{Snow in Love} DIY Fruit-Infused Spirits

Want to encourage fun at your next cocktail party?  Offer homemade fruit-infused spirits!  Not only will guests enjoy experimenting with flavors but the experience will inspire conversation ... and did I mention that the cocktails will be absolutely delicious?!

If you recall from a recent blog post on 2012 Party Trends, homemade fruity spirits are pretty popular.  Celebrity mixologists, and the upscale bars they manage, are having a blast making fun, delicious cocktails ... and you can, too! 

For this Snow in Love party, I served Absolut Crush Cocktails made with Tangerine Vodka; cocktail recipe below.  To make the fruit-flavored vodka, I put sliced tangerines in a jar filled with vodka and let it sit in a dark, cool cabinet for a week.  The result was fabulous!  I loved the smell of tangerines almost as much as the taste of my cocktail!  Other flavor variations include sliced pineapple, strawberries or blueberries, and even vanilla beans or cinnamon sticks.

Absolut Crush Cocktail

Ingredients

1 Part Tangerine Vodka (instructions above) (or Absolut Mandarin)

3 Parts Orange Juice

1 Part Triple Sec

1 Slice Orange

Fill a shaker with ice cubes. Add all ingredients. Shake and strain into a chilled rocks glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with orange slice.

Has this article inspired you to make your own fruit-flavored spirits?  If so, please leave me a comment below and tell me which flavor you'll try first!

2012 Trends That Will Impact Your Parties & Celebrations

Happy New Year! I hope your winter holidays were fabulous and your New Year is off to a great start.

One thing that I enjoy most at the start of a new year is reading trend reports to learn what’s hip in food, entertainment, fashion, technology and more because, ultimately, these trends will impact our parties and celebrations … although I doubt anyone predicted the wild popularity of elaborate dessert tables, food trucks at wedding receptions and chevron prints last year … but it’s fun to read predictions and try to stay ahead, correct?! Below are a few trends I spotted for 2012:

Food

• Mini meals
• Continued and greater demand for locally-sourced, farm-fresh food
• Thai and Indian ethnic cuisine

Party Impact: smaller portions, eco-friendly and tastier food options = one delicious party!

Drinks
• Cocktails on tap (like kegs of beer)
• Homemade bitters and liquor infusions
• Juice bars

Party Impact: pre-made cocktails, DIY fruit-flavored spirits and healthy beverage alternatives = one easy (and affordable) bar!

Design
• Bold colors like Pantone’s Color of the Year, Tangerine Mango
• 1920’s fashion and jazz music inspired the upcoming release of The Great Gatsby

Party Impact: gorgeous décor from linens to lighting and lots of opportunity to accessorize!

Technology
• Greater use of mobile devices like smartphones and iPad
• Voice controlled apps like Siri
• Wallet apps

Party Impact: the preference for digital communications and content impacts invitations and marketing while apps make it easier to plan an event and purchase goods and services

Weddings
Note: Weddings are listed separately because they truly are unique events; however, weddings are trendsetters and therefore, influence many details found at other parties and celebrations

• Vintage inspired
• Colorful gowns
• Brooch bouquets
• Letterpress invitations

Party Impact: continued trend of very personalized weddings … including printed invitations! Please save electronic communications for Save the Dates, collecting responses and sharing event details like directions, transportation and hotel information.

What 2012 party trend intrigues you the most? Is there a trend (or 2) that you will incorporate into your next party or celebration? Please leave me a comment and let me know! I think the cocktail trends look most promising and I’m excited about making my own liquor infusions!

{fall cocktail parties} Verrines

Have you ever heard of a verrine?  I discovered verrines last night when I was flipping through my new Viva Terra catalog and was intrigued by the photo above.  Nice presentation, yes?  A quick Internet search revealed that verrines - not be confused with terrines - are sweet or savory dishes made by artfully layering the ingredients in a clear glass container.  Kind of like a parfait but the ingredient combinations, not to mention color, texture and flavors possibilities are endless!

According to my research, verrines are very popular in France; in fact, most of the recipes I found were in French.  I guess this trend has been slow to reach the United States (or maybe we're calling it something else?), but I think the presentation would be great for a fall dinner party - a layered colorful salad for the first course or a deconstructed apple pie for dessert, either served in a stemless wine or martini glass.  Other serving containers might include shot glasses or cylinder votive holders. 

For more information about verrines and inspiring ideas for your fall party, please read this NPR article, Verrines: A Glass Act.

So what do you think about verrines - fun presentation or too much effort?  Please leave me a comment to let me know!

Cupcake Cake Pop Mold

My friend, Audrey, gave me a gift last weekend ... a cupcake cake pop mold from My Little Cupcake!  It's so cute ... as well as practical and really easy to use!  As a matter of fact, here's my true story.

Last night, I realized that my daughter needed a treat to give her teacher this morning (it's Teacher Appreciation Week).  So I made cupcake cake pops at 10:00 pm.  How?  I used a no-bake "cake" recipe of Oreos and cream cheese (yum!) and rolled the mixture into 1" balls.  I chilled the balls overnight and made cupcake molds this morning. 

To decorate, I dipped the cupcakes in frosting, embellished with sprinkles and popped the cupcake on a lollipop stick.  Voila!  I made about 24 cupcake cake pops in less than 1 hour.  Clean up probably took longer ... =)

Here are the cupcake cake pops for Ms. Toth ... and extras for other teachers and of course, afternoon snack for my girls!

No-Bake Oreo Recipe

1 package of Oreo sandwich cookies (any flavor)

8 oz container of cream cheese

Grind cookies in food processor.  Add cream cheese and mix by hand.

Other time-saving Cake Pop ideas include:

• Use canned frosting in lieu of candy melts to decorate; microwave at 50% for a few seconds.
• Use styrofoam sheet to stand cake pops

Cake pops are so popular, even Starbucks has joined the craze!  Do you make cake pops?  If so, what are your secrets for cake pop success?

{party trends} Drink Tags

The days of losing your drink at a party are over! The increasingly popular trend is to tag your drink (or embellish your glass, for the stylish party people!). Below are just a few clever ideas, and many are easy to make yourself.

Personalized drink tag adhered to the bottom of the wine glass.

Start the conversation with these quirky tags.

Inexpensive chalkboard paper - and reusable!

Washi tape. So cool!

Crafty ... and stylish.

Perfect for the kiddos!

Do you tag your drinks? If so, please leave me a comment letting me know how!

Creative drink tags from Mrs. Penguin, Hostess with the Mostess, LilBDesigns, One Charming Party and PartyPops.

{party trends} Popcorn and Pretzels ... for a Winning Super Bowl Party!

Planning your Super Bowl menu?  Add flavored popcorn and soft pretzels - one of the food trends predicted by Andrew Freemen & Co.

Need some inspiration?  My family is going to a Super Bowl party and I'm thinking about taking one of these snacks to share:

Bacon and Cashew Caramel Popcorn

My husband loves anything with bacon, and the combination of sweet and savory flavors is sure to be a hit with friends, too.

Time Saving Tip: use microwave popcorn

{Recipe and photo from here}

Soft Pretzels with Queso Poblano Sauce and Mustard Sauce

I have a weakness for soft pretzels ... dripping with butter or dipped in cheese!

Time Saving Tip: buy frozen pretzels at the grocery store

{Recipe and photo from here}

More inspiration?  Gourmet popcorn bars are popular at employee meetings and celebrations, mitzvahs and especially, wedding receptions.

So, what do you think of the popcorn and pretzel trend?  Thumbs up or down?

{party trend} Box Food Buffet & Clip Art Decor

It pays to follow people on Twitter.  This week, I learned that yesterday's Martha Stewart Show would feature Winter Weddings ... thanks to Ritzybee who was in the audience and tweeted the good news!

So I watched the weddings segment and was inspired by two ideas (possible trends) that could easily be used for other parties and celebrations.

The first inspiring idea is the buffet "box" catering arrangement, which was designed to mimic a farmer's market; photo below.  Fitting for a wedding at Martha's Bedford farm, yes?  This presentation would look just as lovely at a shower, housewarming party or birthday celebration.  Is it just me or does this concept inpsire you to want to eat healthy, colorful foods (and grow some potted herbs)?

The second inspiring idea surprised me - decorating with clip art!  In a graphic design class I started last week, I learned clip art was dead, "no one uses clip art anymore" to be exact ... unless you're David Stark, an uber-talented event planner.  He showed how to incorporate classic clip art {read: vintage, which is another party trend I'll explore next week} into table and food decor.  Look at the tall black and white floral amongst fresh flowers and fruit.  Done right, it looks gorgeous - plus it's an inexpensive option that can be created well in advance.  Genius! 

{Photo credits}

So, who ... or what inspires you?  Martha Stewart was asked this question on Wednesday's show by a Dreamers in Doers conference attendee.  Her response was that she never takes the same street twice, that inspiration is all around us.  I agree!

{party trend} Dinner Tables Shine with Metallics

As one year ends and another begins, trends always emerge including trends that influence parties and celebrations. 

Last week, I saw cutie-petutie Nate Berkus on the TODAY show.  He discussed design trends for the new year, one of which is Metallics - incorporating touches of gold, silver, copper and mercury into your home.  He says that metals are neutral, sophisticated and create the illusion of shine.

It's not a stretch to translate Nate's design trends into party trends.  Neutral, sophisticated decor elements are classic, complementing both traditional and contemporary tastes, and who doesn't want their party to shine?!

To add shine, start with the dinner table (or food buffet). 

{photo from marthastweart.com}

Accent existing white china or serving dishes with metallic items such as these from West Elm and Crate and Barrel - linens, candles, napkin rings, chargers and glassware.

Metallic party palettes are great for milestone parties (birthdays and anniversaries) as well as New Years Eve celebrations.  How will you shine in 2011?

{party trend} Pie

Move over cupcakes.  Pies are IN for 2011!  Sweet and savory, and even individual deep-fried, according to this month's Event Solutions magazine. 

The Producers predicted pie as the next big dessert trend over the summer, too (and I reported it here) but if you need more evidence, my favorite party planner, David Tutera, teamed up with Pillsbury earlier this month to promote pies.  He recommends a few pies based on your party personality and the spirit of the party:

Classic: French Silk Chocolate Pie

Glam: Raspberry Truffle Tart

Trendy: Salmon Pastry with Dill Pesto

The recipes, as well as David's encouragement to use refigerated pie crust to make baking pies more enjoyable as well as tasty, may be found on this Pillsbury web page.  Photos from pillsbury.com.

So, what's your pie party personality?  I'm a classic gal!  The French Silk Chocolate Pie looks devine!  Enjoy!

{party trend} Party for a Cause

Fundraising events are not new; however, there is a growing trend to host fundraising parties at home!  For example, I received an invitation this week from my friend who hosts an annual holiday shopping party in her home.  She invites her friends with small businesses like Silpada, Pampered Chef and Usborne Books to display their goods whille other friends come over to shop, eat, drink and be merry.  It's an afernoon of fun and the best part is a small percentage of the proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.  No surprise, my friend is a top fundraiser for Reston Relay for Life!

Ready to party for a cause?  Here are two fundraising home party ideas to inspire your philanthropic endeavors:

Celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness month with the moms from your child's play group or members from your book or bunco club with free printables, festive drinks and party supplies!

Photos clockwise:

Favor Tag from Chickabug

Cupcake Wrapper from Eccentric Designs

Pink Ribbon Punch from Martha Stewart

Plates, Cups & Napkins from Celebrate in Pink (20% off, use promo code 5YEARS)

Support Operation Give Thanks, a nation-wide fundraising campaign to help Operation Shower continue its mission of throwing amazing baby showers for military families to ease the burden of deployment. [You may remember my recent participation in Operation Shower's A Star is Born baby shower at Walter Reed Army Medical Center].  Now you can help too by hosting a fundraising party!  There are free printables - amazing designs - to get you started.

My favorite is the Fall/Thanksgiving "Grateful Mod" Collection from Hostess with the Mostess which includes invitations, drink tags, favor tags, bottle labels and more.  I'm not hosting Thanksgiving Dinner this year so I think I may host a Girls Night cocktail party using these free printables - and raise money, as well as awareness for Operation Shower!

Additional Operation Give Thanks contributors (and amazing free designs) include:

The TomKat Studio

Parties by Hardie

Paper & Pigtails

Paper & Cake

So, what fundraising party will you host at home?

{party trend} Grilled Cheese and Bloody Mary Bar

Yesterday afternoon, I did something that I rarely do.  I watched The Oprah Show!  But wait, it gets better.  Martha Stewart was on ... and they talked parties!  I was inspired so I thought I'd share it with you.

Martha featured her Grilled Cheese and Bloody Mary Bar.  Wow!  It looked so good.  The set up was pretty simple; platters of cheese, bread, condiments and extras like sliced apples, bacon strips, red peppers and avocado slices (top photo above).  Of course, they made sandwiches.  Martha made Oprah a Gruyere Apple and Sage on Rye (small middle photo) that looked really yummy!  Clicking through the recipes, I discovered the Proscuitto Arugula and Tomato sandwich (small left photo) oozing melted Gruyere cheese; now that's a tasty sandwich!

To accompany the sandwiches, Martha had a Bloody Mary bar with red and yellow tomato juices and homemade vodka (small right photo).  I'm intrigued by the yellow tomato juice (it's less acidic according to Martha) and I like this grown up alternative to tomato soup.

So, what do you think of this party trend?  Ready to host a Grilled Cheese and Bloody Mary bar at your next casual party?  I am!

Producers Predict Next Party Trend

The Producers, L-R: Dave Edwards, CSEP; Ashleigh Dorfman, CSEP; Kelley Gillespie; Karen Bridges, CSEP, Lori Hill; Laura Weatherly: and June Ring

I belong to an informal group of indepedent event planners called The Producers.  Established by Dave Edwards, CSEP of Dave Edwards Events, The Producers meet monthly to share best practices, discuss trends and solve business challenges.  This month, Windows Catering Company hosted our meeting in their gorgeous showroom complements of Andrew Gerstel, vice president and Kelsey Henderickson, event planner.  The set up, hospitality, and of course, the food was outstanding.  To keep the meeting focused on business, we discussed evolving trends - things that were happening more and more at our corporate, non-profit and social events.  Technology, no floral and no linen decor, eco-friendly practices and food on a stick continue to be popular requests.  I asked what's next on the dessert table, what will replace cupcakes?  Kelsey quickly replied pies and crepes!

{photo credits, clockwise: Holland Photo Arts, Martha Stewart, Windows Catering, Holland Photo Arts}

What do you think?  What will replace cupcakes on the dessert table?

{Party Trends} Food Pairings

The concept of pairing foods with beverages is not new; sommeliers suggest wines for menus all the time.  But what about pairing a 5 course dinner with a selection of beers or any cocktail of choice for that matter?  It's happening and more often ... because it's fun and entertaining, and let's face it, when you party you have to eat and drink, correct?  Absolutely!

Recently, my good friends at Fusions Cuisine told me (enthusiastically!) about a beer pairing event they produced for a client.  Sounded like fun.  Then, another friend told me about a whiskey pairing event -with cheese and chocolate.  That, too, sounded really good!  Food pairing events seemed like a trend that I needed to investigate!  Below is some of my research in case you want to create your own pairings event:

Dare to Pair Cocktails and Food (good overview on pairings)

How to Pair Foods and Beer article

CheeseCupid.com - a drink and cheese pairings web site (you're going to love this one!)

FoodPairing.be -easy to use tool for determining 'what goes well with..' 

What to Drink with What You Eat book

Supposedly, tequila is a highly versatile spirit, ideal for pairing with food.  Cinco de Mayo is next week.  Why not start with blancos (aged less than 60 days) and work you way up to anejos (aged 1 to 10 years)?  Pair the tequila with fish (chips and guacamole, too!) and enjoy!

{Party Trends} DIY Photo Booth

Want to entertain your guests while digitally capturing a lot of fun at your party?  Then, consider a Photo Booth!  With a creative backdrop and a few props (feather boas, hats, moustaches and comment cards), guests will enjoy making fools of themselves - and their photo becomes a great souvenir of your celebration.

Quick Links for Creating your DIY Photo Booth:

Tutorial (and inspiration)

Lace Photo Booth Backdrop (but any fabric or shower curtain will do)

IKEA frame (but any consignment frame will do)

Smitten Sticks

Photo Booth Sign

Photo credits: SignsbyDiane and Zany Photo Booth

{Party Trends} Hanging Decor

In the last year, event decor has taken on a new dimension ... filling spaces overhead and lending charm (or playfulness depending the decoration) to the party atmosphere.

Need a punch of color?  Hang paper lanterns or poms!  Want to camouflage a chandelier?  Drape it with fabric and embellish with crystals!  No room on the table for floral arrangements?  No worries.  Suspend flowers from the ceiling (or from tree branches if outdoors)!

Photo courtesy of The Party Dress; thanks, Kelly!  Click here for more of her 'hanging decor' insight.

{Party Trends} Universal Charging Stations

This week, I'm exploring party trends to keep you up-to-date on what's new and cool!  Today, it's technology ... but don't tune me out yet; this one is easy to understand.  Universal Charging Stations.

Parties are face-to-face gatherings; however, with the popularity of social media, people connect, text, tweet and blog on the go more than ever, not to mention phone calls and googling.  Keep your guests happy by offering a universal charging station (or two) at your next party.  These stations neatly allow multiple guests to re-charge their mobile devices ... so they can keep talking about your great party!

 Not convinced?  The traditional world of wine tastings are being revolutionized by Sip and Twit TM events.  Today, twits from educational conferences and networking receptions; tomorrow, tweets from your wedding or backyard BBQ.  It's happening ... be ready!

Thoughts?  Do you offer guests a charging station at your events?  Tell us what else do you do to incorporate technology into your events.

{Party Trends} Dessert Buffets

With a whirlwind of party activity behind me (for now, that is!), I'd like to share with you what's hot ... and posh ... in parties! 

Party Trend #1 - Candy and Dessert Buffets


Make any occasion *sweet* with a candy or dessert buffet!

• Platters of fancy cookies
• Tiers of cupcakes
• Trays of "lolliop" macaroons or cake pops (more trends!)
• Bowls of colorful candy

posh in a pinch tips:

• Integrate color and style for consistency
• Create interest with height, color and shape
• Complete the look with table linens, ribbons, paper and other embellishments 

 photo credits: Amy Atlas Events via Hostess with the Mostess