Shindig

summer 2011

for the entertainer in all of us

DRINK DISASTERS

Baking with

and how to avoid them!

pg. 12

Booze pg. 10

Luxe for pg. 14

Retro Remix

Just like Momma used to make – only better!

LESS a multi-course meal on a takeout budget!

Blogger Chris Nease plans your party pg. 23

Plus: A True Blood watch party to die for! pg. 9

pg. 36

hoSteSS hAndBook Your handheld hosting helper

$4.99

let us do the work for you...

Availa ble on itu now nes

- monitor cooking time - track RSVP’s - keep note of guest preferences - store event menu with recipes & shopping lists - shuffle party playlist remotely now, go grab a drink!

on the iPad

06.11 10 Baking with booze

Who said booze was just for drinking? Take a look at our delicious recipes that feature a little extra kick.

14 Kiddie chow

A blast from your childhood past in every bite. You’re never too old to enjoy some of your favorite lunchbox snacks. We upgrade your lunchbox favorites into gourmet delights.

16 Basket case

Take the party to go with a stylish and practical picnic basket to suit any need. Yogi Bear would definitely approve.

hostess gift guide 18 Ultimate Is your host a foodie? What about a movie buff? Find the

perfect gift for your favorite host no matter what his or her personality type.

in the digital age 20 Parties The Internet has changed the way the world

communicates, and it’s changed the way we plan our parties too. We talk to web experts who will help you navigate the new etiquette rules.

all about it 23 Blog Think you’ve got a brilliant party plan? It’s more than

likely that Chris Nease has already done it. With years of experience under her hostess belt, Chris shares the do’s and don’ts and the trials and tribulations of party planning.

12

busters 26 Boredom Every host fears throwing a boring party, but there’s no

Party foul

Watch your worries fade away at your next party when you serve clean cocktails. Clear liquid drinks still taste great but won’t make a big mess for those accidents that are bound to happen.

need to fret. With these dining and entertaining tips, you can bring a flat-lined party back to life.

game night 29 Grown-up Don’t save your board games for rainy days. Use them as a theme for your next party! With drinks, activities and decor ideas, these life-sized versions of your favorite games are sure to make your next party a smash hit.

for less 36 Luxe A posh party without the price tag! You don’t need a

big budget to make a party elegant. Follow our guide to throwing a luxurious-feeling dinner party, without breaking the bank.

it or break it 40 Make Even though it’s a small detail, having the right drinking

7 Ask an expert: Crista Scibelli

Crista Scibelli, owner of Creations by Crista Marie, answers your burning entertaining questions including how to decorate the outdoors for summer parties and buying alcohol on a budget.

9 TV Dinners: True Blood

Vampires have become one of the hottest trends on the market.

Party like the undead with our True Blood-themed bash.

Shindig.com Shindig.com/dailydig

glasses can really set the mood. From martini glasses to champagne flutes, there are hundreds of types of drinkware to choose from. Let us help you out.

showdown 42 Centerpiece If you think you have to spend hours on a centerpiece to

make it look great, think again. Here we give you tips for creating your perfect centerpiece in five minutes or less.

The party doesn’t stop when you put down this issue.

Shindig.com will inspire you to throw a party everyday of the year.

Corn-on-the-cob Day fiesta, anyone?

shindig.com

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summer 2011

for the entertainer in all of us

PUBLISHERS Taylor Combs Felicia Kelley Amanda Miller Melissa Schupmann

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Tova Diamond

DESIGNERS Haleigh Castino

Nicole Malinowski

EDITORIAL FEATURES & DEPARTMENT EDITORS

COPY CHIEF COPY EDITORS

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Taylor Combs Felicia Kelley Amanda Miller Melissa Schupmann Dalene Rovenstine Taylor Combs Felicia Kelley Amanda Miller Melissa Schupmann Taylor Combs Kamaria Gboro Felicia Kelley Dana Kimpton Amanda Miller Christine Rose Melissa Schupmann Cassandra Leap Wiselka

PHOTOGRAPHY STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS PHOTO EDITORS

Haleigh Castino Tova Diamond Nicole Malinowski Haleigh Castino Tova Diamond

DIGITAL & ONLINE SHINDIG.COM EDITORS WEB DESIGNER APP DEVELOPERS APP DESIGNERS

Felicia Kelley Melissa Schupmann Tova Diamond Tova Diamond Felicia Kelley Melissa Schupmann Haleigh Castino Tova Diamond Nicole Malinowski

ADVISERS Jan Colbert

John Fennell

A project commissioned by Meredith Corporation with the Missouri School of Journalism Lee Hills Hall | 220 Eighth St. | Columbia, MO 65201 | subscriptions, call: 1-800-SHINDIG

06.11

join the party!

As college students embarking on our

own independent lives away from the comfort and familiarity of the college-town bubble, we wanted a place to turn for hosting and entertaining advice without the “mom” vibes in other magazines. We made Shindig because we wanted fun, fresh and hip entertainment ideas that spoke to our generation.

Publishers Felicia Kelley, Taylor Combs, Amanda Miller and Melissa Schupmann enjoy their “Dottie” cocktails (p. 13) at the magazine’s launch party. Photo by TOVA DIAMOND.

Shindig is a lifestyle publication for those trendy young adults who love to entertain. Think of Shindig as your helpful and reliable friend who always throws the best parties and is willing to spill all of their bestkept secrets. We want to show that anyone, anywhere and with any budget can throw a great party. With that philosophy in mind, Shindig was born.

Summer was the perfect time to launch. Our Luxefor-Less feature (p. 36) will turn your next dinner party into a swingin’ soiree. Head to the great outdoors with a unique new picnic basket; we found some of the best in our Basket Cases roundup (p. 16).

Get inspired by Chris Nease’s amazing party planning skills (p. 23) and get tipsy in the kitchen with alcoholinfused baked goods (p. 10).

With our website and iPad app, we created a community where you, our tech savvy readers, can express your love of partying and scope out the next big idea.

Grab a nice colorful cocktail, bring your ideas and creativity, and join us on our trip through the world of entertaining. We believe that there is truly an entertainer in all of us — and now it’s time to bring yours out.

Welcome to Shindig.

Party on,

We loved the colorful décor at our Luxe-for-Less photo shoot. These vibrant, hand-painted chandeliers are the perfect accent that will make any patio party feel vintage-cool.

Felicia Kelley Taylor Combs Melissa Schupmann Amanda Miller shindig.com

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Each issue we set out to answer your burning

entertaining questions with help from our experts.

This month, we sat down with Crista Scibelli, owner of Creations by Crista Marie, to get your answers.

Scibelli’s company creates custom-made gifts, favors and party items for all types of occasions. She is also the current advertising and branding manager for WE tv and Wedding Central in New York City, and is currently bringing out her inner entertainer by planning her own wedding.

– Amanda Miller Crista Scibelli

party with a pro Q: I like to throw dinner parties, but I am always unsure about what kind of alcohol to serve. Do I have to have both wine and a cocktail? If so, what kinds are easy and inexpensive to serve in bulk for guests and how much should I plan for each guest to have throughout the night?

– Lydia P., Huntsville, Ala.

Q: With summer just around the corner, I am so excited to start entertaining outdoors, but I am always unsure of how to decorate or do the table settings. Do you have any easy tips and suggestions for creating a good atmosphere?

– Kerry B., St. Louis, Mo.

A: When it comes to dinner parties,

opportunity to showcase elements that don’t always work indoors. I love to fill clear vases with water and slices of fresh fruit such as lemons and limes. This is a great centerpiece or accent decoration that is bright and easy to do. Tie a coordinating ribbon around it, and it will look lovely. Table settings should be done with colorful plates stacked on top of one another. Start with a large patterned charger, then add a dinner plate and appetizer plate on top, making sure the colors all complement each other. This will make your table look complete and finished but still fun.

you can worry less about alcohol than you would if you were throwing a cocktail party. Remember, guests are coming to enjoy a meal with you, so the beverages are just an added element. That said, you’ll want to have something that is general enough for everyone to enjoy.

To cover all bases, I’d suggest two types of wine that pair well with what you are serving, and then have a standard vodka and/or rum on hand just in case. As for volume, assume two full glasses of wine per guest throughout dinner.

A: Summer parties offer a great

Q: One of my favorite things about the changing seasons is the different flowers that become available, but they can be so expensive. How can I make my place look festive without spending a fortune on fresh flowers?

– Heather R., Mentor, Ohio A: Fresh flowers are always a great way

to brighten a room. The good thing is that whatever is in season will be the least expensive, so you don’t have to break the bank for a fresh look. Consider what is available locally, and don’t be afraid to utilize inexpensive options like carnations and daisies; they come in a wide variety of colors and last a long time, so they don’t have to be refreshed as often as other blooms like roses or tulips, which will help you save in the long run.

Q: I like to entertain, but I live in an

apartment and have pretty limited space. Is there anything I can do to make my small space work for me when hosting a gathering? What can I do to liven it up?

– Sharon S., Fort Dodge, Iowa

A: First of all, make sure you have

enough seating for at least 75 percent of your guests. Once you know that, you can determine how many people you can comfortably invite. Open up your space by placing larger food tables along the walls and keeping smaller ones (for guests to place drinks/dishes) in the middle of the room. Set up your seating around these. Use lightly scented candles to keep the mood cozy and comfortable and relaxed so guests don’t feel like they are being crammed into a noisy party room.

Q: I love having people over for dinner parties, but it can get pretty expensive. Is it appropriate to ask guests to bring anything? If so, what?

– Lauren J., New York, N.Y. A: Absolutely. In fact, potluck dinners

are becoming increasingly popular now.

It’s perfectly acceptable to ask guests to bring a food item. If you don’t want to have a traditional potluck, another way to save is to ask guests to bring whatever they’d like to drink or have for dessert.

This way you are only covering the cost of the actual meal, and everyone is sure to have something they like to drink/ eat. Also remember, because you are hosting, your guests will likely want to bring something anyway, so requesting an item actually takes the guesswork out for them and is much appreciated. shindig.com

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06.11

true blood party It’s hard to go to the movies, watch television or pick up a book these

days without seeing something about vampires. The bloodsucking undead have gained a cult following after the success of the Twilight saga that had teenagers everywhere picking team Edward or Jacob.

However, the more mature vampire-lovers need look no further than HBO’s hit show True Blood. More than 5 million viewers tune in each week to catch the steamy vampire drama that follows telepathic waitress Sookie Stackhouse and a host of other paranormal creatures as they live their lives in the fictional town of Bon Temps, La. Settle down in front of the tube for a vampire-style watch party.

– Amanda Miller

drinks Vampires head to Fangtasia to get their fix of “Tru Blood,” a synthetic replacement for vampires who are trying to wean themselves off the human stuff. Create your own blood-red cocktail with ingredients of your choosing or follow one of these fang-tastic combinations:

>> The Fangbanger: Cherry 7UP + Vodka

(Create your own “Tru Blood” by bottling the concoction and using printable labels from truebloodwiki.wetpaint.com.

>> Death on the Beach: Cherry 7UP +

Peach Schnapps + Pineapple Juice + Vodka

>> Plasmapolitan: Cherry 7UP + Citron + Cointreau + Fresh Lime Juice

invitations

decorations

If you’re looking for a chic vampire party, let Bon Temps’ ultimate vampire lounge Fangtasia be your inspiration. Fangtasia is all about dark glamour, so dim the lights and let the entertaining begin.

Stick with the informal theme and save time and money by using Evite, Facebook or email to invite friends. But if you prefer making invitations, here are some creative ideas that can be made at home:

>> Create a lounge-like atmosphere by

>> Vial invitation: Buy a glass or plastic

adding big, cozy floor pillows. Replace regular white bulbs with red to set a more muted tone.

>> Drape sofas and other furniture with

black and red satin or velvet fabric to give off a luxury lounge vibe. Add black feather boas for extra glamour.

>> Nestle wax vampire fangs in bowls

with red fireball candies and place the bowls around the room.

>> The neon sign declaring its name

is one of Fangtasia’s most notable features. Create your own at home by picking up a piece of black poster board or foam for a 3-D effect, then use a pencil to write out “Fangtasia” in big cursive letters so that it resembles the actual sign. Trace the lettering in craft glue, pour on the red glitter and you’re good to go.

vial from a site like amazon.com (you can purchase them for less than 50 cents a piece) and fill with red fruit juice. Take a white label and write the party details on it with a marker before sticking it on.

>> Fang invitation: Head to your nearest

party store or an online party goods retailer such as orientaltrading.com, and purchase plastic fangs. Write or print your party details on index cards, and attach with a red ribbon to the fangs.

>> Bloody invitation: Create a grotesque

invitation by dripping red paint on black cardstock to resemble blood. Write on the card with silver marker.

SHINDIG.COM Take a bite out of some Sookie-approved recipes at:

Shindig.com/recipes shindig.com

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06.11

Baking with booze Indulge in these spirited sweets – no ID required Dinner party guests will undoubtedly enjoy the cheese and cracker spread and happily munch on your homemade peanut butter cookies, but why stop at boring and unoriginal?

Treat your guests like the grown-ups they are and serve treats that everyone will love — sweets spiked with alcohol.

This creative and stylish way to combine alcohol and baked goods at your get-together will land you a spot as the hostess with the mostess. Your guests’ taste buds will be tantalized by a whole new world of flavors that run-of-the-mill, sober cupcakes always seem to lack.

Although most of the alcohol bakes out, be sure to do research on the type of booze you choose. Depending on the type of alcohol, how much you put into your recipe, and how long it bakes, some alcohol lingers in baked goods. Looking to get your guests tipsy after

a slice of cake? It’s possible — and delicious — but using too much liquor can make for a mushy confection.

Practice baking these treats a few days before your party to perfect the desired amount of alcohol. The best part about practicing? You get to eat the samples.

Alcohol-filled jelly shots — more chic and sophisticated than the Dixie cup Jell-O shots of your college days — are making an appearance on the wedding scene this year, debuting as a modern, artistic way of serving alcohol at receptions.

Similarly, booze-infused treats are making their way into bridal showers and bachelorette party dinners.

Try some of these adorable looking (and even better tasting) finger foods at your next social gathering and give your guests a fun way to get their sugar-fix.

– Cassandra Leap Wiselka

No-Bake Chocolate Pecan Bourbon Balls Ingredients 1 (9 oz.) package chocolate wafer cookies 1 1/2 c. coarsely chopped toasted pecans 1 c. powdered sugar 1/2 c. + 2 T. cocoa powder 1/4 t. cinnamon 1/2 c. bourbon 2 T. light corn syrup

Directions Put the chocolate wafer cookies in a food processor, and pulse until they are finely ground. Add the pecans, and pulse until they are finely ground and well incorporated. Add the confectioners sugar, 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder and cinnamon, and pulse to combine. Transfer the mixture to a bowl, and add the bourbon and corn syrup. Using a big spoon, stir everything together until well-combined. Transfer the bowl to the refrigerator and let it chill for 30 minutes.

Spread the remaining 1/2 cup of cocoa powder on a plate.

Using a tablespoon, scoop out spoonfuls of the mixture and shape it into 1-inch balls. Roll the balls in the cocoa powder. Put the balls on a wax paper-lined baking sheet, and refrigerate until they are firm, about 1 hour. Store the balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Separate layers of balls with wax paper to prevent sticking.

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shindig summer 2011

Dirty Girl Scout COOKIES Ingredients

Directions

2 sticks unsalted butter, softened 1 c. sugar 1/2 c. firmly packed light brown sugar 2 large eggs 1/2 t. vanilla extract 2 t. instant espresso powder 2 c. all-purpose flour 2/3 c. unsweetened cocoa powder 1 t. baking soda 1 t. salt 32 Junior Mint candies

Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream the butter, sugar and light brown sugar with an electric mixer until fluffy or for about 3 minutes. Add the eggs, vanilla and espresso powder. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and beat to combine. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt. Gradually beat the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, stopping to scrape down the bowl as needed. Drop the dough into rounded balls (about 3 tablespoons each) onto the cookie sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake until the cookies have flattened, about 15 minutes.

Cool on baking sheets for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cookies have cooled, make the glaze. In a medium bowl, combine the powdered sugar with the liqueurs and stir with a whisk until smooth. Set the wire rack with the cookies on it over a row of paper towels. Using a spoon, drizzle about 1 teaspoon of glaze over each cookie and gently press a Junior Mint into the center.

For the glaze 1 1/4 c. powdered sugar 2 T. irish cream liqueur 1 T. coffee liqueur 1 T. crème de menthe

Black Russian Cake Ingredients 1 box chocolate cake mix 1 pkg. chocolate pudding 4 eggs 1 c. vegetable oil 1/4 c. sugar 1/2 c. vodka 1/2 c. Kahlua

1/2 c. water 1 t. instant espresso 1 c. chocolate chips

For the glaze 1/4 c. Kahlua 1 c. confectioners sugar 1/4 stick butter, melted

Directions Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a bundt pan with spray or butter. Combine the cake mix, pudding, eggs, oil, liquors and water. Beat for 4 minutes, then stir in chocolate chips. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Let cool. Make glaze by combining liquor, sugar and butter.

Pour glaze slowly over cake. Dust with extra powdered sugar immediately before serving.

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06.11

Dodge a drink disaster

Say goodbye to pesky party stains with these carpet-friendly cocktails

For adults hosting a party, one of the best ways to put a unique spin on the menu is to come up with a festive selection of drinks. Sure, there’s the typical champagne and beer, but for those who want to be more creative, there are a slew of other options that will not only put a twist on the casual cocktail, but will also leave guests asking for the recipe.

Unfortunately, there can also be a downside to creating colorful cocktails that set the mood — the mess. We all hope that the glass of red wine won’t get knocked off the table onto the freshly steamcleaned white carpet, but let’s face it: someone is bound to commit a party foul, and we’re here to help.

1

Stain removers can only do so much, so instead of spending your party worrying about the next spill, spend it relaxing as guests enjoy a few clean cocktails. These cocktails contain clear-colored liquid, so if a spill does happen, it’s not the end of the world.

Fortunately for your guests, clean cocktails also are a great alternative to typical party fare.

Although they might not be a vibrant apple green, they can be garnished for a pop of color. Follow these recipes for clean cocktails that will leave your carpet stain-free and your guests wanting more.

– Amanda Miller

White cosmo

Ingredients 1 oz. vodka 1/2 oz. Grand Marnier or Triple Sec 1 oz. lime juice 1 oz. white cranberry juice 1/2 slice lime — for garnish

Directions In a cocktail shaker with cracked ice, combine the vodka, Grand Marnier or Triple Sec, lime juice and cranberry juice. Shake well. Strain into a martini glass, garnish with the lime and serve at once.

2 vodka gibson Ingredients 1 oz. Vermouth 4 oz. vodka 1 cocktail onion

packs a punch

Directions In a cocktail shaker with cracked ice, add vermouth and vodka. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass with a cocktail onion as garnish.

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shindig summer 2011

the dottie Ingredients

3

2

2/3 oz Bacardi Razz 2/3 oz melon liqueur 1 tsp sugar syrup 1/2 slice lime — for garnish lemon-lime soda (Sprite or 7-Up)

5

Directions In a cocktail shaker, combine Bacardi Razz, melon liqueur and sugar syrup with cracked ice. Add a few ice cubes into a chilled glass and strain into the glass. Fill the rest of the way up with Sprite or 7-Up. Add lime wedge for garnish.

1 4

4 The lady perfect Ingredients 1 1/3 oz. vodka 2/3 oz. dry Vermouth 1/3 oz. Cointreau 1 red Maraschino cherry 1/2 slice lime — for garnish

Directions Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with cracked ice. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a maraschino cherry and a lime wedge.

5

atlantic cocktail Ingredients 1 part gin 1 part rum (Light) 1 part Cointreau 1 red Maraschino cherry

er s u m mle stap

Directions Shake equal amounts of gin, light rum, and Cointreau well with cracked ice. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a Maraschino cherry.

3

SHINDIG.COM Blot on, blot off.

Check out our quick stain clean-up guide at:

Shindig.com/drinks

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06.11

Kiddie chow

Put a grown-up twist on comfort classics

Pretending to be a kid again but too old for chicken nuggets, fish sticks and macaroni and cheese? Once you try these childhood favorites updated for the adult palate, you’re sure to relive your childhood memories with an even better adult twist.

Use fresh ingredients: In order to get that sophisticated taste with the same nostalgic feeling, cooks should upgrade their ingredient list. Instead of using store-bought produce, skip the frozen section, and head to your local farmer’s market. Choosing more decadent ingredients for recipes, from gourmet butters to rare cheeses, will give you the adult version of some of your childhood favorites.

Experiment with booze: Instead of thinking of alcohol solely as a

go-to drink therapist, experiment with it in the kitchen. Wines and spirits add great flavor to food when cooking and can elevate the flavor of your favorite dishes. Try baking with bourbon, Guinness or a liqueur to add a rich flavor to some of your favorite desserts.

Don’t be afraid to tweak the original recipe: Just because you’re in the mood for some childhood classics doesn’t mean it still has to taste like Mom made it. Be bold in the kitchen.

Instead of using chicken, go for a seafood version with lobster or crab meat. Also, don’t be afraid to add in vegetables. Mom would be proud.

– Christine Rose & Felicia Kelley

Welcome your guests just like mom used to with classic comfort foods that will appeal to a more mature palate. Photo by HALEIGH CASTINO

Put a twist on PB&J with unique breads & tasty spreads Maybe you haven’t eaten peanut butter and jelly sandwiches since you were a kid, but they’re just as tasty today as they’ve ever been. In fact, if you use the right ingredients, a sophisticated PB&J will probably be better than any version of the sandwich you ate in grade school.

>> A flavorful, textured bread like rye or

sourdough can make all the difference when refining the classic PB&J recipe. >> Don’t waste good bread on subpar peanut butter. Use the all-natural kind. It will be thicker and richer than regular, heavilyprocessed peanut butter and will provide a more authentic, peanut-filled taste.

Elderberry or crabapple preserves and pumpkin butter are all possibilities, though you might have to go to a specialty grocer to find them. Pick up a jar of jalapeno jelly if you want to add a spicy kick.

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Shake up plain pizza with seafood Ingredients

Gourmet ingredients gussy up gooey Mac & cheese Ingredients 4 oz. thick-sliced bacon Vegetable oil Kosher salt 2 c. elbow macaroni or cavatappi 1 1/2 c. milk 2 T. unsalted butter 2 T. all-purpose flour 4 oz. Gruyere cheese, grated 3 oz. sharp cheddar, grated 2 oz. bleu cheese (Roquefort) crumbled 1/4 t. freshly ground black pepper Pinch nutmeg 2 slices white sandwich bread, crusts removed 2 T. freshly chopped basil leaves

Directions Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place a baking rack on a sheet pan and arrange the bacon in one layer on the baking rack. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the bacon is crisp. Remove the pan carefully from the oven. Transfer the bacon

to a plate lined with paper towels and crumble when cooled.

Drizzle oil into a large pot of boiling salted water. Add the macaroni and cook according to the directions on the package, 6-8 minutes.

Drain well.

Meanwhile, heat the milk in a small saucepan, but don’t boil it. Melt the butter in a medium pot and add the flour. Cook over low heat for 2 minutes, stirring with a whisk. Add the hot milk and cook for a minute or two more, until thickened and smooth. Turn off the heat, add the Gruyere, cheddar, bleu cheese, 1 teaspoon salt, pepper and nutmeg. Add the cooked macaroni and crumbled bacon and stir well.

Pour into two individual size gratin dishes.

Place the bread slices in a food processor fitted with a steel blade, and pulse until you have coarse crumbs. Add the basil and pulse to combine. Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture over the top of the pasta. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the macaroni is browned on top.

Make grilled cheese for grown-ups with fun add-ins First, choose your cheese.

More important than anything else in your grilled cheese is the titular ingredient: le fromage. When you want something truly special, it’s time to haul out the Big Guns.

Pepper Jack, Gouda, Brie and Havarti are good beginners’ cheeses, but when you really want your G.C. to stand out from the pack, choose an artisanal cheese to give your sandwich serious flavor.

Next, pick your bread.

The bread upon which you lay your cheese is vital to the success of your sandwich.

Your bread must be sturdy enough to withstand toasting, buttering and grilling, but not too stiff that it resists melding with your cheese. Try ¾-inch thick slices of whole wheat, sourdough, rye, or pumpernickel, or get crazy with a biscuit or ciabatta roll.

Finally, dress your G.C.S. Tomato, avocado and peppers add taste and texture, and bacon, ham and turkey add salty, meaty goodness. Go international with prosciutto or mortadella. To top it off, season your grilled cheese with basil, oregano, pesto, red pepper flakes or garlic.

With so many possibilites, you’re on your way to becoming the next Grilled Cheese Master.

1 pkg. (6-1/2 oz.) pizza crust mix 3 T. butter, divided 2 T. all-purpose flour 3/4 c. milk 1/4 c. chicken broth 1/4 c. shredded Monterey Jack cheese 1/4 c. shredded Swiss cheese 1/4 lb. uncooked bay scallops, chopped 1/4 lb. cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined and chopped 1/4 lb. imitation crabmeat, chopped 2 c. (8 oz.) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese Paprika, optional

Directions Prepare pizza dough according to package directions. Press onto a lightly greased 12-inch pizza pan; build up edges slightly. Prick dough thoroughly with a fork. Bake at 400°F for 5-6 minutes or until crust is firm and begins to brown.

Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Stir in flour until smooth.

Gradually stir in milk and broth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Reduce heat. Stir in Monterey Jack and Swiss cheeses until melted. Remove from the heat.

In a large skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add scallops; cook and stir for 3-4 minutes or until firm and opaque. Stir in the shrimp, crab and 3 tablespoons cheese sauce.

Remove from the heat.

Spread remaining cheese sauce over the crust. Top with the seafood mixture, sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and paprika if desired. Bake for 13-16 minutes or until golden brown.

Let stand for 5-10 minutes before. cutting. Yield: 8 slices, 4 servings.

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Basket case

Pack a picnic and hit the road with a basket Yogi bear would envy

Picnic baskets have a somewhat out-of-date quality to them; they seem more like something seen in Grimm’s Fairy Tales than something every household should have. But maybe Little Red Riding Hood had the right idea; there truly is no better way to transport food, whether it is for a date night, a family outing or a day trip with a group of friends.

Call it a response to the recession or a return to simplicity, but more and more people are ditching the white tablecloths and expensive tabs in restaurants in favor of red-checkered blankets and finger foods. Picnicking is steadily making a comeback.

And as we head into summer, the season of outdoor concerts and hiking trips, soccer games and swim meets, invest in a good picnic basket to accompany you on your trips.

You won’t have to look too far to find one. Companies are jumping on the basket bandwagon, offering stylish vessels that function as great as they look. Innovative designers have ensured that baskets are no longer bulky wicker monstrosities reserved for trips to Grandma’s house.

Think of them instead as childhood lunchboxes for adults. Just like in grade school, there’s a type and style for everyone. However, unlike that aqua Pocahontas lunchbox from elementary school, these new and inventive carryalls do everything from insulating your meal to protecting your dishes. Today’s picnic baskets are deluxe; there’s no excuse for you not to own one.

– Dana Kimpton

Mini Grill-in-Cooler Bag $30, Crate & Barrel

Say so long to the early mornings of packing coolers for the brats and sodas and wrestling to get the camping stove out of the crawlspace.

For sports-lovers, Crate & Barrel has created the Mini Grill in a Cooler Bag ($29.95). Packing up the tailgate has never been easier. Whether you’re a sports fan or just a fan of grilling, this modern take on the picnic basket is the ideal accessory for any barbecue. Throw on the hot dogs and watch them sizzle. It’s up to you whether you want to have an open flame without a permit. We won’t tell.

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shindig summer 2011

Stylish Trunk $150, Sagaform

This basket is proof that the most romantic dates are not always the most expensive. If you want to impress that special someone, find an outdoor concert near you and pack a picnic dinner in this stylish trunk. With a mini table that folds out of the side of the trunk, melamine plates, wine glasses, stainless steel cutlery, fine cotton napkins and a corkscrew for the wine, all that attention to detail will surely win over some hearts. If not, at least you’ve enjoyed a meal al fresco.

Sherwood Picnic Tote $90, Picnic World

Line up the kiddos and pass out the dishes.

The ultimate family picnic basket has arrived, and it’s mad about plaid. Even if everyone wants a different kind of sandwich, they’ll all be happy once it’s time to eat. There’s plenty of room for everyone’s food inside the insulated, duffle-like Sherwood Picnic Tote from Picnic World. With the place settings on the side, you can pack other supplies besides food in the body of the tote. Blankets, soccer balls, you name it. It all fits. When the inevitable spill occurs, don’t fret. Inside the bag is a removable waterproof liner that’s a breeze to wash.

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Metro Basket $30, Picnic Time

For the city slickers, nothing says “urban” like lunch in the park. Escape the daily grind with this neon picnic basket/cooler combo. The soft sides make it carry more like a tote than a basket, while the walls insulate your food. Remember that scene in “Pretty Woman” when Julia Roberts meets Richard Gere in the park in the middle of his workday and teaches him to “pop a squat?” Go ahead, live a little. Take a long lunch, kick off your work shoes and enjoy dining outside the office. The concrete jungle seems a lot softer with this versatile item from Picnic Time. shindig.com

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The most for your host

Never show up empty handed again with these gift ideas for less than $75 Surprise your host and show him or her that all of their hard work is appreciated by bringing a little something special that says thanks. No matter their style or interest (or your budget), you can find the perfect gift.

Not sure when to bring a gift? Not all parties warrant something more than a verbal thank you. If you’ve been invited over for movie night, to catch the big game or to just sip some wine and chat, offer to bring

something that everyone can enjoy (such as an appetizer, side dish or drinks) and be sure to say thanks for the invitation.

However, if the gathering you’re attending started with a formal invitation, requires a dress code or required hours of planning, be sure to bring a thank you gift.

It will show that you appreciate the invite and the work put in to make everything come together so perfectly.

– Katie Laughridge

The Fashionista

Vintage peacock hair clip, $15 Your fashionable hostess will appreciate a little extra flair for her hair after a busy day prepping for her party. Hair accessories are easy to find at a variety of price points and styles. It’s the perfect gift for your fashionista friend.

The Java Junkie Reusable coffee cozy, $24

Coffee lovers rejoice! Those boring paper cup cozies will be a thing of the past for your caffeinated cohort. Gift them with a cool cozie that will keep drinks warm and hands cool. Different styles make this a gender-neutral gift.

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The Wine-lover

Haute HOSTESS APRONS

Hand-painted wine glasses, $75 Splurge on these handmade beauties your host will love. Customize them with engraving or a hand-painted personal message. Make a toast to your host!

Aprons can be used for far more than keeping the clothes you wear under them clean. In fact, they can be used to make one fabulous statement.

And what more could you want when throwing a party?

Let us introduce you to Haute Hostess Aprons by fashion queen, socialite and southern belle Elizabeth Scokin. Nashville-based Scokin is an entrepreneur, PR pro and event planning expert, having planned parties for the social elite for years.

It makes sense that the entertainer and fashion fanatic would find an opportunity to make a name in the world of hostess accessories.

The Techie

iPad vinyl sticker, $6.50 With Shindig’s Hosting Handbook App, the iPad has become a host’s best friend.

Make things a little more personal with a cute monogram of the host’s intials.

Scokin has created a collection with designs that go from glam to luxe to simply sweet. Any host is certain to find a piece that matches their personality, home or party theme. Each piece is made with a unique, dazzling fabric – some shiny and sheer, while others are decked out with sequins. You can even find a little something for the bride-to-be.

These designer aprons have a designer price tag to match, but if you want to splurge on the ultimate host gift for yourself or someone else, Haute Hostess Aprons is the place to shop.

Check out Scokin’s designs at hautehostessaprons.com.

The Interior Designer Throw pillow, $60

This lushly textured throw pillow adds a touch of sophistication to any old couch.

This gift will inspire some décor envy, so beware of pillow fights.

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Parties in the

digital age

by Taylor Combs illustration by Nicole Malinowski

How social networks are changing the way we entertain It used to be that the heavy weight of the paper and the inclusion of a luxe paper liner signaled the importance of an event; the better the invitation, the better the party, right?

With the increased use of social networking sites, the way we invite our friends to a party has changed. Now it’s easier and cheaper for hosts to send an email invite than to pay for snail mail invitations. However, planning a party in the digital world also presents a variety of issues that could have unintended consequences. There’s a new kind of social etiquette that attendees and hosts should remember when throwing or attending a 21st century party.

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Party Problems

Dos and Don’ts

When sending invitations via email, hosts can run into issues that could make even the most seasoned partier scratch their heads. Punchbowl.com has tried to remedy some of the following issues with online invites with their party planning website. The founders of the site felt that similar ones left something to be desired. They had invitation options but left the host on his or her own for the rest of the party. Stephanie Fader, senior marketing manager for the website, outlined some of the problems with online invitations and social networks:

Etiquette around digital party planning is something that needs to be developed as the practice becomes more popular. Michelle Cimino, a 40-something mother of two teenage girls, wrote her book NETiquette (On-Line Etiquette) after seeing what people were posting on Facebook and saying in emails. She realized that the traditional manners that were important before the emergence of these technologies still mattered but needed to be adapted.

“Mostly, I use common sense and the same ideas used in old fashioned letter writing and business etiquette to improve online etiquette,” Cimino said in an email.

When inviting guests, Ciminio cautions hosts to be aware of their friends’ locations. Inviting all your friends to an event, even when they couldn’t physically attend, sends the wrong message, she says. “If you want to invite people over a social site, you should take the time to invite people individually.

If they want to spread the word around, great, but don’t just blast out an ‘I’m having a party, and you can’t come, ha ha!’ type message. It’s rude,” she says.

Another entertaining-related problem created by social networks comes post-party: the dreaded drunken photo.

Ciminio recommends asking friends if it’s ok to post any photos that could damage a reputation before uploading them. “It’s not that hard to text or email someone and ask if you could post it,” she said in an email. “We all know the damage that can be done with the wrong picture posted.”

The Internet has opened up party planners to a variety of issues and benefits, but it’s unlikely that it will replace paper invites entirely. There are some events where a silky, calligraphy-covered envelope is in order. Cimino says that parties in an out-of-state location, weddings and other family events warrant a real invitation or a more personal phone call. We’d never ask you to give up your Crackberry either, so if you decide to use email or the Internet for special occasions, make the invite as special as possible.

Punchbowl’s invitations allow you to pick the look of the invitation and liners, and add pictures or logos to personalize.

The best part – no postage and no extra cost. Sending the invitations and using the party planning tools are free, which gives you more room in the budget for the things that really matter at a party: the food, the fun and the people. A party is a unique opportunity to show the people you love how much you care, no matter how you invite them.

The Generation Gap: If you’re throwing an engagement party or 30th birthday bash and the guest list is multi-generational, a Facebook event or an email invite might not reach all of the desired attendees. Although you might have to deal with mom’s constant posts on your Facebook wall, not everyone of her generation is up on the trend. Others are techno-phobic and have stayed away from email as well.

Spam Attack: When sending an email, you can’t guarantee that the recipient will actually click on it. It helps if the sender is someone the guests trust and recognize, and they’ll be much more likely to open the email.

The Undecided: There’s nothing more annoying then those people who click “maybe” on a Facebook invite. Punchbowl.com only offers “yes,” “no” or a “decide later” option, which follows up with the invitee until they give a solid answer – no maybes here.

The Fickle Friend: One problem social networks created is invitees basing their decisions to come on who else will be there. This tacky tactic can be avoided, too. “You can actually turn off the guest list on your Punchbowl invitation so that other people don’t see it,” Fader says. “In that case, you’re not making your decision based on who else is coming, you’re making your decision based on the fact that you were invited to an event and whether you can make it or not.”

It’s not all bad news on the web front, however. Punchbowl. com has added features that a paper invitation could never have. Hosts can send out surveys to see what kind of snacks or cocktails the guests would like to have – a feature especially popular for Super Bowl parties and New Year’s Eve. The site also nods to the nostalgic; a potluck survey can be included to easily determine who is bringing what to Thanksgiving dinner.

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Let'sforhear it the

host Party planner and blogger extraordinaire Chris Nease’s top tips for fabulous festivities

By Melissa Schupmann As the founder of Celebrations at Home and the popular companion blog, Nease shares her expertise on how to throw small, intricate gatherings with more than 150,000 page views per month.

With more than 13 years of writing and design experience under her partyplanning belt, Nease specializes in do-it-yourself decorations and designs to create a personal atmosphere for guests.

Her business, which designs events for less than 100 guests, is based in Richmond, Va., and reaches hosts across the nation through its online presence.

Balancing the role of freelance writer and editorial stylist, Nease has a range of experience that has helped her prove that with a little help from Celebrations at Home, anyone can entertain.

Chris Nease at her Moroccan-themed party.

Photo courtesy of HUNTER HENKEL PHOTOGRAPHY

>>

Get inspired by Nease’s creativity. Turn the page for more gorgeous photos of her parties.

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Moroccan theme

These chicken shawarma skewers are a fancy alternative to ho-hum finger foods. Photos courtesy of CHRIS NEASE

How can a host create an event that will be memorable to his or her guests?

If you want a memorable event, make it fun, and incorporate something unexpected. It doesn’t have to be something over the top. It could be something as simple as serving mini cupcakes out of china tea cups or displaying cocktail glasses in an open vintage suitcase. Your guests are certain to notice these little details and remember your fabulous party.

What is the most important thing to keep in mind when hosting a party?

The best thing to do is to keep the interests of your guests in mind and make it a comfortable and inviting scene.

Make sure the guest list includes talkers and listeners and that the personalities will mesh well together.

Why is it important to host events and parties for friends?

>>

What inspired you to pursue a career in event planning?

This is an interesting question because I grew up very simply. To my parents, entertaining was cooking steaks on the grill on Saturday nights with good friends and while the adults played cards and sipped cocktails, we kids played outside or in another room. Conversely, holidays at my grandmother’s house were always very proper and elegant.

I certainly gained an appreciation for etiquette as well as a joy for fostering friendships through social gatherings. This, coupled with my creative streak and eye for design detail, has led me to my career.

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I believe it’s important to show others that they are important to us, and that we enjoy and cherish their friendship. We need to relax, laugh and participate in good conversations with others – it’s food for the soul!

What is your most memorable partyplanning experience?

My most memorable experience was probably planning my very first cocktail party when we moved in to our new home years ago. We were in a new state, at new jobs, in a new neighborhood, and I took a leap of faith and invited all these “strangers” over for a Christmas cocktail party.

Fortunately, it was a success and became an annual event.

What is the biggest mistake a host can make when throwing a party?

Forgetting to enjoy his or her self. This is where the planning process can really pay off. Write down the last minute things that need to be done, and then set up self-serve areas so you’re not playing waiter or waitress the whole time. If you’re running around while your guests are arriving, they will feel awkward. Stop for a moment, have a glass of wine and enjoy greeting your arriving guests.

What are the best ways a host can plan a fun party without breaking the bank?

Well, if you want to spend time with good friends, a pot-luck is always a budgetwise choice. There are differing views on this, but I feel like most people usually

ask “what can I bring?” anyway, so just make that part of your party theme.

You can have a Mexican fiesta or Italian feast, and everyone can try a new recipe and exchange recipe cards if you like.

Also, keep your drink selection to beer and wine to avoid a large liquor bill.

What is the best party you’ve attended and why did it make an impression?

I’ve been to some “fabulous” events where I’ve had an okay time, and also been to some last-minute parties and had a great time. It just goes to show that money and grandeur do not make the event. Personally, I am a food and music snob. If there’s tasty food and great dance music at an event, I’m pretty happy. One of the most memorable parties I attended was a Mardi Gras party a few years ago. Great food, drinks, friends and a Soul Train dance line that would have made Don Cornelius proud.

Have you ever had a party planning disaster?

I haven’t had a real disaster per say (knock on wood), but our annual Christmas party got cut short one year due to an ice storm. People had to leave almost as soon as they arrived because the weather turned bad. It was disappointing because I spent literally months planning, weeks decorating and days preparing food, only to have a 5 to 6-hour party for 40 turn into a 2-hour party for five.

How can a host avoid party planning disasters?

Just plan as much as you possibly can in advance. Make lists; try to think of everything that your guests will need for the day or evening.

French theme

Nease’s French party menu includeds Brie with strawberry reserves. Photos courtesy of CHRIS NEASE

BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE...

For more beautiful photos of Chris’ parties and recipes for the food seen here, click on the Shindig blog, Mingle.

Shindig.com/mingle shindig.com

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06.11

Boredom busters

Keep the party poppin’ with these helpful suggestions Attending a mundane party is always a chore.

The food is well prepared, all of your closest friends are in one place, but something is still missing from your party: life. To resurrect the dancing and dining dead, try these four tips in an attempt not to kill your guests with boredom before it’s their time.

– Kamaria Gboro

Other than the food, the décor is the second most important part of party planning.

Use funky, statement dining pieces to spark conversation and add a chic effect to the room. Lighting is also important in decorating. Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering or a large house party, pick the best lighting that will suit your guests. Play with layers and use candles, lamps and votives to add dimension.

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Photo courtesy of Chris Nease

Fun challenges can definitely make any party more exciting – especially if there’s a prize for the person who wins.

Instead, try challenges such as alcohol smelling or taste competitions. Also, placement cards can double as great game pieces. On the back of each card, write a few getto-know you questions such as: What’s your favorite song?

Where did you go on vacation last? How do you know the host? These questions will break the ice and allow guests to find similarities among themselves.

It’s time to upgrade from table topic cards. Table topics are now available as apps for mobile phones and are also available on the iPad. On the invitation, ask guests to download the free app before attending the party and set aside a 20-30 minute time frame for table topics and introductions. Starting the party with a chic and fun icebreaker will alleviate tension and nervousness among guests.

You might not be at a nightclub, but that doesn’t mean guests aren’t allowed to dance. When there is not enough space in the room and guests are cramped in one location, remove furniture from a specific room and rope off a special section for their dancing delight. To get friends in the mood to dance, pick upbeat songs where everyone’s bound to do a quick two-step. From oldies to new hits, create a good hybrid to set the ultimate dancing scene.

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story by Felicia Kelley photos by Laura Lee

S

imply put, board games are fun at any age. Although dragging out a board game while hosting a dinner party might seem obscure, we have options for the gamer in you. Instead of bringing the game out to play, make your entire party one. With these helpful hints and tips, we teach you how to transform a regular party into the ultimate game night.

Parker Brothers’ Monopoly is one of the most classic board games in the world. From a Disney version to McDonald’s cups, Mr. Monopoly can be found all over the world. With its wide recognition and mass appeal, it makes a great theme for game night. With a little planning and creativity, you can host a Monopoly themed party that your friends will never forget.

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Décor • Buy streamers, favors and fun-colored party paraphernalia based on the board game to liven up the atmosphere.

• Print large versions of the printed money and use them as table decorations (confetti is so last season).

• Purchase small prizes that correlate to the different properties or spaces. For example, a pair of handcuffs for anyone who lands in jail or a mini Empire State Building for anyone who buys New York Avenue.

• Buy a top hat. What’s a game of Monopoly without Mr. Monopoly’s infamous topper? If you’re feeling extra festive, buy a mustache to complete the look. Felt mustaches make cute cake picks, too.

Dining & Drinks • Decorate a sheet cake like the monopoly board.

• Individually wrapped goodies such as popcorn, hot dogs and cotton candy work great as game treats.

• Give traditional drinks funky names to add a fun, thematic twist. Here are a few examples: • Uncle Pennybags: Jack & Coke • Jailhouse Rock: Rum punch

Activities • To bring the board game to life, set up different stations around the house and name them after the properties.

• Make huge property cards with the names and hang them in back of the stations.

• Set a price for all the stations and games. When guests arrive, give them $200 for passing “go”. (Make a large poster board with the game space “go” and set it up at the front door).

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With a game full of mystery and deceit, what’s not to love? Clue is the most well-known “whodunit” board game and throwing a Clue-themed murder mystery party is a fun way to add spark to any get together.

>>

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Décor • To add an eerie vibe, decorate you house with black tablecloths, candles and weapons.

• Find plastic versions of each of these weapons at a party store and place them around the house.

• Use a toy revolver and knife and work these into your mystery in as many ways as possible.

Dining & Drinks You cannot throw a Clue party without paying homage to the infamous characters. Below are some drink and food recipes with a mystery twist.

Colonel Mustard Dip Purchase a store-bought honey mustard dip or whip up your own. Mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise with 1/4 cup each of honey and yellow mustard. Add a pinch each of salt and pepper, and stir to combine. Cover the dip with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it. Serve the dip with pretzel sticks or raw vegetables.

Mr. Green Chile Pinwheels Mix an 8-oz. package of cream cheese with a 4-oz. can of drained green chile peppers. Add a pinch of garlic powder, then stir until combined. Spread the mixture in a thin layer across four large tortillas. Roll each tortilla tightly like a jelly roll. Wrap each tortilla with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to use them. Cut each tortilla into 1/2-inch pieces and serve.

Mrs. Peacock’s Cocktails Serve the drink known as the Peacock. Combine 1/4 oz. banana liqueur, 1/4 oz. peach schnapps, 1 oz. melon liqueur, 1 oz. blue curacao and 2 oz. each of pineapple juice and orange juice in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Mix and pour in a highball glass; then top with 1/4 oz. raspberry liqueur. The liqueurs will layer to look like a peacock tail.

Activities • To make each guest feel important, assign specific roles for each guest. Take each guest into a private room and explain what she will be doing. They won’t know what anybody else’s role will be until the end of the game.

• Assign your killer and your murder victim. Make other people involved romantically or have others dislike each other.

• Have certain people perform specific tasks at certain times throughout the event. For example, somebody could turn off the lights at 8:30. Another could take all of the weapons and hide them. Each action should make sense in the story and with their characters. This will help your party move smoothly. Give them a handful of actions to perform and let the guests do the rest.

SHINDIG.COM Play on!

Check out our Candy Land and Chess party guides at:

Shindig.com/games

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PArty miXer A Shindig.com eXcluSive

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miX it uP! Start with the basics: pick the occasion, attendees, location and budget. Party Mixer will generate original party ideas to get you going. let the mixing begin!

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CHEAP CHIC An elegant dinner party without the hefty price tag

D

inner parties have long been a favorite way to keep in touch with friends while enjoying good food and good conversation. But thanks to luxury home magazines and television shows, they have also become lavish affairs that can seem unattainable for the average person. Sure, it would be nice to have a celebrity chef prepare food and and expert decorator at your disposal, but not everyone has the lofty income to match. Thankfully, there are ways to throw an elegant dinner party without breaking the bank. Simple things such as knowing what foods stretch the furthest, where to shop and tips on how to stage the table can turn any party into a posh affair, outrageous price tag not included. Follow these simple suggestions to throw the dinner party of your dreams for less than $200.

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Illustration by HALEIGH CASTINO

Invitations Written invitations have almost become a novelty with the advent of electronic invites through sites such as Facebook, but when you want to give that extra bit of flair, stick to paper invites. They are more customizable and let guests know immediately that this is a well-planned affair. They also aren’t too expensive and if you choose a neutral stationary, you will be able to use them for future parties or thank you notes.

A 50-pack of blank white note cards, for example, can be purchased for around $10 at Target. “Use a fine-tip pen or marker, similar to one you would use for scrapbooking, and take the time to handwrite

your invites,” suggests New York City food and entertaining expert Sara Axelrod.

“Everyone loves a handwritten note, and if you practice your cursive, you can make it look just as fancy as an expensive printed invite,” she says.

For those who are more computer savvy or believe printed invitations look more upscale, they can be easily attained through online printing retailers such as Vistaprint for free. Vistaprint offers 100 black and white postcards for free, and they will ship the invites directly to your house in three days or less. All designing is done by the host online, so choose an elegant script font or a premade design using one of Vistaprint’s free and chic templates.

Décor For a dinner party, the main attraction is the table, and there are lots of inexpensive options to make it look upscale.

“There is nothing you can do that is more important than putting time and care into how the tables look, and a tablecloth is a great place to start,” Axelrod says. Choose a white, ivory or cream colored tablecloth if you want a lavish look that you can use over and over again.

Walmart offers solid colored table cloths from its Better Homes and Gardens collection for just $14. Opt for deep, rich colors like red, blue and green if your china is a simple pattern for an added pop. Axelrod shindig.com

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table.” Pitchers, mason jars, old wine bottles and glass juice bottles can make great vases as well, or you can float the blooms in bowls of water.

Drinks Cocktails are one thing that can get the party going, but they can also end up being your biggest expense if you’re not careful.

While nothing says luxury like a fizzy, colorful cocktail, specialty liquors and mixers can be quite costly. So, make sure to get the most bang for your buck. Warehouse centers such as Costco and Sam’s Club carry many of the same brands as your local grocer but at a lower price. Choose one signature cocktail to serve at your gathering so you don’t have to purchase several different wines and liquors.

Ettienne and Axelrod both tout Sangria as the go-to drink of choice for a fancy affair.

Simply combine an inexpensive wine with a lemon-lime soda like Fresca, add some fruit and let it sit overnight in a covered pitcher.

The fruit will add a pop of color to the glass and guests will delight in its refreshing taste.

Pairing liquor with seasonal fruits also helps stretch the alcohol further. Try peach margaritas and watermelon daiquiris for summertime or apple cider martinis in the fall. Since you’ll be mixing the liquor, you don’t have to buy top-shelf quality. If you and your guests prefer wine, keep up with current wine trends and try to buy wines before popularity and exposure drive up the price.

Try Costco’s 2009 Kim Crawford sauvignon blanc ($13) or the 2007 Andre Brunel Cuvee Sabrine’ Cotes du Rhone Villages ($12).

Food has one more suggestion to save on linens.

“Most grandmothers, aunts and cousins have extra tablecloths that they don’t use every day stored in a closet somewhere.

Ask them to borrow one for the evening and chances are they will insist that you keep it,” she says.

For place settings, don’t worry if you can’t afford that set of pristine bone china.

“You can pick up some fine sets of china at estate sales, along with getting some great deals on silverware,” Minneapolis entertainer Katy Winker says. “Mixing and matching old or antique silverware is also tres chic, so there’s no need to have a perfectly matched set.” Also, if you’d rather go with a set of simple, inexpensive white dishes, you are good to go for any season,” she says.

If you’re on a super tight budget, pick up

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a 32-pack of 10 in. white Chinet paper plates from Walmart for only $5. They are thicker than regular paper plates and will look just fine with your other décor.

One of the easiest ways you can create a feeling of elegance is to add fresh flowers.

They brighten up a room and will make guests feel as if they are dining at a five star restaurant. Head to a warehouse retailer like Costco and pick up a bouquet for less than $10.

“One thing I like to do is buy a less expensive bouquet of flowers, cut them down to the bud, and place each one in a shooter glass that you can place around the table,” says Arizona-based event planner Coryanne Ettienne. “Add tea lights and inexpensive chargers for $4 or $5 a piece under the plates and you have one luxurious looking

Drinks can set the mood and get the conversation going, but if you’re smart, the food is where you can really make a dinner party seem grand without the price tag.

Ettienne suggests the best way to make a dinner party feel luxurious is by serving something guests wouldn’t normally eat on a typical night at home such as ethnic cuisine.

“Morroccan food is one of the biggest trends in entertaining right now and it’s cheap to make,” she says. Ettienne recommends a traditional Moroccan stew known as Tajine. Tajine mainly consists of tomatoes, seasonings and root vegetables but can be customized by adding chicken, lamb, fish or chickpeas for vegetarians. Get your meat from a warehouse store such as Costco for a lesser cost per pound.

To truly make a meal feel restaurantworthy, make sure it has courses, but don’t get too fancy. An appetizer or two, an entrée

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and a dessert will make the meal feel like something special and allow plenty of time for conversation. If you go with a Moroccan theme, try a simple appetizer of assorted hummus flavors and flatbread and then drop in to your nearest Whole Foods or specialty grocer for the traditional Baklava for dessert.

For those whose palates are less adventurous, one dish that never fails to impress is a well-roasted chicken. “Whole, fresh chickens can be purchased at a great value,” Axelrod says. “If you do some research on good recipes, I recommend one that includes brining. You can have yourself a fail-safe dish that everyone will love.”

Desserts Perhaps the course of the meal that says “luxury” the most is dessert and it can cost little if you make it yourself. “Chocolate mousse served in martini glasses is simple to make in advance, looks divine and tastes even better,” says Winker. Axelrod suggests a no-bake cheesecake with one special homemade touch.

“Homemade whipped cream is incredibly easy to make and adds a nice touch to most desserts,” she says. “Just buy heavy cream, add some sugar and vanilla, and whip it until it’s the right consistency. If you make it in advance, you can put it in the fridge for a few hours and then just give it a final whip to fluff it up before serving.” Whatever you choose, a well-planned dessert is a way to end the party on a high note.

Whether you go for a traditional chicken feast or opt for a more unique Mediterranean cuisine, an upscale dinner party doesn’t have to come with a large price tag. Chances are, your guests won’t know the difference between a luxury dinner party or one that’s luxe-for-less.

06.11

Make it or break it

Smash expectations by choosing the perfect glass for the occasion You’ve just decided what drinks to serve at your party.

The next question is, what should you serve them in? Choosing the appropriate glassware for your party is a delicate balance between suitable style and personal taste. Using the incorrect type of glass could be a serious faux pas in the eyes of your guests, so be sure to make careful decisions to display your host expertise. A guest develops a personal relationship with his or her own cup, so let your drinkware reflect the mood of the event.

First, the basics. Champagne, wine and margaritas are served in stemmed glasses. Champagne should be served in long glasses called flutes to preserve the bubbles, whereas margaritas and other mixed drinks belong in the distinctive

tapered glass. Red wine glasses need to have a larger bowl for the wine to swirl in without spilling. Both red and white wine should be swirled, but reds have heavier aromas and therefore need larger space for the aromas to rise. After all, the character of the wine is its aroma, not its taste. The taste of a wine can actually change depending on the glass.

For nonstemware, glassware is just as important. Beer should be served in large vessels such as a classic pint glass.

As with wine, the aroma and taste of beer is affected by the shape of the glass. Lighter beers are typically served in slender pilsner glasses and heavier brews are complemented by beer mugs. Mixed drinks or hard liquor belong in tumblers, which are a class of flat-bottomed glasses that include shot glasses

Short and Sweet Stemless Wine Glasses

Stemless wine glasses are great for large parties.

After all the guests leave they can go straight into the dishwasher without having to worry about broken stems.

photo by HALEIGH CASTINO

Cup O’ Joe

Buoyant Bubbles

A hearty mug keeps coffee nice and warm. A rustic earthenware will make guests feel right at home. Expect friends to linger long after dinner to savor the flavor.

The smaller bowl of the flute keeps the bubbly nice and carbonated.

The stem also keeps the heat of your hand from warming the glass.

Coffee Mugs

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Champagne Flute

and highball glasses.

Nonalcoholic drinks also deserve special thought. The thicker the mug, the longer your tea or coffee will stay hot. Frothy drinks such as lattes require cups large enough to hold the foam. Demitasse cups, French for “half cup,” are perfect for a rich, dark espresso.

Plenty of glassware exists for any occasion that might arise, so choosing which ones you want to serve your guests can be a make-or-break party planning experience.

– Laura Li & Taylor Combs

SHINDIG.COM For lucious libations to pour in these glasses, take a peek at the drinks tab on Shindig.com

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Shaken or Stirred Cocktail Glasses

Aromatic fruity cocktails are best served in a conical glass. The larger surface area exposes those tasty ingredients, so take a wiff.

Red, Red Wine

Sharp Shooter

Jolt of Java

Red wine needs a little room to breathe. Glasses with a larger bowl allow for maximum swirling to enchance the flavor of the wine.

For a party with friends, leave the souvenir shot glasses from spring break in Vegas in the cupboard.

Clear glasses are the most classy.

Half the size of regular coffee cups, these delicate drinking vessels are great for a post-dinner pick-me-up.

Red Wine Glasses

Shot Glasses

Demitasse Cups

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06.11

Centerpiece showdown Make your table photo-worthy in five minutes or less

The floors are vacuumed, mood lighting is set and the playlist is pulsing, but you’ve reached an awkward waiting period before friends or family arrive. You pace the floor and make some final adjustments and rearrangements to the place settings before you realize a problem: the table is looking a little naked.

Solution: a quick and easy centerpiece can glam up any dinner table and give guests something to gauk at. Added bonus: they prevent awkward staring contests across the table.

Consider the shape and size of the table. Are they rectangular, square or circular? Are they short or long? Longer tables need at least two

centerpieces. With its oblong shape, creating balance is a necessity.

Like the rest of the decor, centerpieces will help set the mood. If your centerpiece exudes style and charisma, the event will follow suit.

By using unique household items, centerpieces can become the focal point of the party and a conversation starter. What will be the talk of the party? Your creativity of course. They’ll never guess that your fabulous arrangement was a lastminute find.

Test out a few of these sweet and stylish centerpieces next time your strapped for time.

– Cassandra Leap Wiselka & Taylor Combs

photo by HALEIGH CASTINO

Fruits of Your Labor

Festive Flicker

Make an edible centerpiece. For a playful, fun look, use a bag of lollipops and a Styrofoam ball. Place the lollipops together in bunches to create what looks like a giant flower. Try placing fresh fruit in that decorative bowl that spends most of its time in the cabinet. Use colorful fruit, such as red and green apples, purple plums or yellow lemons to create a colorful but fruity twist.

Use candles for a nighttime affair to convey romanticism and elegance. Try placing pillar candles or tea lights on a cake stand or inside tall cylindrical vases. Voila! Instant mood-setting beauty.

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photo by TOVA DIAMOND

Page Turner Create a vintage, whimsical look by unevenly stacking book spines into piles. Grab classical, worn books (if there aren’t any on your bookshelf, check a thrift store or a Goodwill) to give a modern feel. Use a ribbon to tie them together or let them hang loose. These are great conversation starters and a perfect excuse to show off your literary taste.

Faux Florals

Floral centerpieces — even ones made with fake flower — are always a hit. Try short stems clustered into a spherical shape in a low vase. Pale purple hydrangeas are always a pretty choice. photo by NICOLE MALINOWSKI

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