party planning

"Pimm's Cup" is fun to say and even more fun to drink. But what exactly is Pimm's No. 1? Like Southern Comfort or Fernet-Branca, this type of liquor is synonymous with its brand; Pimm's No. 1 is just that, and nothing else.

This gin-based booze hails from England and carries a lower alcohol content (25 percent) than most hard liquor. For that reason, it's one of my absolute favorite ingredients for daytime drinking, and the Pimm's Cup — featuring ginger ale, cucumber, lemon, and mint — is the ultimate delivery vehicle. You can throw back two or three yet not be knocked down like you might be by a bloody Mary. Get the Pimm's Cup recipe now.

Make this Mother's Day memorable and delicious with an impressive brunch spread. Don't hold back here — more is more when it comes to brunch. We've got an idea for a tasty menu that will make any mom feel so loved . . . and full.

Daytime Drinks
Mimosas or Bloody Marys? Who says you have to choose? Have a wonderfully boozy start to the day (which will probably be followed by an afternoon nap) with fresh grapefruit mimosas and classic Bloody Marys to choose from.

Sweet and Savory Main Courses
An uncomplicated and filling frittata is a great way to serve eggs to a crowd. This savory recipe is chock full of veggies and it's easily adaptable to fit your taste preferences. For a sweeter counterpart, cook up a fluffy french toast strata with chicken sausage. Make life easier on yourself and put this together the night before, so you can just wake up and stick it in the oven.

A Hashed-Out Side Dish
Sweet potato hash browns are easy to put together and are especially delicious doused in your favorite hot sauce. This side dish complements the sweet and savory items of the brunch spread perfectly.

Seasonal Fruit Salad
For some freshness, grab your favorite fruit and throw together a fresh fruit salad. A rich meal like this benefits from a crisp and juicy component.

Chocolate-Covered Ending
Finally, because your mom is totally worth it, make a bunch of chocolate-covered strawberries to finish the meal that will show her just how much you love her.

What are you cooking or eating this Mother's Day?

Whether you're looking to add a fun twist to your end-of-year celebration or are simply anticipating the upcoming film The Great Gatsby, look no further than this 1920s menu. Since we couldn't help but be inspired by the glitzy parties F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote of, here are a few recipes, ranging from the fresh zing of a mint julep to pigs in a blanket, that are sure to please. Throw on your fringe and host a party with vintage charm: this menu is sure to be one for the books!

Mint Julep

This frosty, tangy beverage is too good not to be enjoyed year-round. You can make a mint julep just like in the book by following this recipe. The sweet and potent drink is impressive yet easy to make, even for cocktail beginners.

Stuffed Mushrooms

Hors d'oeuvres like stuffed mushrooms are especially fitting for a 1920s fête with a glamorous air. This recipe incorporates a creamy spinach and artichoke filling, as well as a crunchy panko topping.

Keep reading for the rest of the 1920s party menu.

Whether you're going the DIY route and asking a friend or family member to bake up a cake, or working with a pastry shop, wedding cake design doesn't stop at aesthetics. From ultratraditional (triple chocolate) to tropical and trendy (coconut passion fruit), these flavor combinations will help inspire the most important aspect of your cake: what's inside. Consider our suggestions as just that, the baker or bakery you're working with will likely have ideas of their own, and many of these flavor combinations can be mixed and matched as well. You're sure to be truly inspired: just keep reading.