Olympics Viewing

Let the colors of the Olympic symbol — blue, yellow, black, green, and red — inspire the decor of your Olympics viewing party. Start by running a white cloth down the middle of a buffet table. Set the food on five circular plates arranged in the Olympic symbol pattern. Stack napkins nearby.

Stock the bar, complete with punch bowl and glasses, on another table. Make sure there is plenty of seating and that the television can be seen from all points of view. Yellow bouquets look lovely on small end tables. An official Beijing, panda bear pin makes a festive and fabulous party favor.

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When guests arrive at your Olympic viewing, surprise them at the door with a chilled shot of Canton Ginger Liqueur. The shot will loosen up shy friends and get the conversation flowing. Next offer guests a glass of strawberry-lychee punch. Muddled with fresh strawberries, China's most cherished fruit sweetens this delicious rum cocktail.

Also have beer, wine, and sparkling water on hand. To learn how to make this cool, refreshing strawberry-lychee concoction, read more

Like a medal ceremony during the games, the dessert to your Olympic viewing should be rewarding and sweet. During the Summer nothing beats homemade ice cream, so wow guests with fresh scoops of cold, green tea ice cream.

This exotic flavor continues the Asian-influenced theme of the menu. Make the mixture the night before the party and freeze in an ice cream maker a half an hour before serving.

To learn the technique for green tea ice cream, read more

The Olympics are taking place in Beijing, so I plan on serving a dim sum-inspired Chinese menu. Dim sum are small dishes usually consumed at brunch. Since my viewing is in the evening, the recipes aren't necessarily über-traditional; they are, however, divinely delicious. Shrimp shau mai are bite-sized pillows packed with delicate flavors. Chinese spareribs with teriyaki glaze will satiate the hunger of carnivore guests, while sweet and spicy fried cauliflower will tantalize the vegetarian tastebuds. When served in individual take out containers, spicy sesame noodles make an excellent hors d'oeuvre.

If you have a large crowd coming over, supplement this homemade menu with store bought Spring or Summer rolls and pork buns. To check out the recipes, read more

The Olympics start this Friday, so naturally this week, I'm planning an Olympics viewing party! You can host this party while watching the opening ceremony, or invite friends to enjoy your favorite sporting event. After checking the online schedule of the games to determine the date of your viewing, send invitations. These festive postcard invites are simple to make, to learn how it's done, read more