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Thanksgiving Tip: Set the Table Early

YumSugar — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 11:40:50 -0800

Thanksgiving Tip: Set the Table Early If you're anything like me, you have already started to plan your elaborate Thanksgiving table setting. I begin to prepare the table when I start selecting a menu. Here's why you should get a headstart with preparing your table.

Dress Your Table With Cinnamon and Roses

partysugar — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 10:15:33 -0700

Walking around the tasting tent at the Food Network NYC Food and Wine Festival, I came across a fabulous decorating idea — it's perfect for Fall or the holidays — that I plan to re-create in a tablescape. You can to, here's how to:

Start by covering the table with a simple cloth. Arrange a thin layer of gauzy fabric over the tablecloth.
Sprinkle the table with rose petals in a color that matches the party's theme. Place the cinnamon sticks around the rose petals.

This is an inspiring idea that can translate into many different table decorations. You could wrap twine around cloth napkins and place a cinnamon stick inside each one. Or make placecard holders by cutting a slit into the side of the cinnamon and sliding a piece of labeled cardstock inside. What do you think? Have you ever used cinnamon sticks as party decor?

Must-Read: Matthew Mead Halloween Tricks and Treats

partysugar — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 15:00:08 -0700

Move over Martha Stewart, there's a new kid on the crafty Halloween block, and his name is Matthew Mead. Mead is a producer, stylist, and author whose creative work has appeared in numerous publications including InStyle Weddings. To see what I thought of his Halloween Tricks and Treats ($19) book,

PartySugar Behind the Bash: Macy's Culinary Council

partysugar — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 05:30:42 -0700

On Saturday night at the Food Network's NYC Wine and Food Festival, Macy's hosted a a delightful party at The Xchange. The ninth-floor space was packed with party-goers and celebrity chefs. I was lucky enough to attend the soiree. Here, you'll find my backstage guide to the event.

Dove Chocolatier: The Next Avon Lady?

YumSugar — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 07:45:19 -0700

You've heard of the door-to-door Avon lady, and been to Tupperware parties. But have you ever been to a Dove Chocolate party?

Now you can. Two weeks ago, candy giant Mars launched its newest venture, a direct-selling company called Dove Chocolate Discoveries.

The company is targeting women and men who want to start an at-home business to become independent sales consultants. These "chocolatiers" then throw "tasting parties" where they teach friends how to make everything from chocolate martinis to chocolate truffles. The goal? To convince guests to buy chocolate rimmers, cupcake baking kits, and chocolate-covered graham crackers, among other things.

With Halloween around the corner, everyone has candy on the brain, so the prospects could be bright. Sales consultants make at least 25 percent of everything they sell, so it could also be lucrative. What do you think of the concept? Would you buy lots of Mars products at a chocolate party?

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What Would You Do?

partysugar — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 10:15:46 -0700

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. Although the party starts at 9, you made a bunch of small snacks — spiced nuts, truffled popcorn, caramelized peanuts, etc. — for your guests to enjoy with cocktails.

The snacks are prettily set up on a table near an open window that overlooks the street. The party is going fabulously when you look up to see three unidentified guests throwing your homemade goodies out the window! They are trying to hit people outside! What would you do?

To find out what I did — this very thing happened at my birthday party on Saturday night! —

Yummy Links: From Zucchini to Buttercream Frosting

partysugar — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 06:45:05 -0700

A surprising tip for making delicious zucchini. — Gourmet
These cactus napkins are ideal for a hoedown! — CasaSugar
Fabulous recipes that use Fall produce. — Chow
Submit your best tailgating recipes to win a trip to the Super Bowl. — Epi-Log
Would you eat this hamburger fatty melt? — Serious Eats
Everything you need to plan a spooky chic dinner party. — Hostess with the Mostess
Get to know some of your favorite food bloggers better. — Cookthink Questionnaire
Make the perfect buttercream frosting. — The Kitchn

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Do You RSVP?

partysugar — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 06:45:41 -0700

My birthday party is this Saturday night and so far, I've received only one RSVP! I sent over 40 homemade, snail-mail invitations and find it hard to believe that almost no one has called to tell me if they are or are not coming. Am I too old-fashioned? Is RSVP-ing a thing of the distant past?Source

Do You RSVP?

Yes! Always.

No, I usually forget.

I'm not invited to parties where I have to RSVP.

It depends on the party and the host/hostess.

Other — share your opinion below.

Fabulous Favor Idea: Color-Coded Candy

partysugar — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 16:00:35 -0700

Last night I went to a fashion party at Carrots with FabSugar, and I came across the cutest favor idea: color-coded candy! The boutique always decorates in orange and they carried the theme over to create a gorgeously delectable candy spread. I plan on re-creating the idea for an upcoming party. You can, too! To learn how,

Do You Get Bottle Service?

YumSugar — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 07:45:47 -0700

The other day the New York Times wrote about how astronomically expensive it is to order bottle service in nightclubs. A bottle service can be found in many upscale bars and nightclubs wherein patrons purchase entire bottles of liquor to drink. Typically, bottle service includes a reserved table for the patron's entire party and accompanying mixers of choice. It doesn't surprise me to hear that the markup for bottle service can easily be as high as 900 percent. I've always known this, which is why if I enjoy bottle service, it's never my wallet that's covering it. Have you ever enjoyed bottle service, and are you willing to pay for it?Source and Source

Do You Get Bottle Service?

Whenever I can — I love it!

Sometimes, when I'm with a large group.

I've enjoyed it, but I never pay for it myself.

No way — I think it's way too expensive.

No, I don't go out much.

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 — 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: 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,

A16 Food + Wine on How to Make Stellar Meatballs

YumSugar — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 05:26:07 -0700

One of my favorite chefs, Nate Appleman of San Francisco's A16, has debuted a new book co-written with his wine director, Shelley Lindgren, entitled A16 Food + Wine.

To celebrate the cookbook's debut, Williams-Sonoma, which will carry the book, hosted a launch party with the authors on hand. There, I not only scored a copy of the book but also sampled some entries from the new tome.

I couldn't get enough of the moist, complexly flavored meatballs. The recipe can be time-intensive, but once you taste the finished product, you'll think it's totally worth the wait. Learn how to make the meatballs (and check out photos from the bash!) when you

Behind the Scenes: A Foodie Wedding

partysugar — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 05:30:07 -0700

A little while back we came up with 10 ways to turn your wedding into a foodie fantasy. We created this list to help Sabs, a Sugar gal, host her very own foodie wedding! All of her dreams came true last Friday, Aug. 8, when after four years of engagement, she was married! Here, I take you on a behind-the-scenes look at her fabulous foodie ceremony and reception.

How to Host an Argentine Asado

partysugar — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 05:30:41 -0700

Last weekend I hosted an Argentine asado. South America's version of the barbecue, an asado is basically a big grill-fest with a wide selection of grilled dishes. If you plan on entertaining a crowd this Summer, consider hosting an asado. The preparation is minimal, leaving plenty of time to visit with guests. Since my sister and her best friend lived in Argentina, we tried to make our version of the asado as authentic as possible. To learn more about the tradition, click on the "Start" button.

Behind the Scenes: Black and White Luau

partysugar — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 05:30:58 -0700

On Saturday night FabSugar hosted her annual summer luau. Instead of throwing a regular luau, Fab's party had a sophisticated, chic black and white theme. While Fab created the look of the luau, I was in charge of the snacks and specialty cocktail. To take a look at the food and decor of our memorable party, click the "Start" button.

Share Your Party Pics!

partysugar — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 08:00:52 -0700

Whenever I decide to host a party the first thing I do is look for inspiration. It can be found anywhere, but I always enjoy checking out pictures of other people's parties for ideas. I love looking at party pics so much I have created a group — Super Special Occasions — on TeamSugar where you can share all of your party pics with me.
If you're hosting a child's birthday party, be inspired by the 8th birthday party just donna recently threw her daughter. The tea party has a girlie, fun pastel color theme. The menu involves crustless sandwiches that are cut into age appropriate festive shapes, and a variety of dainty cupcakes. To check out all the pics from her adorable party,

Six Gallon Beverage Dispenser: Love It or Hate It?

YumSugar — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 12:15:53 -0700

"Elegant simplicity" isn't the best adjective for this Six-Gallon Beverage Dispenser ($35.75) but it certainly is simple. The spigot-equipped bucket would solve one of my biggest party headaches: My pitchers are relatively small, so I end up mixing batch after batch of whatever drink I'm serving and miss part of the party. Would you use this bucket (perhaps with some added adornments) or is it too ugly for you?

Six Gallon Beverage Dispenser: Love It or Hate It?

Love it

Hate it

Undecided

Easy Decoration Idea: Cutout Letters

partysugar — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 14:00:41 -0700

A couple of weeks ago I helped conceptualize the decor for a new magazine's prelaunch party. Drink Me, the magazine — which launches nationwide this August — will be a free publication distributed in bars (like Cantina where the party was held) and spirits stores. Since the magazine is new, the budget for the party decor was pretty minimal. However, cutout letters printed on cardstock is virtually free! We printed out the letters in several different sizes, cut them out, and scattered them around the room. It made for a great, simple decoration that people couldn't stop talking about.

Another way we saved money was by getting inventive with the vases. When covered with a printed Drink Me label, wine bottles make excellent (cheap) vases that kept up with the parties theme.

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This effortless idea can be applied to virtually any party. If it's an engagement, spell out the couple's names. A birthday? Spell out the guest of honor or Happy Birthday. To check out more pictures of the Drink Me decor,

Simple Tip: Decorate the Bathroom

partysugar — Tue, 27 May 2008 10:15:03 -0700

Creating a soothing and inviting bathroom that is clean and pleasant smelling is essential to any party's success. If you have a disgusting bathroom it won't matter how amazing the food is, guests will only remember the gross bathroom. Here's how you can take your bathroom from every day to party day:

Start by cleaning it. Wipe down the mirror, clean out the sink, and wash the floors.
Hang fresh towels or stack nice bathroom napkins near the sink.
Make sure its stocked with essentials: toilet paper, tampons, Advil, Kleenex, etc.
If you don't want your guests to use or see something, put it away in a safe, hidden place.
Add a lush flower arrangement and light-scented candles.
Set up an ipod with soothing music or turn a radio to the classic music station.

How do you make your bathroom a welcoming space? Share your tips with us below.

Behind the Scenes: My Sex and the City Party

partysugar — Thu, 15 May 2008 06:00:14 -0700

Last Friday night FabSugar and I hosted a Sex and the City Marathon. From the tasty snacks and colorful cocktails — inspired by episodes from the show — to the competitive trivia game and outrageous outfits, the party was fabulous, fun, and a total success. To come party with me and take a closer look at the food and decor of our SATC party, click the "Start" button!

Yummy Link: Tequila Tasting Party

YumSugar — Mon, 05 May 2008 12:02:01 -0700

If you're looking for a unique way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, then take a page from TeamSugar's book and host your very own tequila tasting party. She held one last year, and recommends that we all do the same! — TeamSugar

Living It Up at Les Deux

partysugar — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 09:55:10 -0700

On a recent Saturday night, I found myself living it up at Hollywood hot spot Les Deux. Open since 2006, Les Deux is a popular nightclub — frequented by LA's elite actors and fabulous starlets — set inside a remodeled house. Before the bar opened, I had the chance to speak with owner Sylvain Bitton and take a behind the scenes look at the space. To check out what happened — and see which celebrity I befriended — while partying at Les Deux, click the "Start" button.

Hanging With One of LA's Hottest Nightclub Owners

partysugar — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 07:28:33 -0700

Les Deux is undeniably one of Los Angeles' most trendy bars. Paris and Nicky Hilton have a private table, and so does Jamie Foxx. The Hills girls kick up their heels on the dance floor and everyone from TV Guide to Tom Hanks has hosted parties inside the famed house's walls.

While in LA for the Sugar Party, I had the chance to slide behind the velvet ropes, check out the party scene — more on that later! — and chat with one of the owners, Sylvain Bitton. To see what Sylvain had to say about his party lifestyle as a nightclub owner,

PartySugar Behind the Bash: The PopSugar TechCrunch Party

partysugar — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 10:03:33 -0700

Last Thursday night I had the wonderful opportunity to hop on a plane, throw on a fabulous dress, and head to a party. The party — a blowout bash hosted by TechCrunch and PopSugar — had 2,000 guests and tons of teched-out demos. To find out more about the party, click on the "Start" button.

At a Birthday Dinner, Who Should Pay For the Meal?

partysugar — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 07:01:51 -0700

Source

At a Birthday Dinner, Who Should Pay For the Meal?

The guests should split the bill. Everyone should pay for part of the birthday girl/guy's meal.

The birthday girl/guy should pay.

Everyone should pay for his or her own meal.

It depends on the restaurant, the guests, and the birthday girl/guy.

Other — see my thoughts below.

PartySugar Behind The Bash: Wine Enthusiast's Toast of Town

partysugar — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 14:18:11 -0700

Last Thursday night I was invited to Wine Enthusiast's big wine bash, Toast of Town. Held at the War Memorial Opera house, the fête was four floors filled with wine and food. To see what the party was like, check out some noteworthy wines, and read some fun tips I picked up at the event, click the "Start Slideshow" button below.

Host a Chocolate Bliss Party

YumSugar — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 01:03:51 -0700

If the thought of someone sending you a box of chocolates and telling you to host a party sounds like a fun plan, then you might want to check out Hershey's new scheme. To promote their new line of Bliss chocolates, Hershey's is selecting 10 thousand folks to host Hershey's Bliss Chocolate Parties. If you're chosen to be a hostess, Hershey's will send you a party pack full of dark, milk and meltaway chocolates, as well as various host gifts. If you're interested, all you have to do is apply. The parties will be held on April 25, 26 and 27.

The new chocolate line launches this month, and while I haven't tasted it, Hershey's is calling it satisfying and sophisticated. The shape and size make me think of Dove chocolates, but I guess I'll have to go to one of these parties to find out.

So tell me, are you interested in hosting a chocolate Bliss party? If not, then are you interested in trying the chocolate? Or do you think it's going to be the same old same old Hershey's?

Source

Off to Market Recap: Cocktail Napkins

partysugar — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 03:01:15 -0700

My sister's birthday is Monday and we are hosting an informal party at a restaurant. But in order to make it more festive, we're bringing in a bunch of decorations to change the look. One of the things we need to get is fun cocktail napkins, so I asked you to help us look for them. You looked for fabulous, fun colored, paper napkins and you bookmarked your finds in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag, Cocktail Napkins. Since one of my sister's favorite colors is purple, these circular printed purple napkins are perfect. Nice find sofi! To take a look at all of the napkins that were discovered, scroll to the right below.

GeekSugar has put together an article that explains how to bookmark on TeamSugar. Check it out for more details!

Easy and Affordable Leather Napkin Rings

partysugar — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 16:11:31 -0700

The other night, while dining at Bar Bambino, I was inspired by the restaurant's simple and rustic napkin rings. The napkin was elegantly rolled into a tight scroll and closed with an angled piece of worn leather. A hole was drilled into the leather, and the thinner part was pulled through to create a decorative artistic finish.

This would be wonderful at a country cabin dinner or Western-themed party. Instead of going to the craft store to purchase leather, look in your closet for an old belt! This technique can easily be applied to other types of durable material like suede or even denim. What do you think of this idea? Couldn't it be creatively tailored to suit your own entertaining needs?

Party Foul: Not Enough Room to Move

partysugar — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:18:31 -0700

When hosting any sort of an event, it is crucial to find the correct balance between too much open space and not enough room. If there is too much room, the party looks like an empty dance floor at a bad prom. If there is no room, it can be stifling and uncomfortable.

During the public tasting at the Artisan Cheese Festival, I found myself crammed between several people all desperate to taste cheese. The booths were too close together and there was no flow of traffic because the place was over packed. Needless to say, it was not fun. I wondered why the event planners had not spaced out the booths better or taken into consideration that it was a beautiful day that would bring a bigger crowd to the event.

Although this was a large event, the same goes for private parties in the home. If you have a small studio, don't invite over fifty friends. Allow room for guests to mingle without having to press up against a new acquaintance.

How about you? Have you ever been to an over-crowded party? How did you deal with not having enough room?

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Get Your Green Beer On

partysugar — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 12:43:31 -0700

Last night to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, I made some green beer. Green beer — or any colored beer for that matter — is extremely festive and fun for a themed party. Here's how I made this simple conversation starter:

Fill glass with beer.
Add a couple of drops of food coloring. For a vibrant dark green add 5-6 drops, for a pastel, minty green add 1-3.
Combine the two liquids with a stirrer.
Enjoy! Disclaimer: If too many green beers are consumed in a short amount of time you may end up with green-stained lips.

How about you? Have you ever had green beer? How did you celebrate St. Patrick's Day?

Share Your Party Pics!

partysugar — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 14:28:10 -0700

I enjoy reading about parties and I love looking at party pics! I love it so much that I have created a group — Super Special Occasions — on TeamSugar where you can share all of your party pics with me. I plan on posting all of the pics from my upcoming half birthday party, but until then check out the amazing garden-themed retirement/birthday party that cravinsugar hosted! She served the food in planter's boxes and a vibrant green punch in a vintage punch bowl. This theme is perfect for Spring and would be wonderful for a baby or bridal shower. To be inspired check out her pics, just

Easy Spring Centerpiece: Wheatgrass

partysugar — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 10:01:31 -0800

With Spring around the corner, there are lots of cheaper alternatives to fresh cut flowers. You could use petals, or you could skip the flowers all together. How simply elegant is this vibrant wheatgrass and lemon centerpiece?

I came across it last weekend while at a crab-feed fund raiser for the 49ers. Instantly hundreds of varieties come to mind: place limes in the middle for a St. Patrick's Day party or scatter dyed eggs in the grass for an Easter brunch. At only $11.00 a tray, fresh wheatgrass is affordable and fabulous.

Party Foul: Not Enough Utensils

partysugar — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:29:33 -0800

I recently attended a small potluck dinner at a girlfriend's house. Seven of us were in attendance, yet only four forks could be found in the kitchen!

I didn't say anything when I helped serve the Champagne in a martini glass, a beer mug, and a mix of random wine glasses. I didn't say anything when we sat down to eat and had to share chairs. However, it was really hard NOT to say anything when there wasn't enough silverware, especially when five people live there! How could they only have four forks?

If you are going to invite people into your house for a meal, be prepared to serve them properly. Being in college or having just graduated is no excuse. If you lack enough silverware purchase plastic utensils, ask to borrow from a friend, or serve a finger food menu!

Have you ever been in a similar situation? What would you do if there wasn't enough silverware?

Source

Top 10 Tips For Easy Entertaining

partysugar — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 06:58:11 -0800

While I'm constantly providing you with tons of fabulous party plans and innovative entertaining ideas, to host a successful and memorable event — at any time and any place — you really need to remember these top 10 important tips. Besides these simple basics, the key to any party's success is to have fun! It's a party after all! To see the the top 10 tips, click "Start Slideshow" below!

Cylindrical Appetizer Holder: Love It or Hate It?

partysugar — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 01:18:31 -0800

On Thursday night I went to a swanky little launch party at the sleek Zephyr Showroom. The highlight of the evening — hosted by San Francisco's Junior League — wasn't the drinks or the decor, but the cylindrical appetizer holder! Heads turned as the caterers walked by holding the long skinny pole with skewered salmon sticking out of it. I loved it and immediately wanted one. My only concern is whether or not it has a stand. I normally don't have caterers and passed appetizers at home events, so a stand that could sit on the table is essential. What do you think?

Cylindrical Appetizer Holder: Love It or Hate It?

Love it

Hate it

Undecided

Yummy Link: Award Winning Menus

partysugar — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 03:03:31 -0800

Instead of serving a buffet of snacks at your Oscars viewing party, make a sit down dinner. For dinner ideas based on the Oscar nominated films, check out these cohesive and delicious menus. — Epicurious

Yummy Link: Kate Walsh's Perfect Party

partysugar — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 03:04:51 -0800

In her private life, Kate Walsh — actress and star of Private Practice — is an avid dinner party hostess. In her prescription for the perfect dinner party she praises placecards and Mark Bittman. — Well Fed

What's the Key to a Successful Super Bowl Party?

partysugar — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 03:18:31 -0800

Source

What's the Key to a Successful Super Bowl Party?

The TV. You can't host a Super Bowl party with a bad television!

The food. The game's only half as good as the football food.

Comfort. There has to be a cozy place for me to watch the game.

Friends. The company makes the game.

The drinks. Super Bowl Sunday isn't nearly as fun without some cocktails.

Winning. It's all about my team winning.

Other — see my thoughts below.

How to Throw a Lost-Themed Party

YumSugar — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 16:15:13 -0800

If I am eagerly awaiting the Season 4 premiere of Lost and I can't wait to see what's going to happen next then I know I'm not the only one out there. In fact my pals at Neatorama have actually come up with 15 details to help you throw a Lost party. So if Jan. 31 — the Season 4 premiere date — isn't coming fast enough, tide yourself over with these party plans.

You must check out all 15 — some are obvious and some are more obscure — but here are my favorites:

Serve airplane-sized bottles of liquor and mini packets of peanuts.

Make these amazing cupcakes like the folks at My Aim Is True.

For the rest of my favorite Lost-themed party ideas,

PartySugar's Guide to Party Crashing

partysugar — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:13:31 -0800

A couple weeks back, FabSugar and I waltzed into a party at the Emporio Armani Cafe. From the get-go, things were a little weird. We assumed it was a fashion event, but the clothes were off limits. Guests were asked to wear name tags and encouraged to mingle. Suddenly we realized it was a private party, a real estate networking event for those in the industry! Instead of leaving, we quickly turned into stylish party crashers.

Party crashing — the art of showing up at an event unexpectedly and uninvited but going unnoticed — was made popular by the flick Wedding Crashers. While I don't recommend you make a career out of it, it's fun to crash a party every now and then. For my tips on how to successfully party crash,

Where I'm Clicking Now: Primary Party-time!

YumSugar — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 11:45:42 -0800

Tips for Planning a Fantastic Primary Party!
The "Politico guide for a caucus bash" offers suggestions for food, drinks, soundtracks and party gifts. All you have to do is pick your candidate.

Yummy Link: Beautiful Baby Showers

partysugar — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 05:01:33 -0800

Hosting a baby shower can be a tough task, especially when it comes to creating a beautiful setting. Luckily Jenn has created a gorgeous look for a whimsical garden themed baby shower. Be inspired by her stork-free adorable designs! — Hostess With The Mostess

Easy Last Minute Party Decor: Balloon Ceiling

partysugar — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 09:01:18 -0800

Although they are usually associated with children's birthday parties, balloons can be a chic enhancement to your event's atmosphere. Large quantities can be purchased at minimal prices, making them a simple and affordable decor idea. They come in every color imaginable and in a variety of different textures, allowing them to fit into any theme. Attach to chairs, fences, banisters, or tape to walls in interesting arrangements. My favorite way to decorate with balloons is to cover the entire ceiling with stringless globes.

What do you think about balloons as party decor? Are they old fashioned or stylish?