Inauguration Viewing

Come Party With Me

Come Party With Me: Inauguration — The Look

Make patriotism chic at the inauguration kickoff party with sleek scarlets and deep blues.

Make patriotism chic at the inauguration kickoff party with sleek scarlets and deep blues. Silver accents are a lux and sophisticated final touch.

Set up the food on a long buffet table covered with a red table runner. Stack blue plates and "Yes We Did!" napkins nearby, so guests can help themselves to sandwiches and pizza at their leisure. Put the punch on another side of the room and arrange the champagne coups next to the bowl.

A bouquet of red tulips is an eye-catching focal point. For a comfortable and inviting atmosphere, light plenty of candles and throw festive pillows on the couch.

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Come Party With Me: Inauguration — Drinks

Although it's named after a city in Massachusetts, Cohasset Punch is a classic concoction native to Chicago.

Although it's named after a city in Massachusetts, Cohasset Punch is a classic concoction native to Chicago. Since the menu of my Inauguration kickoff party is Chicago themed, in honor of Barack Obama's old home, the signature drink should be a cocktail with origins in the Windy City. A favorite since before World War I, Cohasset Punch is a mixture of rum, Grand Marnier, and canned peach syrup. Along with the punch, offer guests a small selection of beer, wine, and sodas. To learn how to make the Cohasset cocktail, read more

Come Party With Me

Come Party With Me: Inauguration — Dessert

Although the Inauguration isn't until next Tuesday, I'm inviting friends over to kick off the ceremony on Sunday.

Although the Inauguration isn't until next Tuesday, I'm inviting friends over to kick off the ceremony on Sunday. Since Barack Obama was senator in Chicago, the menu has a Chicago theme. After finishing the deep-dish pizzas, wait an hour before serving this decadent dessert. Eli's is the Windy City's famous bakery known for its chocolate chip cheesecake. While you could order a cheesecake from Eli's and have it delivered, I recommend whipping up a homemade variation. This recipe features sour cream (like most Chicago-style cheesecakes) and results in a cake that is firm on the outside, but deliciously creamy on the inside.

To look at the recipe, read more

Come Party With Me

Come Party With Me: Inauguration — Menu

Next week Barack Obama will make history when he is sworn in as president.

Next week Barack Obama will make history when he is sworn in as president. Naturally, this momentous occasion deserves a party! The ceremony takes place on Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 11:30 a.m. EST. Since most people will be working, I've decided to host my party the Sunday before. HBO is airing a special live program, We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial, to kick off the festivities, and I've invited my friends over to watch it with me. While my election night menu featured patriotic dishes, this party will highlight dishes from Barack Obama's old hometown, Chicago.

For appetizers offer guests Garrett Gourmet Popcorn, flown in fresh from the Windy City. Make mini Italian beef sandwiches topped with giardiniera peppers. For the main course, serve two nontraditional (they're square shaped — no special circular pans necessary) deep dish pizzas. A pepperoni, onion, and mushroom pie is perfectly hearty while a spinach-artichoke pizza will satiate the vegetarians in attendance. To check out these tantalizing recipes, read more