Inside the Studio

T.G.I.F. Coffee Break

Themed party, Great ideas, and Inspiration Fridays!  T.G.I.F.!

With the kiddos back in school and the list of things to do growing at an exponential rate, you might need an extra cup of coffee to get it all done!  Coffee also provides a great party atmosphere- warmth, yummy aromas, and a little boost of energy!  You could use a few of these ideas and start your Saturday morning off right this weekend, or you could plan it out and mail invitations for your own private Coffee House next week!  Either way, Fridays are perfect for getting into the party spirit, and this Friday we're back at school (and needing a cup o' Joe).

Today's theme:  Back to School Coffee Break

Reasons to have one:

If you're missing interaction with other adults since school started (but can't seem to find the time after school hours), invite a handful of friends over on a weekday morning (once the kids are out of your hair and that first school bell rings).  You can sit around enjoying a cup of coffee, swapping summer stories, and exchanging "back to school" tales with the other moms.

You could also have a "Fall Coffee" just to celebrate the changing seasons!  Enjoy a sunset-watching evening on the porch with a warm cup of coffee followed by a good old s'mores roast.

Invitation ideas: 

(shown here, 68W89 and 8172)

  Wording ideas:

A little festive wording will really "perk up" your invitation:

"With the kids back in school and schedules filled up, you'll be needing more coffee... so join us for a cup!"

"Let's FALL into fun...with a warm cup of coffee and a cinnamon bun!"

The menu: 

When you've got a great pot of coffee brewing, all you really need to make it a party are a few flavored creamers, sugar, and some light breakfast-type items.  If you want to go the easy route, pick up donuts or bagels from your local bakery.  If you're feeling domestic, you can always slice up a tray of fresh fruit, pop some cinnamon rolls in the oven or bake blueberry muffins.

Just take the time to enjoy a silent moment over a cup of warm, comforting goodness.  You deserve it!

Happy Friday, and happy party planning!

Themed party, Great ideas, and Inspiration Fridays!  T.G.I.F.!

With the kiddos back in school and the list of things to do growing at an exponential rate, you might need an extra cup of coffee to get it all done!  Coffee also provides a great party atmosphere- warmth, yummy aromas, and a little boost of energy!  You could use a few of these ideas and start your Saturday morning off right this weekend, or you could plan it out and mail invitations for your own private Coffee House next week!  Either way, Fridays are perfect for getting into the party spirit, and this Friday we're back at school (and needing a cup o' Joe).

Today's theme:  Back to School Coffee Break

Reasons to have one:

If you're missing interaction with other adults since school started (but can't seem to find the time after school hours), invite a handful of friends over on a weekday morning (once the kids are out of your hair and that first school bell rings).  You can sit around enjoying a cup of coffee, swapping summer stories, and exchanging "back to school" tales with the other moms.

You could also have a "Fall Coffee" just to celebrate the changing seasons!  Enjoy a sunset-watching evening on the porch with a warm cup of coffee followed by a good old s'mores roast.

Invitation ideas: 

(shown here, 68W89 and 8172)

  Wording ideas:

A little festive wording will really "perk up" your invitation:

"With the kids back in school and schedules filled up, you'll be needing more coffee... so join us for a cup!"

"Let's FALL into fun...with a warm cup of coffee and a cinnamon bun!"

The menu: 

When you've got a great pot of coffee brewing, all you really need to make it a party are a few flavored creamers, sugar, and some light breakfast-type items.  If you want to go the easy route, pick up donuts or bagels from your local bakery.  If you're feeling domestic, you can always slice up a tray of fresh fruit, pop some cinnamon rolls in the oven or bake blueberry muffins.

Just take the time to enjoy a silent moment over a cup of warm, comforting goodness.  You deserve it!

Happy Friday, and happy party planning!

T.G.I.F. Girls' Night Out

Themed party, Great ideas, and Inspiration Fridays!  T.G.I.F.!

Everyone knows that girls just wanna have fun, right?...  Well, it might be time to round up your girlfriends, get dolled up and hit the town for a Girls' Night Out!  You could use a few of these ideas and whip up a little get-together this weekend, or you could plan it out and mail your invitations next week!  Either way, Fridays are perfect for getting into the party spirit, and this Friday we're hitting town (in heels)!

Today's theme:  Girls' Night Out

Reasons to have one:

There are several legitimate reasons to have a GNO (Girls' Night Out), such as a Bachelorette Party, Birthday, Concert Outing, or just a kids-free weekend... but let's face it.  The great thing about GNO is that you don't HAVE to have a reason- it's all about having a night of fun with the girls whenever you need it!  So go ahead, make up a reason- today is payday, you've got that new pair of shoes that simply MUST be broken in, you heard a rumor that Prince Harry was in town and you want to seek him out... you get the idea.  You can always find a reason for GNO if you try hard enough.

Invitation ideas:

(shown here, 68W95, 7527, and 68E38)

Wording ideas:

A little festive wording makes for a really fun invitation... Here are a few suggestions for your girly shin-dig:

"Let's get dolled up and paint the town... Break a few hearts and shut the bars down!"

"A night of just the girls is what it's all about!  You're invited to join us for a Girls' Night OUT!"

"It's time we had a night on the town!  Let's get dressed up and let our hair down!"

"Are you ready to join the girls for a WILD night out?"

The agenda:

Every history-making GNO involves three basic ingredients:  Friends, Food, and Laughter (but cocktails don't hurt either).  So as long as you've got those bases covered, you're in for a night of fun.

If budget is of no concern, rent a limo to drive you and your gal pals around all night- to a nice restaurant, a swanky hotel bar for dessert, then to a few of your favorite nightclubs to dance the night away!

If you're group of girls is on a budget, you can always do dinner and a movie (Mamma Mia is a great flick if you haven't seen it yet, and it's perfect for girl-time!).  Or if you've got a sporty bunch, meet up for a baseball game and a few beers (and plenty of guy-watching, of course).

The menu:

Wine and sweets are a must for any GNO, so a great hangout like CRU would be perfect for a night out, or if you're in the Big Apple, check out Dr.Vino for a map and review of the best wine bars in the big city.

If you're not a wine fan, try ordering one of these cocktails at your favorite watering hole:

Paradise Found
1 oz Cherry Vodka
1/2 oz Peach Schnapps
3 oz Orange Juice
3 oz Pineapple Juice
1/2 oz Pineapple Rum
1 oz Raspberry Liqueur

Blood Orange Cosmo

1/2 oz Triple Sec

1 1/2 oz Orange Vodka

1/4 oz (fresh) lime juice

1 splash Cranberry juice

1/4 oz Orange juice

Mojito

1 1/2 oz  Light Rum
  Club Soda
2 tsp  Sugar
3 Sprig Mint
3 tbsp fresh Lemon Juice

Long Island Iced Tea

1 part  Vodka
1 part  Rum
1 part  Gin
1 splash  Coca-Cola
1 part  Triple Sec
1 part  Tequila
1 1/2 parts  Sweet and Sour Mix

For a evening that will kill your diet but leave you completely satisfied, you and your buddies can have a "desserts only" outing.  Don't do dinner-that's too boring!  Instead, hit up your favorite Cheesecake Factory or local dessert mecca and order a three-course dessert meal! (Warning:  If you choose this option, you might have to factor in a few extra workout sessions to fit back in those cute jeans!)

Happy Friday, and happy party planning!

Themed party, Great ideas, and Inspiration Fridays!  T.G.I.F.!

Everyone knows that girls just wanna have fun, right?...  Well, it might be time to round up your girlfriends, get dolled up and hit the town for a Girls' Night Out!  You could use a few of these ideas and whip up a little get-together this weekend, or you could plan it out and mail your invitations next week!  Either way, Fridays are perfect for getting into the party spirit, and this Friday we're hitting town (in heels)!

Today's theme:  Girls' Night Out

Reasons to have one:

There are several legitimate reasons to have a GNO (Girls' Night Out), such as a Bachelorette Party, Birthday, Concert Outing, or just a kids-free weekend... but let's face it.  The great thing about GNO is that you don't HAVE to have a reason- it's all about having a night of fun with the girls whenever you need it!  So go ahead, make up a reason- today is payday, you've got that new pair of shoes that simply MUST be broken in, you heard a rumor that Prince Harry was in town and you want to seek him out... you get the idea.  You can always find a reason for GNO if you try hard enough.

Invitation ideas:

(shown here, 68W95, 7527, and 68E38)

Wording ideas:

A little festive wording makes for a really fun invitation... Here are a few suggestions for your girly shin-dig:

"Let's get dolled up and paint the town... Break a few hearts and shut the bars down!"

"A night of just the girls is what it's all about!  You're invited to join us for a Girls' Night OUT!"

"It's time we had a night on the town!  Let's get dressed up and let our hair down!"

"Are you ready to join the girls for a WILD night out?"

The agenda:

Every history-making GNO involves three basic ingredients:  Friends, Food, and Laughter (but cocktails don't hurt either).  So as long as you've got those bases covered, you're in for a night of fun.

If budget is of no concern, rent a limo to drive you and your gal pals around all night- to a nice restaurant, a swanky hotel bar for dessert, then to a few of your favorite nightclubs to dance the night away!

If you're group of girls is on a budget, you can always do dinner and a movie (Mamma Mia is a great flick if you haven't seen it yet, and it's perfect for girl-time!).  Or if you've got a sporty bunch, meet up for a baseball game and a few beers (and plenty of guy-watching, of course).

The menu:

Wine and sweets are a must for any GNO, so a great hangout like CRU would be perfect for a night out, or if you're in the Big Apple, check out Dr.Vino for a map and review of the best wine bars in the big city.

If you're not a wine fan, try ordering one of these cocktails at your favorite watering hole:

Paradise Found
1 oz Cherry Vodka
1/2 oz Peach Schnapps
3 oz Orange Juice
3 oz Pineapple Juice
1/2 oz Pineapple Rum
1 oz Raspberry Liqueur

Blood Orange Cosmo

1/2 oz Triple Sec

1 1/2 oz Orange Vodka

1/4 oz (fresh) lime juice

1 splash Cranberry juice

1/4 oz Orange juice

Mojito

1 1/2 oz  Light Rum
  Club Soda
2 tsp  Sugar
3 Sprig Mint
3 tbsp fresh Lemon Juice

Long Island Iced Tea

1 part  Vodka
1 part  Rum
1 part  Gin
1 splash  Coca-Cola
1 part  Triple Sec
1 part  Tequila
1 1/2 parts  Sweet and Sour Mix

For a evening that will kill your diet but leave you completely satisfied, you and your buddies can have a "desserts only" outing.  Don't do dinner-that's too boring!  Instead, hit up your favorite Cheesecake Factory or local dessert mecca and order a three-course dessert meal! (Warning:  If you choose this option, you might have to factor in a few extra workout sessions to fit back in those cute jeans!)

Happy Friday, and happy party planning!

TGIF Pool Party

Themed party, Great ideas, and Inspiration Fridays!  T.G.I.F.!

It's the first of August, so the kiddos are probably getting ready to go back to school...  Why not enjoy the last splash of this summer with a Pool Party?  You could use a few of these ideas and whip up a little get-together this weekend, or you could plan it out and mail your invitations next week!  Either way, Fridays are perfect for getting into the party spirit, and this Friday we're taking a plunge to beat the summer heat!

Today's theme:  Pool Party

Invitation ideas:

(shown here, 5137, 5138, and 5077)

Wording ideas:

A little festive wording makes for a really fun invitation... Here are a few suggestions:

"Splish!  Splash!  Join us for a Summer Bash!"

"Before the kids head back to school, let's celebrate summer... by the pool!"

"Are you ready to dive right in for a good time?  Join us for a Pool Party!"

"It's time to "suit-up" and be cool by the pool!"

The decorations:

A Pool Party doesn't need much atmosphere because a cool, enticing pool says it all- Jump in!  If you want to spruce things up, toss a few colorful beach balls in the pool and drape brightly colored beach towels over the back of each patio chair.

You can also get pool or swimming-themed party goods if you want to make a real splash!

The menu:

Light and refreshing snacks are a poolside staple- popsicles (frozen in a cooler or served straight out of the freezer of course), watermelon and other fresh fruit, or chips and dip. 

And if you want a heartier snack, try chicken strips (Suzanne suggests with Honey Mustard or Polynesian dipping sauce), an old fashioned hot dog, or tasty sliders (mini burgers)!

As a Party Favor:

Consider presenting your guests with a pair of big, goofy sunglasses or a pair of flip flops personalized to each guest's size.

Happy Friday, and happy party planning!

Themed party, Great ideas, and Inspiration Fridays!  T.G.I.F.!

It's the first of August, so the kiddos are probably getting ready to go back to school...  Why not enjoy the last splash of this summer with a Pool Party?  You could use a few of these ideas and whip up a little get-together this weekend, or you could plan it out and mail your invitations next week!  Either way, Fridays are perfect for getting into the party spirit, and this Friday we're taking a plunge to beat the summer heat!

Today's theme:  Pool Party

Invitation ideas:

(shown here, 5137, 5138, and 5077)

Wording ideas:

A little festive wording makes for a really fun invitation... Here are a few suggestions:

"Splish!  Splash!  Join us for a Summer Bash!"

"Before the kids head back to school, let's celebrate summer... by the pool!"

"Are you ready to dive right in for a good time?  Join us for a Pool Party!"

"It's time to "suit-up" and be cool by the pool!"

The decorations:

A Pool Party doesn't need much atmosphere because a cool, enticing pool says it all- Jump in!  If you want to spruce things up, toss a few colorful beach balls in the pool and drape brightly colored beach towels over the back of each patio chair.

You can also get pool or swimming-themed party goods if you want to make a real splash!

The menu:

Light and refreshing snacks are a poolside staple- popsicles (frozen in a cooler or served straight out of the freezer of course), watermelon and other fresh fruit, or chips and dip. 

And if you want a heartier snack, try chicken strips (Suzanne suggests with Honey Mustard or Polynesian dipping sauce), an old fashioned hot dog, or tasty sliders (mini burgers)!

As a Party Favor:

Consider presenting your guests with a pair of big, goofy sunglasses or a pair of flip flops personalized to each guest's size.

Happy Friday, and happy party planning!

T.G.I.F. Recipe Shower

Themed party, Great ideas, and Inspiration Fridays!  T.G.I.F.!

This week's TGIF is for a special person in the office- Catrina!  She's getting married in a couple of weeks, so we decided to have a Recipe Shower and Luncheon for her at the office! Everyone brought Trina a few recipes to add to her cooking ammunition, and we also brought a dish to share for lunch.  She ended up with about 50 great new recipes to try, and the rest of us ended up with full tummies! 

Today's theme:  Kitchen and Recipe Shower

The Invitation (shown here:  68W25):

 

                 

Wording ideas:

A little festive wording makes for a really fun invitation... Here's the intro that we used for Trina's shower:  "  Trina and Jason are soon to be wed, and it's not dishes they need but recipes instead!"

You could also use something like:  "Let's help Trina find her way around the kitchen with a few of our favorite dishes!"

The details: 

To make a really fun buffet table, we purchased a brightly striped tablecloth and colorful napkins and plates.  Then we used a floral arrangment done inside a colander as the centerpiece (garnished with a few wooden utensils ).  All of the bright, cheerful flowers did a great job for setting the tone for the celebration- happy!

Everyone brought a few recipes to share with Trina (along with a little advice for marriage)!

The menu: 

Since everyone brought a dish to share, we had TONS of food!  And everything was just delicious!  Here are a few recipes that made their way to the table today:

Carol's Ham and Cheese Ball

38 oz. pkg cream cheese, softened

35 oz. pkg Deli-Select Baked Ham, chopped

1 bunch green onions, chopped

2 T. Lea & Perrins worcestershire sauce

2 T. + 1/2 t.  Accent

Pecans, chopped

Combine all ingredients except pecans.  Shape into a ball and roll in pecans.  Serve with Ritz crackers.

Tarrah's Cauliflower Casserole

1 large head of cauliflower, broken into small florets

1/2 c. butter, melted

1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese

2/3 c. Italian seasoned bread crumbs

1 pinch salt

1 t. crushed red pepper flakes

1 c. shredded cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Bring 2 inches of water to a boil in a medium saucepan.  Add cauliflower, cov er, and cook for about 10 minutes.  Drain, and place in a 2 qt. casserole dish.

In a small bowl, mix together butter, Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, salt, and red pepper flakes.

Sprinkle mixture over cauliflower, and top with cheddar cheese.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Kandice's "Yummy Shower Punch"

3 oz. pkg strawberry jello (for color)

2 c. hot water; pour over jello and mix

2 c. sugar

3 c. hot water to dissolve sugar; add to jello

12 oz. can of frozen pink lemonade

46 oz. can of pineapple juice

1 large bottle of ginger ale

Chill, add ice, and serve!  (And if you're feeling super-ambitious, you can freeze lime slices in just a little bit of water to make a prettier presentation- much easier than an ice ring!)

Happy Friday and congratulations Trina!

This week's TGIF is for a special person in the office- Catrina!  She's getting married in a couple of weeks, so we decided to have a Recipe Shower and Luncheon for her at the office! Everyone brought Trina a few recipes to add to her cooking ammunition, and we also brought a dish to share for lunch.  She ended up with about 50 great new recipes to try, and the rest of us ended up with full tummies! 

Today's theme:  Kitchen and Recipe Shower

The Invitation (shown here:  68W25):

 

                 

Wording ideas:

A little festive wording makes for a really fun invitation... Here's the intro that we used for Trina's shower:  "  Trina and Jason are soon to be wed, and it's not dishes they need but recipes instead!"

You could also use something like:  "Let's help Trina find her way around the kitchen with a few of our favorite dishes!"

The details: 

To make a really fun buffet table, we purchased a brightly striped tablecloth and colorful napkins and plates.  Then we used a floral arrangment done inside a colander as the centerpiece (garnished with a few wooden utensils ).  All of the bright, cheerful flowers did a great job for setting the tone for the celebration- happy!

Everyone brought a few recipes to share with Trina (along with a little advice for marriage)!

The menu: 

Since everyone brought a dish to share, we had TONS of food!  And everything was just delicious!  Here are a few recipes that made their way to the table today:

Carol's Ham and Cheese Ball

38 oz. pkg cream cheese, softened

35 oz. pkg Deli-Select Baked Ham, chopped

1 bunch green onions, chopped

2 T. Lea & Perrins worcestershire sauce

2 T. + 1/2 t.  Accent

Pecans, chopped

Combine all ingredients except pecans.  Shape into a ball and roll in pecans.  Serve with Ritz crackers.

Tarrah's Cauliflower Casserole

1 large head of cauliflower, broken into small florets

1/2 c. butter, melted

1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese

2/3 c. Italian seasoned bread crumbs

1 pinch salt

1 t. crushed red pepper flakes

1 c. shredded cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Bring 2 inches of water to a boil in a medium saucepan.  Add cauliflower, cov er, and cook for about 10 minutes.  Drain, and place in a 2 qt. casserole dish.

In a small bowl, mix together butter, Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, salt, and red pepper flakes.

Sprinkle mixture over cauliflower, and top with cheddar cheese.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Kandice's "Yummy Shower Punch"

3 oz. pkg strawberry jello (for color)

2 c. hot water; pour over jello and mix

2 c. sugar

3 c. hot water to dissolve sugar; add to jello

12 oz. can of frozen pink lemonade

46 oz. can of pineapple juice

1 large bottle of ginger ale

Chill, add ice, and serve!  (And if you're feeling super-ambitious, you can freeze lime slices in just a little bit of water to make a prettier presentation- much easier than an ice ring!)

Happy Friday and congratulations Trina!

T.G.I.F. Bowl-O-Rama

Themed party, Great ideas, and Inspiration Fridays!  T.G.I.F.!

Three strikes and... it's a turkey!  This week's TGIF pays homage to the good old-fashioned pastime of bowling!  You could use a few of the following ideas and whip up a little get-together this weekend, or you could plan a party for next weekend and mail your invitations on Monday!  Either way, Fridays are perfect for getting into the party spirit, and this Friday we're taking it to the lanes!  You don't have to be a pro bowler to enjoy a dark, air-conditioned bowling alley during these hot summer months- that's what bumpers are for!

Today's theme:  Bowl-O-Rama

Invitation ideas: 

 

(shown here:  68W88 and 6039)

                 

Wording ideas:

A little festive wording makes for a really fun invitation... Here are a few suggestions:

" It's time to head down to the bowling lanes, enjoy a few beers and bowl a few frames!"

"Can you SPARE the time to join us for a Bowl-a-riffic Party?"

"Let's have a ball for (Name's) Birthday!"

The details: 

There's plenty of activity at a bowling alley for atmosphere, but a few balloons might liven up your lane if you MUST decorate.  You should also check to see if your local alley does "blacklight bowling" (it's called something different everywhere you go).  Usually, an alley will have this time as something separate than regular bowling- with blacklights and glow-in-the-dark bowling balls and fast-paced music.  It's definitely NOT the bowling alley experience that your parents and granparents enjoyed.

If you're planning to take a group for a specific event (like a birthday), you could also spice things up by giving away bowling shirts as party favors, and letting everyone wear them during the party!  I found these fun "ready-made" shirts that you can purchase for your guests.  You might even inspire your guests to join you in creating a team to join a bowling league!  You could be the "Bowling Stones" (shown on the right), the "Dangerous Dames", the "Gutter Girls", or the "PinBusters".  Or you can come up with your own team name and have the shirts completely customized!

The menu:

Every bowling alley should have a snack bar where you can get the usual suspects- nachos, pizza, popcorn, burgers and fries, and pitchers of beer.   Even though these might not sound like what you will WANT to eat at your gathering, you might be surprised how you'll start craving an alley snack once you get to knocking down those pins! (Note, before you plan on bringing in outside food- like a cake or other snack, check with your local alley's policy.)

Here's to enjoying the summer (and the air-conditioning inside a bowling alley)!

Happy Friday!

Three strikes and... it's a turkey!  This week's TGIF pays homage to the good old-fashioned pastime of bowling!  You could use a few of the following ideas and whip up a little get-together this weekend, or you could plan a party for next weekend and mail your invitations on Monday!  Either way, Fridays are perfect for getting into the party spirit, and this Friday we're taking it to the lanes!  You don't have to be a pro bowler to enjoy a dark, air-conditioned bowling alley during these hot summer months- that's what bumpers are for!

Today's theme:  Bowl-O-Rama

Invitation ideas: 

 

(shown here:  68W88 and 6039)

                 

Wording ideas:

A little festive wording makes for a really fun invitation... Here are a few suggestions:

" It's time to head down to the bowling lanes, enjoy a few beers and bowl a few frames!"

"Can you SPARE the time to join us for a Bowl-a-riffic Party?"

"Let's have a ball for (Name's) Birthday!"

The details: 

There's plenty of activity at a bowling alley for atmosphere, but a few balloons might liven up your lane if you MUST decorate.  You should also check to see if your local alley does "blacklight bowling" (it's called something different everywhere you go).  Usually, an alley will have this time as something separate than regular bowling- with blacklights and glow-in-the-dark bowling balls and fast-paced music.  It's definitely NOT the bowling alley experience that your parents and granparents enjoyed.

If you're planning to take a group for a specific event (like a birthday), you could also spice things up by giving away bowling shirts as party favors, and letting everyone wear them during the party!  I found these fun "ready-made" shirts that you can purchase for your guests.  You might even inspire your guests to join you in creating a team to join a bowling league!  You could be the "Bowling Stones" (shown on the right), the "Dangerous Dames", the "Gutter Girls", or the "PinBusters".  Or you can come up with your own team name and have the shirts completely customized!

The menu:

Every bowling alley should have a snack bar where you can get the usual suspects- nachos, pizza, popcorn, burgers and fries, and pitchers of beer.   Even though these might not sound like what you will WANT to eat at your gathering, you might be surprised how you'll start craving an alley snack once you get to knocking down those pins! (Note, before you plan on bringing in outside food- like a cake or other snack, check with your local alley's policy.)

Here's to enjoying the summer (and the air-conditioning inside a bowling alley)!

Happy Friday!

TGIF- Margarita Madness

Themed party, Great ideas, and Inspiration Fridays!  T.G.I.F.!

How about trying to beat the summer heat with a frosty beverage?  This week's TGIF is all about the margarita!  You could use a few of the following ideas and whip up a little get-together this weekend, or you could plan a party for next week and mail your invitations on Monday!  Either way, Fridays are perfect for getting into the party spirit, and this Friday we're starting things off with a little salt and lime (hey, it's 5 o'clock somewhere, right?)! 

Today's theme:  Margarita Madness

Invitation ideas: 

(shown here: 68W62 and 5022)

                 

Wording ideas:

A little festive wording makes for a really fun invitation... Here are a few suggestions:

" Frozen or on the rocks, strawberry or lime... No matter how you like it, margaritas are always a good time!"

"Calling all senors and senoritas!  Join us on the patio for muchies and margaritas!"

"We've got the recipe for a great time:  A blender, a bottle of tequila, and a little salt and lime!"

"It's a Girls' Night IN and we're shaking things up with margaritas on the the rocks!"

The decorations: 

Keep it simple.  A crisp, white tablecloth on the patio would be stunning with the addition of a floral centerpiece like this one on the left.  Or if you want to make it even easier on yourself, fill a couple of different glass containers (of various shapes/sizes) with key limes and surround them with votive candles on the table.

The menu:

Chips and salsa or guacamole make the perfect snack for a margarita night!  So pick up a bag of tortilla chips (and ingredients for the recipes below) at the store and get ready for a South-of-the-Border fiesta!

Easy Guacamole (This is a realy crowd-pleaser!  I always get requests for this recipe!)
6 ripe avacados

1 small lemon

2 small tomatoes

1/2 red onion

garlic salt

salt and pepper to taste

Dice each avocado and place in a large bowl.  Using a potato masher or large fork, gently mash the avocado to break down the large chunks (being careful not to "overwork" it... if you mash the avacado completely, your guacamole will be a soupy texture by the time you're finished!). 

Next, dice the red onion into small pieces and add to the avocado (do not stir yet).  You will dice the tomatoes as well, but you want to scoop out all of the seeds with a spoon, so all that gets put into the guacamole is the outer layer of the tomato.  Gently combine the ingredients in the bowl, slowly adding garlic salt, salt, and pepper to taste.  Again, stir carefully, or you will loose that thick, hearty consistency!  Squeeze half of the lemon over the guacamole (to help keep it from turning brown) and give it one last stir... Then you're done!

Tomatillo Salsa

"Pepe" Margaritas (an easy recipe borrowed from my friend Kate)

1 can frozen limeade mix

Tequila

Gin

Grand Mariner

Ice

Margarita Salt

Limes for garnish

To make Kate's yummy "Pepe" margaritas, throw 1 can of frozen limeade mix into the blender.  Then fill the blender with 2 parts Tequila, 1 part Gin, and a shot of Grand Mariner (just for fun).  Add ice until you get the conistency desired.  Using a slice of lime to rim the edge of the glass and place face-down in margarita salt.  Pour the margaritas in the glass and serve cold!  Garnish with a lime, if desired.

Happy Friday everyone!

How about trying to beat the summer heat with a frosty beverage?  This week's TGIF is all about the margarita!  You could use a few of the following ideas and whip up a little get-together this weekend, or you could plan a party for next week and mail your invitations on Monday!  Either way, Fridays are perfect for getting into the party spirit, and this Friday we're starting things off with a little salt and lime (hey, it's 5 o'clock somewhere, right?)! 

Today's theme:  Margarita Madness

Invitation ideas: 

(shown here: 68W62 and 5022)

                 

Wording ideas:

A little festive wording makes for a really fun invitation... Here are a few suggestions:

" Frozen or on the rocks, strawberry or lime... No matter how you like it, margaritas are always a good time!"

"Calling all senors and senoritas!  Join us on the patio for muchies and margaritas!"

"We've got the recipe for a great time:  A blender, a bottle of tequila, and a little salt and lime!"

"It's a Girls' Night IN and we're shaking things up with margaritas on the the rocks!"

The decorations: 

Keep it simple.  A crisp, white tablecloth on the patio would be stunning with the addition of a floral centerpiece like this one on the left.  Or if you want to make it even easier on yourself, fill a couple of different glass containers (of various shapes/sizes) with key limes and surround them with votive candles on the table.

The menu:

Chips and salsa or guacamole make the perfect snack for a margarita night!  So pick up a bag of tortilla chips (and ingredients for the recipes below) at the store and get ready for a South-of-the-Border fiesta!

Easy Guacamole (This is a realy crowd-pleaser!  I always get requests for this recipe!)
6 ripe avacados

1 small lemon

2 small tomatoes

1/2 red onion

garlic salt

salt and pepper to taste

Dice each avocado and place in a large bowl.  Using a potato masher or large fork, gently mash the avocado to break down the large chunks (being careful not to "overwork" it... if you mash the avacado completely, your guacamole will be a soupy texture by the time you're finished!). 

Next, dice the red onion into small pieces and add to the avocado (do not stir yet).  You will dice the tomatoes as well, but you want to scoop out all of the seeds with a spoon, so all that gets put into the guacamole is the outer layer of the tomato.  Gently combine the ingredients in the bowl, slowly adding garlic salt, salt, and pepper to taste.  Again, stir carefully, or you will loose that thick, hearty consistency!  Squeeze half of the lemon over the guacamole (to help keep it from turning brown) and give it one last stir... Then you're done!

Tomatillo Salsa

"Pepe" Margaritas (an easy recipe borrowed from my friend Kate)

1 can frozen limeade mix

Tequila

Gin

Grand Mariner

Ice

Margarita Salt

Limes for garnish

To make Kate's yummy "Pepe" margaritas, throw 1 can of frozen limeade mix into the blender.  Then fill the blender with 2 parts Tequila, 1 part Gin, and a shot of Grand Mariner (just for fun).  Add ice until you get the conistency desired.  Using a slice of lime to rim the edge of the glass and place face-down in margarita salt.  Pour the margaritas in the glass and serve cold!  Garnish with a lime, if desired.

Happy Friday everyone!

TGIF is back!

The past few weeks have been a flurry of designing and samples and preparing for the Show, but now that we're getting back into the normal groove of things, TGIF is BACK!

Themed party, Great ideas, and Inspiration Fridays!  T.G.I.F.!

The temperature in Texas has been rising (we hit 100 degrees twice already this week-whew, so long, Spring!)... and that's got me all ready to fire up the grill!

What better way to kick off your summer than with a few fun ideas for throwing a backyard party?  You could use a few of these ideas and whip up a little get-together for tomorrow night, or you could plan it out and mail your invitations next week!  Either way, Fridays are perfect for getting into the party spirit, and this Friday we're getting into the SUMMER spirit!

Today's theme:  Backyard BBQ

Invitation ideas: 

(shown here, 68W26, 7526, and 7099)

           

Wording ideas:

A little festive wording makes for a really fun invitation... Here are a few suggestions:

 

" Let's get together for no special reason...Just to celebrate good food, good friends, and the summer season!"

"Come on over for a BBQ, We'll have burgers and hot dogs and plenty of cold brew!"

"It's time to enjoy a little bit of sun!  With good friends and food, it's sure to be fun!"

"Join us for hamburgers and hot dogs as we ketchup with old friends!"

The decorations:

With such beautiful summer weather around the corner, you won't need a lot of decorations to make your surroundings festive.  You could string white lights around your patio, throw a red and white checkered tablecloth on your table, and set out a few Citronella candles or torches (to keep the buggies away), and you're all set!

The menu:

In addition to the usual suspects (burgers and hot dogs), try a few of these personal favorites!

Lone Star Rub Drumsticks (LOVE this one)

2 t. kosher salt

1 1/2 t. pure chile powder

1 1/2 t. dried chopped onion

3/4 t. garlic salt

1/2 t. paprika

1/2 t. dried marjoram

1/4 t. ground cumin

1/2 t. fresh ground pepper

1/8 t. ground cinnamon

8 chicken drumsticks

Mix ingredients in a small bowl.  Rub mixture under and on top of the chicken skin.  Grill on medium-low heat, turning frequently (every 5 minutes or so)

Roasted Corn on the Cob

6 ears of corn on the cob (with the husks)

butter

salt

aluminum foil

To get started, gently pull back the husks of the corn, remove the corn silks (using a small brush if necessary), rinse, and pat the corn dry with a paper towel.  In a shallow baking dish or cookie sheet, pour melted butter.  Holding the husk out of the way, roll the ear of corn in the butter.  Sprinkle with salt, reposition the husk to cover the ear of corn, and wrap tightly in foil.  Grill for about 10-15 minutes, turning frequently.

Potato Salad

Quick BBQ Sauce

And if your thirst is craving something a little more than lemonade, try this recipe for Lemon Shandies.  It's one of my favorite summertime beverages!

Happy Friday, and happy party planning!

Themed party, Great ideas, and Inspiration Fridays!  T.G.I.F.!

The temperature in Texas has been rising (we hit 100 degrees twice already this week-whew, so long, Spring!)... and that's got me all ready to fire up the grill!

What better way to kick off your summer than with a few fun ideas for throwing a backyard party?  You could use a few of these ideas and whip up a little get-together for tomorrow night, or you could plan it out and mail your invitations next week!  Either way, Fridays are perfect for getting into the party spirit, and this Friday we're getting into the SUMMER spirit!

Today's theme:  Backyard BBQ

Invitation ideas: 

(shown here, 68W26, 7526, and 7099)

           

Wording ideas:

A little festive wording makes for a really fun invitation... Here are a few suggestions:

 

" Let's get together for no special reason...Just to celebrate good food, good friends, and the summer season!"

"Come on over for a BBQ, We'll have burgers and hot dogs and plenty of cold brew!"

"It's time to enjoy a little bit of sun!  With good friends and food, it's sure to be fun!"

"Join us for hamburgers and hot dogs as we ketchup with old friends!"

The decorations:

With such beautiful summer weather around the corner, you won't need a lot of decorations to make your surroundings festive.  You could string white lights around your patio, throw a red and white checkered tablecloth on your table, and set out a few Citronella candles or torches (to keep the buggies away), and you're all set!

The menu:

In addition to the usual suspects (burgers and hot dogs), try a few of these personal favorites!

Lone Star Rub Drumsticks (LOVE this one)

2 t. kosher salt

1 1/2 t. pure chile powder

1 1/2 t. dried chopped onion

3/4 t. garlic salt

1/2 t. paprika

1/2 t. dried marjoram

1/4 t. ground cumin

1/2 t. fresh ground pepper

1/8 t. ground cinnamon

8 chicken drumsticks

Mix ingredients in a small bowl.  Rub mixture under and on top of the chicken skin.  Grill on medium-low heat, turning frequently (every 5 minutes or so)

Roasted Corn on the Cob

6 ears of corn on the cob (with the husks)

butter

salt

aluminum foil

To get started, gently pull back the husks of the corn, remove the corn silks (using a small brush if necessary), rinse, and pat the corn dry with a paper towel.  In a shallow baking dish or cookie sheet, pour melted butter.  Holding the husk out of the way, roll the ear of corn in the butter.  Sprinkle with salt, reposition the husk to cover the ear of corn, and wrap tightly in foil.  Grill for about 10-15 minutes, turning frequently.

Potato Salad

Quick BBQ Sauce

And if your thirst is craving something a little more than lemonade, try this recipe for Lemon Shandies.  It's one of my favorite summertime beverages!

Happy Friday, and happy party planning!

T.G.I.F.- Take Out style

Themed party, Great ideas, and Inspiration Fridays!  T.G.I.F.!

What better way to kick off your weekend than with a few fun ideas for throwing a themed party?  You could use a few of these ideas and whip up a little get-together for tomorrow night, or you could plan it out and mail your invitations next week!  Either way, Fridays are perfect for getting into the party spirit, and this week's theme will have you craving P.F. Chang's or Pei Wei!  If you're feeling brave, try cooking the menu yourself, but if you want to make it easy, takeout from your favorite local restaurant will work just as well!

Today's theme:  Take Out & Chopsticks

Invitation ideas: 

           

Wording ideas:

A little festive wording makes for a really fun invitation... Here are a few suggestions:

"Wok on over for good food, friends, and fortunes!"

"A fun party is in your future."

" You don't have to be a master with the chopsticks to enjoy the food!"

" Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still. - Chinese proverb" (perfect for a Birthday dinner!)

The decorations:

If you're having an intimate gathering of just a few friends, forget using the dining room table!  Instead, cover your coffee table with a nice tablecloth and throw a few colorful pillows on the floor for your guests to sit on.  Adorn the table with a simple floral arrangement (or a bonsai tree), a pair of chopsticks for each guest, and a few votive candles or tea lights, and you're all set!

You could also create your own bamboo candles for the centerpiece with a few helpful tips from Martha.

If you want to go all out, you can even purchase and hang lanterns around the room (I found these at World Market and they're great because they're battery powered- so you could even hang them outside!)

The menu:

Lighter Sesame Chicken

Wonton Soup

Asian Steamed Shrimp

Served up with a little sake, you and your friends can enjoy a nice, relaxing evening (and probably a few laughs while everyone attempts to master the chopsticks- seriously, not everyone can be as talented as Mr. Miyagi).

Grab a few fortune cookies from your local Asian market for a sweet ending to dinner, and enjoy!

Happy Friday, and happy party planning!

T.G.I.F. has a new meaning!

Themed party, Great ideas, and Inspiration Fridays!  T.G.I.F.!

For most people, Friday is the happiest day of the week, and I think we should celebrate!

What better way to kick off your weekend than with a few fun ideas for throwing a themed party?  You could use a few of these ideas and whip up a little get-together for tomorrow night, or you could plan it out and mail your invitations next week!  Either way, Fridays are perfect for getting into the party spirit.

Today's theme:  Mexican Fiesta

Invitation ideas: 

       

Wording ideas:

A little festive wording makes for a really fun invitation... Here are a few suggestions:

"No time for a siesta!  We're having a fiesta!"

"Attention all senors and senoritas...we're serving up fajitas and margaritas!"

"Holy Guacamole... It's time for a party!"

The decorations:

Set the mood by setting a tablescape with a variety of fiesta flair!  Serape style table runners, maracas, a few small succulants in terra cotta pots(avoiding the ones with needles for safety), a pinata or two, and sombreros will definitely make your guests feel as though you've headed south of the border!  (Need help finding a few of these items?)

If you need something in a flash, you could also fill a large, colorful bowl (or a glass one) with a variety of peppers- red, orange, yellow, and green bell peppers, jalepaneos, serrano peppers, etc.

The menu:

Fajitas

Margaritas

Guacamole

Served up with a few chips and some pico de gallo, you're all set for a fabulous fiesta!

Happy Friday, and happy party planning!