Entertaining

January 4th, 2012

Bellini Bar

At our recent New Year’s Day brunch, we set out a bellini bar for our guests to enjoy. Bellinis are a perfect brunch beverage and setting up a make-your-own bellini station allows guests to create the drink to their taste.

I followed Giada De Laurentiis’ recipe for the fruit purées and offered peach, strawberry, and blueberry. A note to those who may wish to try this — blueberry was not very popular! I’d suggest blood orange or lemon as an alternative.

Set out a little sign indicating what the bar is and how to create the drink, and put labels in front of each purée so guests know what they are pouring. Many thanks to Jennifer Olmstead of Deleted Space Creative for the design of the sign and labels.

Cheers!

January 3rd, 2012

New Year’s Day Dessert Bar

I hosted a little New Year’s Day brunch at my house to welcome in 2012. I had a lot of fun putting it together — especially the dessert bar. The bar included chocolate-cinnamon mocha cake, pistachio cake, pumpkin spice cake, pizzelles, coconut macaroons, rosemary lemon bars, cafe au lait pudding, and banana pudding with.

December 19th, 2011

Celebrate the New Year!

Ring in 2012 with style using these creative New Year’s entertainment ideas!  Serve drinks with a fun tinsel stirrer to add some sparkle and shine to your party.

Tinsel Drink Stirrer by Martha Stewart

For dessert, try making these fun ball drop cupcakes or arranging a cheescake bar buffet with an assortment of sauces and toppings.

Ball Drop Cupcakes

Cheesecake Bar Buffet by Southern Living

These free retro printables from Ellinee can enhance your festive party decor.

Retro New Year's Printables by Ellinee

Retro New Year's Printables Template

For easy noisemakers, fill clear ornaments with colorful foods such as popcorn, jelly beans, or pink peppercorns.  Noisemakers can be placed in a bowl or vase to serve as a centerpiece until the countdown to the stroke of midnight begins.

Ornament Noisemakers by Rachel Ray

November 8th, 2011

Tea Forte cocktail infusions

Tea Forte, well-known for its delicious assortment of tea flavors, is now branching out into the world of mixology. They offer several different infusion flavors that quickly turn a regular cocktail into something fresh and creative. Simply pour alcohol over the infuser, wait for it to steep, and get ready for a delicious beverage.

Their Mixology Set, with two infusion chambers, eight infusers, and a recipe booklet would make a great holiday gift.

October 27th, 2011

Easy No-Carve Pumpkin Decorating

Tis the season for pumpkins!  If you are looking for quick ways to decorate pumpkins without the mess of carving, here are some great ideas that use materials such as ribbons, an apple corer, and a clay loop in place of traditional carving knives. Click on the pictures below for specific instructions.

Pumpkin Centerpiece by Good Housekeeping

Floral Inspired Pumpkins by Better Homes and Gardens

Polka-Dot Pumpkins by Better Homes and Gardens