Oct 07, 2008 -
We've all been in crazy situations, and I want to know how you handle entertaining fiascoes and bad restaurant behavior. I'll present a situation and you tell me what you would do. Here's today's scenario:
You've spent a lot of time planning a fantastic birthday party at your favorite bar.
- 18 Comments
Aug 29, 2008 -
I'm hosting my birthday party at a chic city bar, but I'll be bringing my own decorations to create a unifying theme for the bash. I'll use pink accessories to go with the invitations, including pink votive holders, flamingo toothpicks for the finger food, pink lilies, and handmade pink pom poms hung from the ceiling.
On the tables, I'll lay out placemats and pretty matchbooks for the guests to take home as favors.
- 5 Comments
Aug 28, 2008 -
Obviously, I think my birthday is a cause for celebration, and with celebration comes champagne! When choosing a signature drink for my bash, I wanted something that would subtly echo the floral motif of my invitations without being too juvenile. A playful twist on a classic, grownup cocktail seems fitting for someone turning 27.
- 4 Comments
Aug 27, 2008 -
Although cheesecakes squares or macaroons are delightful options, my birthday party won't be complete without a birthday cake. Chocolate cake is my favorite and this interesting twist on the classic German chocolate cake is unexpected and scrumptious.
Since my party is at a bar, 15 Romolo, I'll show up early enough for the bartenders to securely store the cake in a refrigerator.
- 6 Comments
Aug 26, 2008 -
Although my birthday starts at 9 p.m. on a Saturday, I want to offer my friends snacks to nibble on throughout the night. Since the kitchen at 15 Romolo is still under construction, I'll make an assortment of easy appetizers that are best served at room temperature.
- 2 Comments
Aug 25, 2008 -
Hard to believe a whole six months has passed since my half birthday party, but it has! This week I'm planning what I consider to be the most important party of the year: my birthday party. Last Thursday I secured the location — 15 Romolo, an under the radar and up-and-coming hot spot on the San Francisco bar scene — and this week I have to make and send the invitations.
- 6 Comments
Sep 07, 2007 -
Just because I'm hosting my party at Wish Bar, doesn't mean I won't have any fabulous decorations. When hosting a party at a restaurant, bar, or venue that already has its own decor, ask the owners what extras you can bring in to enhance and change the atmosphere. In most cases they will be flexible and allow you to use the tablecloths, candles, vases, etc.
- 15 Comments
Sep 06, 2007 -
My 26th birthday party is being held at a local bar named Wish, so a specialty cocktail isn't as necessary. Guests — who will come dressed as their favorite cocktail — can order drinks at the bar and the need to make a specialty drink in advance is eliminated. When hosting an event at a bar or restaurant you can usually rent out part, all or none of the bar.
- 10 Comments
As crazy as it may seem, I always make my own birthday cake. I know most people like it when someone else makes them a super special birthday cake, but I love making cakes so it's a pleasure to make my own. For the cocktail party I'm hosting, I want a classic cake with beautiful presentation.
I'm planning my birthday party and everything down to the last little detail must be perfect. Although it doesn't start until after dinner, it's a cocktail party and therefore I want to provide my guests with something to nibble on during the course of the night. I'll put together some delectable bites that can be made well in advance and taste fabulous at room temperature.
