Party Invitations, Party Planning & Event Ideas

Talking Tacos

My brother and sister in-law recently spend a few years living in Mexico City.  Upon their return to our area, the taco parties were frequent.  Such food put us in a festive weekend mood with the very first bite.  The tacos were light and authentic and fun to eat.  And then they were off to Shanghai.  And no more tacos.  And we were sad.  So to save us all from our taco depression, I sent out a request for the recipe and since then have re-instated Taco Fridays, Saturdays, Wednesdays …  now we’re just waiting to see what they’ll dig up for us in China.

Tacos for 10

• Boil chicken 5 chicken breasts in chicken broth.

• When cooked through, drain and take off stove.

• When cooled, shred the chicken meat with your fingers or with a fork. 

• Cut up 8 big tomatoes and one whole onion.

• Fry the tomatoes and onions up with two tablespoons of olive oil for a few minutes and then turn down and cover. (Save every little bit if the broth, don't let it evaporate.)

• Add the shredded chicken, one whole Chipolte chili, and salt to taste.

• Let simmer until the tomatoes can be broken up and mixed in easily- about 30 minutes. Just keep stirring it up and it will become "Pollo Toluca".

Serve with Pico de Gallo (chopped up tomatoes, onions, cilantro, fresh lime juice and salt), limes, guacamole, warmed corn tortillas, and margaritas.

Flashlights

Where I live in Mill Valley CA, there are no street lights and the streets are dark and covered with foliage at night. It is helpful to have extra flashlights on hand when your guests are leaving a party so that they can find their car or walk home. Purchase a basket of inexpensive flashlights (and batteries!) so that you can hand them out when party is over. Your guests in turn can use them for the same purpose the next time they have a party.

   

The Gift that Keeps on Giving

It seems every time there is a major disaster (e.g. Katrina), the giver in each of us comes to the surface.  One cannot help but give after days on end of tear jerking media coverage. But the truth of it is, even when CNN isn’t covering it, there are people in need.  So where does the party come in?  Turn your next one into a charitable occasion by requesting canned goods or unwrapped toys in place of a gift.  (Be sure to mention this on the invitation.) You’ll get enough warm fuzzies to last the entire year.

A few organizations that will accept your donations: 
• Local food banks (Google "Food Bank" and your city for details)
• Ronald McDonald House Charities
• Artists Helping Childern

M&M’s for Everyone

Did you know you can custom order M&M’s online?  With up to two lines of text per tiny candy and 17 colors to choose from, your next party is guaranteed to be more fun. The birthday boy and his age, the street address of your new home, sweet nothings for your valentine… the possibilities are endless!

Invitation ABC's

• Be creative! Create anticipation and excitement. 

• Include the necessary information

1. Names of hosts
2. Type of party (e.g. cocktail, dinner)
3. Purpose (e.g. birthday, in honor of…)
4. Date of party
5. Hour of party
6. Place
7. Reply instructions (R.S.V.P)
8. Special instructions (e.g. valet parking)

• Remember, the more formal the event, the more formal the invitation.  The formality of an invitation is determined by type, (paper, email, phone) wording and creative elements.

• Timing is everything.  Invitations for weddings and very formal events should be sent out six to eight weeks in advance. A “Save the Date Card” sent three to four months in advance is also appreciated for these events. Less formal events call for three to four weeks notice.

Yummy Bunny

Our next-door neighbor growing up was the super-mom you wish you could be.  She was always coming up with creative ideas to keep all the kids in the neighborhood happy and entertained.  So, of course, every Spring, she made a bunny cake. Am I suggesting? Yes, really its a simple creation that is sure to reveal your inner super hero.

1. Bake two nine-inch round sheet cakes, any flavor, from scratch or mix.
2. The first round will be the head of the bunny (A). Place this on a large foil wrapped tray.
3. Out of the second round, cut two long rabbit ears along the edges (B).  The middle portion becomes the bunny’s bowtie (C).
4. Place the ears on top of the bunny’s head and the bowtie below.
5. Frost away! White works well for the head and the outer rims of the ears.  Pink on the inner ears and brown (chocolate) or even red for the bowtie.  Again, you can make your frosting from scratch or buy it pre-made.
6. Use jellybeans, gumdrops and licorice to create the eyes, nose and mouth.
7. Once you are pleased with your creation, sprinkle some Easter grass around the tray and add peeps, eggs, gumdrops and other Easter delights to your liking.
8. Spring is here!

Crazy for Coconut

And oh sooo pretty! The coconut cupcakes from Comforts Café in San Anselmo are simply divine.  Pick some up for your next gathering—but buy more than enough.  These things are known to cause major cupcake wars.  (And while you’re there, you might want to grab a pint of their Chinese chicken salad.  Also a crowd pleaser.) Phone Orders (415) 454-9840 Fax Orders (415) 454-7590

Take it Personally

Instead of another bottle of wine, plan ahead the next time you play the role of guest and arrive with a personalized gift.  Monogrammed matches, cocktail napkins or soaps make great gifts.  The Monogram Shop  has a fabulous assortment that will make you want to initial-ize everything.

Let it Rain

Winter is long, cold and wet.  Spring is way off in the distance. You still haven’t won that tropical vacation on the radio. Why not invite a few friends over for a day at the movies this weekend? 

1. Send out a theme appropriate invitation via email along with a link to the dreary weather report early in the week.
 
2. Order two or three movies with a common theme on Netflix.  (Possibly the Academy award winners you’ve yet to view seen or maybe Orlando Bloom is your thing?)

3. Stock up on diet cokes, microwave popcorn, red vines, and milk duds.

4. Throw all the blankets and pillows you own around the room allowing for multiple lounging positions.

5. Settle down, cuddle up and press play.  Let it rain, let it rain.

Where the Wild Things Are

You invite your best friends and their significant
others over for dinner only to receive three panicked
phone calls the day of asking if they can bring the
kids. Now you not only have to make a gourmet dinner
for six but also have to figure out how to keep five
children from destroying your home while maintaining
your cool. Here’s a quick no fail checklist to help
manage the wild things while you sip chardonnay,
nibble on goat cheese and toss your locks to and fro.

• Sidewalk chalk. Get them outside. The fresh air
will tire them out and you can greet your guests in
peace.

• Little helpers. Kids love to feel like they are
contributors so put them to work! Set the table, pass
hors' d'oeuvres, collect trash and take drink orders.

• Mini Monets. Color crayons and paper are a must.
For a real project, have them create a “tablecloth”
out of a large sheet of paper.

• Live entertainment. If you’re up for the watching,
provide dress ups and request that a show be at the
end of the evening.

• Movies. The ultimate pacifier – for any age. Try to
get the latest and greatest off Netflix.com.

• And a cherry on top. What could be more fun than
ice cream, sprinkles and chocolate sauce? Have loads
of topping options so the sundae creation process is
as long as possible. (If you're lucky, you may even get a bite!)