We all love a great party, especially when you're a guest, but how about when you're the host? Here are my tips for throwing a party that will be talked about for years to come, or at least until you throw you're next one!
What's In...
Less is More! - We're in a recession, baby, and now is NOT the time to outdo the Jones!
Create a Fun Theme! - Not every party has to revolve around the summer's 3 big days (Memorial Day, the 4th and Labor Day) Scour your history books and check out some over looked dates. How about a French-themed Bastille Day Party (July 14th) where you dress up as Marie Antionette, let your guests eat some cake and then lock them all up? For added fun send your least favorite guest to the guiollotine. Other dates to consider: National Creamsicle Day (YUM!) August 14th, Wiggle Your Toes Day - August 6th and don't forget to bring the sun block and your binoculars for National Nude Day - July 16th. Whatever you do, please avoid August 15th as it is National Failures Day and that means your party will surely suck! For a complete list of lesser known holidays to build your party around, visit "Bizarre American Holidays" @ http://library.thinkquest.org/2886/
Don't Overlook the Bar! - Someone once said to me, "What are the two things you always remember from a wedding?" I, of course, responded "Taking bets on how long the marriage will last!" to which he said, "Well, yes, but more importantly, did you have fun and did you get drunk!" Hmmmm...sage advice I thought and the point was this...so much of the time too much attention is paid to food and decorations, etc. while the bar plays second fiddle. My suggestion is to create some really great pitcher cocktails to offer your guests rather than serving up a full bar. Pitcher cocktails can be really fun, festive and easy to make and can quench the thirst of many without taxing your wallet. See my "Watermelon", "Lemonade" and "Aquatini" pitcher cocktails below!
Flowers Make Wonderful Garnishes! - While we're talking bar talk, consider ditching those tired old lemons and limes, unless, of course, you are making my LEMONADE PITCHER COCKTAIL...and top off those cocktails with fresh flowers. Roses are plentiful this time of year, quite possibly growing in your own garden and really make a beautiful statement atop a great cocktail. And, have you seen how many petals a rose has??? Other beautiful and edible flowers include: dandelions, chrysanthemums, day lillies, lavender and violets. For a complete listing of edible flowers check out this link: http://whatscookingamerica.net/EdibleFlowers/EdibleFlowersMain.htm
Go Fresh! - Nothing says summer like fresh from the garden ingredients. Grab a watermelon, some strawberries, blueberries and raspberries throw them in your food processor and puree, add some simple syrup, triple sec and your choice of vodak or rum and you've got a fabulous fun and fresh cocktail. Top it off with a good but inexpensive sparkling wine and your guests will never leave...ok, maybe that's not such a good idea!
What's Out...
Pigs in a Blanket! - Now I know I'm going to get a lot of grief some quarters in my family for saying this, but people let the piggies go! I've never been able to understand the attachment to this icon of bad 1950's cuisine. They look like dog treats and according to my pooch, Colt, who won't touch them either, dog food tastes better. I recently lost a heck of a lot of respect for the Goddess of Daytime Cooking, Rachael Ray, when she tried to gussy them up and pass them off to her studio audience and viewers near and far! If you really need a hot dog, fire up the damn grille!
Flavored Beers! - Yes, I admit that Bud Light Lime is kind of addictive, but how about just squeezing a fresh lime into your beer???? Enough said!
At Home Surprise Parties! - Come on, is anyone really fooled by the "sudden" deluge of cars in their driveway when they get home from a day of taking the kids to laser tag????
The "SWINE FLU" Party! - The perfect occasion for serving "pigs in a blanket", but otherwise a huge NO-NO!
When in Doubt...
Contact Signature David for all your party hosting needs! From my "Just for You" signature cocktail creations to professional bartending services to the best tips and ideas on party planning, I am your resource. For more information, please contact me at signaturedavid@gmail.com or via my cell at 860-759-0389.
Cheers! David