Rex and Regina Blog » Entertaining http://rexandregina.com/blog Thu, 17 May 2012 22:46:50 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.2 Upbeat Dinner Party Playlist http://rexandregina.com/blog/2012/05/13/upbeat-dinner-party-playlist/#utm_source=feed&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=feed http://rexandregina.com/blog/2012/05/13/upbeat-dinner-party-playlist/#comments Mon, 14 May 2012 00:57:47 +0000 blee25 http://rexandregina.com/blog/?p=6064 I’ve been working on a  project recently that will involve a lot of background music so music has been much on my mind! Here is another playlist I put together. This one would be appropriate for an upbeat cocktail party or dinner party.

Happy listening!

Brighter Than the Sun SMASH Cast
Shake It Out (Acoustic) Florence + the Machine
Heartbeat The Fray
Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You) Kelly Clarkson
Slumber Needtobreathe
Modern Love Matt Nathanson
Run (feat. Jennifer Nettles & Kristian Bush) Matt Nathanson
Bottom of the Sea Matt Nathanson
Lights Ellie Goulding
Rolling in the Deep ADELE
Down By the Water The Decemberists
This Is Why We Fight The Decemberists
Radioactive (Remix) [feat. the West Angeles Mass Choir] Kings of Leon
You Know It’s True Jules Larson
Shooting Stars Bag Raiders
All I Have (feat. Diane Birch) [Live] Mat Kearney
Heaven (feat. Natalie Merchant) Brett Dennen
The Outsiders Needtobreathe
I’ve Got the World On a String (Live from Madison Square Garden) Michael Bublé
Steer Missy Higgins
You Are the Best Thing Ray LaMontagne
Little Red Corvette Mike Zito
When You Love Someone Bethany Dillon
Come On Get Higher Matt Nathanson
One Mary J. Blige & U2
First Day of My Life Bright Eyes
When the Stars Go Blue Tyler Hilton & Bethany Joy Lenz
What About Now Lonestar
Heads Carolina, Tails California Jo Dee Messina
Angels Of The Silences Counting Crows
Walk On U2
Hold on Tight Christopher Jak
Don’t Panic Coldplay
We Can Work It Out Stevie Wonder
Over My Head (Cable Car) The Fray
Breakeven The Script
here comes the sun Beatles
]]> http://rexandregina.com/blog/2012/05/13/upbeat-dinner-party-playlist/feed/ 0 Cocktail Party Playlist http://rexandregina.com/blog/2012/05/08/cocktail-party-playlist/#utm_source=feed&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=feed http://rexandregina.com/blog/2012/05/08/cocktail-party-playlist/#comments Tue, 08 May 2012 14:18:26 +0000 blee25 http://rexandregina.com/blog/?p=6059 I have been working on a playlist for an upcoming corporate cocktail party. They were looking for something classic and elegant. I went with Ol’ Blue Eyes, some Tony Bennett, and thew in a little Bossa Nova for good measure. Here’s the result (which I am still tweaking a bit). Hopefully it will offer some ideas for your next party playlist!

I Was Doing All Right Barbara Morrison
I’ve Got You Under My Skin Bono
You Make Me Feel So Young Charles Aznavour
Meninha Flor Charlie Byrd
So Danco Samba Charlie Byrd
Let’s Get Lost Chet Baker
It Had To Be You Connick, Harry Jr
La Contradiction Coralie Clément
Destination Moon Dinah Washington
They Didn’t Believe Me Dinah Washington
Relax Max (Single) Dinah Washington
Aguas De Marco Elis Regina & Antônio Carlos Jobim
I’m In The Mood For Love Ella Fitzgerald
I Get A Kick Out Of You Frank Sinatra
Fly Me To The Moon Frank Sinatra
All Or Nothing At All Frank Sinatra
Come Fly With Me Luis Miguel
I’ve Got the World On a String Michael Bublé
You’d Be So Nice To Come Home To Nancy Wilson
They Can’t Take Away From Me Natalie Cole
Love Me Or Leave Me Nina Simone
Let the Good Times Roll Ray Charles & The Count Basie Orchestra
Every Saturday Night Ray Charles & The Count Basie Orchestra
I Can’t Stop Loving You Ray Charles & The Count Basie Orchestra
Feel So Bad Ray Charles & The Count Basie Orchestra
I’ll Wait For You Ruth Brown
The Best Is Yet to Come Tony Bennett & Diana Krall
Are You Havin’ Any Fun? Tony Bennett & Elvis Costello
Just In Time Tony Bennett & Michael Bublé
Don’t Get Around Much Anymore Tony Bennett & Michael Bublé
Watch What Happens Tony Bennett & Natalie Cole
On the Sunny Side of the Street Tony Bennett & Willie Nelson


]]> http://rexandregina.com/blog/2012/05/08/cocktail-party-playlist/feed/ 0 Flower Arranging by Vase http://rexandregina.com/blog/2012/05/05/flower-arranging-by-vase/#utm_source=feed&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=feed http://rexandregina.com/blog/2012/05/05/flower-arranging-by-vase/#comments Sat, 05 May 2012 18:08:48 +0000 blee25 http://rexandregina.com/blog/?p=6052 I am a loyal reader of Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop newsletter. She always offers such interesting tidbits on topics ranging from cooking to travel to general lifestyle tips. Her most recent newsletter offered advice on floral arranging — particularly, what vase to use for what type of arrangement. It was so helpful, I just have to share it. Check it out here.

House Beautiful also suggests tips for making arrangements in various vessels — including coffee mugs. Martha Stewart offers great basic tips for floral arrangements. I am hoping these tricks-of-the-trade will help me the next time I am struggling to assemble an arrangement for a special occasion — and that they might be of use to you, as well!

Image via Goop


]]> http://rexandregina.com/blog/2012/05/05/flower-arranging-by-vase/feed/ 0 Chill Out: Snow Cone Machines http://rexandregina.com/blog/2012/05/01/chill-out-snow-cone-machines/#utm_source=feed&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=feed http://rexandregina.com/blog/2012/05/01/chill-out-snow-cone-machines/#comments Tue, 01 May 2012 17:27:32 +0000 blee25 http://rexandregina.com/blog/?p=6047 I know it is not officially summer yet, but on some days around here, it feels that way. At warm weather weddings or parties, it is nice to offer guests a way to cool down — a cool drink, cold rolled towels, water misters… and why not snow cones? I know two brides who offered the chilly treats to their guests at their summertime weddings.

Crate & Barrel is now selling an at-home version of a snow cone machine which would be perfect for parties this summer. Adults and kids alike will enjoy the colorful, cool treat.

Waring Snow Cone Machine from Crate & Barrel

]]> http://rexandregina.com/blog/2012/05/01/chill-out-snow-cone-machines/feed/ 1 Elegant Chair Back Covers http://rexandregina.com/blog/2012/03/28/elegant-chair-back-covers/#utm_source=feed&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=feed http://rexandregina.com/blog/2012/03/28/elegant-chair-back-covers/#comments Wed, 28 Mar 2012 19:37:32 +0000 blee25 http://rexandregina.com/blog/?p=5970 I am not a fan of traditional chair covers and ties, but these chair back covers, or “jackets,” can be really beautiful. You can use them on all of the chairs at your party or just guests of honor chairs.

BBJ Linen Acorn Contour Chair Back

Select Rentals Vienna Chair Cover

Cloth Connection Champagne Lamour Gathered Chair Back Cover

Cloth Connection Fuchsia Tangerine Brocade Chair Back CoverSelect Rentals Vienna Chair Cover

chair covers via Tara Guerard Soiree

Mosaic Ivory Cascading Chair Back

]]> http://rexandregina.com/blog/2012/03/28/elegant-chair-back-covers/feed/ 0 St Patrick’s Day Feast http://rexandregina.com/blog/2012/03/08/st-patricks-day-feast/#utm_source=feed&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=feed http://rexandregina.com/blog/2012/03/08/st-patricks-day-feast/#comments Thu, 08 Mar 2012 23:17:44 +0000 blee25 http://rexandregina.com/blog/?p=5937

Cathal Armstrong's menu via Epicurious

One of my favorite restaurants in the DC area is Restaurant Eve. I particularly love going for lunch and every time I do I leave so satisfied. The food is always delicious and the atmosphere is cozy and relaxing.

Behind all great restaurants are great chefs and Cathal Armstrong of Restaurant Eve is no exception. That’s why when I found this Irish feast on Epicurious designed by him specifically for St Patrick’s Day I couldn’t resist sharing it. Doesn’t it look delicious?!

 

How does one say “Bon Appetit” in Irish?!

]]> http://rexandregina.com/blog/2012/03/08/st-patricks-day-feast/feed/ 0 Champagne mix-ins http://rexandregina.com/blog/2012/03/06/champagne-mix-ins/#utm_source=feed&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=feed http://rexandregina.com/blog/2012/03/06/champagne-mix-ins/#comments Tue, 06 Mar 2012 22:59:19 +0000 blee25 http://rexandregina.com/blog/?p=5932

fun mix-in ideas from Better Homes and Gardens

I made a classic champagne punch for a dinner party the other night and it was a big hit. Champagne (or prosecco for that matter) makes for such a festive start to a party. You can make a punch, or a classic champagne cocktail like a French 75, or offer mix-ins for guests to create their own bubbly beverage. This list of mix-ins from Better Homes and Gardens has some delicious options.

Cheers!

Cranberry-Cherry: Combine 3 cups cranberry juice, 1/4 cup Triple Sec, and 2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice. For each serving, pour about 1/4 cup cranberry juice mixture into each champagne glass. Add about 1/4 cup Champagne, filling glass nearly to the top. Gently stir with an up- and-down motion to mix the drink without destroying the carbonation of the Champagne.

Gordal/QueenLavender Syrup: Heat equal parts sugar and water slowly in a saucepan to dissolve sugar. After the sugar dissolves and while the mixture is still hot, add a pinch of lavender; cover and steep up to 2 hours. Strain the syrup through a sieve. Refrigerate in a sealed container. Add a one-count pour into a flute of Champagne and add a lavender flower head as a stir stick.

Citrus Punch: Stir together one bottle of Champagne, 3/4 cup pineapple juice, one bottle of dry white wine, and 1/4 cup lemon juice. Place a sugar cube in each champagne flute and top with the Champagne mixture.

Cranberry Juice: Place one sugar cube in the bottom of a champagne flute, pour 2 tablespoons of cranberry juice over the top, and fill each glass with Champagne. Finish with a wooden skewer of fresh cranberries as a stir stick.

Pomegranate Juice: Splash 1 ounce of chilled pomegranate juice into 3 ounces of chilled Champagne. Float pomegranate seeds in champagne flutes, if desired.

Peach Puree: In a blender, combine one package of thawed frozen peaches with 1/4 cup sugar; blend until smooth. Stir in 2-1/2 cups orange juice and 2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice. Stir with a bottle of Champagne.

Ginger-Infused Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup light-color corn syrup, 1/4 cup water, and 3 tablespoons finely snipped crystallized ginger. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in 1/2 cup vodka; cool to room temperature. Cover and chill for 4 hours or overnight. Strain to remove the candied ginger; discard ginger. Add a one-count pour into a flute of Champagne.

Brandy-Soaked Pomegranate Seeds: Soak pomegranate seeds in brandy for 4 hours. Float in a flute of Champagne.

]]> http://rexandregina.com/blog/2012/03/06/champagne-mix-ins/feed/ 0 Ice Cream Tower http://rexandregina.com/blog/2012/02/26/ice-cream-tower/#utm_source=feed&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=feed http://rexandregina.com/blog/2012/02/26/ice-cream-tower/#comments Mon, 27 Feb 2012 00:34:40 +0000 blee25 http://rexandregina.com/blog/?p=5903

ice cream tower via Donna Hay

I know it is winter, but I am a sucker for ice cream any time of the year. I love this idea from Donna Hay to create an ice cream tower using egg cups.  A collection of vintage cups would be beautiful, though egg cups from stores like Crate & Barrel or Williams-Sonoma would be beautiful as well.

]]> http://rexandregina.com/blog/2012/02/26/ice-cream-tower/feed/ 0 How to Have a Well-Stocked Bar http://rexandregina.com/blog/2012/02/23/how-to-have-a-well-stocked-bar/#utm_source=feed&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=feed http://rexandregina.com/blog/2012/02/23/how-to-have-a-well-stocked-bar/#comments Fri, 24 Feb 2012 02:50:47 +0000 blee25 http://rexandregina.com/blog/?p=5897

Beckett Bar Cart from Williams Sonoma

Recently, I worked on an at-home party where we were offering an open bar. It required purchasing some of the key staples of a bar and ensuring it will be well-stocked for any request.

Today I found this great article in Matchbook magazine that has a host of tips and tricks on stocking a bar. It covers everything from bar tools to decor to a comprehensive list of alcohol and mixers. If you are considering building or updating your home bar, it’s well worth the read.

Once you’ve purchased your supplies, check out Elle Decor‘s review of the top 10 best bar carts.

 

 

]]> http://rexandregina.com/blog/2012/02/23/how-to-have-a-well-stocked-bar/feed/ 0 Super Bowl Entertaining Ideas http://rexandregina.com/blog/2012/01/25/super-bowl-entertaining-ideas/#utm_source=feed&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=feed http://rexandregina.com/blog/2012/01/25/super-bowl-entertaining-ideas/#comments Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:45:46 +0000 blee25 http://rexandregina.com/blog/?p=5807 One of my favorite days of the year is just around the corner: the Super Bowl! This year is even more exciting as my New England Patriots are playing! As you prepare for Super Bowl Sunday, here are some fun Super Bowl party decoration ideas, including a variety of printables from Hostess With the Mostess.

Go Pats!

football garland via Better Homes and Gardens

football brownies via Better Homes and Gardens

Super Bowl printables via Hostess with the Mostess

Football field runner and coasters via Martha Stewart

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