Sweet Appetizers

Today I am putting together a menu for an afternoon tea party. I've invited over some of my girlfriends and am praying that Saturday afternoon will be beautiful and sunny so we can sip tea and eat finger sandwiches in my courtyard patio. Tea parties, which until recently were reserved for old ladies and little girls, are making a huge comeback and modern makeover for 2007. Tea bars and tea tastings are all the rage so a tea party is timely and appropriate. Tea parties are also a sophisticated way to host a bridal or baby shower: if you are throwing one in the future, bookmark this plan to help you organize your event. I'm doing my event buffet style with an assortment of savory and sweet treats. Scones and classic tea sandwiches, puff pastries filled with chocolate and shortbread cookies round out the light, nibble-friendly menu. For the sweet appetizer recipes, read more

I am hosting my very first wine club meeting very soon. I've invited a group of fabulous friends to my house, asking each one to please bring a moderately priced bottle of Spanish red wine. We are going to cover the labels for blind tasting and then judge the flavors of each bottle ourselves. I hope you decide to start a wine club for you and your friends. To encourage your personal appreciation of wine, I'm providing you with an easy play by play plan to host your first wine club meeting. Yesterday I made a fun little wine label postcard invites and today I am assembling recipes for a small menu of tasty bites to pair with the wine and cleanse the palette. I've already revealed two super easy savory appetizer recipes that will complement a full bodied red wine, but to take a look at a little sweet finish to cap off the night, read more

Earlier today I talked about the menu for the Mardi Gras fiesta I am hosting this Saturday night. I intend on making several savory and sweet appetizers to tide the crowd over for the night. I already decided to offer guests Muffulettas, Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp, and a Cajun Crab Dip. To see what sweet treats I'll be pairing alongside these tasty nibbles, read more