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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.

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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,

Come Party With Me: Boy's Birthday — The Look

partysugar — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 09:15:35 -0700

Just because the boy's birthday party is taking place at an old prison, that doesn't mean it can't be festive! Cover the picnic table with a bright blue tablecloth.

Serve the sandwiches and salad on sports-themed plates with matching sports napkins. Green cups and orange plastic silverware are colorful accents.

Pack the food in take-out containers and place the containers in portable coolers. Bring a bunch of water guns, and let the boys run around Alcatraz playing with them. Stretch lizards are a simple but fun party favor.

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Come Party With Me: Boy's Birthday — Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 12:15:57 -0700

Both kids and moms love lemonade. It's sweet tart taste is pleasing to a child's palette and it's pale yellow color won't stain, making mom happy. For a boy's birthday party on Alcatraz pack two coolers. Take one with you and leave one in the car. Fill the first with fresh lemonade and waters. Pack the second with small cans of soda and waters.

When you return to the car, surprise the boys by offering them a soda! To check out this delicious honey-vanilla lemonade recipe,

Come Party With Me: Boy's Birthday — Dessert

partysugar — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:00:50 -0700

Although there a tons of different equally delicious desserts out there, for a child's birthday, let them eat cake. Ask the birthday honoree what type of cake they would like to celebrate their big day.

Kenny is a huge fan of Butterfinger candy bars, so this milk chocolate-peanut butter layer cake is perfect for him. It has a crunchy middle layer filled with almonds, peanuts, and rice krispies.

This scrumptiously rich cake is sure to impress any age, so get the recipe and

Come Party With Me: Boy's Birthday — Menu

partysugar — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 09:00:45 -0700

For a boy's birthday party on Alcatraz, pack a portable feast of special dishes that wouldn't normally be found in the common ten year olds lunch box. Keep things simple with easy to eat chicken salad pitas. On the side offer a pasta salad packed with salami and cheese and small bags of chips (let each boy select their favorite bag of chips). Don't forget to pack snacks in case they get hungry while on the tour. Cheese and crackers, crunchy trail mix, and homemade fruit roll ups are filling without being too sweet.
For these kid-friendly recipes,

Come Party With Me: Boy's Birthday

partysugar — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 10:15:36 -0700

My former boss Deborah recently asked me for tips on planning her son Kenny's birthday party. Kenny is turning 10. For this age group, an activity — a soccer tournament, a day at the ball park, a trip to an interesting place — is essential to a successful birthday party. After chatting with Kenny, we've decided to spend a couple of hours on Alcatraz! He and his buddies, along with parent chaperons, will take the ferry to the infamous ex-jail. They'll go on a walking tour, play games, and have a picnic with birthday cake. Before the party can begin we have to send the invitations. To see how I made these jail-inspired invites,

Come Party With Me: Housewarming Party — The Look

partysugar — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 10:30:00 -0700

Unlike a themed party, at a housewarming there shouldn't be a lot of loud decorations. The house should look clean and elegant.

Set up the snacks, buffet style, on a long dining table. Place a table runner down the center of the table. Serve the tapas on clear platters. Make a small nametag for each of the dishes and stick them in placecard holders. Stack linen napkins nearby.

Choose another location for the bar. Arrange glasses, an ice bowl, and the sangria pitcher. Fill a large, decorative bucket with ice, beer, and wine. Light candles and arrange pretty white flowers in low vases.

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Come Party With Me: Housewarming Party — Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:00:44 -0700

Since guests may arrive at different times and you could be busy giving a tour of the house, set up a small bar at your housewarming party. Let visitors pour their own drinks. Fill a bowl with ice and arrange glasses, garnishes, and napkins nearby. Place cold beers and several bottles of white wine in a large bucket. Make a pitcher of fruity sangria and place it on the table. Serving a sangria is smart because it's made in advance and keeps up with the Spanish theme of the snacks and sweets. To look at the recipe for this peach -strawberry sangria,

Come Party With Me: Housewarming Party — Dessert

partysugar — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 15:00:32 -0700

When selecting a dessert recipe for a housewarming, choose a dish that can be eaten on the go without any utensils. Cookies and cupcakes are delicious, but empanadas keep up with the tapas-themed menu. These tasty, small pastries are filled with berries and goat cheese. If you don't have the time or expertise to make dough, simply use premade refrigerated pie crust.

To learn how they are made,

Come Party With Me: Housewarming Party — Menu

partysugar — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 07:45:07 -0700

A housewarming party is similar to an open house in that guests will stop by at random times. Instead of slaving over the stove, serve a simple menu of Spanish style tapas that are delicious warm, cold, or at room temperature. Start by putting together a large antipasto platter with your favorite cheese, crackers, marinated vegetables, and charcuterie. Supplement this with a few homemade nibbles. Warm rosemary olives, stuffed mushrooms, and eggplant mozzarella roll-ups are scrumptious and filling. To learn how to make these tasty appetizers,

Come Party With Me: Housewarming Party — Invite

partysugar — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 10:15:23 -0700

Hunting for a new house, packing everything you own, and moving is seriously exhausting. However, once you are settled into your new space, consider hosting a housewarming party. Think of the housewarming like a reward for the move.

Invite friends and family members over for a tour and tapas. Introduce them to your place while tantalizing their tastebuds with delicious bites. Start by selecting a date and sending invitations. To learn how I made these simple, stylish invites,

Come Party With Me: Pool Party — The Look

partysugar — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 13:00:43 -0700

Make the outdoor area surrounding your pool as lush, clean, and comfortable as possible for the pool party. Set up a picnic table and plenty of lounge chairs. Stack folded beach towels on the chairs and let guests use them at their leisure. Stick tiki torches in the ground along walkways. Serve the drinks in plastic cups (with palm tree swizzle sticks) and the food on plastic plates. Place a rock on paper napkins so they don't blow into the pool. Arrange colorful bouquets of flowers in pretty blue vases.

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Come Party With Me: Pool Party — Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 12:15:51 -0700

When hosting a pool party, stock up on plenty of ice and water to ensure that guests stay hydrated. For easy access, place coolers around your backyard and fill with refreshments.

Since beer bottles inevitably get broken at any party, purchase beer cans and plastic bottles. Barefoot guests won't have to worry about stepping on glass shards.

Offer one fresh-fruit cocktail. This recipe for pineapple mango rum cocktails is cool and delicious. To learn how to make it,

Come Party With Me: Pool Party — Dessert

partysugar — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 15:00:57 -0700

Although I love a decadent chocolate cake, there is no place for rich desserts at a pool party. Guests will be in swimsuits, so serve something that's refreshing, cold, and not too sweet.

These sangria popsicles are a delicious grownup treat. Made with white wine, rum, pineapple chunks, and fresh orange juice, they're the perfect pool party crowd pleaser.

For the recipe,

Come Party With Me: Pool Party — Menu

partysugar — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 07:45:42 -0700

When planning a menu for a pool party, select a variety of cold and hot (preferably grilled) dishes. Serve small, light bites buffet-style all day, replenishing plates as they go empty.

Offer guests a cool treat the moment they arrive in the form of watermelon wedges with lime ice. Served with tortilla chips, shrimp and avocado ceviche make a nice alternative to classic guacamole.

Skewered hot dogs with toasted croissants and spicy, cold gazpacho round out the menu. For these delicious recipes please,

Come Party With Me: Pool Party — Invite

partysugar — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 10:15:44 -0700

Two of my girlfriends are celebrating their half birthdays this month, so I'm planning a pool party to honor the occasion. It's going to be a fabulous fiesta filled with sun, swimming, and serious eats. All this week I'll feature my best pool-party ideas so feel free to use them to host your own perfect pool party. When hosting a party in the Summer, it's best to give your guests an advance notice of the event, so send invitations as soon as you have the date selected. To learn how I made the easy invites seen here,

Come Party With Me: Black and White Luau — Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:30:59 -0700

When hosting a large, blowout-style bash ask guests to bring alcohol. Delegate a certain type of liquor or simply let them bring their favorite bottle. Doing this ensures that you won't run out of drinks and anything leftover can stock your liquor cabinet!

However, do make a specialty cocktail and purchase beer. For Fab's black and white luau I'll be making a simple yet chic punch. Fab requested a "white" drink and this colorless ti punch is elegantly refreshing. To check out the cocktail recipe — it's garnished with white rock candy! —

Come Party With Me: Black and White Luau — Dessert

partysugar — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:00:40 -0700

For our black and white luau, FabSugar has requested a special dessert. While marshmallows don't have anything to do with the luau part of the theme, they'll be black and white, and more importantly: bite sized and delicious! Homemade marshmallows are a marvelous treat that will impress guests. Once you make them, you'll never go back to purchasing their grocery-store counterpart. Instead of dipping the marshmallows in coconut, I plan to dip the squares in chocolate and roll them around in crushed oreos! Served plated with toothpicks they're the perfect party dessert. For the recipe,

Come Party With Me: Black and White Luau — Menu

partysugar — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 07:45:41 -0700

Fab is strictly enforcing the black and white dress code for our upcoming luau, so I'm creating a menu that features black and white dishes. Since the party starts after dinner, we'll offer guests only a few small bites.

Although it's not Hawaiian, a platter of sushi from our favorite Japanese restaurant is perfect for late night noshing. Homemade finger foods will include piña colada scallop brochettes and spicy black bean cakes. The scallops are easy to make and pretty to present. The black bean cakes will be served with a cooling lime scented sour cream.
To get these black and white recipes,

Come Party With Me: Black and White Luau — Invite

partysugar — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 10:15:50 -0700

A girl after my own heart, FabSugar loves to host parties. Since our Sex and the City Marathon went so well, Fab and I are collaborating on another upcoming event: a black and white luau. The party will have all of the aspects of a typical luau — tropical flowers, Hawaiian-inspired dishes, etc, — but since it's a black and white theme the event will be chic and sophisticated.

A luau is a classic Summer party that's fun and fabulous to plan, so take my ideas and adapt them to make your own memorable bash. Let's start by sending invitations. To see how I made the ones here,

Come Party With Me: Fourth of July — The Look

partysugar — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 09:15:50 -0700

When selecting the decorations for a Fourth of July barbecue, be careful not to get carried away with the stars and stripes theme. Choose a few key pieces and use navy, red, and white as accents.

Start by covering the tables in a plaid Americana print tablecloth. Serve the food on large navy rimmed platters and stack white plates nearby. Cloth napkins make a barbecue feel chic and sophisticated. Set up the mojito bar and glasses on a small high table. Candles look festive but modern in red square votives. Hang red paper stars from trees or the ceiling. Arrange simple white flowers in low vases. When guests arrive greet each one with a box of gold sparklers.

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Come Party With Me: Fourth of July — Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:15:54 -0700

When searching for fun red, white, and blue cocktails to serve at a Fourth of July barbecue, I was disappointed by the uninspiring results: most were colored blue with the artificial tasting blue Curacao. However, with a little creativity one can offer guests delicious, patriotic-colored cocktails in the form of a mojito bar. The classic mojito is white, a raspberry mojito is red, and a blueberry mojito is blue. Set out a recipe, all the ingredients, several muddlers, and glasses and invite guests to make their own cocktails. Depending on your preferences, also offer guests a selection of beer, wine, waters, and lemonade. For the red and blue mojito recipes,

Come Party With Me: Fourth of July — Dessert

partysugar — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 15:00:34 -0700

Every year on the Fourth of July, I like to make a red, white, and blue dessert. It's my personal salute to America. While a flag cake is festive, this year I'll wow guests with a red, white, and blueberry cheesecake tart.

The easy, crisp crust is a mixture of ground graham crackers and almonds. The filling is smooth, creamy, and classic. The red topping is a juicy syrup made with red plums. Garnished with plump, burst-in-your-mouth blueberries, this is one star-spangled dessert.

To learn how it's made,

Come Party With Me: Fourth of July — Menu

partysugar — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 07:45:42 -0700

Since the Fourth of July is a holiday that celebrates all things American, serve a delicious meal of classic American dishes. Start things off with a tex mex favorite: guacamole and chips. Set up a burger bar with an assortment of cheeses, vegetables, and condiments. Invite guests to assemble a burger to their own liking.

Maple glazed baked beans are a sweet and smoky side, while watermelon and arugula salad is a cool and refreshing alternative. To learn how to make these delightfully patriotic dishes,

Come Party With Me: Fourth of July — Invite

partysugar — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:15:55 -0700

It seems like every time I speak with one of my friends, the question, "What are you doing for the 4th?" comes up. If you're one of the many that haven't made plans yet, consider hosting a barbecue to celebrate the all-American holiday. I'm planning a blow-out bash, complete with fireworks and red, white, and blue decor, so stay tuned all week and feel free to use my ideas to inspire your own patriotic party.

Before you start thinking about the menu, notify friends about the event. To learn how I made these star-spangled invitations,

Come Party With Me: Summer Solstice — The Look

partysugar — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 09:15:29 -0700

The color scheme of any party should coincide with the invitation. For a Summer solstice dinner, choose colors that are bright and fresh, like sunny yellow and herb green.

If you don't have an outdoor table, move one outside to your patio or deck. Cover with a tablecloth, or if the table is wood, a pretty runner. Green patterned plates draw the focus to the table.

Place simple flatware on folded yellow napkins. Hang lights or lanterns from the trees and arrange yellow flowers in clear vases. Green votives cast a welcoming glow on the evening. Write the guest's name on a piece of cardstock, punch a hole in the cardstock, slide on a piece of ribbon, and tie to the back of each chair.

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Come Party With Me: Summer Solstice — Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 12:15:53 -0700

Besides icy-cold beer and white wine at all of my dinner parties, I like to offer guests one refreshingly potent cocktail. Serving guests a drink right after they've walked through the door gives them something to do, puts them at ease, and sets the party mood. For a solstice dinner, select a cocktail that is quintessentially Summer. Made with chunks of ripe watermelon, fresh lime juice, and white rum, this watermelon cooler is thirst-quenchingly perfect.
To check out the recipe,

Come Party With Me: Summer Solstice — Dessert

partysugar — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 16:15:33 -0700

After serving the Italian style meal at your summer solstice dinner, wait at least a half an hour before offering guests dessert. Set up a decadent dessert buffet with fresh berries and store bought sorbet. Supplement the menu with one show stopping, homemade dessert. A cold, creamy chocolate silk pie is rich and delicious. The pie has to be made in advance making it an ideal finish to a party. To check out the recipe, which I found on MyRecipes.com,

Come Party With Me: Summer Solstice — Menu

partysugar — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 07:45:35 -0700

Fresh Italian flavors inspire my Summer solstice dinner party menu. To maximize time spent with guests, all of the food can be made in advance or cooked outdoors on the grill. A buffet of salumi, flatbreads, olives, and store bought spreads will await my guests.

When sliced into triangles grilled mozzarella panini are delightful appetizers. Chicken cooked under a brick is crispy yet succulent. Classic panzanella and balsamic potato salad are delicious served on the side. If these recipes sound tasty, get them now when you

Come Party With Me: Summer Solstice — Invite

partysugar — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 11:15:28 -0700

The longest day of the year, June 21, is this Saturday. To celebrate the official arrival of Summer, I'm hosting a Summer-themed dinner party. All this week, I'll provide the details to my outdoor extravaganza, so take my ideas and make them your own. Start by sending invitations. To see how I made these fun, lantern-inspired invites,

Come Party With Me: Bachelorette — The Look

partysugar — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 09:15:00 -0700

When browsing the party supply store for bachelorette party decorations, I came across nothing but tacky, raunchy, over the top accessories. However with a little ingenuity, an elegant and sophisticated look can be created at your bachelorette party. A purple, gray, and snake print theme is fabulous fun.

Place a gray placemat on a side table and have guests leave their presents there. Set the snacks and pecker cookies on snake print serving plates. Chill the Champagne in a faux snakeskin wine cooler and line flutes next to the cooler. Dim the lights and put candles in purple glass votives. Drape gray feather boas over the beds and dressers and arrange purple flowers in glass vases.

Purchase festive paper cocktail napkins with a bachelorette trivia game print. To keep the snake theme going with the party favors, give each guest a lip venom lip gloss. For more wedding ideas, check out IDoSugar.

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Come Party With Me: Bachelorette — Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 12:15:40 -0700

Having a fabulous selection of alcoholic beverages at your bachelorette party is as important as having delicious food. Drinks will help unacquainted guests mingle more freely and will allow the entire group to loosen up.

For Elena's lingerie shower in my Vegas hotel room, I'll have an unlimited supply of her favorite Champagne, Sofia Blanc de Blancs. To get guests in a wild mood, I'll set shots of kamikaze on ice around the room. Plenty of chilled bottled water is also a must. For more wedding ideas, go to IDoSugar. To check out the the kamikaze recipe,

Come Party With Me: Bachelorette — Dessert

partysugar — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:00:56 -0700

Although most of a bachelorette party in Vegas will be spent living it up in the casinos, bars, restaurants, and nightclubs, I'm hosting a small lingerie shower for Elena in my hotel room. Along with some simple snacks, I'll serve sugar cookies.

However, these cookies won't be round like in the picture: I'm making them festive by using pecker cookie cutters!

To take a look at the cookie recipe,

Come Party With Me: Bachelorette — Menu

partysugar — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 07:45:15 -0700

When hosting a destination bachelorette party in a glamorous location like Vegas, set aside plenty of time to plan the party. Being organized with a schedule of events, set dinner reservations, and selected club locations will aid in making the event fabulously seamless. Let guests know what's up in advance, so they can pack appropriate clothing.

For my friend Elena's bachelorette party in Las Vegas, all of the meals will be eaten out. However, one of the nights before we go out, everyone will gather in my room for a lingerie shower. I've ordered a trio of appetizers — white bean hummus with kalamata relish, Bloody Mary cocktail meatballs, and spinach gruyere pinwheels — from the hotel, so everyone can sip Champagne and have a snack.

For more wedding coverage head over to IDoSugar. To take a look at these recipes,