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Looking for some birthday party ideas - LUVIN this Fancy Nancy party scene...what little girl wouldn't love this setup for her birthday?
Check out of the fun photos at Pretend, Party & Play
All of these DIY Wedding projects can be accomplished by anybody of any skill level, and April with April Foster Events truly shows that a wedding is not about the size of your budget, but the size of your creative imagination.
Using fabric for inspiration it can be scanned and traced into a printable file to use.
For DIY instructions for the pinwheels, Chocolate-dipped Rice Krispy Treats, fabric covered lampshades, framed matted photos, and escort card door display visit Elizabeth Anne Designs.
One of our blog readers over at Growing Your Grass Greener sent some photos of a party she threw using our free printables...She incorporated them into a jewelry themed party...Thanks for sharing Julie...
Yes, free printable cupcake toppers and banners....have fun!!!
Make sure your popups are enable to view and print the PDF file
Today we are happy to have Party Poms join us with this elegant giveaway. In the next 2 weeks a lucky Party Blog reader will win 10 Party Poms - your choice of color. Accent the Party with something Whimsical, Fun, and Festive. Add them to any celebration or room. These can be hung from ceilings, patios, even trees.
To enter the contest, please visit Party Poms and then come back here to leave a comment {or thought} from their online shop. The contest runs thru Monday, August 16th (midnight), with a winner being selected on Tuesday, August 17th. Please be sure to leave your email address on the comment form so we can email you if you're the lucky winner. PS: don't forget to share this post with all your friends and check your Spam folder for emails in case you turn out to be the lucky winner.
Contest Item: Party Poms Contest Deadline: Monday, August 16th, 2010 at 11:59pm EST Contest Question to Answer: What is your favorite product{s} from the Party Poms shop?Click on the "Comment" link below to leave your answer. Party Poms will be contacted with the winners name and email address so they can finalize the color of the prize for you.
Today we are happy to have Treasured Editions join us with this elegant giveaway. In the next 2 weeks a lucky Party Blog reader will win 12 French Vanilla Crepe Paper Carnation Poms and a 20% Coupon. These Crepe Paper Carnation Poms have a simple elegance that compliments any decor or table setting. You can use them at weddings, showers, birthday parties or any event you like! Perfect to use as napkin rings, just simply twist the floral wire around a napkin and you add that inexpensive but special touch to any table setting. Each pom is made from quality crepe paper. Each pom measuring approx. 3 1/2 inches across by 2 inches tall, securely attached to white paper wrapped floral wire ties measuring 3 1/2 inches long.
To enter the contest, please visit Treasured Editions and then come back here to leave a comment {or thought} from their online shop. The contest runs thru Monday, August 8th (midnight), with a winner being selected on Tuesday, August 9th. Please be sure to leave your email address on the comment form so we can email you if you're the lucky winner. PS: don't forget to share this post with all your friends and check your Spam folder for emails in case you turn out to be the lucky winner.
Contest Item: French Vanilla Crepe Paper Carnation Poms Contest Deadline: Monday, August 8th, 2010 at 11:59pm EST Contest Question to Answer: What is your favorite product{s} from the Treasured Editions shop?Click on the "Comment" link below to leave your answer. Treasured Designs will be contacted with the winners name and shipping address so they can ship these to you and email you the 20% coupon for future purchases.
Accent the Party and celebrate Bastille Day by make this Eiffel Tower cookie sundae. To find the original recipe, click HERE, click on "downloads" and search for the little white, lidded jar on the left hand side of the kitchen and click. Or for a shortcut: Find the pdf with instructions HERE
If you are interested in making these lovelies..check out the tutorial on Glorious Treats...wouldn't your party guests be surprised by your creativity.
FREE Printable Hydrangea Bunting
popups must be enable to view and print PDF file click here
Today we are happy to have Lottie Da Designs join us with this beautiful rhinestone giveaway. In the next 2 weeks a lucky Party Blog reader will win this rhinestone headband and chandelier earring set (a $111 retail value) - beautiful!! The elegant, dangling, chandelier earrings are perfect for the bride who is looking for something sparkly but understated. The earrings are set on a post backing. The gorgeous vintage inspired headband hair accessory is a great alternative to a veil, tiara or you can wear it for your reception! The vintage inspired hairband combines a beautiful satin ribbon with an ornate silver, crystal rhinestone setting.
To enter the contest, please visit Lottie Da Designs and then come back here to leave a comment {or thought} from their online shop. The contest runs thru Thursday July 22nd (midnight), with a winner being selected on Friday July 23rd. Please be sure to leave your email address on the comment form so we can email you if you're the lucky winner. PS: don't forget to share this post with all your friends and check your Spam folder for emails in case you turn out to be the lucky winner.
Contest prize: Rhinestone Headband and Chandelier Earring Set Contest Deadline: Thursday July 22nd, 2010 at 11:59pm EST Contest Question to Answer: What is your favorite product{s} from the Lottie Da Designs' shop?Click on the "Comment" link below to leave your answer. Lottie Da Designs will contacted with the winners name shipping address.
Accent any event with these new favor kits from Accent the Party....great for filling with any treating you think your wedding party guests might enjoy!!
Make these adorable Pie Cupcakes with Blue and Red M&M's, vanilla frosting with 4 drops of yellow food coloring and 1 1/2 Teaspoons of unsweetened cocoa. Thats all you need to make these adorable treats for your guests. A huge hit and so dang adorable...it should be a crime to eat them!!
Sugar Cookie Dough
3 3/4 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2 tablespoon slices
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 drops red food coloring
1 cup miniature semi sweet morsels
Glaze
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
2-3 tablespoons milk green paste food coloring OR 15-20 drops green food coloring
Find all the fun instructions at the link posted above.
You'll need:
- 9 sheets of tissue paper, your choice of color for each pom pom
- 3 lengths Floral wire (about 7 inches)
- 3 Thin dowel rods or wooden shishkabob sticks cut to desired lengths
- Small block of floral foam
- Small pot or other container
- Embellishments for pot
- Sharp scissors
Steps:
-Sheets are 20 inches wide, so unfold the pack and cut it half.
-Open up the cut sheets and lay them on top of each other to make a stack of 18 (or however many you are using) sheets
-Cut the stack to 8 inches wide.
-The remaining 18 inches is the perfect size for a big tissue ball...you use the exact same method to make a big one as a small one.
-Take your 8 x 10 inch stack of papers and cut it in half so you get two 8 x 5 stacks. You only need one of these stacks for a tissue pouf.
-The 5x8 stack will be accordion folded on the long side
-With the accordion fold all squeezed together, wrap the floral wire around the center then twist the ends so they are tightly secured
-cut the ends in a semi-circle so there is a nice scalloped edge when they are opened
-Take each sheet individually and pull them gently up to the center -When you pull up the sheets, alternate pulling them to the left and right of center. This will give a nice ball shape
Cake: -The bottom layer is devils food with miniature semi-sweet chocolate chips added, the middle layer is white cake, the top layer is red velvet. Decoration: -Start by drawing out the design on a sheet of white paper -Put the drawing behind a sheet of wax or parchment paper -Trace -Dry for 24 hours, then place around cake…no frosting “glue” needed
Check it out at I Am Baker
LUVIN THIS IDEA FOR A BIRTHDAY PARTY....this is so delightful and I love the centerpieces that were made from wooden boxes. See more at Juicy Bits
Ice Cream Scoop Favors and Bowls found at Accent the Party
Mini Root Beer Float Cupcakes
Makes 32 Ingredients:
1 package of Betty Crocker Vanilla Cake Mix
1 Tablespoon of Root Beer Extract
1 can of Root Beer
Creme Roulee wafer cookies
Vanilla Icing
Red Mini Gumballs (or M & M's or other red candy)
Clean votive candle holders or shot glasses
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Place 1 Tablespoon of root beer extract in 2 C. measuring cup
Fill the cup with Root Beer until it reaches 1 1/2 C. (you'll have just a taste of root beer left in your can).
Add to cake mix and stir well.
No eggs, no oil, easy!!
For a personalized touch...order these personalized shot glasses from Accent the Party
Place the shot glasses/votive holders on a baking sheet and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
Fill 1/2 full with cake batter and bake at 350 degrees for 18-22 minutes until done.
Remove from oven and let cool completely.
Cut the creme roulee wafers in half.
Put vanilla icing in a canvas bag with star tip (or you can just put it in a ziploc baggie and snip off one end).
Pipe a dollop of icing onto each cupcake, top with a gumball and half of a wafer cookie. Serve or refrigerate until needed.
What a cute idea....just in time for a spring party
Here's what you'll need:
•Mini lemon or other yellow muffins. (Find the lemon muffin recipe and full instructions here)
•Container of lemon frosting
•Mini muffin liners (Yellow if you can find them- I could only find white)
•Yellow regular sized muffin liners
•A package of wooden skewers
•Styrofoam or floral foam
•Clay pot and saucer (In whatever size you'd like)
•Green straws
•Green and brown card stock
•Eyelet punch
•Scissors, craft knife, and glue
Yes, summer is coming and so are the fantasies of being on a beach somewhere. Here's a great way to accent a tropical party for your guests.
Recipe of Pink Bikini
The recipe makes 10 cups
Ingredients
1 bottle of raspberry lemonade
3/4 cups of coconut rum
1 cup of amaretto liqueur
Preparation
Combine the raspberry lemonade, coconut rum, and amaretto liqueur in a large pitcher.
Stir well, and serve over ice or in half cut coconuts.
How to crack open a coconut....
Hold your coconut in one hand over a sink or bowl to catch the liquid that comes out. Tap firmly in the center of the coconut with a hammer, rotating and tapping along the equator. You might have to rotate the coconut several times before a fissure appears and then break the coconut open.
Courtesy of Coastal Living
Fairy Bowls:
Here’s what you need:
Balloons
White glue
Jute
Paint brushes
Green, pink and yellow (or any color) tissue paper and
Evergreens and acorn tops.
Directions:
1. Find evergreens and acorn tops outside. Spread them out and dry.
2. Blow up the balloons to the size of bowl you want to make. Cut a length of jute and tie it around the end of the balloon.
3. Cut the green tissue paper into long, thick strips. Cut the other colors into smaller pieces. Take the glue and water it down just a little bit to make it easier to spread. Start by wrapping a few pieces of green around the balloon and gluing them down, mix the other colors in, then start layering the green on to make a bowl around the balloon.
4. Once you get through a few layers, start adding in the evergreens and acorns, wrapping the green tissue paper and glue it down.
5. After you’ve got enough layers, hang the balloon in a window overnight to dry.
6. The next day, take the balloons down and carefully pop the balloon, peeling it out of the bowl. Take the jute off of the top of the balloon.
7. Punch holes in either side of the bowl near the top and string the jute through them.
Courtesy of Our Big Earth
These look so delicious and refreshing.....Pomegranate Green Tea Cupcakes....try serving these delights at your next event....
Pomegranate Green Tea Cupcakes
12 cupcakes / 350 degree oven
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 tablespoons green tea (matcha) powder
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
1. Beat butter on high until soft, about 30 seconds.
2. Add sugar. Beat on medium-high until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
3. Add egg/egg yolk one at a time, beat for 30 seconds between each.
4. Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and matcha in a bowl.
5. Add about a third of the dry ingredients to the butter/sugar and beat to combine. Add about a half of the milk and beat to combine. Continue adding, alternating between dry and wet and finishing with the dry.
6. Fold in pomegranate seeds.
7. Scoop into cupcake cups about 2/3s full.
Bake for 22-25 minutes until a cake tester comes out clean.
For the rest of the recipe visit Cupcake Blog
Not So Humble Orange Creamsicle Cake yields 24 standard cup cakes
a 9x13" cake or 2 8" rounds
3 large egg whites, room temperature
1/2 teaspoon orange gel coloring
1 1/2 teaspoon orange emulsion
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
200 grams all purpose flour
200 grams granulated sugar
3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup (58 grams) canola oil
1/4 cup (57 grams) (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup (115 grams) sour cream
Find the rest of this yummy recipe at Not So Humble Pie
Ingredients
1 18 ounce package of chocolate sandwich cookies with white filling
Finely crushed 1 8-ounce package of cream cheese
Softened 1 pound of white baking chocolate, melted
Directions
1. In large bowl combine the crushed cookies and the cream cheese. Beat with mixer on low speed until it's well blended. Form 1" balls by hand and them dip them in white chocolate. Place them on baking sheet covered with waxed paper. Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm.
To store, cover and refrigerate.
Makes 50 truffles.
Courtesy of BHG
Looking for ideas for A Spring Tea...can't wait things are colorful and warm again. Decor Photos
Flower Pen Favors, Cupcake Wrappers and Watering Can Candle Favors found at Accent the Party
Slice up some fresh fruit and add it to a jar of apple martini mix for a drink that looks as special as it tastes for your baby shower guests. To make this fun drink, mix: 2 cups of vodka, 1 cup of apple schnapps, 1 cup of orange liqueur and 1 cup of fresh lime juice; chill. Right before serving stir in 3 cups ice, strain, and pour into glasses.
If you're looking for free party supplies and decorations to accent the party with....
Free printable paper chinese laterns Part 3....
How to Make these Laterns
A.. Choose your design from any of the links below and Print out picture
B. Fold the paper in half and cut along the lines
C. Open the paper and tape, staple or glue the left and right edges together. Tape a piece of string or cut out construction paper to the top of the lantern and hang it anywhere you like. You can also make several lanterns with different designs, then hang them on a long string across the room to make a parade of lanterns.
Pink and purple for this wedding theme were incorporated in various hues in all the decor and flowers and I like how the festive Chinese lanterns seem to be the crowing glory. This was put together by the design team of Kendall Brown of Eclatante Design and Donna O’Brien of Beautiful Blooms.
If you're looking for free party supplies and decorations....
Free printable paper chinese laterns....
How to Make Laterns
A.. Print out picture
B. Fold the paper in half and cut along the lines
C. Open the paper and tape, staple or glue the left and right edges together. Tape a piece of string or cut out construction paper to the top of the lantern and hang it anywhere you like. You can also make several lanterns with different designs, then hang them on a long string across the room to make a parade of lanterns.
Lovin this modern and chic poppy theme party I found at In The Now Weddings. The color pallet of poppy pink and yummy warm orange against a stale slate grey backdrop really works for this outdoor party.
If you're looking for damask party supplies and decorations....
Free printable Damask paper chinese laterns....
How to Make Laterns
A.. Print out picture
B. Fold the paper in half and cut along the lines
C. Open the paper and tape, staple or glue the left and right edges together. Tape a piece of string or cut out construction paper to the top of the lantern and hang it anywhere you like. You can also make several lanterns with different designs, then hang them on a long string across the room to make a parade of lanterns.
Find lots of ideas at this gallery to turn an ordinary sandwich into a fun way to accent the party with.
Check out Funky Lunch for more ideas to delight your guests with.
I'm lovin all the bright colors and ideas with this fun Mad Hatter Tea Party!
She used placesettings that consisted of plastic pink chargers, black ceramic plates with white polk dots, giant metal flower and ribbon napkin rings with chartruse napkins and black and white Cheshire cat mugs. The placecard holders were of butterflies in pots and she made the name cards on the computer.
Party Wishes did this one and they did a great job! Would have love to of attended this one...
12 ounces (one bottle) of ginger beer
36 ounces (three bottles) of cream soda
3 T of butterscotch ice cream topping
Thoroughly chill the unopened ginger beer and cream soda in the refrigerator until they are icy cold. Refrigerate the empty glass pitcher as also. Once the beverages are chilled, in a small mixing bowl or tall glass, stir 1-2 ounces of cream soda into the butterscotch topping until it's thoroughly combined. Pour all the remaining soda into the chilled pitcher. Quickly add the butterscotch mixture to the pitcher. Stir until it is just combined - do not over stir. Pour it over the ice and serve them immediately. This recipe serves 6.
To add a frothy sparkle to the drinks, dip the rim of each glass in corn syrup, pulling drips of syrup downward with a toothpick. Then dip each glass rim in a mixture of colored sugar. Before dipping, spread the corn syrup & sugar mixture each onto a separate, flat-bottomed plate.
Use these cute miniature Firebolts I found to add a bit of magical accent to your favorite Harry Potter party drink. You can also use the broom handles to skewer together some of your favorite tasty morsels that threaten to scurry away on the dessert table at the Halloween Party.
Broomstick Picks
Materials Needed
Raffia
Wooden skewers
Colored embroidery floss
Brown thread
1. Assorted decorative papers
2. Scissors
3. Glue - a glue stick works best for most papers
4. Wooden skewers or drink stirrers
5. Alphabet stickers - should coordinate with papers
Here's a cute way to accent the party with this cute DIY project...personalized drink stirrers. It seems relatively easy...don't you think?
This is a fun party exchanging chocolate recipes and who doesn't like chocolate? I found this theme idea at Parties and Holiday's Blog.
Make your own napkin ring holders with cardstock circle punches
Try serviing Milk Chocolate Chai Mousse. You find the recipe at Dove Chocolate Discoveries. Try offering caramel apples dipped in chocolate as a treat for the party. Skewer the miniature apples on rustic birch branches if you have some in the yard, for a modern and chic interpretation of a childhood favorite. Dip the apples in caramel and chocolate and then roll them in Chocolate Covered Almonds or your favorite plain nuts or sprinkles for a yummy dessert or snack. Finish them off with a sprinkle of your favorite dusting powder for an added flavor kick
Fill a glass or vase with Hershey Kisses and have your guests guess how many are in the vase or glass for a prize.
You can find these pretty blue party supplies at Target.
Have some fun and accent the party by making your own drink umbrellas. Use a soup can as a handy template for paper umbrella tops. Cut the paper with scallop scissors for a added decorative edge. From each circle, remove a pie-slice shape measuring about 1/8 of the circumference. Form into a cone, slightly overlapping straight ends; use a glue stick or double sided tape to secure them. Dab with white craft glue inside the nose of the cone and pierce the tip with a wooden skewer (snip skewer for a custom fit); allow to dry.
From Martha Stewart
Courtesy of Tara from Southern Wedding
Use this drink umbrella template to make festive drink umbrellas. Add a splash of color and some summer time fun to the cocktails and drinks for your guests. Find the tutorial at Handmade
Make cheery centerpiece with your new found talent for making drink umbrellas. To make these unique centerpieces, visit Crafty Sylish. They offer the full tutorial to follow.
Hope these ideas provided our readers inspiration and ideas to accent the party with.
What a cute idea and perfect for both boys and girls. Design Dazzle has lots of other great ideas you can do for this puppy party theme. What child doesn't love puppies?? Vist their blog
Floral Design: Nobutama Floral Studio
Flowers: Hydrangea, Vandalia roses, stargazer lilies, sea shells and starfish
Linens: BBJ Linen
Photographed By: The Studios of Joseph Guidi
Decorations for your Bohemian party can be as simple or as ornate as you desire. A combination of green and orange add a graceful motif. This theme boasts a lot of fun and it's that time of year to entertain outside. Most items here I found at zGallerie. I love the Taj Laterns in orange, turquoise, green and fuschia. Accent the area with Columnea Orange Sherbet flowers. These large orange flowers are produced all year on a vigorous trailing plant.
Serve a Green Flash with 1 ounce of vodka, 1/2 ounce of Peach Schnapps, 1/2 ounce of Blue Curacao, 3 ounces of orange juice, 3 ounces of sprite and ice. Your guests can lean back, savor the special evening and enjoy.
It's going to warm outside so serve your guests Green Tea Ice Cream to cool down with.
A Fairy Party is a adorable for a wide range of age groups and it isn't an expensive party to have! The guests enjoyed mud masks, bath salts and food projects and lemonade in their tea cups with pop rocks. Thanks to Toni at Design Dazzle for sharing.
Sugar Bloom Cupcakes shared this new and wonderful idea for tall cupcakes....I love the idea....For the full tutorial, visit their blog. It looks simple enough and they're so unique!
I just love the color combination. Being from SW Florida, these colors are right up my alley.
Use Hydrangea, vendella roses and cymbidium orchids to accent the tables with.
Serve a cool refreshing cocktail like the Strawberry Basil Margaritas:
2 ounces of tequila (1 oz = a shot)
1/2 cup of strawberry simple syrup*
juice of 2 limes
splash of Cointreau (substitute any other orange-flavored liquor)
2 Teaspoon of fresh basil, chopped roughly
To mix the drinks, place the basil in the bottom of a cocktail shaker (or large cup). Pour in the tequila. Mash the basil leaves into the tequila, so as to release the flavor. Fill the shaker with ice, then add strawberry syrup, lime juice, Cointreau. Cover and shake, then strain out into glasses. Garnish with sliced strawberries and basil.
To make the strawberry simple syrup:
1 cup of sugar
1 cup of water
4-5 strawberries, sliced
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then let simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the strawberries look exhausted. Cool the syrup, then strain the liquid through a sieve, pressing the strawberries firmly to extract all liquid. Store in a bottle or jar in the fridge-will keep for up to 2 months. (Recipe courtesy of Blue Jean Gourmet)
If this doesn't inspire you when it comes to spring garden parties, I don't know what will. Thanks to Sandy at Quill Cottage for sharing. Can I come over for tea?? I love her blog!!
Here's a cute idea from Watermelon.org that your guests are sure to love on a hot day!
What you’ll need to make them:
8 cupcake liners
8 cupcake shaped pieces of seedless watermelon, (see below)
2 cups pineapple cream cheese frosting
Sprinkles for garnish
How to make these:
Place the liners in an 8 cup cupcake tin. Cut 3 inch thick slices of seedless watermelon. Cut round cupcake sized pieces from the slices. Put a watermelon cupcake in each liner. Place a dollop of frosting on each cupcake. Decorate as desired with sprinkles. Serves 8.
Why not try transporting your wedding party guests to the eastern shores for this Nantucket Nautical style clambake where sea foam and cherry colored beachy decor set the tone for this laid back DIY nautical event.
Keep in mind cable knit, the Kennedy's and the Coca Cola Classics for this all Americana inspired palette. Use glossy red willow branches and red coral for the evening and bring the fun event to a dramatic new height for your guests. Use small bud vases and embellish them with the same ribbon used on the main centerpiece to tie the table together. You can fill them with any flower you want, from inexpensive red carnations to bright red peonies.
I found this cute idea at La Fuji Mama and though I'd share it with our readers....little bite sandwiches dressed up as cupcakes. So simple and can be used at baby showers, bridal showers, birthday parties, weddings and other special events.
These delightful pieces of nature have captured many people's imaginations and have lit up many a child's eye. Why not have a Butterfly Craze Theme Birthday Party for that special little girl. These butterflies at Heart to Heart Gifts inspired me to share with you and they are vibrant, beautiful and versatile. You can dazzle birthday party guests by using them as decorative accessories. The possibilities for using their butterflies, flowers, dragonflies, ladybugs, and bees are endless. Butterfly party favors by Accent the Party.
This inspires me to be young again. Perfect for a wedding, Sweet 16 party or a Quincenera. I love the chair covers! It reminds me of when I was a ballerina with the pink tutu.
Courtesy of Ceremony Magazine
Flowers: Peonies, Roses, and hydrangea
Rentals: Unique Tabletop Rentals, Chameleon Chair
Linens: Wildflower Linen
Location: Pacific Design Center
Photographed By: Anderson Photography
Happy times with your party guests call for fun and cheerful cupcakes that everyone will love. Cupcakes are easier to serve than cake and require no slicing, no plates, and no utensils - and everyone gets their fair share of icing.
I found 4 fun birthday cupcake ideas from Martha Stewart that I thought I'd share with you. My favorite is the Shark and Beach Cupcakes seeing that I live in SW Florida of course.
I like to try new cocktails whenever I get the chance. Between my busy work schedule with my business and the family over the years, it has become harder and harder to be able to enjoy an evening with a yummy new drink. During a recent wedding over this past weekend at Sanibel Island, my husband and I were able to enjoy some much needed time to relax with friends and enjoy a cocktail. A chocolate cocktail....and it was so good it inspired me to find some recipes to use at home.
Below are 3 chcoolate martinis I found at Dove Chocolate Discoveries. I'm absolutely positive they will wooo your wedding guests.
1. CHOCOLATE ESPRESSO MARTINI
ingredients 1 lemon slice,
¼ DOVE Chocolate Discoveries™ (DCD)
Chef Series Dark Chocolate bar - shredded,
2 tablespoons raw sugar,
8-10 ice cubes,
4-5 tablespoons espresso - chilled,
1 shot DCD Chocolate Martini Mix,
1 shot vodka - chilled
preparation
1. Using the lemon slice, wipe the rim of a martini glass.
2. Using the DCD Dessert Decorator, shred chocolate bar into a small bowl and add the sugar. Mix well.
3. Dip martini glass in mixture and roll to coat rim.
4. Drop ice cubes into a cocktail shaker and add espresso, Martini Mix and vodka. Shake for 20 seconds and strain into rimmed glass.
2. CHOCOLATE TURTLE MARTINI
ingredients
1 DOVE Chocolate Discoveries™ (DCD) Chef Series Dark Chocolate bar - melted and/or tempered,
DCD Cocoa Powder,
2 ounces vanilla vodka,
2 ounces DCD Chocolate Martini Mix,
2 ounces pecan-flavored liqueur,
2 cups crushed ice,
1 jar caramel ice cream topping,
1 toasted pecan - for garnish,
1 DCD Chocolate Ruffle - for garnish
preparation
1. Rim your favorite martini glass in tempered chocolate or cocoa powder. (You can also try drizzling some caramel sauce and melted chocolate on the inside of the glass for an elegant design.) Set martini glass aside.
2. Shake the vodka, martini mix, and praline liqueur in a martini shaker with ice to chill. (Fill the martini glass almost full with crushed or shaved ice, being careful not to touch the rim.)
3. Strain drink into the martini glass, and garnish with a toasted pecan and/or chocolate ruffle.
3. CREAMSICLE MARTINI
ingredients
2 ounces mandarin orange-flavored vodka,
2 ounces DOVE Chocolate Discoveries™ (DCD) Chocolate Martini Mix,
1 ounce Irish Cream,
1 ounce light cream or half and half,
1 cup ice, Optional garnishes:,
Chocolate-covered strawberry,
DCD Chef Series Dark Chocolate,
Chocolate-covered pretzel rod
preparation
1. Shake the vodka, martini mix, Irish Cream and light cream in a martini shaker with ice to chill.
2. Pour into a 12-ounce martini glass, and garnish as desired.
Accent the Party and impress your guests with a great focal point for your next party table with one of these watermelon baskets. Watermelon baskets are a fun and very practical way to serve fresh fruit to your guests. Watermelon baskets can be a great hit at parties, weddings and picnics. Here are some great ideas from ClassBrian.com and they have instructions on how to make each watermelon basket.
Watermelons come in many different varieties like red, green or yellow flesh and also seeded or seedless varieties. If you are going to use the fruit scooped out from your watermelon basket creation, consider buying a seedless variety.
If you're not very creative in the kitchen or want to bring a dish to a party, consider ordering one from Carved Creations. Use their masterful team of International Carvers from Carved Creations? to sculpt away at your perfect day.
Are you interested in throwing a tea party for your little girls, or maybe for you and the ladies? Then you have come to the right place. Here you will find tips on how to throw a majestic tea party that will have you all feeling like princesses!
First off, the weather. The whole idea of this "Spring Tea” is to enjoy the spring time for it is the season of growth and sun that we all love to enjoy, and to be quite frank, its hard to enjoy the sun and warm breeze from behind closed doors. Bring the tea outside.
Start out with the invitations. They do not necessarily have to be anything special nonetheless formal, you could even hand-make them if you’d like. Its simple. You can pick up card stock and cute little patterns from your local scrap booking store, and there you go. Glue on the pattern and say what you may. Be sure to include time, place, attire if necessary, and the occasion. Be sure your guests know that the Spring Tea will be held outside for some may have allergies or need a light jacket. Either way, it is best to be prepared.
Next, the sitting arrangements are key. Again, depending on how many guests you plan to invite, be sure they all have a seat. Your backyard, lawn chairs may suffice, but if there are more guests than chairs, contact your local rec. center. Places like that usually have tables and benches that you can easily decorate and cover to rent on a daily basis. They typically should not cost you more than $40 to rent for one day.
After you have the table settings taken care of, food and tea are the next step. After all, what is a Spring Tea without the tea itself. Since there are so many types of teas, you could either have a wide selection ranging from mint, to berry, or the basic sweet tea with lemons. If you are trying to save money, in the invitation, either prepare a list of tea’s that one may like and have them respond, or when they RSVP, be sure to ask what they prefer, so that way you can narrow down the selection to just a few. As for the food, that simple. Cookies and sandwiches are all you need. Whether the cookies be homemade chocolate chip, or ones that you may purchase from a bakery, they will both go over just as well as the next. Sandwiches could be tricky, so you could set-up a buffet where they can create their own, or make three different types and just hope everyone likes them. Usually at tea parties there are scones and such, but if you are trying to make this one memorable, try different appetizers including wraps, quesadillas, or shrimp cocktail. Those little cucumber sandwiches, no matter how healthy they might be, often leave your guests hungrier than they were when they first arrived. Offer your guests personalized tea favors. Be spontaneous!
Lastly, the entertainment. Your party may function just fine with conversation and laughter, but its fun to keep everyone on their toes. Games such as Pictionary, Trivial Pursuit, or Guess that Tune, can be a hit as well. You don’t have to try hard to impress your closest friends, they already know you, and love you just the way you are!
