YOUR GUIDE to all things
#FabulouslySocial Fall 2014
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We believe friends + family make the world go ’round. We believe it’s the thought that counts. We believe in effortlessly turning everyday moments into memorable occasions.
#FabulouslySocial [fab-yuh-luh s lee soh-shuh l] noun.
A state of mind. Never fussy, exceptionally fun. Living life with those your love. Making moments into occasions into memories.
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Fall PARTIES We’ve put together seven different parties to inspire and guide you on making your gathering #FabulouslySocial
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HOUSEWARMING PARTY Summer brings house moves. Fall brings housewarmings. Regardless if you have a new house, or you just want to celebrate the one you are already in, these fun fall party tips will surely inspire! Shop this party
The Art of a WELL-written NOTE
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COCKTAIL PARTY
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Truly timeless and always gorgeous, nothing says sophisticated like a black and white cocktail party with *pops* of shimmer. {We’ll drink to that!} Shop this party
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Halloween Party Make Halloween drop-dead spirited this year with our proven tricks + treats!
HAM + PEA PUREE CROSTINI page 55
Shop this party
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DINNER PARTY The most intimate of gatherings, a well-thrown dinner party fills your plate as well as your heart. Shop this party
APPLE BAR 4 | Red Stamp
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FIRST BIRTHDAY PARTY Your sweet little bundle deserves a *smash-ing* celebration. ONE certainly is the fun-liest number! Shop this party
T OP YOUR TREATS page 39
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PIRATE PARTY Ahoy! Riches ahead. See how décor can transform your fare to make the most of any themed event. Shop this party
I DEAS FOR A BABY SHOWER
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Baby SHower New beginnings call for fresh fruit, flowers, and food. Fête the parents-to-be with love + lights. Shop this party
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Recipes
P ARTY PLANNING TIMELINE
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HOUSEWARMING PARTY Summer brings house moves. Fall brings housewarmings. Regardless if you have a new house, or you just want to celebrate the one you are already in, these fun fall party tips will surely inspire!
Shop this party Watch our Fall video 2014 | 7
ONE fab party table. deconstructed. Copper is all the rage!
Coasters make for messy spoon rests. Just toss when done! Starting at 16 qty, $24
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Table runners add color, texture + personality to any table! Starting at $22
String mini flags on colorful baker’s twine to make mini garlands. Adorable! 16 qty, $16
Cake toppers aren’t just for cake! Hearty seasons call for savory treats. 16 each
$
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The Art of a WELL-written note
Whether wishing, congratulating or thanking, the best notes are personal and complimentary. They also can be short + sweet. Always think about the recipient when determining greeting, style, and delivery. Here are the three basic parts to any great note.
1. WHAT ARE YOU CELEBRATING? A gorgeous new home? A beautiful new
baby? A thoughtful gift that you were thrilled to receive? Make the first part of your note complimentary and gracious.
2. WHAT’S YOUR VERY FAVORITE PART? What makes who and/or what you
are honoring so *dang* awesome. The perfect gift that will work wonderfully in the kitchen? Or a birthday girl who is just as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. Dig deep.
3. WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU AND YOUR RECIPIENT? Creating a life together? Re-connecting over a cup of coffee? Well wishes for the following year? There is always something to let your recipient know they are in your head and heart.
For more tips on how to thank, wish, invite, announce, visit blog.redstamp.com. 10 | Red Stamp
Tip: Wrap our laser cut crowns around lanterns, votives, vases, candleholders and bring your party colors to any decor.
Dearest family & friends, Please join us for cider & cheer to make our house into a home. Open House Sunday, October 19th | 2-5pm The Malleys 55 Linden Hills Blvd. Minneapolis, MN 55410
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Cocktail Party
Truly timeless and always gorgeous, nothing says sophisticated like a black and white cocktail party with *pops* of shimmer. {We’ll drink to that!}
Shop this party Watch our Fall video 2014 | 13
TIPS ON THROWING A
PICTURE-PERFECT COCKTAIL PARTY Cocktail parties are the ultimate party type to celebrate milestones like engagements, birthdays, and anniversaries. Typically an evening affair, they range from three to five hours. There is no harm in setting a start and end time; but don’t expect everyone to leave a great party on the dot! THE MUSIC Music is a must. Let the party theme drive your jam, but don’t be afraid to compile genres. Cocktails are best served over everything from jazz to disco to hip-hop. Need a little assistance? Check out our Spotify mixes. THE MOOD From fresh flowers to soft lighting to inviting scents, your home should make your guests feel welcome. Make sure you are taking care of your guests from start to stop by doing a mock entry and walk-through. Think about what would make you feel more warm and welcome? Be critical so your guests don’t have to. THE MINGLE The cocktail party is all about the mingle, so at least one week before your party, close your eyes and picture where you want your guests to gather, mingle, and sit. Offer seating, but leave more room than you think you need around furniture. Offer multiple places to grab a little snack so you don’t have traffic jams at the food table. Leave room for empty plates and glasses and sweep the room regularly to make sure these areas stay tidy.
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Brie, Nutella + Pear Bites
Ham + Pea Puree Crostini
THE MENU The key consideration is easy to hold and even easier to eat. Full-flavored, bite-sized, and easy-to-chew fare reigns supreme. You really don’t need to spend a lot of money to impress your guests. Just keep it simple and keep it fresh. Make trays ahead of time, stick in your fridge, and you’ll love how quickly you can replenish your devoured bites.
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Champagne with Fresh Berries
Our printable recipe cards make great hostess gifts or party takeaways! Find these recipes and more at blog.redstamp.com/category/recipe
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TABLE RUNNERS Starting at $22
Pennant Banner 16 each
$ Join us as we toast the blissful engagement of Chris Washburn to the lovely Jocelin Malley December 19, 2014 | 7:00 PM The Washburns 25 East De La Guerra Santa Barbera, CA 93101 RSVP to Lucy Washburn 805.555.5555
Invitations 2.99 or less
$
Cocktail napkins 18 | Red Stamp
Starting at 24 qty, $14
PERSONALIZING YOUR EVENT IS OH-SO-EASY! For milestone parties, create custom décor with the date. Add a fun phrase or inside joke to lighten the mood. If it’s a large group, put a question that you have to answer on items like coasters to help initiate conversation.
MENU + TReat Bags Starting at 12 qty, $18
Mini Flags 16 qty, $16.
Don’t forget!
Coasters Starting at 16 qty, $24
Thank You’s 2.99 or less
$
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Halloween Party Make Halloween drop-dead spirited this year with our proven tricks + treats!
Shop this party Watch our Fall video 2014 | 21
ONE WICKED PARTY It’s Halloween and you’ve never been so bewitched! Style up your party by building a foundation of black and white and then layering in pops of orange and neutrals, like kraft paper.
INVITATIONS Spooky fun. Invitations set the tone, so make sure you choose wisely. Communicate any must-know party details {like costumes} as well as start and end time with cheeky, yet clear, writing. 2.99 or less
$
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STRAWS Straws set in beakers make for mad fun. Add some flair with our self-adhesive mini-flags. 24 qty, $5
COCKTAIL NAPKINS Personalize your cocktail napkins with a haunted saying! Bonus points for tying it back to your haunted house. Starting at 24 qty, $14
MINI FLAGS Deck out your drinks with a mini-flag garland. Cut ribbon, raffia, or string to fit the bottle and loop. The mini-flag’s self-adhesive tags make this a breeze. 16 qty, $16.
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TREAT YOURSELF! Trick-or-treating, deconstructed. A candy bar is a fresh + low maintenance way to weave treats throughout your party and/or home. Paired with our sweet, personalized treat bags, the station doubles as a serve-yourself favor. {R.I.P. large, plastic bowls of bite-sized candy.}
1 Customize your treat bags with a fun phrase, candy choices, and/or your family name.
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2 Pie stands make for a scrumptious sculpture of candy. Create a tiered look to save space!
3 Gather a bunch of candy and let those little ghouls and goblins fill up our trick or treat bags to their hearts content. Candy coma here we come!
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TAKE A BITE Apple Bar How-To :: Forget the ice-cream, use fresh apples as the base to your towering treat. Have an epic assortment of toppings, more is more in this case! From gummy worms peaking out of chocolate sprinkles to oozy caramel sauce, young and old will get carried away in the fun. Personalize the spooky spider web table runner and create the perfect canvas for your oodles of goodies. Makes for quick clean up, too! Find fun beakers for a spooky, mad scientist look for all the candy accouterments. Start with sliced honey crisp apples {soaked in a bit of diluted lemon juice so they don’t brown} and add your favorite candy. We love :: yogurt covered pretzels, a mixture of milk chocolate, butterscotch + white chocolate chips, caramel nibs, black licorice, salted peanuts, watermelon sour candy, Reeses PiecesŽ, gummy worms, caramel sauce + chocolate sprinkles. The trick is to get a good variety of colors, shapes and sizes!
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Tip: Cut a licorice whip into 5 even-ish pieces. Take one piece and wrap around the center of the remaining four pieces. Viola! Spooky spider licorice treats that can “crawl� anywhere you like!
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DINNER PARTY The most intimate of gatherings, a well-thrown dinner party fills your plate as well as your heart.
Shop this party Watch ourFallvideo 2014 | 29
DINNER DO’S THE INVITATION It all starts here. Set the mood before they even enter the door. Optimally, allow yourself two to four weeks before the event to invite guests. Printed? Handwritten? Digital? Our best advice is to go with the formality of the occasion and the vibe you want to set. These days, anything goes! THE DÉCOR Whatever you do, make sure you pay special attention to the table. The heart of any dinner party, the table is where people eat, laugh + make memories. Sit at your table and check out the views around the room. Need a little somethin’-somethin’ to spice up your walls? Hang a garland, banner or two! Tip: Share *good vibes* or another fave phrase with your guests.
Send invites directly from your device of choice. Our app and online store accommodates you and your lifestyle… wherever you are!
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Whether your party is casual or fancy, these simple things will make it feel *extra* special.
Menu Bag :: Share your menu {and accouterment!} with clever menu bags.
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Placemat :: Add texture, color + personality to your table with personalized paper placemats.
Coaster :: Pattern up, sentiment down. Create a moment of surprise + delight by handwriting a sweet something on the reverse side. Have them flip up at desert – there’s nothing sweeter!
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FIRST BIRTHDAY Party Your sweet little bundle deserves a *smash-ing* celebration. ONE certainly is the fun-liest number!
Shop this party Watch our video
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Piper is One! mini-cakes for our baby cakes january 4th 9am - 11am @ piper’s house see you there!
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A little takeaway gift, just for them!
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Our placemats can double as gift wrap!
Make sure your partygoers are part of the action with young-at-heart décor. Bright colored placemats, laser cut crowns, *fizzy* drinks, striped straws adorned with mini flags. Set up a festive table for gifts. Given that one-year-olds aren’t the ones typically opening gifts and that energies instead are spent entertaining the birthday babe, gifts can be opened after the event. Personalized pennant banners are a joyful and easy way to celebrate the theme or menu. Order thank you notes – we’ll print and address and even stamp them - and have them sent to you before you send them onto your guests. Allow your little artist to add his/her own * colorful * commentary and just drop ‘em in the mail. Easy peasy! Fall 2014 | 37
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How do you top your TREATS? Top this! Complement cute cupcakes, cookies, pies, and cakes. Made out of sturdy acrylic, our toppers can become a tradition to adorn any and all celebrations.
Not serving cake? You can always put our toppers in flowers for | 39 Fall 2014 a fun, tabletop twist!
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PIRATE PARTY Ahoy! Riches ahead. See how dĂŠcor can transform your fare to make the most of any themed event.
Shop this party Watch our Fall video 2014 | 41
SET THE TONE
MAKE A SCENE
A great invitation should be clever and informative. No matter how literal or abstract your design, keep your wording festive. Call for costumes, create some props – get your guests into the action from head to toe!
No matter what the theme, start with your own ‘treasure chests’ + layer from there. For this party, we raided our own pantry for serving pieces and thrifted antique store for mugs, soda containers, and more.
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FOOD AND DRINK Match phrases and food types to your theme. For the pirate theme, we pulled together loot, gold coins and candy, dressed up with eye patches and then featured make-your-own floats playing off of pirate mugs and “arrrs�.
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Tip: Use party favors they’d surely walk the plank for!
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Baby Shower New beginnings call for fresh fruit, flowers, and food. FĂŞte the parents-to-be with love + lights.
Shop this party Watch our Fall video 2014 | 47
Ideas for a Baby shower Hosting a shower has never been so much fun! There are so many ways to celebrate a little one’s arrival either before or after the birth. Work with the parent-to-be to gather the guest list, favorite colors, and registry deets. Popular themes like safaris + the circus make for a fresh palette and festive event. If gifts are being given, make sure you are keeping tally for thank you notes! GENDER REVEAL The hottest thing in baby showers since blue + pink arrived on the scene. Include prize-driven wagers around size, gender, date, and time. * Bake * the reveal into the cake by creating a center filled with gender color. Find out as a group by having the expectant couple’s technician seal the results in an envelope that goes straight to the bakery. No sneak peeks! GOOD {COED} VIBES Baby showers used to be strictly a female affair, but nowadays men are found on the scene. Ask the honoree how they would prefer to celebrate and then build the party accordingly. Our favorite shower game is totally more entertaining with the boys – have everyone bring a baby photo, mix them all up, and guess who’s who! SIP + SEE Typically held a few months after the birth to allow the newborn some germ-free rest, sip and sees are for the mom who doesn’t want to be the center of attention. All you need is a bevy and the bébé {though we love serving up a few light bites as well}. Make sure there’s a camera on hand so you can capture great photos with the guests. And have fun with personalizing the décor now that you know the baby’s name!
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Tip: Create an eye-catching present location with banners. Fall 2014 | 49
Tip: Custom “boy” and “girl” coasters allow guests to guess the babies gender!
HOORAY FOR BABY! Let’s shower Jenny + Jack with loads of love as they welcome their sweet little bundle into their growing circus! Saturday, April 10th 2pm to 4pm @ Lillian’s Big Tents 37 N Moore Street | NY NY {between Varvick + Hudson} RSVP | 212.555.1212 *Jenny + Zack are creating a chic circus themed nursery in green + orange stripes*
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Quick tips for a fab fête ource vintage goods like scales and S baby pins from your honoree’s baby days and the local antique store. tation the gift drop-off and drink S pick-up by the door so party-goers can quickly begin mingling. inen pennant banners add pop to L walls and make for a memorable party-takeaway for the nursery.
His name’s Carl
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Party Planning Timeline 5 weeks before
Finalize the guest list. Leave room for the few add-ons that will pop into your head later!
4-6 weeks before
end save the dates {optional, but fab S for busy party seasons like holiday.}
3-4 weeks before Send invitations.
2-3 weeks before
Stock up on dry goods + beverages like alcohol/mixers, soda, tableware, sparkling water, garbage bags, and paper towels.
2 weeks before
Create a playlist. At Red Stamp, we love Spotify + invite you to party with it, here!
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2-3 days before
Purchase groceries and ice.
1-2 days before Prep as much of your menu as possible.
1 day before
Conduct a party run-through. Lay out serving dishes, set the table, clean your party space. Not necessarily in that order. Don’t forget the bathrooms!
Night before Run the dishwasher so you can start the day/prep with one ready to be filled!
Day Of
Finish cooking and baking. Set out food + drinks. And finally‌ party on!
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Pear Carrot Cake
Serves 8-10 CAKE INGREDIENTS: 2 cups sugar 4 eggs 1-1/2 cups vegetable oil 2 cups flour 1 Tsp. salt 2 Tsp. baking powder 2 Tsp. baking soda 2 Tsp. cinnamon 2-1/2 cups shredded carrots 1 cup diced pears 1 cup chopped pecans
FROSTING INGREDIENTS: 8 oz. cream cheese 2 Tbsp. butter, melted 1/2 Tsp. vanilla extract 1 lb. powdered sugar 1/2 cup chopped pecans {optional}
CAKE RECIPE: Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line 3-5 {8 inch} cake pans with parchment paper. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine eggs, flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon + oil. Mix on medium speed for 2-3 minutes. Add carrots, pears + pecans. Continue mixing until fully combined. Pour batter into pans, dividing the batter equally. Bake for approximately 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Once the pans have cooled, remove the cake and let it cool on a rack completely.
FROSTING RECIPE: Using a mixer, whip the cream cheese until creamy. Add butter, vanilla + powdered sugar, continue mixing until smooth. If using pecans, add + mix until combined. Using an icing spatula, spread the frosting evenly on top of each layer until it reaches the edges, adding another cake layer after frosting.
Lemon + honey goat cheese balls makes approx. 25 cheese balls 8 oz. goat cheese, softened 4 oz. cream cheese, softened 1/3 cup dried cranberries 2-3 cups crushed pistachios 3 Tbsp. honey zest from 1 lemon juice of 1/2 lemon pretzel sticks
Mix goat cheese, cream cheese, lemon zest and juice together in a bowl. Add dried cranberries and mix well. Scooping out with a tablespoon, form into a ball about 3/4 inch in diameter. No need to be particular, ball will smooth out once pistachios are added. Spread pistachios on a cookie sheet. Roll each cheese ball in pistachios, covering completely. Insert 1 pretzel stick into the top of each ball. Cover + refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving.
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CAPRESE SLIDERS SERVES 6 3/4 cup balsamic vinegar 2 tomatoes, sliced 8 oz. fresh milk mozzarella, sliced 8 oz. Italian salami, sliced 7 oz. guacamole 6 ciabatta rolls, sliced
In a small saucepan, simmer vinegar until reduced by half, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Spread guacamole on bottom half of roll, top with salami, mozzarella + tomatoes. Drizzle with vinegar + complete with top half of roll.
Root Beer BBQ Turkey Meatballs Makes appox. 25 meatballs MEATBALLS 1 lb. ground turkey 2 garlic cloves, minced 1/4 cup finely copped onions 1/2 Tbsp. paprika 1 egg, beaten 1/2 cup breadcrumbs 1/2 Tsp. salt 1/2 Tsp. pepper
ROOT BEER BBQ INGREDIENTS 1 shallot, finely chopped 2 Tbsp. finely grated ginger 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 2 cups root beer 2 cups ketchup 1/4 cup light brown sugar 2 Tbsp. molasses
MEATBALL RECIPE
ROOT BEER BBQ RECIPE
Mix all the ingredients and shape into 1 inch meatballs.
Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat, add the shallots and cook until soft.
Heat olive oil in a pan and cook the meatballs for 5-6 minutes until browned. Place on a greased baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees until cooked through, about 15 minutes.
Add the ginger and garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the root beer and cook until reduced by half. Add the ketchup, brown sugar and molasses and cook over low heat until the sauce reduces, stirring occasionally, about 30 minutes.
Toss meatballs to coat. Serve with jalape単o slices and cubed peaches.
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Mulled Cranberry Apple Cider SERVES 8 4 cups cranberry juice blend 6 cups apple cider peel of 1 orange, cut in wide strips 2-inch pieces of ginger, peeled + sliced 3 cinnamon sticks 1/2 Tsp. whole cloves cinnamon sticks orange slices fresh cranberries
Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and heat on low for 4 to 6 hours, covered. Serve in festive mugs garnish with cinnamon sticks, orange slices + fresh cranberries.
Optional :: Make it an “adult bevy� by adding Tuaca-soaked oranges
HAM + PEA PUREE CROSTINI serves 6-8 1 Tbsp. olive oil 1 shallot, finely chopped 16 oz. frozen peas, thawed juice from 1 lemon 1 baguette, sliced 6 oz. cubed ham 2 oz. Parmesan cheese
In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped shallots + cook until soft. Remove from heat. In a food processor, puree peas, shallots + lemon {salt + pepper to taste}. Spread puree onto each baguette slice. Top with cubed ham + Parmesan cheese.
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Throwing a party with Red Stamp? Hooray! We’d love for you to share your inspiration and see how others are getting #FabulouslySocial. See you on Instagram!
#FabulouslySocial
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à bientôt! Until next time!
redstamp.com