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How to Host an Office Baby Shower

partysugar — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 10:15:01 -0700

On certain occasions, say when someone is getting married or having a baby, it's fun to throw them a small sendoff celebration in the office. With a few simple decorations, you can easily transform any conference room. Recently, a baby shower was hosted for Lisa Sugar, here at Sugar headquarters. In less than 15 minutes, the room was ready for a party. Here's how you can achieve a similar effect:

Spread a large pink paper tablecloth across the table.
Arrange plastic champagne glasses in neat rows and fill with three kinds of sparkling Martinelli's.
Add streamers, confetti, and a baby girl sign. Don't forget themed napkins.
Purchase cupcakes from a local bakery (ours were from Kara's Cupcakes) and take them out of the box. Place on plastic or glass cake stands.
A homemade diaper "cake" is a focal point and centerpiece for the tablescape.

Voila! Instant office baby shower. Have you hosted a party in your office? Share your tips and ideas below.

To check out a bunch more photos of the decor, read more.

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Yummy Links: From Lobster to Burgers

partysugar — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 06:50:27 -0700

Lobster: Get it while it's cheap! - The Atlantic
Meet TasteStopping, the website that takes Tastespotting's rejects. - Eat Me Daily
Spice things up with Padma's chili honey butter. - Serious Eats
What’s the right answer to “Can I bring anything?” - Chow
Deep dish blueberry maple French toast. Enough said. - Endless Simmer
The next time you host a baby shower be inspired by the letter B . - Hostess With the Mostess
In September, David Chang and Wylie Dufresne will let a group of French chefs take over their kitchens. - Eater
21 top-rated burger recipes, including beef, turkey, cheese, and veggie varieties. - Epicurious

Party Foul: Not Greeting Your Guests

partysugar — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 03:30:42 -0700

At female-centric events like baby showers or bachelorette parties, it's easy for cliques to form and cattiness to flourish. Recently, my sister attended a bridal shower where the majority of guests went to the same high school. However some girls, despite knowing my sister, were cold and unfriendly. To make matters worse, the hostess did not say one word to her! While I understand that everyone present may not get along, it's totally unacceptable for the hostess to ignore her guests. It's up to the hostess to ensure that gossip and grudges don't ruin the party. This means that she must put aside any hard feelings and greet everyone equally.

Have you ever been to a party where the hostess made you feel unwelcome? Please share your stories below!

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DIY: Vibrant Pom-Pom Napkin Rings

partysugar — Wed, 20 May 2009 07:50:44 -0700

After helping one of my friends with the flowers for her big day, I was asked by another friend to put together the festive napkin rings for her wedding. Rather than waste money on buying 60 rings, we made these flower-inspired pom-poms to adorn each napkin. These pom-poms can easily be customized to suit any color scheme. While mine were for a wedding, the fun napkin rings are great for any special occasion, be it a baby shower, engagement party, or dinner party! To learn how to make them and check out my step-by-step photos, read more.

This idea was adapted from something I saw in Martha Stewart Weddings. To make the pom-poms, you will need colored tissue paper, floral wire, and satin ribbon.

Cut four sheets of tissue paper into five- by 10-inch rectangles. Make 3/8-inch accordion folds.
Fold a 18-inch floral wire in half and wrap around the middle of the folded tissue paper and twist.
Trim ends into a rounded or pointed shape.
Carefully separate the layers of the tissue papers, pulling each layer toward the center.
Use the extra wire to make a loop on the back of the pom-pom. Insert a 12-inch piece of ribbon through the loop.
Tie ribbon around the napkin. Voila: a fabulous flower-like napkin ring to dress up any table!

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Yummy Links: From Sandra Lee to TV Dinners

partysugar — Tue, 12 May 2009 07:50:59 -0700

Semi homemade be gone: Sandra Lee gets a seasonal fresh-ingredient makeover. - Eat Me Daily
Mustard manufacturer Grey Poupon wants Obama to pardon Dijon lovers. - Grubstreet
Ten food moments from The Office. - Chow
Be inspired: An adorable owl is a fun theme for a baby shower. - Hostess With the Mostess
Thomas Keller's casual Napa Valley eatery, Ad Hoc, is now serving breakfast. - Eater SF
Lemon and basil make a healthy and delicious pasta salad. - Serious Eats
Menus and party plans inspired by your favorite television shows. - The Epi-Log

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Yummy Links: From Edible Gardens to Cakes

partysugar — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 06:50:23 -0700

Following in the footsteps of Michelle Obama, California's first lady, Maria Shriver, plans her own edible garden. - Serious Eats
Hop on the garden bandwagon by growing your own herbs indoors. - Chow
Instead of hosting a baby shower, wait until the baby is born and host a sip and see. - Hostess With the Mostess
The best novels with recipes. - The Epi-Log
What do you think of the Bobby Flay promo for The Next Food Network Star? - Eat Me Daily
When cooking poultry, don't forget to season underneath the skin. - The Kitchn
Hosting a birthday party? Here are 20 delicious cake recipes. - Bon Appétit

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Yummy Links: From Sugar Cookies to Food Charities

partysugar — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 07:45:59 -0800

Tips for making the best sugar cookies. - Serious Eats
Fashion designers and models share their holiday recipes. - Style
How to roast and peel beets. - The Kitchn
A big top theme is perfect for a baby shower. - Hostess with the Mostess
The cheese clock makes pairing cheese with wine or beer easy. - The Epi-Log
This holiday give back: Here are 10 food charities to contribute to. - Chow

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Come Party With Me: Baby Shower - The Look

partysugar — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 10:30:35 -0700

Butterflies in pastel yellow, pink, and khaki color tones are a wonderful inspiration for a baby shower's look. Start by covering the table with a pretty neutral-colored tablecloth. Serve the brunch food on pink platters and let each guest use a pretty butterfly plate. Serve both the mimosas and sparkling mocktail in modern square wine glasses. Add a touch of elegance by using your best silverware and nice napkins. Even though the event is in the morning light candles in embellished hurricane lamps.

Arrange a beautiful bouquet of yellow flowers. Pink diaper pins are the perfect finishing touch when delicately pinned to the napkins.

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Come Party With Me: Baby Shower - Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 12:30:17 -0700

At a baby shower, it's incredibly important to have a nonalcholic specialty drink. That way the mother-to-be can join in the festivities. For Denise's baby shower brunch, I'll offer guests mimosas and spiced pomegranate sparklers.

The concoction is made with a cinnamon-spiced pomegranate juice and sparkling water. Do take the time to make the garnish - frozen whole cranberries - because it's a lovely addition to the drink.

Also have an assortment of juice, coffee, and tea on hand. To get the refreshing recipe to the sparkling mocktail, read more.

Spiced Pomegranate Sparkler
From Whole Living

Ingredients

1 cup pomegranate juice
1 stick cinnamon
2 cups sparkling mineral water
Frozen whole cranberries

Directions

In a small saucepan, heat pomegranate juice to near boiling, add cinnamon stick, and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely, at least 1 hour. Remove cinnamon stick.
Divide the spiced juice between 2 tall glasses; add 1 cup sparkling mineral water to each glass. Stir, add ice, and serve with a garnish of frozen cranberries.

Makes 2 drinks.

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Come Party With Me: Baby Shower - Dessert

partysugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 15:00:09 -0700

After a rich, savory brunch have the young mother open up her gifts. While guests shower the lady of honor with baby toys, set up a small Belgian waffle bar. Place the batter in a pretty pitcher and plug in several waffle irons. Stack plates and arrange toppings - chocolate sauce, whipped cream, fresh berries, maple syrup, etc. - buffet style near the waffle irons. Once all the presents have been opened, invite everyone to Belgian waffles. For a more diverse spread, purchase dainty pastries from your favorite bakery. To see the waffle recipe I'll be using for Denise's baby shower, read more.

Belgian Waffles
From Food and Wine

Ingredients

1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 cup warm water
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup whole milk
1 stick unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs, separated
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Belgian Chocolate-Fudge Sauce (recipe below), for serving

Directions

In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the water.
In a large bowl, stir the flour with the salt. Whisk in the yeast mixture, milk, butter, egg yolks, and vanilla until smooth.
In a medium bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Fold them into the batter and let stand for 20 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 225°F.
Heat and grease a waffle iron. Pour 1 1/4 cups of the batter into the iron and cook until the waffles are golden, 6 minutes. Transfer the waffles to the oven. Repeat with the remaining batter.
Dust the waffles with confectioners’ sugar, drizzle with the Belgian Chocolate-Fudge Sauce and serve.

Makes 4 waffles.

Belgian Hot Fudge Sauce

1 cup heavy cream
10 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar

In a saucepan, bring the cream to a boil. Remove from the heat and add the chocolate.
Let stand for 2 minutes, then stir until the chocolate is melted.
Add the confectioners’ sugar and whisk until smooth.

Makes 2 cups.

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