Posts Labeled ‘Entertaining’

January 25th, 2012

Super Bowl Entertaining Ideas

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

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

September 23rd, 2011

Happy First Day of Fall!

Today is the first day of Autumn. While I am sad the summer flew by, I am so excited for Fall. The leaves turn, the weather gets crisp, and it is a sign the holiday season is not far behind. I also love Fall because it is a fun time to entertain. Here are some reasons to celebrate this season:

  • Football is here! Whether it’s your alma mater playing in a college conference or your favorite NFL team is on Monday Night Football, it’s great to get friends together to watch teams battle it out on the gridiron. Football parties do not need to be fancy — casual is better — which it all the more easy to pull something together.
  • Fall picnics. Pack a picnic basket and cooler with your favorite snacks and drive to the country for an afternoon. Many wineries allow the public to picnic on their property which can be a beautiful backdrop as you snack and sip.
  • Thanksgiving. Turkey. Pumpkin pie. Hot apple cider. Can it get better than that? It’s fun to set a formal table, break out the china, and put together a special feast. We’ll talk more about that as November approaches.

 

There is so much to celebrate this Fall, so don’t let the season fly by without stopping to spend quality time with friends and family!

August 31st, 2011

Baking Dish and Trivet in One

It seems the only time I need trivets is when guests are over. And, unfortunately, my motley collection of trivets does not match and it makes the dining table look a shade of ridiculous. These bakers from Crate & Barrel may be the answer. They come with their own custom cork trivet and look so sleek and modern. For other platters, you could simply custom cut pieces of cork (easily found at hardware stores or online) to keep the look uniform.

White Cork Bakers from Crate & Barrel

August 15th, 2011

S’more please

Everywhere I look these days I am seeing s’mores. Including in my house. My husband likes to make them with a blow torch. Not a creme brulee blow torch, mind you. A real, industrial one. But I have to say, it makes a darn good s’more!

Here are some fun new ways that people are interpreting s’mores.

s'mores pudding from Annie's Eats

s'more cookie bars from Baked Perfection

s'mores pie from The Pastry Affair

mini s'mores cups from Texas Cottage

Frozen S'more Snacks from Woman's Day

Campfire Marshmallow cookie from Farenheit 350

August 10th, 2011

DIY Paper Garlands

In the latest DIY craze, paper garlands are making a comeback but with a modern twist.  Here are some examples of trendy paper garland decorations that use a variety of materials including crepe paper, coffee filters, and even book pages.

 

Crinkle Paper Streamers by Oh Happy Day

 

Crepe Paper Streamers by O Chickadee

  

Paper garlands made from coffee filters

 

Vintage Book Paper Garland

 

Punched Paper Chain Garland