Kate Spade "Two of a Kind" glassware
These Kate Spade highball and old-fashioned glasses would make for a unique wedding gift. You can get them in sets of His/Hers or Yours/Mine… I kind of like the idea of getting a set of each and using them at dinner when a couple of friends come over. They’d make for fun conversation — and no drink mixups!
These chalkboard glasses are so easy to make. Just tape off a glass and spray some chalkboard paint in the marked off area. The personalized glasses would be perfect for keeping track of glasses at upcoming Spring parties.
chalkboard glasses via Southern Living
These ice shot glasses from The Spoon Sisters would be so fun to use at a party. Greet guests with a shot of a fun, festive drink; serve gazpacho shooters as an hors d’oeuvre; or fill the “glass” with cold milk to serve with cookies at the end of the night. The possibilities are endless!
Now let’s raise our [ice] glasses!
ice shot glasses from Spoon Sisters
Cinco de Mayo is such a quirky little holiday. I bet if you polled ten people on the street, maybe one of them could tell you what it celebrates. I would not be that one. But even if I don’t really understand the origin of the holiday, it doesn’t mean I can’t join in the celebration, right? Here are some ideas I am considering for celebrating Cinco de Mayo this year:
I adore these recycled Sol tumblers from Bambeco. They are eco-friendly, whimsical, and are likely to be a good conversation piece.
recycled Sol tumblers from Bambeco
Garlands and banners are an easy way to add color and punch to a party. Hang one of these above your buffet table and you are ready to go!
Circle Cinco de Mayo Banner from Makentake on Etsy
Mexican Fiesta Fabric Bunting Banner from SillyGoat on Etsy
Margaritas are a key ingredient for a Cinco de Mayo fiesta. Serve them with a twist using this fun idea for margarita ice pops — a refreshing treat for guests on a warm May evening. This recipe provides a quick, easy way to achieve the margarita flavor, though I might also suggest making a batch of margaritas and freezing them in popsicle molds for a more intense flavor.
Margarita Ice Pops; recipe from Bon Appetit; photo by Brian Leatart
Be sure to check out my previous posts on Cinco de Mayo, including one focused on margaritas and one that lists cinco ways to celebrate the day!
Feliz Cinco de Mayo, everyone!
Happy Cinco de Mayo, everyone! What better way to celebrate the evening with friends than by sampling some margaritas?! Here are a few to try, courtesy of some of our favorite chefs and culinary experts:
THE RECIPES
Key Lime Margaritas – Gourmet magazine
Key Lime Margaritas
Mesa Grill Margarita – Bobby Flay
Real Margaritas – Ina Garten
Frozen Blood Orange Margaritas – Ina Garten
Frozen Passionfruit Margaritas – Wolfgang Puck
Blossom Rita – Gabriel Orta, Master Mixologist
THE SALT
For those “with salt” fans, be sure to have some margarita rimmer on hand. If you don’t have a specialty rimmer, like those Stirrings provides, just use some kosher salt. Simply pour the salt into a small dish, rub a lime on the rim of the glass, and dip the glass into the salt.
Stirrings margarita rimmer
THE MACHINE
When you can’t decide which frozen margarita to make, try this brand new Margaritaville machine. It’s sister machine (discussed in an earlier post) makes one type of margarita at a time, while this new version offers triple the fun.
Premium Margaritaville Trio Frozen Concoction Maker
THE GLASSES
Margaritas can be served in an old-fashioned glass but it is always more festive to serve them in a specialty glass. These are a few of my favorites. I particularly love the Aqua Freeze glasses from NOVICA which boast a beautiful color.
Margarita Glass from Simon Pearce
NOVICA Margarita glasses, 'Cobalt Spirals' (set of 6)
NOVICA Margarita glasses, 'Aqua Freeze' (set of 4)
Monique Lhuillier, known for her stunning wedding gown collections that have graced the likes of Katie Holmes and Angelina Jolie, recently introduced a line of dinnerware, stemware, giftware, and flatware. In a collaboration with Royal Doulton, the designer has created beautiful pieces with modern elegance that any new bride or seasoned entertainer would love.
My favorite of the dinnerware collection is the Point d’esprit design. There’s a stunning simplicity to it which also makes it a great candidate for mixing and matching with other pieces.
Pointe d
Lhuillier’s Atelier Blanc Crystal is also gorgeous; any piece in the collection would make a cheerful wedding or housewarming gift.
Monique Lhuillier Atelier Blanc Crystal Giftware
For more about Monique Lhuillier, read an interview with the designer in the June 2009 issue of Bon Appetit where she shares her take on parties, food, and weddings.
The Rex & Regina Blog shares both trendy and traditional ways to extend gracious hospitality through weddings, other social occasions, and at-home entertaining. Learn more about Rex & Regina.