Inside Out Champagne Glasses

These glasses are the perfect way to start off the New Year with family and friends! Add interest to any gathering with these inside out champagne glasses!

A Classic Christmas

Today is Christmas Day, and I have been thinking about Christmas's gone by. I've put together a playlist of holiday songs that remind me of christmas of yester-year. So , enjoy family today and make every moment count!

1. Mele Kalikimaka - Bing Crosby

2. Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow! - Ella Fitzgerald
3. Rudolph, The Red Nosed Reindeer - Gene Autry and The Pinafores
4. Santa Claus is Comin' To Town - Perry Como
5. Mistletoe and Holly- Frank Sinatra
6. White Christmas - Bing Crosby
7. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas - Judy Garland
8. Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree- Brenda Lee
9. I'll Be Home For Christmas - Connie Francis

10. Christmas Time is Here - Vince Guaraldi Trio

Creative Home Made Gift Tags

Follow the Better Homes and Gardens link to see tons of creative gift tags! What a great way to add a personal touch to your gorgeous packages!
Better Homes and Gardens has alot of creative ways to decorate and wrap for the holidays! Check it out!

The Hotel Cafe Presents Winter Songs

My new favorite holiday CD!The Hotel Cafe Presents Winter Songs is an album with a lovely soothing blend of female singer-songwriters, crooning s all into the holiday spirit of relaxation. Although there are a few quite upbeat tracks, Fiona Apple and KT Tunstall spin updated versions of "Frosty The Snowman" and "Sleigh Ride" that are sure to get ANYONE into the Christmas spirit!
This CD would make a great last minute stocking stuffer!


Sarah Barielles and Ingrid Michaelson performing "Winter Song" ( so beautiful! )


1. Winter Song- Sarah Barielles and Ingrid Michaelson
2. The Heartache Can't Wait-Brandi Carlile
3. All My Bells Are Ringing- Lenka
4. Sleigh Ride- KT Tunstall
5. Silver Bells- Alice Smith
6. Frosty The Snowman- Fiona Apple
7. I'll Be Home For Christmas - Holly Conlan
8. Maybe Next Year ( x-mas song ) - Meiko
9. White Christmas- Katy Perry
10. Mistletoe- Colbie Calliat
11. Silent Night- Priscilla Ahn
12. Winter Wonderland- Katie Havnevik
13. The Christmas Song- Catherine Feeny
14. Auld Lang Syne ( artist medley )

Cocktail Garnish Tricks

There is a more clever way to garnish your festive cocktails than to place a lemon wedge on the rim. Try a few of these tricks to spice up those same-old party drinks! The second picture shows a lovely cucumber bloom, this is MUCH EASIER than you may think. Simply cut the tips of the cucumber (each cucumber with yield two garnishes)above the actual "meat" of the vegetable creating petal-like rounded edges, after you have removed the tip from the vegetable,there are two options, you can either make a small slit in the bottom and place it on the rim of the glass or just float the "bloom" in you festive cocktail.

To create the garnish in the bottom photo: cut a green or red apple (red apple with a red cherry would be festive for a Christmas party) on the side at 1/4 inch thickness, (you should be able to get about 4 garnishes out of 1 apple)place these slices in a bowl filled with lemon-lime soda to keep them from turning brown.After you have completed slicing all of the apples, take each slice individually and make a small round cut into the "meat"(leave the peel in tact) just large enough to hold a maricino cherry. All that is left after you have made your round cuts into the apples is to place a cherry in each, cut a very small slit in the bottom and place on the rim.

Candy Cane Martini

Try this super easy cocktail recipe for your holiday party this year!

ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz. vodka (your choice)
- 1 teaspoon peppermint schnapps

Directions:
Shake all ingredients together with ice in a cocktail shaker and strain into a martini glass rimmed with crushed candy cane OR garnish with a miniature candy cane!

Peacock Inspired Holiday by Hostess with the Mostess

The Hostess With The Mostess is Jennifer Sbranti, party planner to the stars! I love her blog and read it religiously!(hostessblog.com) She has created this wonderful peacock styled holiday get-together. I love the way she uses common Christmas items and affordable ornaments in an unexpected and innovative fashion. She is my inspiration and obsession!....Here's to getting you hooked too!

What's Not To Love About Audrey Hepburn?

"That's So Audrey!" ....This is a phrase frequently used by fashion designers, or those who just generally love fashion when they see anything that has a classic yet unique style. Audrey Hepburn is referred to by many as the most beloved actress of all time. She had such poise and elegance, not to mention charm. She was loved by everyone she worked with (excluding Humphrey Bogart, whom Audrey placed opposite in "Sabrina")in movies, or in theater. Audrey Hepburn is most commonly recognized as her character Holly Golightly in "Breakfast At Tiffany's. This movie, as well as the inspiration provided by Ms. Hepburn's portrayal of a call girl in this movie has served as inspiration for countless parties. Many people plan bridal showers, birthday parties, and even their weddings around this iconic movie, and even more iconic actress.There are many other Audrey Hepburn movies to love: Sabrina, Funny Face ( I LOVE this one!)and Roman Holiday are all splendid. Pick up a copy of one of these classic movies today! Enjoy!

Cookie Dough Gift Bundles

This Christmas you could..send out Christmas cards that everyone just throws away, or buy a rediculously overpriced pre-packaged gift basket, or the ever popular ...bake cookies. I love the idea of baking someone their favorite type of cookie and give it as a gift around the holidays (it's personal , and it doesn't break the bank) but I have noticed that if I recieve cookies ( or other baked goods) from too many people, they tend to get stale before I can eat them all. NEW IDEA! This year give them cookie dough! Whip up your grandmother's famous chocolate chip cookie recipe and package the cookie dough log in parchment paper with a strip of scrapbooking paper wrapped around the center, and secure ends with ribbon. All you do from this point is include cooking instructions and Voila! Now your loved ones can bienge on their favorites whenever they choose!

It's Black Friday once Again

Black Friday is upon us once again, so I hope everyone went out this morning before the sun even bothered to come up and waited in line for hours just to get that perfect gift for someone special (or yourself) for just the right price. Today can be the scariest day of the year if you are persuing a "hot item" like a TV or computer....be prepared to FIGHT for it. A few years back, I actually saw someone get tazed because a fight errupted in Walmart over an Xbox that had been marked down by $100.00. Many people now go out on the hunt simply because of tradition, even if you aren't looking for one of those previously described "hot items" , you can still score some cheap DVDs and some awesome people watching!So if you are up to it, head out to the stores, scoop up some good deals, and maybe even start a new tradition!

Gobble Pops

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I found these super cute cake pops on Bakerella.blogspot.com! They are surprisingly easy to make and are perfect for Thanksgiving!You will need a few items from the candy store to add the on the turkey's face and feathers.You will need chocolate covered espresso beans for the head, color coated candies (orange) for the beak, and heart shaped sprinkles for the wattle , you will also need pretzel sticks for the legs.Just follow the instructions on bakerella.blospot.com and celebrate your Thanksgiving with your very own Gobble pops!

Not-So-Traditional Thanksgiving Decor

Celebrate Thanksgiving this year with bright colors typically reserved for summer get-togthers. Instead of the usual burgandy, burnt orange,and other "fall" colors, opt for bright green, mix in some playful pink, just add some light wood grain accents to finish, and you are all set! You can find party supplies(shown above) at Plumparty.com!

Pumpkin Spice Lattes Make me Happy! ( And Now I Can Make Them At Home! )

The secret to the glorious flavor of a pumpkin spice latte is the syrup, and pumpkin spice syrup is quite easy to make. Just make simple syrup (equal parts water and sugar (I used 1 cup each) simmered on the stovetop, stirring often, until sugar is dissolved). Add in pumpkin pie spices (I used 2 Tspn. ground cinnamon and 1/2 tbsp. each ground cloves, ginger, and nutmeg) and simmer for five minutes. Strain the spices and grit out of the liquid by pouring it through a few layers of cheesecloth, then add a tablespoon of pure vanilla extract.

Store the cooled syrup in a glass bottle or jar, away from direct sunlight, or in the fridge.

To make a latte, combine 2 shots of espresso with about 2 Tbsp. spice syrup, then add steamed milk. For extra decadence, top with whipped cream, sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg on top, and pop in a cinnamon stick. Voila!

Smore's brownies for Camp IN party

You Will Need:
-2 boxes of your favorite brownie mix or homemade recipe
-6 squares (1 oz. each) of semisweet chocolate chopped
-1 cup heavy whipping cream
-1 package ( 1 lb. ) large marshmallows, halved
-1 cup crushed graham crackers

How To:
Bake brownies according to recipe/directions on package. While brownies bake in the oven, melt chocolate in top of double boiler over simmering water.Remove from heat.Pour cream into chocolate and stir until smooth; st aside. When brownies are done, switch oven to broil setting. Arrange marshmallows,cut side down, on top of brownies.Broil 1-2 minutes, until marshmallows are golden brown (watch carefully though, marshmallows can burn quickly) Cut brownies into 16 2" squares. To serve place to squares on a dessert plate,drizzle with chocolate sauce, and sprinklt graham crackers over top. Yum!

Camp IN!

As fall weather is upon us, there is no better reason to stay warm and INdoors...but why not throw a celebration inspired by the OUTdoors? This fall throw an all girls camp-in! Let days at summer camp as well as elements of nature inspire you for this ultra-girly spin on a classic "boy party"!Bake up some smore brownies (recipe to follow) and bug-juice tinis (so cute to serve from these stainless steel martini glasses) Decorate with tents, wheat grass, and PINK plaid!The objective: bring the outdoors IN for this all girl affair!

Mad Scientist Mood Board

This is the mood board that I created for the Mad Scientist Halloween party! It shows the playful color scheme of the event, and outlines the ideas I had for refreshments. Cocktail options included jello syringes, test tube shots, and "toxic waste" cocktails served from martini glasses , and garnished with a "plutonium rod" (glow stick).Photos of more party details are soon to come!

Coming Soon......

Sorry I haven't posted party info in a while...Very soon I will be posting pictures taken by the lovely Shawna Plumer from the Mad Scientist Halloween party I planned. Cocktails served from Erlenmeyer flasks, test tube shots.....and much much more!