (cupcake frosting tip, cake pop sticks, sprinkles, cupcake wrappers…oh the list goes on and on). Find all the delicious details (and recipes) for recreating this spectacular table of sweets.

http://www.inspiredbride.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/allbuffet1.jpg

Maddy, from Inspired Bride, use a simple color palette of ice blues and whites to avoid taking the focus away from the display. Check out Maddy’s tips and easy directions to inspire your next dessert buffet.

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