If you’re one of those people who “think” they don’t like to entertain but realize it’s probably their turn to pay a few friends back—well, this post is for you.
“Seize the moment.”
Now that fall has officially arrived, this is the easiest time to host. Jump on this opportunity before the holidays, before everyone expects you to pull out ALL the bells and whistles.
A couple weeks ago, Jon and I threw this “party” together in literally just a few hours.
“A few flowers, a big pot of chili, and a stack of grilled cheeses, and suddenly you’re Martha Stewart.”
A handful of colorful stems from the grocery store add a seasonal pop of color to this easy, edible centerpiece.
While the chili is simmering, take a few minutes to set the table and chop the condiments. Place them in serving bowls, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to serve. Round up serving spoons for each bowl, and have them ready to go.
A lazy Susan is the ideal addition to this casual gathering. It’s much more relaxing to add your toppings while seated, instead of waiting your turn in a buffet line.
“I’ve never seen people more excited about having Fritos for dinner. It’s the little things in life.”
Guests will feel like a kid in a candy store. The lazy Susan makes it so handy to “retop” as needed. If you do not have a lazy Susan, simply put a round tray on top of an inexpensive spice carousel from any home store.There is no waste with this quick and easy place card. Print out your guests’ names on a colorful sheet of printer paper. Cut to size, and tie on to mini saltine sleeves with wax thread or raffia.One loaf of Wonder bread, American cheese slices, butter, and a hot griddle are all you need to whip up these old-fashioned classics. (If griddle space is an issue, assemble the sandwiches, butter both sides of the bread, and bake on a baking sheet in a 375 degree oven, flipping once, until golden brown.)
My favorite chili recipe, Smokin’ Hot Chili,is from Leslie’s Party Diaries on page 92. It’s exactly what you expect chili to taste like. For a milder version, use less cayenne pepper and mild Rotel.
Smokin’ Hot Chili
SERVES 6 TO 8
1½ pounds ground chuck
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon red pepper
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon dried oregano
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 (10-ounce) cans diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (16-ounce) can pinto beans, undrained
1 (16-ounce) can red kidney beans, undrained
Toppings: shredded Cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped red onion, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, radishes, Fritos corn chips
Saltine crackers
Cook ground beef in hot oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, stirring often, until meat crumbles and is no longer pink. Remove beef from skillet with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain; reserve 1 tablespoon drippings in Dutch oven.
Add onion and garlic to Dutch oven; cook over medium heat, stirring often, until translucent. Stir in salt and next 8 ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 30 minutes, uncovered; cover and simmer 1½ hours.
Serve with toppings and crackers.
Leslie Likes: Rotel diced tomatoes and green chiles
Well in advance, begin gathering the party supplies. You probably have more than you think sitting around your house. Get a pile going. It will be a motivating source of excitement.
“Look around.”
Anything can be anything. Three palettes found in a discard pile make the perfect height and size for a coffee table for a large sitting area. Palette Tip: the cute blue ones are about 5 times as heavy, so plan accordingly.
“Redecorate.”
Rearrange what you already own. Like for instance, I moved my outdoor furniture from the covered porch to the middle of the yard, which opened up a new spot to dine.
“Google everything.”
These adorable Moroccan paper plates from Amazon sat neatly on my wooden chargers. Instead of water glasses, I purchased La Croix sparkling water in cans that matched the tablecloth. No one even noticed they didn’t have a water glass and were eating on paper plates. The cleanup was a piece of cake.
“Keep the food nearby.”
When eating outdoors, try to keep the dining area as close to the food as possible. You want everyone to easily be able to access seconds and thirds!
“Beg, borrow, and steal.”
Ask friends and family for anything you might need. Don’t be afraid to mix-and-match. An assortment of Moscow mule mugs are far more interesting than a matching set. And, yes, I used paper straws.
“Cutting rights.”
Keep your eyes peeled when driving around town and take note of the houses with abundant flowering hedges. Ask before cutting and always leave a small gift or thank-you note to show your appreciation.
“Simplify the appetizers.”
When cooking an entire meal for a crowd, don’t wear yourself out making a ton of appetizers. Like I mention in my book, Leslie’s Party Diaries, the Ritz-Carlton Trio is always a hit. Simply fill a 3-way container with any nibbles you have in the pantry.
“Prep so you can play.”
I always prep everything possible a day or two ahead. This tip is a game changer.
“Stay on point.”
Stick with your theme from start to finish, like this spectacular Moroccan wedding cake made by Olexa’s Catering and Cakes, olexas.com
“Dress the part.”
Plan ahead if you are the guest of honor. Make all alterations and have your outfit and accessories ready to go.
“The parting gift.”
Clearance shelves almost always have a prize or two. It’s my first stop when looking for party favors. These little vases from west elm doubled as the centerpiece too. westelm.com
“The reward.”
And finally, always allow a few minutes to enjoy all your hard work after a party. This may be my favorite coffee spot around the house.
For all of the recipes from the Moroccan birthday dinner, go to Moroccan Made Easya past post from February 28, 2018. (or click on the red type above)
Now it’s your turn to start planning your own party. You will be surprised how rewarding and fun it will be.
Also, I love to brainstorm about parties. So, if you need any help, just ask! Have a great weekend. Leslie
I still have a few books left in the basement. If you need a gift or two go to Buy the Book on this post, or to my website at lesliespartydiaries.com
Children are smarter today than we ever were. For instance, Lily studied abroad last semester in Barcelona and traveled every weekend. She saw the world, literally. For Thanksgiving she picked Morocco for her destination. So Sallie’s first trip overseas was to Casablanca and Marrakesh with her father to visit Lily. I never would have thought of that, or to even ask. I need a college do-over.
I call shotgun!My only request was a photo of my two girls on a camel. And they delivered.
On Christmas morning I opened my gifts from the girls. They gave me four authentic Moroccan place mats, a decorative clay bead necklace, and a container of turmeric. So now that I’ve caught you up, welcome to this week’s post, Moroccan Made Easy.
These place mats are a party waiting to happen. My only regret is that I don’t have more!Shopping in Morocco looks like a lot of fun. I would have needed an extra suitcase or two!Turmeric can easily be found in the spice aisle at most grocery stores, but I love getting anything straight from the source!
I couldn’t wait to put together a menu to go with all of my treasures. By this time of year I’m craving warmth and sunlight. So I thought a colorful, tasty menu in a festive setting would brighten everyone’s week.
A basket full of tropical flowers with a few simple fruits is all you need for a quick centerpiece when having a Moroccan meal.Decorate a linen napkin with a couple of cinnamon sticks tied with jute.Warm Citrus and Rosemary Olives: just when you thought room temperature olives were good. It’s a new experience. Give them a try!
Warm Citrus and Rosemary Olives
Makes 2 cups
1 ½ cups assorted olives, without the pit
¼ cup olive oil
Peel of an orange, about ½-inch thick
2 to 3 fresh rosemary sprigs
Dash of red pepper flakes
In a medium nonstick skillet, warm olives and remaining ingredients. Serve immediately with toothpicks or picks.
Serve as an appetizer or along with the meal.
Moroccan Lemon Chicken Kabobs
Serves 4 to 6
2 pounds chicken tenders, cut into 1-inch pieces
The Marinade:
¼ cup olive oil
Juice from 2 lemons
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon cumin
¼ teaspoon turmeric
¼ teaspoon cayenne
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
Pinch of cinnamon
Lemon slices, halved
Place chicken pieces in a ziplock bag; set aside. Combine remaining ingredients, except lemon slices, in a small bowl; mix well. Pour over chicken, and evenly coat. Place in refrigerator for at least 2 hours and up to 8 hours.
Thread onto 6 skewers, alternating, occasionally, with the lemon slices.
Grill kabobs on medium to medium-high heat for 5 to 10 minutes per side or until thoroughly cooked.
Don’t be afraid to eat the grilled lemon halves. Not only do they flavor the chicken while grilling, but also they’re delicious. Platter by Earthborn Pottery, earthbornpottery.net
Casablanca Couscous
Serves 6
4 tablespoons butter
1 cup shallots, chopped
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 ½ cups couscous
½ cup golden raisins
½cup Marcona almonds, coarsely chopped, extra for garnish
¼ cup fresh mint, chopped, plus extra for garnish
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
Melt butter in a medium-size saucepan. Add shallots, and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add chicken broth; bring to a boil. Remove from heat, and add couscous. Cover and allow to sit for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Stir in raisins and next 4 ingredients.
Garnish with extra almonds and mint. Serve immediately.
Couscous is like magic. When you pour it into the warm, flavorful broth, cover, and remove from heat, it’s done! It does all its cooking off the burner. I love the combination of golden raisins, mint, and Marcona almonds.
Who wouldn’t want to eat these colorful kabobs? Healthy never looked so good!
Colorful Vegetable Kabobs
Serves 6
2 green peppers
2 red peppers
2 orange peppers
2 yellow peppers
1 large purple onion
1 large sweet yellow onion
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Cut each pepper and onion into uniform 1-inch square pieces. Place on skewer in order in which they are listed above. Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Grill on medium to medium-high heat until slightly charred and tender.
By cutting the peppers and onions uniformly, you will cook all of it in the same amount of time.Cook the vegetable kabobs while you are cooking the chicken kabobs.
For an easy dessert, pick up a bag of ginger snaps or a carton of mint-chocolate chip ice cream, or both!
Jordan (Lily’s close friend and roommate) and Lily striking a pose.Sallie and Lily’s Moroccan MemoriesBe on the lookout for unique utensils, like this interesting cheese set. $60, Table Matters, tablematters.comI would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy about making comments or asking questions. I love getting mail! Leslie
I’m always torn when it comes to going out to dinner on Valentine’s, or staying in and cooking a special meal. I prefer the unabbreviated menu at my favorite restaurants, and some limit your choices that evening.
When making a list of pros and cons, it is an even tie. So, here is a wonderful, yummy option for you and your entire family if you find yourself at home this year.
Either way it’s a win-win!Artwork by my mother, Alice. It was her test run before she hit the canvas. It’s such a treasure!
V is not just for Valentine’s.
One pro of eating in, you can really splurge on the Champagne. veuveclicquot.comFamily style never looked so inviting. Baking dish by Revol, The Cupboard, shopthecupboard.com
Foolproof Baked Shrimp over Pasta
Serves 4 to 6
2 pounds medium shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed
¼ cup olive oil
¼ cup chopped parsley
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
¼ cup butter, melted
¼ cup Panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
½ cup Parmesan, freshly grated
8 ounces of thin spaghetti, cooked
Hot French bread
It takes only a few minutes to get the ingredients prepped, especially if you find the medium-size shrimp already peeled and deveined.
Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
Place shrimp in a medium-size bowl. Combine next 4 ingredients in a small bowl; pour over shrimp, and toss to coat.
Evenly arrange shrimp in a single layer in a 2-quart baking dish. Cover with foil, and bake 15 minutes. Remove from oven, turn shrimp over, and drizzle with melted butter. Sprinkle with Panko and Parmesan cheese.
Here is what the shrimp mixture will look like before you cover with foil.
Bake uncovered 10 to 15 more minutes. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes for a browner top, if desired. Serve over pasta family style with French bread.
You will not want to be more than an arm’s reach of this baking dish!
Learn from Leslie: Be sure to have lots of hot, crusty French bread. The dipping in the butter and juices is the best part! Serve with a simple green vegetable or salad.
Growing up, Valentine’s Day was one of my favorite holidays. And it still is! China: ‘Rothschild Bird’ by Herend, herendusa.com; Sterling silver: ‘Lily’ by Gorham, lifetimesterling.com
For the Kids
Let’s be honest, when you are making sugar cookies all you really want to do is decorate them. Why waste time making them from scratch, letting the dough chill, and prolonging the fun.
The secret is out—Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mix. Simply add 1 stick of butter, 1 egg, and 3 tablespoons of flour for cookie-cutter style. It is easy as pie. No sticking to the counter or rolling pin. bettycrocker.com
Three-Ingredient Icing
Powdered sugar
Whole milk
Food coloring
Place powdered sugar in a small bowl or ramekin. Add milk 1 teaspoon at a time until the desired consistency. Go slowly! It does not take much. Use food coloring to make as many colors as you would like. Ice cookies and decorate with sprinkles. Allow to dry completely.
It doesn’t take but a few sprinkles to make these special.My favorite sprinkles are made especially for Williams-Sonoma by Beautiful Briny Sea, Super Amazing Dessert Sprinkle Mix, $19.95 (15-ounce) jar, Williams-Sonoma, williams-somoma.com
Hopes and Dreams Garland Kit
Another clever idea to entertain the kids, or adults for that matter, is this ribbon garland kit from Stellar, a cute tweens shop, in Rosemary Beach, Florida. I actually brought this to my daughter Sallie as a gift, but couldn’t wait to do it myself!
The kit includes a colorful 5-foot rope and lots of precut ribbon pieces. Stellar, Rosemary Beach, Florida, $25, 850/231-0110, gigistellartweens.comThe perfect rainy-day project.
The “icing on the cookie” is a coffee bar full of miniatures.
Valentine’s Coffee Bar
To top off the evening, set up a coffee bar for the adults. There is no need to buy large bottles of different liquors—pick up an assortment of miniatures and place them in a cute basket. It feels as special as getting the mini jelly from a room service tray. Serve with whipped cream and, of course, the cookies!
Irish Coffee anyone?It’s like passing the bread basket at dinner!Let the kids pass the cookies.As much as I love to cook, I’m a prop stylist at heart. I love a collection of pretty things. As I always used to say when I worked at Southern Living…
Pretty things make pretty pictures.
I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy about making comments or asking questions. I love getting mail! Leslie
The number of guests you invite is based on the number of comfortable seatsyou have in view of a decent-size TV. (Everyone expects at least 40 inches at the bare minimum, so don’t host if you have less than that.)
This cute pillow comes in handy if you get up to get another drink. Available at PotterBarn, PotterBarn.com
Step 2.
This is not a sit-down dinner party. It’s the perfect chance to pull out your slow cooker or Dutch ovenand get something simmering. Since the halftime show is the best part, you can’t count on that time to serve dinner. So, it’s best to have something that is self-serve and can be eaten anytime.
Don’t be intimidated by the number of ingredients in this recipe. There is only 1 tablespoon of oil in the entire batch. The extra spices give it a delicious flavor without the extra fat. It’s also packed full of fresh vegetables.
Black Bean Gumbo with Turkey Sausage
served over Simple Saffron Rice
Serves 12 to 14 (Makes 4 1/2 quarts)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 (10-ounce) packages of turkey smoked sausage, sliced
2 medium onions, chopped
3 celery ribs, chopped
3 carrots, peeled and chopped, reserving 1 for garnish
1 red pepper, diced
1 yellow pepper, diced
2 bunches green onions, chopped reserving 1 for garnish
1 jalapeño, chopped, removing seeds
4 cloves garlic
2 (32-ounce) cartons chicken broth, unsalted
1 pound dried black beans, soaked overnight, rinsed and drained, or 4 (14-ounce) cans, rinsed thoroughly
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoons ground cumin
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon brown sugar
Juice of 1 lime
Plain Basmati rice comes to life with a pinch or two of saffron threads.
Basmati rice (cooked according to directions)
Saffron threads
Corn tortillas
Chili powder
In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil to medium-high; brown sausage on both sides. Remove to a plate. Set aside.
In the drippings, add next 8 ingredients. Cook until tender. Add broth, beans, and next 7 ingredients. Bring to a boil, reduce to simmer for 1 ½ hours for dried beans or until beans are tender and 30 to 40 minutes for canned beans. Both delicious!
Serve with saffron-laced, cooked rice and tortilla strips sprinkled with chili powder.
Learn from Leslie: For the crunchy topping, cut the corn tortillas into strips and cook in oil on medium-high in a skillet until golden brown (about 3 to 4 minutes). Drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with salt and chili powder.
In a small amount of vegetable oil, it takes minutes to fry up a few corn tortillas for an added crunch topping for the gumbo.
Two of my other favorites to have simmering on the stove for a crowd are Smokin’ Hot Chili(page 92) and Weeknight Gumbo (page 90), both from Leslie’s Party Diaries.lesliespartydiaries.com
Smokin’ Hot ChiliWeeknight Gumbo
Step 3.
Stock up on paper products now—it’s that kind of party. Take advantage of this. No one will notice or care that you are not using china, and cleanup will be a breeze.
Step 4.
Make it interesting. YES, that means gambling! Remind each guest to bring cold, hard cash(go by the bank and get change just in case too). Make a poster with squares for each guest to purchase blocks. (See below how to set it up.) A drawing will be done at the end of each quarter. To keep everyone interested, dole out the cash after each drawing.
Think like you are hosting a garage sale and get change for all bills!Once all the guests have arrived and all the blocks are filled with names, draw the number positions to go along the top and side of the grid, 0 through 9.
Step 5.
Greet your guests with a welcome beverage. Then have a cooler full of beer with huggers and bottle openers in close proximity.
Football. Bourbon. Duh? Everyone will want at least one or two of these Bourbon Slushies. It’s the perfect way to kick off the night. Paper cocktail napkins by Pierre Frey, pierrefrey.comNo blender is needed to make these slushy drinks. The bourbon keeps it from freezing too hard while in the freezer. How easy is that?
Bourbon Slushie
Makes about 4 ½ quarts
4 cups boiling water
3 regular-size tea bags
2 cups bourbon
1 cup sugar
1 (6-ounce) can orange juice concentrate
1 (6-ounce) can lemonade concentrate
6 cups water
Pour boiling water into a gallon container; add tea bags and allow to steep for 30 minutes. Remove tea bags, and discard. Add bourbon and sugar, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Add remaining 3 ingredients. Stir until thoroughly combined. Freeze in two, 1-gallon ziplock bags. Before serving, remove from freezer for 15 to 20 minutes.
Learn from Leslie: I use half of the (12-ounce) orange juice and lemonade concentrates for this recipe. The (6-ounce) size is hard to find. For that reason alone, this recipe can easily be doubled for a large crowd.
When serving beer, it’s nice to offer a variety of flavors! Stock up on an assortment. Bottles seem nicer too. I’m not sure why, but they do.
Step 6.
Delegate. Delegate. Delegate. Don’t turn down a single offer for a dip or dessert. You are making the main course and cleaning your house. Make it easy on yourself. It’s a Sunday night!
This an ideal dip for one of these mini slow cookers. Tru 0.65-Quart Slow Cooker, $9.99, Bed Bath & Beyond, bedbathbeyond.com
For those of you who didn’t see my Old Schoolpost a couple weeks ago, I took a basic cream sauce recipe and used it in three recipes. Here it is again. And who would have thought, queso!
Quick Homemade Queso
Makes about 4 ½ cups
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
1 ½ cups Monterey Jack cheese, grated
1 ½ cups Chihuahua cheese, grated
¼ cup Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish with sliced jalapeños and sweet mini peppers, optional
Tortilla chips
In a small saucepan, melt butter. Add flour and whisk until combined, about 1 minute. Gradually add milk, and stir until it begins to thicken, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add cheeses, and salt and pepper to taste. Thin with milk if it gets too thick. Garnish if desired. Serve warm with tortilla chips.
Learn from Leslie:Monterey Jack cheese can be substituted if you cannot find Chihuahua cheese.
Step 7.
Spread out the dips. (Non-messy, near the upholstery, and drippy ones, in the kitchen.) Pass dessert bitesat the beginning of the 4th quarter, it will be an activity. The cookies can also be packaged and used as party favors by the front door.
I love the saltiness of the macadamia nuts combined with the white and semi-sweet chocolates.
Double Chocolate-Macadamia Nut Cookies
Makes about 28 (2-inch) cookies
½ cup butter, softened
½ cup shortening
½ cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 (4-ounce) white chocolate baking bar, chopped into chunks
1 (4-ounce) semi-sweet chocolate baking bar, chopped into chunks
Beat butter and shortening at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy; gradually add sugars, beating well. Add egg and vanilla; beat well.
In a separate bowl, combine flour, soda, and salt; gradually add to butter mixture, beating well. Stir in chocolates and nuts.
Form dough into 1-inch balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Gently press to flatten slightly. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Cool slightly before removing them to wire rack to cool completely.
Cookies are an easy dessert for such an event. No plates or utensils needed!
Step 8.
Set up extra TVs around your house if you have any not in use, like a screened porch, deck (weather permitting), bar, etc.
Step 9.
Refrain from playing music. This is the one party where I leave that off—everyone wants to hear the commercials.
Step 10.
Pull out the Barber’s Party Dip with Wavy Lays, because it wouldn’t be the same without it! A match made in Heaven.
Barber’s Party Dip must be served in the carton. You want everyone to know you did not get another “off” brand! deanfoods.com and fritolay.comNeed a book? Click here now. lesliespartydiaries.comI would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy about making comments or asking questions. I love getting mail! Leslie
Fresh fruits and flowers set the tone for this colorful event.
Nothing says party more than a chilled bottle of Champagne. During football season, Thanksgiving weekend, or anytime during the holidays, take time to set up an attractive mimosa bar. Start with a decorative tray and a variety of fresh juices, such as orange, pineapple, and cranberry, and of course, ice-cold Champagne. For those less festive folks, throw out a bottle of vodka.
A little humor never hurt anything.
A quick and easy appetizer to serve with a mimosa bar is Parmesan-Parsley Popcorn—which falls into my Emergency Appetizer recipe category. I always have these ingredients on hand. I love to serve such a simple nibble in an interesting container. It changes everything.
Even though I’ve never smoked a cigarette in my life, I am somehow obsessed with vintage ashtrays. Certain things jump out at you and there is no explanation—other than there is a sense of nostalgia to them. I feel they will soon be extinct.
Be on the lookout for unusual serving pieces like these vintage treasures.
A large vintage ashtray is the ideal size and shape for a snack like this popcorn, and it’s always good to do something unexpected. The best compliment you can get after a party is for one of your guests to tell a friend what you did. Give them something to talk about.
One bag of microwave popcorn, tossed with Parmesan and then topped with chopped parsley. Impressive, huh?Buttery saltines are always a crowd-pleaser; add a seasoning salt and they are over the top. Next time you have last-minute company, try Trader Joe’s Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend on top of saltines dipped in melted butter. Bake for 25 minutes at 275 degrees. (Bake on a rack on top of a cookie sheet.)This blend of sesame and poppy seeds, sea salt, garlic, and onion is not just for bagels anymore.The buttered saltines will get extra crispy baking on a rack instead of directly on the baking sheet. Find one that fits comfortably on top of your baking sheet.And another really easy Emergency Appetizer is making a mad dash to the “olive garden” bar at your local grocery store. Spoon up a container of specialty olives, add a fancy lemon curl on top, and you are done. Voilà!
Somewhere near the ashtrays at most flea markets are the vintage ice trays—soon to be extinct too, thanks to modern-day ice machines. Look for an interesting ice tray shape, like this honeycomb-shaped one, to make a specialty cube to add to the bar. Pineapple juice freezes beautifully, and a cube of it will add a fresh taste to many of your concoctions without watering it down. Cranberry is a good choice too.
Small cubes are perfect for a skinny Champagne flute.Cranberry juice frozen in a unique ice-cube tray almost looks like fruit when dropped into a glass of Champagne. It flavors as it melts. It’s a two-for-one special.
When time allows, order funny, printed cocktail napkins or interesting, custom cocktail stirrers.
Custom stirrers are available from Etsy at etsy.com/shop/FranJohnsonHouse.How special are these stirrers?
Take advantage of fresh fruits and use them as a container for your garnishes, as I did here with the fresh pineapple. I simply cut a fresh pineapple in half, hollowed out the fruit from one side, and reserved the rest for garnish. You now have a beautiful bowl—that doesn’t need washing at the end of the night.
Decorate the bar with a pineapple bowl filled with the mimosa garnishes.
If hosting a special occasion with an honored guest, save one of the Champagne corks, place it in a mini glass shadow box, and let it be his or her party favor to remember the event. It will make the perfect keepsake. I buy these by the dozen—they come in handy for wine corks too. Thanks, Elizabeth, for sharing this idea with me years ago. (I have one sitting on my coffee table now that she gave me from our wedding.) It’s a thoughtful, easy gift. Your guests will be impressed.
This keepsake Cork Holder can be ordered from Mercantile + Co. at ggmercantileco.com.
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