My Half Birthday

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Come Party With Me: Half-Birthday Housewarming — The Look

The decorations for my half-birthday housewarming will be kept to a minimum because it's a time for friends to check out my new living space.

The decorations for my half-birthday housewarming will be kept to a minimum because it's a time for friends to check out my new living space. I don't want to clutter it with gaudy balloons and flowing streamers. Instead, I'll create a party atmosphere with glowing lights, lots of candles, and fresh Spring flowers arranged in low vases. I'll serve the feast of Italian appetizers on different-shaped white plates and wooden boards.

The cupcakes will go in my cupcake tower and the cocktail will be poured in my collection of Champagne coupes. The walls are bare, but I've made an inspiration board. To encourage guests to add their ideas, I'll cover a large portion of an accessible wall with butcher paper. A bowl full of good markers will sit next to the paper and I'll ask everyone to tell me how I should decorate!

Have you recently hosted a housewarming? What special touches made your party memorable?

recipes

Come Party With Me: Half-Birthday Housewarming — Drinks

If I had to choose one thing to drink for the rest of my life, I would select sparkling wine.

If I had to choose one thing to drink for the rest of my life, I would select sparkling wine. I cannot get enough bubbles! Naturally, I'll be pouring it at my half-birthday housewarming. Since I'm guessing a lot of guests will show up with a bottle of bubbly in tow, I'll be whipping up this elegant blissini. It's like a mimosa, but with pomegranate juice. The addition of mint takes this effervescent drink from morning to night.

Get the easy recipe after the break.

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Come Party With Me: Half-Birthday Housewarming — Dessert

The theme for the cuisine at my half-birthday housewarming is Italian.

The theme for the cuisine at my half-birthday housewarming is Italian. I'm serving a spread of store bought and homemade goodies and naturally, one sweet treat. Classic tiramisu is my favorite Italian dessert, but it's not too cocktail party friendly. I don't want to worry about slicing, plating, and serving it with utensils.

Luckily, Martha Stewart has come up with a clever solution to my problem: tiramisu cupcakes! The batter is light and fluffy like ladyfingers, and the frosting is a whipped confection made with mascarpone cheese. To get the recipe, which must be made in advance, keep reading.

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Come Party With Me: Half-Birthday Housewarming — Menu

On birthdays (and half birthdays), I like to make my favorite foods, thus for my half-birthday housewarming, I plan on serving a spread of delectable Italian bites.

On birthdays (and half birthdays), I like to make my favorite foods, thus for my half-birthday housewarming, I plan on serving a spread of delectable Italian bites. The party goes from 7:30-10 p.m., smack in the middle of dinner time, so I'll need to offer a substantial amount of food. I don't want to spend days in the kitchen or prepare anything that requires a plate and utensils; that's why I'll take some help from the grocery store and make four easy appetizers.

From the Italian market I'll purchase charcuterie, an assortment of cheese, marinated olives, grissini, nduja and crusty bread. A quartet of homemade dishes — stuffed marinated hot red cherry peppers, polpette in spicy tomato sauce, roasted asparagus wrapped in prosciutto, and arugula and fava-bean crostini — rounds out the menu. To check out the recipes I'll be using, read more

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Come Party With Me: Half Birthday Housewarming — Invite

Tomorrow is my half birthday, and if you are a long-time YumSugar reader, you'll know that I always celebrate my half birthday!

Tomorrow is my half birthday, and if you are a long-time YumSugar reader, you'll know that I always celebrate my half birthday! After consulting CasaSugar on when is the appropriate time to host a housewarming, I've decided to throw myself a half birthday housewarming party. I'll invite my friends over and serve up a delectable spread of appetizers and drinks. Before I can think about the menu, I've got to get the invites sent. To learn how I made the invite pictured here, read more

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Come Party With Me: My Half Birthday — The Look

Not only am I packing up a delicious spread of food to pair with the fresh oysters of Hog Island, but I'm also bringing a few simple decorations to transform the farm picnic area into a fabulous party zone.

Not only am I packing up a delicious spread of food to pair with the fresh oysters of Hog Island, but I'm also bringing a few simple decorations to transform the farm picnic area into a fabulous party zone. For example, a fabric tablecloth in a vibrant print incorporates a touch of elegance to the outdoor location. A single bouquet of tulips adds to the natural oceanside landscape.

Store thick plastic plates, plastic wine glasses, and paper napkins in a festive wicker picnic basket. Don't forget the essential tools for enjoying oysters.

Pack several shucking knives and a pretty platter for displaying the bivalves. Wrap a glass pitcher in towels and a secure in a safe spot until arriving at the picnic table. Once there, fill with the sangria and let the (half birthday) party begin!

Source

recipes

Come Party With Me: My Half Birthday — Drinks

Months ago, I ripped this recipe for rose sangria out of Food and Wine magazine.

Months ago, I ripped this recipe for rose sangria out of Food and Wine magazine. The recipe has haunted me — I've tried to make it several times, but on each occasion, I've run into problems. The first shot I didn't realize the syrup needed a night to macerate. The second try I thought I had Port in my wine rack, but didn't. The third attempt I could no longer find fresh cranberries at the local market. However, I've decided I WILL make it for my half birthday picnic. There is plenty of time between now and then for me to make sure I have all of the necessary ingredients. A batch can be whipped up in advance and kept chilled in a cooler on the ride out to the Hog Island Oyster Company farm.

Besides the sangria, I'll pack beer, water, and champagne. To look at the recipe, read more

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Come Party With Me: My Half Birthday — Dessert

If you've been a fan of YumSugar for a while, you'll know that I have a thing for dulce de leche, the thick, milky caramel from South America.

If you've been a fan of YumSugar for a while, you'll know that I have a thing for dulce de leche, the thick, milky caramel from South America. From layered cakes to ice cream sandwiches, I'm always looking for new ways to highlight my favorite sweet.

For my half birthday, I'll be experimenting with a recipe for chocolate dulce de leche bars.

A crisp shortbread crust balances out the rich mixture of dulce de leche and chocolate. They're portable, making them perfect for a picnic at the Hog Island Oyster Company. To see the recipe, read more

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Come Party With Me: My Half Birthday — Menu

Although some people may find it crazy, I celebrate my half birthday every year — hey, they don't call me PartySugar for nothing!

Although some people may find it crazy, I celebrate my half birthday every year — hey, they don't call me PartySugar for nothing! Since a half birthday party should never be more elaborate than your real birthday, I'm hosting an intimate oyster picnic. A group of my closest friends will join me for an afternoon at the Hog Island Oyster Company Farm. The menu consists of all-you-can-eat fresh oysters and several dishes I'll be preparing in advance. A classic mignonette will be delicious spooned on top the oysters. A crisp salad complete with croutons, mushrooms, and arugula is a filling side. The farm has barbecues that are open to the public, so we'll grill up some simple cheese sandwiches.

Salty, garlicky potato chips provide crunch and round out the easy, portable, make-ahead menu. To check out these recipes, read more

recipes

A Delicious Dessert: Lemon Ripple Cheesecake

At the last minute, I decided not to make the white chocolate-lime cheesecake bars for my half birthday party.

At the last minute, I decided not to make the white chocolate-lime cheesecake bars for my half birthday party. Instead, I opted for these lemon ripple bars. Lemon seemed to evoke the flavors of Spring more than lime and white chocolate. I cut them into small, bite-sized pieces and they went like hot cakes at the party!

This easy-to-follow recipe is divine. The crust is flecked with lemon zest and lemon curd is rippled with the creamy cheesecake filling. They are wonderful for a party because you can make them one or two days before the event. For the recipe, read more