Posts Tagged ‘parties’

July 30th, 2013 No Comments

elevate even the most casual parties with a bit of direction…and calligraphy

If you are entertaining friends and family this summer it’s ok to give them a bit of direction and having a calligrapher do a few simple tags or signs for you can help you do that. You can’t be everywhere when your guests start arriving, so having a station or bar set up for drinks so they may help themselves can actually let them feel at home and at ease. A calligraphed note can act as your elegant helping hand and let them know it’s ok to dive into the festivities without you waiting on them. This calligraphy was done … Read more

June 11th, 2013 No Comments

tabletop: scrabble alphabet “place cards”

On a recent weekend I hosted guests I used wood scrabble pieces as place cards. The family I hosted also had two young boys, so these were great for both adults and children. I spread the pieces out on the table for the kids to spell out the names themselves. It involved them in the table setting and it was just a fun idea for a casual table setting. I found these alphabet pieces through Save On Crafts– 60 pieces for $3.99. I purchased five sets to make sure I had enough letters for everyone’s name. You could also … Read more

May 10th, 2013 No Comments

potted shrimp…with an edible flower topper!

As you all probably know by now I’m a huge fan of my friend Peter Callahan‘s mini creations. I’m constantly amazed by his creativity. While scouring his book, Bite by Bite: 100 Stylish Little Plates You Can Make for Any Party, for some ideas for Memorial Day Weekend I came across his Potted Shrimp. The recipe is in his book- which I recommend getting if you already haven’t- but Peter also gives the tip that you could skip making the pastry pots and serve the shrimp in clean one inch flower pots. How divine!  Here is a good link … Read more

April 9th, 2013 No Comments

never underestimate the power of a paper pom pom to make guests smile

Whether you are throwing a baby shower, birthday party, a small party for friends or a large wedding- tissue paper pom poms always seem to put a smile on everyone’s face. Usually hung from the ceiling, trees or beams with clear fishing wire, (or as you see above hung by ribbons) anyone can decorate like a pro with these fun paper crafts. Hang them in varying sizes, colors and heights for the most visual interest. They come in almost every color and are available from craft stores, to Etsy.com to paper supply companies. My go-to store for inexpensive party supplies … Read more

March 6th, 2013 No Comments

weddings with peter callahan: bacon cocktails, bacon appetizers, bacon garnishes- they’re all having their day and they are packing a smokey punch of flavor!

As I’m seeing a trend of bacon becoming more popular at events I turned to our March Weddings Contributor, Peter Callahan (bestselling cookbook author & founder of the culinary design studio, Peter Callahan Catering),  to see what he’s been serving. As we talked about the increase in requests for bacon from his clientele, it turns out Peter has a sentimental spot for bacon. “I grew up with bacon. Bacon was put in my peanut butter sandwiches that we ate for lunch while skiing at Mad River. Slab bacon from the local butcher in Londonderry, Vermont was what we served at … Read more