Party Invitations, Party Planning & Event Ideas

Living And Entertaining With Winter Whites

We often think that white is a color for the hot summer months...when it is paired with bright refreshing colors. Don't forget that there are hundreds of shades of warm winter whites...the kind that feel warm and cozy. Enjoy the many shades of white all winter long - in your home and when you entertain.

Live a stylish white life with this collection of winter white inspiration.

1.Table setting - Better Homes and Garden here. 2.Romantic mantel - Victoria here. 3.Winter wonderland bedroom - House Beautiful here. 4.Romantic fireplace - Country Living here.

1.White macaroon favors - Martha Stewart here. 2.A gentle white-on-white palette unifies this mix of eras - Country Living here. 3.Whitewashed papier-mache fruit centerpiece - Martha Stewart here. 4.Incorporate your place card into the fold of this napkin knot - Martha Stewart here. 5.Wonderful white buffet table - Martha Stewart here.

Posted by Entertain Exchange.

New Year's Day Lunch - Southern Style

This year, rather than compete with the Vegas strip for ringing in the new year, I am hosting lunch on New Year's Day. One of my invitees knew exactly what he wanted to bring (Black Eyed Peas) and exactly what he would like me to serve (Ham and Steamed Cabbage). I was thinking of a menu more of the frittata variety but after hearing my friend's enthusiasm, I decided to go with it.

Southern tradition holds that one should eat black eyed peas for good luck and prosperity. In the deep South, we also eat turnip, mustard or collard greens. Other regions eat cabbage (clearly my friend is from the other South). Greens represent paper money while the peas represent coins. Cornbread is served alongside, signifying gold.

Given the state of the economy, it seems appropriate to start the new year with a meal that is humble with a touch of superstitious magic.

I am picking up a double smoked ham from Whole Foods.

When it comes to cooking with black eyed peas, I trust the Texans. Every Junior League in Texas has their own favorite preparation  Homesick Texan has recipes for a pot of black eyed peas, black eyed pea dip and the perennial favorite, Texas Caviar.

New Year's Day marks the end of holiday feasting. With ham on the table, there has to be a Sweet Potato Casserole. Sugar & Spice By Celeste has a recipe that most resembles the one my mom made.

Bacon fat - that is what makes or breaks steamed cabbage, in my opinion. Gluten Free Journey makes her with pancetta, leeks and shallots.

Brennan's Texas Cornbread Pudding recipe can be found online at Recipe Helpers or in the Brennan's Of Houston In Your Kitchen cookbook by Chef Carl Walker. Mixed within the cornbread is chopped green pepper (or jalepeno) and corn kernels, with a melted layer of pepper jack cheese. Taste Of Home has a Semi-Homemade style version.

"Apples, cinnamon, brown sugar, butter and oats. Welcome to the essential ingredients of the apple crisp..." as prepared by SimplyRecipes.

I'll put out crudites with a sun dried tomato/olive oil dip and nuts. Drinks are simple: iced tea and champagne.

Happy New Year (and may you enjoy a prosperous 2010)!

New Moon/Twilight Saga Party Ideas

With the opening of the New Moon/Twilight Saga on Friday, I thought it would be fun to feature a few great party ideas - for those Twilight Obsessed!

1. See this apple place card and amazing tablescape at Tara's Twilight Party Blog. She has collected some great Twilight Party ideas.

2. Find great download drink labels and quotes from Hostess With The Mostess. Get the downloads here for the labels and quotes along with some fun party ideas.

3. These amazing cookies were created by Amber.

4. What fun it would be to serve these Vampire Bites from Bright Ideas - get the recipe here.

5. A few tablescape ideas from Entertain Exchange Blog.

Posted by Entertain Exchange.

Delightfully Unique Thanksgiving Ideas

The leaves have changed their colors, the wool sweaters have come out of hibernation, and the sweet smell of cinnamon potpourri permeates throughout the department stores. This can only mean one thing- Thanksgiving's around the corner! Here are a few simple yet unique ideas that are sure to stand out with your guests!

1. Pumpkin Spice Cupcake Recipe

2. Thanksgiving Treat Boxes

3. Pumpkin Pie Cookie

4. Candy Corn Cupcake Recipe

More ideas at Sweet Cuddlecakes 

Murderous Cupcakes

Perfect for your Slashin' Halloween Bash, these cupcakes were also inspired by the Showtime serial killer show Dexter. See the post below - A Slashin' Dinner Bash. Get the details for these Murderous Cupcakes here.

Posted by Entertain Exchange

Bewitched

Bewitching fun for Halloween!

1. Add a little witchy fun to your front porch this year - Better Homes & Gardens

2. I scream sandwitches - Martha Stewart

3. Bewitching Invitations - Get the instructions from Better Homes & Gardens

4. Kick up your heals with these wacky witch cupcakes - Better Homes & Gardens

Witch Legs Cupcakes

Your kids will love this wickedly wild coconut-topped cupcake, with wacky witch's legs made from peppermint sticks.

To make it, follow these steps:
1. Start with frosted store-bought or homemade cupcakes.

2. Use black marzipan to make the shape of the witch's boots.

3. Stick yellow mini M&Ms on each boot for the buckles with frosting.

4. Mold each boot around a peppermint stick to create the legs.

5. Top cupcake with coconut dyed with green food coloring.

6. Insert the peppermint sticks into the cupcake to create the witch's legs.

Posted by Entertain Exchange

Ghostly Ideas

Ghostly Ideas to SPOOK-UP your Halloween.

1. Ghostly Pillowcase Trick-Or-Treat Bags - Get the full instruction from Martha Stewart

2. Strawberry Ghosts - Recipe from Taste of Home

3. Ghostly Soaps from Carvel Country Soaps at Etsy

 4. Ghost Pillowcase chair covers - Instructions from Rachael Ray

Posted by Entertain Exchange

Sweet Frozen Treats

  

Sure, summer's coming to an end- but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy delightfully frozen treats year-round, especially if they're homemade! I found these recipes to be appealing because they add a unique twist to the basic popsicle, thus giving them a more "grown-up" feel. Serve them at small gatherings, dinners, or as a sinfully delicious dessert for one!

1. Ice Cream & Blueberry Pops

2. Peaches N' Cream Pops

3. Melon Pops

4. Plum Popsicles

Sweet Cuddlecakes

Pink Lemonade Color Scheme

Wouldn't this be a darling color scheme for a shower or little girl's party? It's so quaint and unique; sure to be a crowd pleaser!

1. DIY Favor Boxes

2. Cotton Candy

3.  Monogram Cookie

4. Sparkling Punch Recipe

Sweet Cuddlecakes   

The "Winos" that I Know...

...would go crazy for this! How do you keep up-to-date on the hottest, most delicious recipes and snag the best bottles off the shelf every month? Why you simply join the Cookstr.com team and their brand new "bookclub"! Each month, not only will you receive the cookbook of the month but TWO...thats right TWO bottles (a red and a white) that complement the included recipes will also arrive on your doorstep. If this isn't the perfect inspiration for a monthly get-together, I don't know what is! I could see a monthly girls night of wine and trying new appetizers or even a very special date night once a month where the two of you bookmark your favorites and surprise each other with a dish to devour!