Most everyone loves a Cosmopolitan cocktail. The cranberry juice makes it red, perfect for a holiday party. But instead of garnishing it with lime or lemon rind, wet the rim with sugar and crushed candy canes then hang a miniature candy cane on the martini glass. A classic cosmopolitan ingredients: 1/2 ounce Contreau Orange Liqueur 1 ounce Vodka 1/2 ounce lime juice 1/2 ounce cranberry juice Cheers!
I’m always gathering punch recipes or special cocktail recipes for the holidays but I forget about what to serve for Christmas brunch sometimes. A classic mimosa is a perfect celebratory drink for Christmas day. Usually two-thirds champagne and one-third orange juice, you can really do any combination that suits your taste. Blood Orange juice can be used (like you see above), Prosecco can be substituted for champagne and a dash of Triple Sec can be added if you wish. Garnish with a strawberry slice, orange slice or even a mint leaf. Set up a self-serve bar if you are having … Read more
You know I’m a big fan of my friend, Peter Callahan’s food and no better time of the year to either give his book “Bite by Bite” as a gift or to make the recipes yourself for any holiday gathering. He’s known for is miniature creations of small bite sized foods. This deviled quail egg above is a perfect hors d’oeuvre for holiday parties. But his book is packed full of creative ideas and recipes. Hands down it’s one of my favorite books to both have and to give.
You can update the look of a traditional punch bowl just by using these other glasses and vessels. At the Philly Fish House in Philadelphia they take old wine bottles and recycle them by filling with their Philly Fish House Punch recipe and letting guests serve themselves from the bottles. Love those tumblers they show? We have them available on our shop. Here’s the link. (above photo by Tina Rupp) Consider using martini glasses to serve your punch to your guests instead of a tumbler or glass cup. This Pineapple Punch from Cosmopolitan looks great in a martini glass. Try … Read more
We did this simple idea a lot for holidays and weddings at Martha Stewart. Take your favorite (flat) chocolate bar and cover with a beautiful paper or wrapping paper and secure with double stick tape. To personalize, add a simple label with each guests’ name. Hershey bars are an easy choice but I love my friend Jessica’s chocolate company Woodblock Chocolate, chocolates handmade by her and her husband. (see our behind the scenes post visiting their factory) You can find labels like these at Staples stores and online and search the internet for free clip art to print … Read more
One way to make your cocktail hour unique, whether entertaining at home or at a large celebration like a wedding, is to offer a signature cocktail. It might seem overwhelming to choose from thousands of recipes but using a simple syrup or shrub can really elevate the flavor and make a memorable cocktail. Simple syrup companies have been a trend in the specialty food industry for several years now. Companies like Maine’s Royal Rose and California’s Sonoma Syrup Company offer wide varieties of flavors and many creative cocktail recipes on their sites. They use organic ingredients like fruits, … Read more
Favors at weddings don’t have to be so expensive. A simple little token for guests to take away with them is always a gracious gesture, but don’t stress; If you can’t find a gift that you want to give you don’t have to give a favor. If you can’t think of a personalized favor, a favor of a local treat is always a great idea- local candy or fudge, honey, maple syrup etc.. Also, you don’t have to be hosting a wedding to give your guests a favor; You can give your guests a favor whether the gathering is small or … Read more
Setting up a casual buffet for entertaining friends at home can be simple. I like to bring a table that I usually use inside- outside for two reasons. One, it feels homey and creates a unique look. Two, it allows your outside patio table to be used to actually sit down and eat with your guests. If you don’t have an extra table, you can use anything from an old dresser or a cardboard table and drape it in a nice simple ivory cloth. Use everyday items from your kitchen like cutting boards , cereal bowls and tumblers as food … Read more
It’s officially fall. But while it’s still warm why not continue to entertain friends and family outside. Creating a casual afternoon of cocktails and bite sized food doesn’t have to be as daunting as you might think. I’ll be sharing my tips all week for casual entertaining so I hope you’ll follow along today through Friday. Pictured above is this week’s color palette which I introduce each Monday and my paint chip picks from Benjamin Moore. Colors chips from top to bottom: Pearly Gates 190, Pearl Harbor 2165-50, Golden Gate 033, Palace Pear cw-650 and Sweet Pear 389. It’s a … Read more
These are the last weekends with a bit of warm weather before the cool air comes in, so why not take advantage and invite a few friends over for drinks? This cherry fizz (above) is easy and non-alcoholic. I always like to have a non-alcoholic drink for guests (besides water) so they feel like they are part of the celebration. Cherry Fizz: Serves 2 / 1 cup cherry juice, 1 cup ginger ale, mix with ice and serve in chilled glass. How about a Hot Toddy? (see recipe below) Serve in an old fashioned thermos to take outside to an outdoor … Read more
