Feeds:
Posts
Comments

Archive for the ‘entertain’ Category

Tuxedo Strawberries

Posted in Easy Recipes, entertain, Fast Recipes, tagged , , , , on April 9, 2010| Leave a Comment »

I confess, I did not make the strawberries shown here, but I did take the photo and I enjoyed eating them. Does that count? I certainly hope so.

I love strawberries and chocolate and the combination of the two is nearly fatal. It is so hard to not eat more than my share of these wonderful treats. They are fairly simple to make, look very elegant and are so yummy. Make sure you use strawberries that are fresh and ripe.

Tuxedo Strawberries

  • 18 medium fresh strawberries with stems
  • 1 cup vanilla or white chips
  • 3-1/2 teaspoons shortening, divided
  • 1-1/3 cups semisweet chocolate chips

To make:

  • Line a tray or baking sheet with waxed paper; set aside. Wash strawberries and pat until completely dry.
  • In a microwave-safe bowl, melt vanilla chips and 1-1/2 teaspoons shortening in 30-second intervals; stir until smooth. Dip each strawberry until two-thirds is coated, forming the tuxedo shirt, allowing excess to drip off. Place on prepared tray; chill for 30 minutes or until set.
  • Melt chocolate chips and remaining shortening. To form the tuxedo jacket, dip each side of berry into chocolate from the tip of the strawberry to the top of vanilla coating. Repeat on the other side, leaving a white V-shape in the center. Set remaining chocolate aside. Chill berries for 30 minutes or until set.
  • Remelt reserved chocolate if necessary. Using melted chocolate and a round pastry tip #2, pipe a bow tie at the top of the white V and three buttons down front of shirt. Chill for 30 minutes or until set. Store in the refrigerator in a covered plastic container for up to 1 day. Yield: 1-1/2 dozen. Serving Size: As many as you want!

Happy Entertaining!

Read Full Post »

Spring Party Theme Ideas

Posted in entertain, Entertaining at Home, Entertaining Ideas, tagged , , , , on April 6, 2010| 1 Comment »

Despite the fact that we can see snow in the foothills from our house and the weather is less than springlike, it is a great time to think about hosting a spring-themed parties. Invite some friends over for a casual dinner, brunch or lunch and create your own spring nirvana.

Here are some ideas for easy spring entertaining. Enjoy!

• Tulips – bring in a few bouquets, spread them around the house and, ahhh, feel that warm glow of spring already throughout your home.

• Lilacs – also another harbinger of spring. A few bouquets will make your house smell like mother nature herself waved her magic wand and welcomed spring inside. I absolutely love lilacs and their gorgeous scent.

• Wild pops of color – bright, cheerful colors like hot pink, salmon, bright purple, sunshine yellow, grass green and robin’s egg blue all shout  “Spring is here. Celebrate!” Drape one of two colors on your buffet and choose flowers and serving pieces in coordinating or contrasting colors. Start with a basic black table covering to get the most “Wow” factor from your buffet. Black squeezes every drop of excitement out those bright colors.

• Pussy willows or blossoming branches – fill a tall vase with a few branches and you not only have a striking centerpiece, but you’ve also created a little corner of outdoorsy bliss in your home.

• Pull back the drapes – or take them down entirely – and let the light in. Even on these cloudy days, create the sense of light with strategically placed lighting or candles. Remember, candle light is flattering to everyone!

Happy Entertaining!

Read Full Post »

Feather Your Nest for Spring

Posted in entertain, Entertaining at Home, tagged , , on March 23, 2010| 1 Comment »

I don’t know what it is about cute little nests, but to me they just call out “spring.” For a touch of fun and whimsy in your spring decor, think about feathering your nest with a few little nests.

You can find nests at the craft store or in the craft section of your local department store. You can add fake eggs for a for a natural look, nestle a glass bowl inside with pastel candies or add a fake bird. A large nest (or a grapevine wreath can also work) is a lovely container for  spring floral arrangements. Just make sure you are placing a container inside that is water tight to hold the flowers.

Add a few spring plants to a nest for a colorful centerpiece or accent.

Tuck tiny nests among the piles of books on your coffee table or library shelves. Add them to groupings of glass bowls. Hide them in your houseplants.

I guarantee every time you see one, it will make you smile and think “Ah, welcome Spring!”

Happy Entertaining!

Read Full Post »

Make your St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Fun

Posted in entertain, Entertaining at Home, Entertaining Ideas, tagged , , on March 16, 2010| Leave a Comment »

Tomorrow is the one day a year we all can celebrate being Irish, whether we are or not. Invite some friends over for a simple, yet fun evening to commemorate St. Patrick’s Day.

Start by painting a rock green and leaving it close to the door. Your “Blarney Stone” can be kissed by guests as they enter. Legend has it  that kissing the actual stone is supposed to give the kisser the gift of eloquence and persuasiveness  – a sure bet for interesting conversation throughout the evening.

Set your buffet table using a green tablecloth, green napkins and green accents such as a shamrock plant, green candles and bowls filled with green M&Ms or jelly beans.

Serve a simple baked potato buffet or make a big pot of Irish Stew with Irish Soda Bread. Add in a tossed green salad and green cupcakes for dessert, and you’ve got a fun, yet easy to make meal that will serve the masses.
For an engaging activity, you can fill a plastic pot or bucket with gold-foil wrapped chocolate coins and hide it somewhere (inside or out, depending on the weather). Create a treasure hunt with clues and break your guests into groups of treasure hunters. Whoever finds the pot first, gets to keep it.

Encourage everyone to wear something green – even green socks or a tie can contribute to a sense of whimsy to the evening.

Have a wonderful St. Patrick’s Day!

Happy Entertaining!

Read Full Post »

« Newer Posts - Older Posts »