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Come Party With Me: Baby Shower — Invites

partysugar — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 10:37:59 -0700

One of the Sugar girls is pregnant for the first time and this week I'm planning her baby shower. When hosting a shower for a friend or family member always sit down with the mom-to-be and ask her what kind of party she envisions. Denise requested a small, intimate brunch. Her little girl's room is being decorated in khaki, pale pink, and light yellow, so I've used these colors to create the invite. A pretty butterfly motif runs throughout. To see how I made these easy invitations,

Come Party With Me: Hoedown — The Look

partysugar — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 09:15:14 -0700

If you're lucky enough to have access to a barn, host the hoedown inside. Open the doors and place a long table covered with a red bandanna-print tablecloth in the middle of the space. Set the table with blue bandanna-print napkins and divided plastic plates. Serve the food buffet-style on another table. Plate the brisket on a large white serving platter and spoon the beans into a matching white bowl. Outside of the barn, light a fire in a fire pit. Create a circular seating area around the pit with bales of hay. Place the keg and punch nearby under a tree. Stack etch-it cups next to the keg and have guests label the cups with their name. A bouquet with Fall's beautiful colors adds a touch of elegance to this rustic soirée.

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Come Party With Me: Hoedown — Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:30:33 -0700

A lot of manly men will be attending my hoedown so I've decided to get a keg of beer. When selecting a keg, choose a versatile, easy-to-drink beer that's neither high- or lowbrow. I've ordered a keg of Lagunitas, an IPA native to my hometown.

For the ladies, offer a spicy rum punch. Made with a spiced sugar syrup, rum, and fresh lemon and orange juices, this punch is refreshing and potent.

Of course, water, soda, and wine are always good to have on hand at any event, so stock up on those as well. Get the punch recipe when you

Come Party With Me: Hoedown — Dessert

partysugar — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:00:59 -0700

After a heavy meal of hearty cowboy fare, treat guests at a hoedown to something sweet, seasonal, and bite sized. Pumpkin whoopie pies are the perfect no-mess, nostalgic dessert. These soft, chewy pies are filled with a thick layer of smooth cream cheese frosting. They can be made in advance and require no serving utensils making them ideal for a large party. Pumpkin whoopie pies are also delicious at a bake sale or as a Fall-themed snack. Learn how to make them and

Come Party With Me: Hoedown — Menu

partysugar — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 11:15:18 -0700

At a barn shindig, serve a hearty meal with plenty of napkins to mop up the finger-licking good eats.

Start the meal off with a spicy appetizer in the form of shrimp with barbecue seasonings. Slow-cooked beef brisket is a savory, smoky, and scrumptious entree. It's also the perfect cut of meat to affordably feed a crowd.

Classic cowboy sides — barbecue "baked beans" and crisp apple coleslaw — round out the mouthwatering menu. To look at these recipes,

Come Party With Me: Hoedown — Invite

partysugar — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 11:15:37 -0700

Recently one of my girlfriends moved out of the city to the countryside. Her new home has (drum roll please) a barn! I've been waiting all my life to host a Western-style hoedown in an authentic barn and she's agreed to let me plan one instead of hosting a housewarming party.

Think cowboy boots, bluegrass, and barbecued ribs. The invites take their inspiration from the classic, all-American bandanna. To learn how I made them,

Come Party With Me: Tailgate — The Look

partysugar — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 08:00:03 -0700

Get your team spirit on when planning the look of a tailgate. I always cheer on my alma mater (Go Bears!), so blue and gold are the featured colors. Start by setting up a long folding table near the back of your car. In my case, I'll cover the table with a blue tablecloth and set out a vase of yellow gerbera daisies. Yellow paper plates and napkins are festive and easy to clean up. Serving the dips in a snack helmet is sure to get your guests talking. Arrange chairs in a circle around your tailgating area. Temporary tattoos make a fabulous favor. How do you decorate for a tailgate?

Come Party With Me: Tailgate — Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:30:53 -0700

When one hears the words "tailgate" and "drinks," the first thing that comes to mind is beer. And lots of it. At my tailgate, I'll supply guests with a selection of cold brews and an updated version of the shandy, a classic beer cocktail. Tailgates always get a little rowdy, so I won't serve hard alcohol.

It's a good idea to have sodas, water, and a couple bottles of chilled white wine on hand. Before heading to the stadium, don't forget to stock up on ice. There's nothing worse than warm beer on a hot afternoon. To look at the refreshing recipe for the beer cocktail — at my party it will be poured into Cal cups! —

Come Party With Me: Tailgate — Menu

partysugar — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:00:01 -0700

Instead of serving dessert separate at my tailgate, I plan to serve it with the rest of the menu. Guests can enjoy a bite of sweetness with their savory nibbles. The dip theme will continue with this delectable white chocolate mascarpone dip. Served with fresh fruit, it's decadent, but not heavy. To get this lovely recipe — that also makes a great after-school snack for little ones,

Come Party With Me: Tailgate — Menu

partysugar — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 09:00:57 -0700

Can you dip it? If you are coming to my football tailgate you better be able to, because the entire menu consists of dips! I'll have a smorgasbord of delectable dips and equally delicious dippers. With four different types of dip, there is something for everyone. Vegetarians will enjoy sweet potato chips with caramelized onion dip. Classical eaters will love the crudités with ranch dip. Carnivores will savor chili-lime fried chicken wings with honey lime dip. Cheese fiends will go ga-ga for fontina-gorgonzola fonduta.

To serve these football-friendly recipes at your tailgate,

Come Party With Me: Tailgate — Invite

partysugar — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 10:15:01 -0700

Although I'm not the most interested follower of football season, I love to tailgate. For my first tailgate of the season, I've decided to do something a little different. Instead of serving a classic menu, I'm going to do a dip-themed party. Before I can look for recipes, I have to make and send the invitations. To learn how I made the easy, emailable invites shown here,

Come Party With Me: Heroes Season Premiere — The Look

partysugar — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 09:15:51 -0700

I am so excited for Monday night's season premiere of Heroes! As with any TV-watching party, make sure your viewing room is clean and comfortable.

Before the show starts offer the grilled cheese appetizers on a large, black platter. The tomato soup looks scrumptious in Heroes shot glasses. Pour the cocktail into classic Tom Collins glasses.

Let guests eat on individual folding tables and serve the meal in foil TV dinner trays.

Light black candles and fold a couple of throw blankets over the back of a sofa. Place simple but chic plant arrangements around the space. A Heroes poster on the fridge is a delightful last detail.

Photos courtesy of NBC

Come Party With Me: Heroes Season Premiere — Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 12:30:17 -0700

What cocktail pairs perfectly with a traditional meat and mashed potato TV dinner? A classic gin and tonic served in a chilled glass. It's a simple, no-fuss drink that will nicely complement the menu for my Heroes season premiere party.

I'll also have a couple bottles of red wine on hand to enjoy with dinner. Water, beer, and sodas are a must for those who dislike gin. To look at the recipe for this uncomplicated cocktail,

Come Party With Me: Heroes Season Premiere — Dessert

partysugar — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 15:00:29 -0700

No dessert says TV dinner more than a dish that features warm fruit and cool ice cream. While a pie or cobbler are delicious selections, wow guests at a season premiere party (or any party for that matter!) with this to-die-for apple cake.

Complete with toffee crust, fresh apple filling, and rich butterscotch sauce, it's luxurious and comforting — sort of like a glam, grown-up sister to apple pie. Although the recipe requires patience and a bit of skill, the finished cake is a worthy reward of the time and work put into it. To look at the steps involved,

Come Party With Me: Heroes Season Premiere — Menu

partysugar — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 09:00:05 -0700

When hosting a viewing party of any sort, there are two options for planning a menu. You can serve foods inspired by the show or popular dishes classic to the TV dinner. For my Heroes season premiere party, I've decided to do the latter and offer friends a tasty re-interpretation of the 1950s TV dinner. Guests will be greeted with shot glasses of spicy tomato soup. Mini grilled cheese sandwiches are an excellent companion. Beef, mashed potatoes, peas, and caramelized onions make up the main course that looks scrumptious served on a TV dinner tray. To get these comforting, delicious, timeless recipes,

Come Party With Me: Heroes Season Premiere — Invite

partysugar — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 10:22:41 -0700

Finally, the third season of Heroes is almost here! The show debuts next Monday, Sept. 22, and to celebrate I'm inviting friends over to watch the premiere. All this week I'll be providing tips and recipes for the perfect viewing party. If Heroes isn't your thing, take my ideas and use them to host a premiere party for your favorite show, be it Ugly Betty or Grey's Anatomy. To get things started, let's make invitations. To learn how I made the collage invites seen here,

Come Party With Me: Fashion Week Party — The Look

YumSugar — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 11:45:18 -0700

For a fashion week party, keep the vibe sleek and cosmopolitan. To pair with the New York-inspired menu, the look should be chic and urban with monochromatic tones.

All of my decor will be clear, white, gray, or black — except the brightly colored florals. Since we've been seeing chartreuse on the runway this season, a bright pop of lime green-hued flowers makes for an instant punch of color.

The menu is mostly passed items, like cheesecake minis, so offer them on a modern tray. If you can, choose servingware that's been created by New York fashion designers. Pour the Manhattans into chiseled Calvin Klein martini glasses for a trés fabulous fiesta!

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Come Party With Me: Fashion Week Party — Drinks

YumSugar — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 12:15:19 -0700

For the bash I'm throwing in honor of New York Fashion Week, I'll be serving everyone rounds of this drink, the Manhattan. Not only is it a classic cocktail, but it's sleek, urban, and distinctly New York. The best thing about this bar classic? It's just as easy to make in a large batch as it is to prepare just one.

For those of my guests who aren't sipping spirits, I'll have sparkling cranberry juice on hand to pour, so they can look (and feel) just as glamorous as the rest. To stir up this fashionable drink,

Come Party With Me: Fashion Week Party — Dessert

partysugar — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 15:00:33 -0700

Since the fashion week party I'm throwing takes culinary inspiration from the Big Apple, I'm sticking with the theme and making a New York-inspired cheesecake for dessert.

To encourage that guests mingle, I'm going for a menu of mostly single-serving offerings. Dessert will be no exception: These mini-cheesecake snacks pack rich, chocolatey indulgence into pretty, bite-sized packages. To get the recipe,

Come Party With Me: Fashion Week Party — Menu

partysugar — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 07:45:18 -0700

For my Fashion Week party, I'm putting together a menu full of iconic New York treats. I'll be hosting the party at my place, but since I want to kick back and have fun too, my dinner menu will be composed primarily of passed items.

Homemade pretzels and dill-pastrami bites are not only great snacks, but they're also quintessential New York eats. For something more substantial, I'll be serving a platter of steak with tomato dipping sauce, as well as small plates of Waldorf salad. To put together this effortless party menu,

Come Party With Me: Fashion Week Party — Invite

partysugar — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 09:00:31 -0700

The New York Spring 2009 runway shows officially kicked off this weekend, so I'm throwing a Fashion Week-themed party. I'm inviting my friends to dress up as their favorite fashion icons and enjoy swanky cocktails and some classic Big Apple bites. I'm getting the party started by sending out these simple yet festive invitations. To learn how I put them together,

Come Party With Me: Campfire Fiesta — The Look

partysugar — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 09:15:32 -0700

My campfire fiesta won't exactly have decor. After all, hanging streamers and piñatas from the trees is a guaranteed way to get heckled by adjacent campers. But I will be needing provisions and gear — everything from aluminum foil for cooking the marshmallow cream puffs to a cute tablecloth to cover the picnic table.

I've chosen floral oilcloth that's both easy to clean and in keeping with the Mexican-themed meal. I'll also bring some reusable plates and utensils, a portable kitchen sink for washing dishes, and cute citronella candles to keep the bugs away. If you camp with portable iPod speakers, you might want to bring along some glow sticks too, in case a dance party breaks out around the fire ring. Check out my cute and functional finds below.

Come Party With Me: Campfire Fiesta — Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 11:15:51 -0700

After a long day of pitching tents, cooking food, and preparing dessert, the gang at your campfire fiesta definitely deserves a drink. No camping trip is complete without beer, so fill a cooler with plenty of ice and ask guests to bring their own brews. I'll also pick up a few bottles of red and white wine.

As the host of this fireside fete, you can also offer a fun addition to the bar menu. Since you probably won't have the time or energy to whip up something like a guavarita, opt for spiking a watermelon with rum. It's summery and refreshing, it will go great with the Mexican-inspired main courses, and it's easy to eat around the campfire. Just consume with caution, since it will undoubtedly be strong! To find out how to make it,

Come Party With Me: Campfire Fiesta — Dessert

partysugar — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:00:45 -0700

This week I'm celebrating the waning days of Summer with a Mexican-inspired menu for my campfire fiesta. But I know that if I don't serve s'mores, there may be a wilderness mutiny. So I'm bringing along milk chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers to make the traditional fireside treat.

But I also want something special to kick the s'mores concept up a notch, so I'll use the same marshmallows and chocolate as filling for easy cream puffs. Baked in foil, these gooey goodies are made from buttery biscuit dough that's dusted with cinnamon and sugar. They're even better with high-quality milk chocolate, so be sure to splurge on the fancy stuff. To get the recipe,

Come Party With Me: Campfire Fiesta — Menu

partysugar — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 07:45:01 -0700

When my friends and I go camping, the food planning comes first. Once we've figured out who's making every appetizer, cocktail, main dish, and dessert, we focus on other details like who's bringing bug spray and how to get where we're going.

So for this week's campfire fiesta, I'm forgoing invitations in favor of a flurry of emails to work out the logistics. September is prime camping time: It's just getting summery in Northern California, while the more scorching regions of the country are cooling off. This Mexican-tinged menu celebrates the last days of Summer by featuring lots of fresh produce.

To start, I'm offering tortilla chips served with a gourmet caramelized black bean "butter" and store-bought pico de gallo. Some chips will inevitably get crushed in transit, so we'll put those into the main dish — tamale chicken packets — which cook over the fire with little effort. I'll also be grilling corn, brushed with lime and feta cheese, and a jicama-mango salad that you can make in advance and assemble on site. To get the recipes,

Come Party With Me: My Birthday — The Look

partysugar — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 09:15:51 -0700

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. These curved saucer martini glasses will be perfect for both the featured cocktail and a champagne toast. And of course, I can't forget an elegant dessert dish for the yummy chocolate cake.

Come Party With Me: My Birthday — Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:14:56 -0700

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.

I've settled on this variation on the French 75 cocktail; it features blood oranges so it has a slightly pink, but not too pink, hue. Better yet, it will please both cocktail connoisseurs and casual drinkers, and it can be made in large batches. To get the recipe,

Come Party With Me: My Birthday — Dessert

partysugar — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:00:40 -0700

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. Let the bartenders know when you want to sing "Happy Birthday" and don't forget candles. For the inside-out German chocolate cake recipe,

Come Party With Me: My Birthday — Menu

partysugar — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 09:00:09 -0700

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.

Marinated mushrooms and prosciutto-wrapped breadsticks are delicious starters. Chicken liver pate on crostini will suit the palates of my foodie friends and pair nicely with a goat cheese pesto torta. For these wonderful recipes,

Come Party With Me: My Birthday — Invite

partysugar — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 11:19:08 -0700

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. Since 27 isn't a milestone birthday, I'm keeping things chic and simple. There is no theme, but pink and flowers will play a big role in the look and feel of the invite. To see how I made these pretty invitations,

Come Party With Me: Going Away Party — The Look

partysugar — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 09:15:20 -0700

Tropical blue, festive navy, and lime green are great colors for an end-of-Summer going away party. In my case, the color scheme also matches the invitations. Start by covering the outdoor tables with a navy tablecloth. Transport food, ice, and other party supplies from the kitchen to the grill chicly and easily with a pretty, printed tray. Serve the dip in a clear green bowl and pile pita chips nearby on a matching plate. Plain white plates showcase the clam boil's fresh ingredients. Removing the fresh lobster meat is messy, so stock up on paper napkins. Select a versatile wine glass that can be used for the punch, beer, wine, or water. Place lit votives in vibrant, modern candleholders. A bouquet of green flowers is elegant and mood-enhancing. Make a going-away banner and hang from two trees, along a deck wall, or on the window.

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Come Party With Me: Going Away Party — Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 12:15:14 -0700

The menu for the going away party is simple, classic, and comforting so serve a drink that embodies these qualities as well. A lemonade-inspired punch is refreshing and crowd-friendly. It's simple to make and delicious to drink. Make two batches — one alcoholic and one nonalcoholic. For the clambake offer guests a chilled white wine or light, fruity red. For those who prefer not to drink hard liquor or wine, stock up on beer, water, and sparkling juices. For the easy spiked lemonade recipe,

Come Party With Me: Going Away Party — Dessert

partysugar — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 15:00:36 -0700

When a friend moves away, it's nice to let them know how much they'll be missed by hosting a bon voyage fiesta. Keep the theme of the menu — comforting food native to the honoree's new hometown — going with the dessert. Since Kara is moving to Boston, I'll be making this variation of Boston creme pie. These cream-filled cupcakes are perfect: they're crowd-pleasing, individual treats, and Kara can take home the leftovers! To look at the easy recipe that take helps from a cake mix,

Come Party With Me: Going Away Party — Menu

partysugar — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:00:02 -0700

When planning the menu for a going away party, there are several options. You can feature the honoree's favorite dishes, make the dishes that are native to the town she is leaving or the town she is moving to, or simply serve a delicious and comforting meal. In my case, I decided to combine these ideas.

Kara's favorite appetizer, artichoke dip with pita chips, will await the arrival of the guests. Grilled three cheese triangles, cooked on the outdoor grill, are classically nostalgic and so tasty guests will be begging for more.

The entree will be a New England favorite, a clam boil filled with seafood, corn, potatoes, and sausages. To take a look at these mouth-watering recipes,

Come Party With Me: Going Away Party — Invite

partysugar — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 11:20:25 -0700

For many the end of Summer is a crossroads. Vacations terminate, goodbyes are said, and new beginnings — jobs, school, etc. — start. Next week my friend Kara leaves for Boston to enter grad school. To properly send her off, I'm helping plan a "Thank God Kara Is Leaving 08" barbecue. Kara's known for being incredibly sarcastic, so the theme fits her perfectly. However, if your honoree is more sensitive, host a "We'll Miss You" or "Good Luck" themed going-away party. Before recipes can be selected for the menu, invitations have to be made and sent. To see how I made the ones shown here,

Come Party With Me: Movie Club Meeting — The Look

partysugar — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 10:30:47 -0700

The colors of corn — green, white, and yellow — inspire the look of the movie club meeting. Since the screening will be followed by a dinner, arrange two areas: one where the movie is watched and appetizers enjoyed, and another where dinner is consumed.

Set the table before the party begins with grass placemats and white napkins. The corn chowder looks delicious when served in a simple white bowl.

Place a pitcher of drinks and the glasses near the entranceway. Invite guests to help themselves when they arrive. Stack small appetizer plates on a coffee table in the viewing room. Create mood lighting with glittering candles. Fresh bouquets of yellow flowers are lush and fragrant. Floral-print throw pillows add a much-needed punch of color.

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Come Party With Me: Movie Club Meeting — Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 12:15:00 -0700

Although every dish on the menu for my movie club meeting features corn, I couldn't find a corn cocktail recipe. Thus, I looked for a refreshing concoction that would pair with the corn cakes and corn and zucchini pizzettas. This tequila sunrise punch is quick and simple to make for a crowd. To meld the flavors and infuse the tequila with citrus, let the mixture sit in the fridge for longer than ten minutes.

After the movie and during dinner, serve a buttery Chardonnay or light Tempranillo. Don't forget sparkling and still water, beer, and a selection of sodas. For the punch recipe,

Come Party With Me: Movie Club Meeting — Dessert

partysugar — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:00:23 -0700

For my movie club meeting, I've planned a corn tasting menu. Each of the dishes feature corn as an ingredient. Since sweet corn is available, the dessert will be no different.

Made with pureed corn, this creme brulee recipe is silky and delicious. Guests will be awed by the creamy texture and subtle corn flavor.

If you have time, make a batch of caramel corn clusters. Fill plastic favor bags with the clusters and give to friends as they leave. To look at these corny dessert recipes,

Come Party With Me: Movie Club Meeting

partysugar — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 07:45:00 -0700

The foodie documentary King Corn will be shown at my movie club meeting, so the menu features a variety of vegetarian corn dishes. During the screening, let guests nibble on corn cakes and pizzettas with corn and zucchini.

After the movie is finished, invite everyone around the table for a light meal of cheddar corn chowder with an arugula fresh corn salad on the side. The soup can be kept warm during the movie, while the salad can be assembled in advance and dressed just before serving.

For these delicious recipes that highlight the sweet flavor of corn,

Come Party With Me: Movie Club Meeting — Invite

partysugar — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 11:15:41 -0700

Recently my friend Kirin told me about her decision to start a documentary film club. The club will be similar to a book club, but instead of reading and discussing a book, guests will watch and chat about a documentary. I was excited by the idea and volunteered to create a menu for the first meeting, where King Corn will be the featured movie. Since the foodie film focuses on the lifecycle of the crop, Kirin wants the party to be as environmentally friendly as possible. Instead of wasting paper by sending hard invites, she's requested that I make a green email invite. To see how I made the one shown here,

Come Party With Me: Olympics Viewing — The Look

partysugar — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 09:15:11 -0700

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.

Source

Come Party With Me: Olympics Viewing — Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 12:15:54 -0700

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,

Come Party With Me: Olympics Viewing — Dessert

partysugar — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 15:00:38 -0700

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,

Come Party With Me: Olympics Viewing — Menu

partysugar — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 09:00:57 -0700

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,

Come Party With Me: Olympics Viewing — Invite

partysugar — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 11:15:15 -0700

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,

Come Party With Me: Waterpark Party — The Look

partysugar — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 09:15:34 -0700

Use bright blue and lime green to create a festive decor for a party at Waterworld USA. Cover the park's picnic table with a fun tablecloth. Matching plates, napkins, and utensils complete the look.

Fill colorful baskets with homemade potato chips and place on the table. Pack the punch in a portable cooler, and serve the refreshing concoction in compostable cups.

To ensure that your bathing suit bottom doesn't snag, drape a large beach towel over the table's benches. Clear lip balm with a moderate SPF makes the perfect party favor.

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Come Party With Me: Waterpark Party — Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 12:15:24 -0700

Lately I've been into making cocktails with rum. I'm sick of vodka drinks and have since started experimenting with the Latin libation. For the waterpark party, I plan on mixing up this refreshing rum punch. It looks like lemonade, so if anyone asks what we're sipping that will be our quick reply! This potent cocktail, from the inventive minds of MyRecipes.com, is a blend of rum, brandy, and pineapple, orange, and grapefruit juices. To make it more thirst quenching, I'll float a splash of sparkling water on top.
Get the tantalizing recipe when you,

Come Party With Me: Waterpark Party — Desserts

partysugar — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 15:00:42 -0700

Although we will be splashing around in bathing suits, I want to offer my friends one decadent treat at my waterpark party. A chocolatey brownie — kept cold in a cooler — is deliciously rich.

This wonderful recipe, from our friends at MyRecipes.com, is simple and straightforward. I'm not a fan of walnuts in brownies, so I'll substitute chocolate chips! To learn how to make this portable picnic dessert,

Come Party With Me: Waterpark Party — Menu

partysugar — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 09:00:34 -0700

When planning a picnic, select dishes that taste better the next day. Look for recipes that are served cold or at room temperature, and that need time for the flavors to mix. For an afternoon at Waterworld USA, offer guests a delicious roasted shrimp and orzo salad. Flavored with scallions and fresh parsley, this salad is light but filling. A pressed sandwich stuffed with Italian ingredients like pesto and mozzarella is rustic and scrumptious. For a decadent treat, give each guest a take-out container full of homemade potato chips. To look at these picnic-perfect recipes,

Come Party With Me: Waterpark Party — Invite

partysugar — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 11:15:33 -0700

When I was little, one of the highlights of Summer was a day at the waterpark. This year I've decided to relive the memories by hosting a party at Waterworld USA in Concord, CA.

I'll invite a group of friends to join me for a day of fun at the aquatic park. Instead of eating at one of the park's overpriced restaurants, I'll pack a picnic of gourmet goodies.

Before I can plan the menu, I have to send the invitation. To see how I made these cool Popsicle-inspired invites,