Create My Event - Event & Party Ideas Blog

Expert Advice

Two years ago, I was on the brink of throwing our first annual holiday party for 100-plus and was scrambling for food ideas.  Because I wanted to enjoy the festivities myself, I needed help but didn’t want the party to come off as corporate or blah.  In came Erin Shallat, personal chef and caterer extraordinaire.  With one conversation she had over a dozen creative, fun and delicious ideas—all within our budget.  The party was a huge success and the food was talked about for the entire year.  Since then, Erin has become my number one go-to for party food as well as simple dinner ideas.  I thought it only fair to share some of her inspiration with you. 

Do you have a favorite type of party to throw?
Dinner parties are my favorite type of party to throw. It's the best way for people to get to know one another on an intimate level. I like to have a food and beverage theme to provide continuity and flow to the evening. For example, for a Latin American theme, start with Mojitos and chorizo empanadas or some grilled Tiger Prawns then move on to Paella and a nice Argentinean wine. Done!
What are your biggest dos and don’ts when hosting a party?
As far as "dos and don'ts" when hosting a party, I really do try to stick with a food theme. For example, and this is a bit extreme, I would never serve foie gras and have guac and chips in the next room. I also really try to mix up the invite list.  I know it's comfortable to invite the usual suspects, but branch out and invite a couple you just met at a ballgame or the kiddy park. Throw in a little spice.
Do you have a favorite ingredient?
I have so many favorite ingredients but one of the ingredients I use the most is seasoned rice vinegar.  I use it in salad dressings, marinades, on rice and in soups.  There are so many recipes that call for it.  Get it in your pantry!
Is there a fast trendy appetizer that we could all make – if we could only think of it?
Gorgonzola with Honey on Crostini. The salty, creamy and sweet on the crunchy crostini is awesome! Trust me and try it. Cut a petite baguette into thin slices on the diagonal and arrange on a cookie sheet. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and bake at 375 degrees for about 8 minutes to lightly toast.  Spread the Gorgonzola on the crostini and put back into the oven for a few minutes to melt slightly. Place on a nice flat tray and drizzle with honey and serve. You can also use Stilton if you don't like Gorgonzola.
What are the staples everyone should have in their pantry should guests stop by unexpectedly?
Ah, the pantry will never be big enough!  Just in case anyone should stop for a drink last minute, you will be prepared with this trusty little list: Assorted Olives, cornichons, caramelized fig spread (to put on top of cheese rounds), Major Grey mango chutney, garbanzo beans (for homemade hummus) Chipolte sauce, diced green chilies, black beans, canned white corn, Carr’s water crackers, blue corn tortilla chips, Herbs de Provence, Pine nuts, blanched almonds, dried Bing cherries, dried cranberries, Marcona almonds, pistachios and Ghirardelli double chocolate fudge brownie mix to serve with vanilla bean ice cream.
You cook for families every night, where do you come up with ideas?
I observe what kids eat when they are at restaurants and then I find a way to make it on the healthier side, for example, by using organic ingredients. I also hop onto epicurious.com from time to time, flip through Gourmet magazine, chat with other chefs, watch the food network and constantly get feedback from the families that I cook for.
Will you name a few kid friendly foods that adults will love too?
One meal that I have been finding kids and parents really like is the classic spaghetti and meatballs. Adults usually choose to just eat the turkey meatballs in the hearty tomato sauce and the kids love it with the spaghetti.  I serve it with a garden or spinach salad for the adults and carrot sticks and baby cucumber rounds with the seeds scooped out for the kids. I always keep homemade Meyer lemon vinaigrette and low fat buttermilk ranch dressings in the refrigerator.
And finally, do you have a favorite dessert?
I love a good cobbler.  Peach blueberry is one of my favorites.  It's pretty hard to mess one up.  Everyone should try making one. 

We are in luck! Erin has agreed to give us her input periodically so stay tuned for more!  In the meantime, Erin can be contacted to cater special events, cook for your family or deliver meals as a gift.

Making the Most of Mother's Day

Now that I am a mother, Mother’s Day has taken on a whole new importance.  The official date is just about two weeks away, May 14, but this doesn’t mean you have to wait to celebrate.  It is important to acknowledge all of the mothers in your life.  Let your friends that are mothers know that you appreciate what they do each day. Let the people that have stepped in to “mother” you know that you are grateful for their support.  And let your own mother know that you love her.  Here are some simple ways to say happy Mother’s Day:

• Gather the mothers in your life for champagne, cheese, chocolate, manicures and pedicures.  Create a spa party at home or talk to a local nail salon about helping you host.  Sip, paint and toast one another.  No kids allowed. Here is the perfect invitation.

• Plan a surprise picnic . On a sunny day, hike to a place with a view and then lay out the gourmet goodies. Consider including others, such as siblings, children or spouses.

• Give mom a break by preparing meals for a week and freezing them.  Seven evenings of pure relaxation and no plane fare involved.

• Surprise mom with breakfast in bed and a note that announces a babysitter for the day.  While she sips coffee from her pillow, she can plan out what she will do with the next eight hours.  Don’t be surprised if she goes back to sleep for a while.

• Arrange for mom to have a night out with all the trimmings… a new haircut, a new outfit, a ride and a great place for dinner.

• Write mom a letter telling her what you love about her, what you have learned from her, how she inspires you.

Brunch Season

It seems spring is the season of brunch.  Holidays, skirts, espadrilles and sunny weather make us want to gather and celebrate early in the day.  So, it is now that I pass along to you our family brunch recipe… so easy, make ahead, and always a crowd pleaser.  We call it Florence’s Eggs because it was Florence’s recipe but none of us can quite put a finger on who knew Florence.  Oh well.

FLORENCE’S OVERNIGHT EGGS
Serves 8 

1. Grease 3 quart glass baking dish.
2. Cube 1 ½ lbs cheddar cheese and 9 slices white Pepperidge Farm like bread(no crusts).
3. Alternate layers of cheese and bread in baking dish.
4. Beat Together:      

        8 eggs
        4 cups milk
        2-3 Tablespoons sherry
        2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
        ½ teaspoon salt
        ½ teaspoon dry mustard

    5. Pour milk & egg mixture over bread and cheese.
    6. Refrigerate overnight.
    7. Bake 1 ½ to 1 ¾ hours at 350 degrees.

Serve with fruit salad and mimosas.

Retirement Party Invitation Wording

There is no better time to throw a party than when somebody is trading in their career for some well deserved rest and relaxation! Below are some wording suggestions for the invitation. As with other party invitations, don’t forget to include the date and time, the location, and RSVP information.

You’re invited to a retirement luncheon
Honoring Scott Wilson

Or

After 30 years of service
Jesse Ceccon is retiring from Beuller County Fire Department.

Or

Please join us in wishing
Janet Smith a fond farewell!

Or

The Squire Group
requests the pleasure of your company
at a retirement dinner
in honor of Mr. Ted Hayse

Or

The California Department of Fish and Game
Announces the retirement of Caroline Mcknight
After 27 years of wonderful service and dedication.

Or

After 47 years of service,
Thomas Payne is retiring from Alpaca Fleece Incorporated. 
The pleasure of your company
is requested at a reception in his honor

Or

David Smith has called it a day!
Come celebrate his retirement
with family and friends.

Or

Joe has punched his clock for the last time.
His daily grind is being left behind.
No more meetings or pages to fax.
Is time for him to kick back and relax!

Or

After years of hard work and dedication,
It is time for Tina to take a vacation!
Please join us as we offer her best wishes in her retirement.

Or

Ted Smith is retiring, he's put in his time,
he leaves us now with warm plans in mind
Just relaxing… he'll be taking life slow
at home in the garden or perhaps Mexico!

Or

Forget the black tie, it’s no formal affair.
Just come as you are for that casual flair.
We’ll drink and laugh as we all reminisce,
It’s a gathering for a friend that will surely be missed.

Or

Too quickly the time has passed us by,
Now it’s time for us to say good-bye.
Please join us to wish Ned the very best,
As he starts his long and well deserved rest.

Or

Office walls are now his past
He’s retiring to the sunny shores at last!

Thoughts on Table Decor

A well-decorated table can help set the mood of the event.  So voila! Some ideas to consider when decorating yours:

• Color comes first. Choose a color scheme-- a main color and one or two pop colors.

• Remember the view. When using a centerpiece, make sure your guests can see each other over the top.

• Mix it up. Don’t get stuck on matching tableware.  Use plates, glassware, and silverware of different ages, patterns and styles. Flea markets are great places to pick up additional sets at decent prices. 

• Theme oriented. If your party has a theme, incorporate it into the table setting.  Is this a sushi party?  Well chopsticks and Asian dishes of course!  Or a luau? Think leis and coconuts. 

• Mood lighting.  Candles create instant elegance and make your guests look their best all the while.  For a more modern look, consider small votives scattered around the table instead of a pair of formal candlesticks.

• Honor the guest. Include photos, collages, and/or written memories in your table setting.

• Consider the place card.  A name can be written on almost anything so think beyond paper to rocks, leaves, fruit, ornaments….Or,

• Picture perfect.  Instead of place cards, consider using photos of the guests.

• Little gifts. Sprinkle small favors around the table that your guests can take home.  Christmas ornaments, colorful candy, costume jewelry…

• Delectable collectibles.  If you or the honored guest collects something specific, incorporate it into the setting.  Think porcelain boxes, figurines, hotel silver…

• Tie it with a bow.  Instead of napkin rings, tie napkins and silverware together with nice ribbon.  Great ribbon can be found at sewing and notions stores.

• Have fun! Recently I attended a party where the host put goldfish in small bowls on each of the tables. Think outside the box and you’ll come up with easy, inexpensive ways to add huge amounts of whimsy to your table.

Baby Shower Invitation Wording

Putting together a baby shower for a friend or family member can be such fun.  It is truly appreciated by the parents-to-be as well.  Plan the party for AT LEAST one month before the baby is due, so the parents-to-be can have enough time to unpack it all, write thank you notes, wash and clean the items, and figure out if they need more of anything BEFORE the baby comes.  Be sure to send the invitations out a month in advance so guests have ample time to RSVP and prepare.  Whatever wording you choose to use, don’t forget the basic information:

1) Name of new mom and/or baby
2) Date of the baby shower
3) Time
4) Location
5) RSVP date and phone number
6) Gift Registry information*

*There are people that disagree that gift registry information should be included in the invitation.  As a guest, I don’t want to have to call to find out about the registry, I’d rather just have it included.  As a new mom, I needed so much basic stuff, that I really wanted people to shop directly from the registry to help me out as much as possible.  It really is a personal preference. I suggest asking the new mom what she would prefer.

Be creative and have fun with the wording on the invitation.  Here are a few suggestions to get your creative juices flowing:

A boy or a girl? We don't know just yet.
But why don't we help the couple get all set!

Or

A little get together
will be such a treat,
in honor of a little someone
we can’t wait to meet!

Or

Jane knows she is pregnant,
But she does not know this…
We're planning a shower
That you won't want to miss!

Or

It almost time for Stephanie
To turn in her maternity wear
For a cradle, a blanket, and a teddy bear!

Or

Do you think she’ll need pink?
Do you think she’ll need blue?
Check the calendar... She's almost due!

Or

A baby’s a joy, whether a girl or a boy.
This shower signifies the arrival is near,
I hope to see you there!

Or

We have a baby on the way and you are
invited to share in our joy. Please join us as
celebrate the upcoming birth of our precious baby.

Many parents are finding out what gender the baby is, so if you know and want to indicate it on the invitation, here are some gender specific ideas:

We all had a hunch, there would be
a baby girl added to the bunch!

Or

What could be sweeter in a house full of boys
A bundle of pink, oh what a joy!

Or

Sugar and spice and everything nice
That's what this little girl will be made of!
Join us as we shower Jodi with love

Or

Planes and trucks and all kinds of toys
Our mommy-to-be is expecting two boys!
Please join us as we shower Nancie with gifts.

Famous Ramos

Very prevalent in my memories of growing up, are those of my father at the blender on Easter making Ramos Gin Fizzes for all.  It just wasn't fair that these pretty frothy drinks were for adults only.  Now that I have well surpassed the legal drinking age, I don't hesitate to indulge every year.  I suggest you do the same.

Ramos Gin Fizz
(Makes 6 drinks)

6 shots gin
6 shots cream  (half and half okay)
3 shots fresh lemon juice
6 heaping tsp. powdered sugar
6 egg whites
2 tsp. orange flower water
6 ice cubes

Put all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth.  Pour 1 inch of club soda in each glass and then mix.

The Fashionable Hostess

    
White is all the rage this season but not so good when it comes to dealing with strawberries, barbecue sauce and chocolate cake in the kitchen.  These darling aprons by Jessie Steele are the answer. Available through Henry and Lulu, too cute for words and all the while keeping your white pants white. Enjoy!

Save the Date Wording

Would you like a quick and easy way to let your friends and family know what day your wedding is so they don’t make other plans? Send an ecard (Sendomatic.com has great wedding designs). Here are a few wording suggestions:

SAVE THE DAY!
Please hold the date of
July 15, 2010
for the wedding of
Lori Tracy Finnegan
and
Richard Scott Stookey
Invitation to follow

Or

Save The Date.
Larry bought the ring
Lucy said Yes
There's going to be a wedding.
We hope you'll be our guest
October 11, 2011
Formal invitation to follow

Or

Please Save The Date:
Our dream came true.
February 14, 2009
The wedding of
Barry & Lisa
Formal invitation to follow

Or

Please Save The Date:
Two Hearts
One Love
Dave Sakamoto
&
Mildred Hsyu
April 1, 2016
Formal invitation to follow

Or

Save The Date.
A celebration of our love.
Katie & Jim
December 1, 2014
Formal invitation to follow

Or

Please Save The Date.
It started with a kiss.
and now has come to this!
The marriage of
Paris Pitt and Brad Hilton
December 29, 2011
Formal invitation to follow

Or

Please Save The Date.
From our first dance
to forever
Hugh & Linda
October 2, 2011
Invitation to follow

Or

Save The Date.
Please reserve the date of
July 7, 2004
For our Wedding
Invitation and Details
to Follow
Sally and Sam

Entryways

You want the first impression that a guest gets when they come to your home to be welcoming. The entryway is the first area a guest sees when they visit. There are some easy tips to make this space inviting, warm and functional.

Start by approaching your home. Is the path lighted and easily walked? Is there foliage in the way of the path - overgrown trees or bushes. Can you easily find the door and doorbell? Once you enter the door, how does the space feel? Too cold or too warm? Small or too large? Dark or bright? Once you understand the feelings that YOU have when you enter your home, you can focus on the details.

Island Area Rug

Picture yourself as the guest. They may be entering the space with a purse or a bottle of wine. They possibly may have muddy or wet shoes. Make room for all these possibilities. A small bench or seat in the entry is great for guests to have a comfortable place to sit and remove their shoes. A small table or console is great to set a purse, flowers or keys. A dark colored area rug is a cozy welcomer to guests who have removed their shoes and does not show dirt as much as a light colored rug. Purchase an umbrella stand, so guests have a place to stow their wet umbrellas.

Cannavo Console Table

A dimly lit entry is not welcoming. Replace light bulbs with a higher wattage bulb. My entry had the opposite feeling when I entered the entry - it had a bright florescent bulb. I replaced the florescent tube with a "warm light" tube instead of cool and the entry has a soft glow now. Install a dimmer to change the mood of the entry at will. A scented candle is also a great source of soft light and gives off a welcoming aroma.

Sophie Lamp

Entryways can sometimes attract clutter - keys, mail, coats. Make sure to have closed storage available and designate certain areas for these things. If the entry has a closet, make sure the closet is cleared for hanging coats. If you have room for closed storage, this is a great place to have a drawer for keys, cell phones and mail.