PARTY FOR
two
PARTY BLUPRINT • INSPIRED BY MOLL ANDERSON’S SEDUCTIVE TABLES FOR TWO
OUR
inspiration
Moll Anderson, Lifestyle & Romance Expert, Author Seductive Tables For Two
Dawn Sandomeno & Elizabeth Mascali, Lifestyle & Entertaining Experts/Co-founders Party Bluprints Inc.
Party for Two This Party For Two Party Bluprint is our take on planning a romantic evening at a table for two in your own home. We used Moll Anderson’s book Seductive Tables For Two (STFT) as our inspiration and guide to getting it right. This beautiful book walks you through the decadent details for Moll’s five tabletop must-haves: Color, Fabric, Flowers, Lighting and Music. Plus, Moll takes you beyond the table and into the kitchen with some delicious and tempting recipes for two. Once you have read through its pages, you will realize that Seductive Tables For Two is meant to inspire romance in your life and help keep it burning strong all year long. So follow us along on our journey with Moll and see how we transformed her tips and ideas (using mostly items from our home) into a romantic rendezvous right under our own roof. Once you have created your table for two, it’s easy to make a monthly reservation to celebrate each other! 2
Seductive Tables for Two
©2013 Party Bluprints, Inc., All Rights Reserved
SET THE
mood
Moll’s 5 Must-Haves:
1
(STFT pg. 18)
Flowers
We selected roses and tulips in two different shades of purple from our local flower shop (you can shop your supermarket floral department too) to add a special touch and pop of color to the table. We loved pairing the passion-filled and beautiful rose and the fun and flirty tulip to symbolize two different sides of every romance.
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Lighting
We incorporated candlelight by constructing our own candlesticks using mirrored candlesticks as the base and topping with opalescent globe votives. Nothing sets a mood like candlelight, so dim or turn off the lights and ignite those flames.
See Moll’s Luscious in Lavender Table, (STFT pg. 20) ©2013 Party Bluprints, Inc., All Rights Reserved
Use non-scented candles on your table as scented candles can overpower the senses and affect the dining experience. -Elizabeth 3
SET THE
mood
3
Color We purchased this bright & sexy blue table at a discount store for just $99 and made it the center of attention.
Tip from Moll: every table needs a center of attention – ours is the table!
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Š2013 Party Bluprints, Inc., All Rights Reserved
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Fabric
We layered black & ivory and blue pillows, a black table runner (it’s a pashmina), shimmery silver cloth napkins and a white fur area rug to incorporate layers of fabric in the space. Note: We snuggled the nearby couch into our Table for Two space by using coordinating pillows to create a cozy spot for relaxing after dinner.
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Music
FYI: The dining stools become footstools!
©2013 Party Bluprints, Inc., All Rights Reserved
Music is essential to the mood of any party – especially a party for two. Create a musical love letter to your mate to enhance your special evening. Compile a music mix of your loved ones’ favorite songs – make sure to include some songs containing your love letter “messaging” in the lyrics. Present the love letter CD as a gift and enjoy listening to it all night long. Later, upload it to your tech and relive the romance every time you listen to it.
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SIGNATURE
cocktail h e e rs! C
A signature cocktail is the perfect way to make your night a special one. Start your evening with a toast to each other and then put your lips together and start sipping…
The Blood Orange in this cocktail awakens your senses for the evening ahead. -Dawn
Party Bluprints Sunset Pomosa Cocktail (Makes 2) This “layered” cocktail inspired by a ruby red, orange sunset sets the mood for a special evening with its sexy look and effervescent nature. INGREDIENTS
❑ 2 oz. Blood Orange juice ❑ 1 doz. pomegranate seeds ❑ 10 oz. chilled champagne (you can substitute Prosecco) INSTRUCTIONS ● Place 6 pomegranate seeds in the bottom of each flute. ● Add 1 oz. Blood Orange juice to each.
Check out Moll Anderson’s Sparkling Facts – including her fun pink champagne fact. (STFT pg. 153)
● Top with champagne.
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©2013 Party Bluprints, Inc., All Rights Reserved
WHET YOUR
appetite
M o ll sa y s, u p a ny s t a e h r e d w o p i il “C h d f ire!” n u ro g le tt li a h it w dis h (S T F T pg. 226)
Wrap and refrigerate any leftover Candied Bacon – it’s great for late-night snacking!
Candied Bacon atop Honey Drizzled Cheese (Serves 2) This appetizer was made to be shared. We put a sweet twist on two basics, bacon and cheese, and the result is surprising. Open your mind and taste buds to exploring a new taste and texture. It’s always more exciting when you share a new experience, so savor these flavors and allow them to stimulate your senses. INGREDIENTS ❑ 6 slices uncooked bacon
❑ ½ cup brown sugar ❑ 1 tbsp. chili powder ❑ ½ lb. wedge Manchego cheese ❑ 2 tbsp. honey ❑ Plain crackers (optional) INSTRUCTIONS ● Preheat oven to 400 degrees. ● Mix brown sugar and chili powder together in shallow rimmed dish. ● Dip each bacon strip in brown sugar mixture fully coating both sides. Lay in disposable aluminum pan. Bake at 400 degrees for 15-18 minutes or until crispy (keep careful watch to ensure they don’t burn). “Honey is associated with love…It’s known to boost stamina in men.” (STFT pg. 225)
Consider this your “Conversation Course” taste, explore and engage. -Elizabeth ©2013 Party Bluprints, Inc., All Rights Reserved
● Allow to cool slightly. Remove from pan and place on paper towellined plate to absorb excess oil. Allow to completely cool and cut into bite-size pieces. ● Cut wedge of cheese into bitesize pieces and arrange on serving dish. Drizzle lightly with honey in zigzag pattern. Top with piece of candied bacon. Cheese should be room temperature and not cold when served. 7
SPICE IT
up
Plate the pasta with a portion that will satisfy you and your mate, but not leave you too full. There’s more to come and a night ahead! -Dawn
Gemelli Arrabbiata with Ricotta (Serves 2) This spicy pasta dish features Gemelli (two strands of pasta intertwined to become one) – perfect for this dinner for two. The heat from the pasta will slowly melt the creamy ricotta cheese topping allowing it to easily be mixed into this spicy dish if the heat gets too intense. INGREDIENTS ❑ 1 lb. Gemelli pasta
❑ salt ❑ 3 tbsp. olive oil ❑ 3 large cloves garlic, peeled and finely minced
❑ 2-3 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes (3 tsp. is pretty spicy)
❑ 1 can plum tomatoes ❑ 1 cup ricotta cheese ❑ 6 basil leaves
INSTRUCTIONS ● Add olive oil to large non-stick pan and heat over low-medium heat, add garlic and crushed red pepper flakes and sauté until garlic is soft and fragrant, but not brown. ● Remove from heat and add plum tomatoes and 1 tsp. salt. Using immersion blender, puree tomatoes. Cook on low-medium heat for 2030 minutes. ● Bring large pot of salted water to a boil and prepare pasta according to directions on the package. Drain pasta well and mix into sauce. ● Spoon a serving onto each plate, top with scoop of ricotta cheese and garnish with basil.
Moll’s “ Foods of Love ” list “ Basil - the stimulating scent of basil is known to increase sex drive.” (S T F T pg. 225)
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©2013 Party Bluprints, Inc., All Rights Reserved
Be sure to check out Moll Anderson’s Hot & Flirty Pasta For Two (STFT pg. 212)
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Chocolate is not only an aphrodisiac, it’s a stimulator of passionate love! -Moll
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Š2013 Party Bluprints, Inc., All Rights Reserved
SWEET
endings
Molten Lava Cakes (Makes 2) INGREDIENTS ❑ 1/4 cup unsalted butter
❑ 2 oz. baking chocolate unsweetened squares
❑ 1 large egg ❑ 1 large egg yolk ❑ 2 tbsp. granulated sugar ❑ 1 tsp. all-purpose flour
INSTRUCTIONS ● Grease ramekins generously with shortening and dust with cocoa powder, gently empty out any excess cocoa. Place ramekins on rimmed baking sheet and set aside. ● Preheat oven to 450 degrees. ● Place chocolate squares and butter in glass bowl/glass measuring cup. Microwave on low for 90 seconds and stir for one minute. If mixture is not completely smooth, microwave an additional 15-30 seconds and stir chocolate and butter until they are completely melted - fully incorporated and smooth. Allow to cool slightly. ● In mixer, add egg, egg yolk and sugar. Beat until mixture is pale yellow and light and fluffy. Turn mixer down to mediumlow speed and pour in chocolate mixture, followed by flour. Mix just until combined, do not over mix. ©2013 Party Bluprints, Inc., All Rights Reserved
❑ 1 tsp. shortening ❑ 1 tsp. cocoa powder ❑ 1 tsp. confectioners’ sugar ❑ 2 fresh raspberries, washed and dried
❑ 2 fresh mint leaves ❑ ¼ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
● Divide batter equally into 2 ramekins. Bake for 8 - 10 minutes. The outside of the cake should be cooked through with a molten lava center inside the cake. ● Microwave chocolate chips on low in glass measuring cup/bowl for 30 seconds, stir until smooth. Spoon into sealable plastic bag. Snip off just very bottom of corner and pipe chocolate onto serving dishes in zigzag pattern. Refrigerate for 10 minutes.
Moll says, “Mint is the perfect herb for dazzling the senses!” (STFT pg. 224)
● Loosen edges around cake carefully with butter knife. Place serving dish upside down on top of cake and gently flip. Place dish on counter and gently rock ramekin until cake is freed from container. Dust top of each with confectioners’ sugar and garnish with a raspberry and mint. ● Serve immediately.
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Whether you have been together for 2 or 20 years, coming together to the table is important. Conversation, a cocktail and a home cooked meal are the treats you give and love is the gift you receive from this shared experience – Enjoy!