And the winner is...

Larry and I have an unspoken rivlary of sorts. We both dabble in entertaining and while it is not our profession I do think we are more than capable. We wrapped up the final loose ends from our annual holiday open house earlier today - the punchbowl and party plates are repackaged and returned to storage. The table linens are cleaned and pressed. Of course this was also when I opened the dryer and found the decorative handtowels for the guest bathroom - sorry sweet peas that you had to air dry! We're still finding crumbs in the most unlikely places - gingerbread in the bathroom!? I have checked all nooks, crannies, and potted plants for contraband -- you can always tell a good spread when the food is eaten not merely hidden. I'm also happy to state that I did not start the morning off with a hangover - our (deceptivly dangerous) Peartini was a hit - as was the non alcoholic Pomegranate Punch.
Peartini 2 oz Pear Martini mixer
1 oz Greygoose Vanilla Vodka
1 oz Apple Juice
1 oz Pear Nectar
Splash of simple syrup


Pomegranate Punch
1 1/2 Quart Pom Wonderful Blueberry
1 Pint Raspberry Sherbet
1 Pint Frozen Raspberries
1 Liter Seagrams Cherry Gingerale
1 Can Frozen Raspberry Lemonade Concentrate

"Let's Drink"

Moscato Bianco fruit is gently crushed and pressed, then chilled to low temperatures to retain the full aromas and fruit characteristics of the grape. Slow fermentation is halted resulting in Moscato D’Asti’s soft sparkling style.

This frizzante wine has bright fruit aromas with flavors of peaches,apricots, and a crisp hint of citrus.

Best served well chilled, this wine pairs well with sweet fruits, desserts -- like Danish Wedding Cookies, Angel Food Cake, Stilton w/ peach.

This is the staple for this years holiday celebration fabulously priced for under $15.00 per bottle, that way spreading Christmas Cheer won't leave any ugly residue -like debt or a hangover!

Christmas Cards mailed . . . . Check
Presents bought and wrapped. . Check
Stocking hung with care. . . . Check
Party menu planned . . . . . . Check
Give Cookies to neighbors . . Check

Its easy to see why so many people feel overwhelmed during the holidays. Throw in a minimum 40 hour work week and mayhem might ensue. If my list and the corresponding checks make you smirk, perhaps I should let you in on a few secrets for the holiday in order to keep cheerful and sane. My cards were written in October, I really have to get a headstart as the season is very stressful for me, and literally ever second counts. Having the cards prepared beforehand I can easily drop them off in the mail on December 1st, holiday stamps are available after Thanksgiving day usually. I also begin putting my Christmas decorations up on Turkey day, a whole day off and no prospect of shopping - what else do you expect? As I have four very extravagant trees throughout the house in a variety of themes, this is more of a must than a whim. My annual Christmas Party is Sunday the 16th, and we will be running down to the wire, I just finished the menu last night at 2 am. Sleep deprivation is a neccessity this time of year. After hosting a few years you learn a few things - that nothing is perfect, and nothing ever goes completely as planned. So don't panic. My biggest hint is have plenty of drinks available and start with the good stuff, trust me by the time you open the 5th bottle of anything -- your not looking for the flavor profile. And on that note watch your party participants and always have coffee and a taxi cab ready.

Love,

B

Party Prep: Music

Background music is not essential, but why would you not take advantage of eerie, plotting, driving tones to enhance the mood of your get together? I don't believe one's home stereo should rival that of a discotheque. Be a responsible neighbor and host, it's titled background noise for a reason: to cover up the random but evident moments when commentary and discussion lull. People don't like silence it makes them uncomfortable. So too can the thought of dressing up, and going to someone else's home to mingle with people one has never met. A favorite song can seem like a long lost friend.

For an aura of camp, fun, and frolic, try:





For a lively yet haunting mood I recommend:



With the aid of a few wireless speakers, surround sound can be achieved in a variety of locations from the front porch to the patio.

Party Prep: The centerpiece

While flowers may not be the first thought, why not add an element of class and sophistication? This arrangement was created for under $12. The vase was recycled, as were the pumpkin sponges. The purple and orange curling ribbon were in a closet as they were included in a kaleidiscope of colors for wrapping packages. I purchased the following and arranged them by height.
(3) Tufts of Goldenrod
(4) Eucalyptus or Boxwood sprigs
(8) Purple Mums
(12) Yellow mums
(8) Bachelor Buttons

Party Prep: The Table

The invites have been sent, the RSVP's are confirmed, in a few more days the excitment and the exhiliration will come to a crescendo as guests arrive to your party. The addage that the beginning is a very good place to start, may sound redundant but think of the basics for entertainment, consider the number of attendees you will need at least one cup, wineglass, plate, and set of utensils for each if you are providing more than finger foods. The likelyhood of every guest drinking a martini, or brandy is minimal, but water and wine are standard requests don't take the chance of being ungratious or ill prepared. Worst case scenario is that you will have to wash a glass - and there are only slightly worse mood killers. Roaches and Cat hair (or any pet residue for that matter) would qualify, and dearest friends this is not a competition we want to enroll ourselves in.
Cleanliness is tantamount, this is why pre packaged foods and catering are such staples - if the store or service is reputable your own name will not be sacrificed. Of course, the extremely brave and talented, enjoy making each canape, and planning the minutia; as it also lets me control the look, theme, and flavor profile. We mentioned theme earlier for decorations, and I continue it in the food as well, not merely in tone but in taste.
I like to use red berries for Halloween because the sanguine hues are reminiscent of blood, Cheesecake covered in cherries can look like bloodshot eyeballs to a vivid imagination, with a very basic skimming technique fantastical webs can be created in the surface as well.The trick to this tempting treat is pulling a toothpick through rings of melted chocolate.

I am also extremely fond of Banfi's Rosa Regale -- a unique red sparkling wine. Aromatic with a hint of rose petals and raspberries, Rosa Regale is delightfully vivacious and festive. An elegant aperitif on its own; strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, trifles and hazelnut tortes are also elevated by this frothy wine. Its charms extend across a palette of occasions and food pairings, from savory to sweet.

I always buy extra, as it appears at nearly all my festivities in some form. And it makes a great welcome to the neighboorhood, or host(ess) gift.

Party prep: Set the stage

Staging is one of the most important aspects when creating an atmosphere for a successful party. Usually a day before the party I scour the house for breakables, valuables and tight corners. I remove a few antique rugs (to reduce the threat of spills) and realign furniture in order to create zones; while my dining room may look a little barren, I remove all of the chairs into other rooms, it will be ablaze with food. Also place any decorations out a day before, this will help twofold, you won't drive yourself crazy the day of the party (you'll also be free for more pressing matters), and it will also clue in special requirements such as heavy banners that require extra support, or time to iron out wrinkles in tablecloths if neccessary.

Now themes make it easy, but don't get carried away. Treat any place setting like you would your china - there is too much of a good thing. Just because the same decorations are preprinted on 5in, 8in, and 12in plates, and matching napkins, does not mean you have to buy them. This year I have followed a skeleton motif. I usually shop at Target, Walmart, and World Market, as well as the corner grocer. Keep you eye's open and you will find some non traditional touches and great deals.
I also do a dry run for lighting, especially for Halloween as I incorporate black lights for effect. In this case, with low wattage lighting, and flickering candlelight, no one notices the rugs were removed, but I can rest in peace knowing that no one will trip, and cleanup is a breeze. No bones about it!
Photo Courtesy of Grandin Road

Party prep 112

Having decided the appropriate amount of people, or what a reasonable budget will allow, proceed to the guest list and invitations. If you are running short on time, there are pre printed options. But in order to make your guests feel really special and create a buzz in anticipation for the event- do something spectacular - parties are by nature extraordinary! If you will be mailing them by post, I recommend doing a self addressed trial run, particularly if the announcement accompanies something fragile. The preponderance of print shops, photocopiers, and personal computers makes this an easy step to master. For our impending haunt I created a template with the gates to a graveyard with a scrolled fence. Borrowing from the influence of Edward Gorey and Brett Helquist. I have a strict adherence to handwritten envelopes, but I admit that personalized handwritten invitations could be daunting for a very large crowd. Our party will be on Sunday October 28th, most invites are not a complete surprise, as this is an annual ritual, but I recommend having them in the post by Wednesday the 13th, for delivery by Friday the 15th, just over two weeks, essential if Regrets or an R.S.V.P. is requested.

Party prep 101

Having established that you are in fact going to be throwing a party, or any get together, for that matter, you have just entered the preparation stage. Naturally the number of attendees, the date, the location, dress, and amenities must all be given consideration. Over the years I have created a spreadsheet to help me. It acts as a singular resource: budget, guest list, running tab, and timeline. Using a spreadsheet is natural for me, as parties are filled with multiple equations; each aspect a consideration on the other.
Having a headstart to plan and prepare is not crucial, some of the best get togethers are impromptu - of course, being prepared for such impromptu parties is the key element. I usually start a month out, with ideas of theme and cost. Invitations and Guest list are my next consideration. Always over invite; schedule conflicts, poor memory and pressing engagements will arise and you want enough people to make the evening magical. If I am only entertaining 6-8 guests that would qualify for a dinner, not a party, and it would further dictate how to proceed. People are the key element in a party, the decorations, food, and music set the stage but in order for success you must have an abundance of people!