Subscribe

Archive for the ‘Holiday’ Category

Easter Basket Cupcakes from Betty!

Here is a “BEST” from Betty Crocker for the kids table. These Easter cupcakes are simple to make yet special to serve and certainly have a WOW FACTOR!  Plus make sure to check out the Betty Crocker Site for more wonderful recipes at BettyCrocker.com> Easter Basket Cupcakes Ingredients 1 box Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® yellow cake mix Water, vegetable oil and eggs called for on cake mix box 1 container (12 oz) Betty Crocker® Whipped fluffy

Read more

Last Minute New Year’s Eve Party Ideas!

Last Minute New Year's Eve Party Ideas!

Here are 3 quick and simple ideas for a last minute New Year’s Eve party.  Each is a quick and simple way to start out the New Year with FUN! 1. Pop the Prosecco If the Champagne is sold out – pop the Prosecco instead. Prosecco is an Italian wine – generally a dry sparkling wine – made from a variety of white grapes of the same name.  The name is derived from the northern Italian

Read more

New Year’s Eve Party On A Budget!

New Year's Eve Party On A Budget!

Looking for a way to host and toast the New Year on a tight budget?  Our solution:  A SWANKY MARTINI BAR FOR RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR IN STYLE!  It’s easy to host and costs just $7 per person. Host 12 people for $80 that’s less than $7 per person! ( $50: 2- 750 ml bottles of Gin and/or Vodka, $10: 1-750 ml bottle of Vermouth and $20: for Garnishes) We’ve got a solution for

Read more

New Year’s Eve Cupcake Clock from The Bella Baker!

New Year's Eve Cupcake Clock from The Bella Baker!

I love this simple and special idea for New Year’s Eve dessert from Lauryn Cohen – The Bella Baker.  All you need to make your own is a dozen delicious cupcakes, pretzel logs and a silver cake stand! “It’s the sweetest clock ever! These cupcakes, each decorated with a Roman numeral and assembled in a circular formation, are a play on the clock that we stare at all night as we count down to a

Read more

New Year’s Eve Good Luck Grapes!

New Year's Eve Good Luck Grapes!

Add a conversation starter to your New Year’s Eve Bash and bring your guests some good luck for 2013. This interesting food accessory is a healthy dessert representing “Good Luck”.  Simply, thread 12 grapes on bamboo skewers and then display them on a simple white rectangular tray.  At midnight let guests help themselves to some good luck!   You can also try it the way we did in the above image, and serve 6 red

Read more

Candy Cane OREO Santa Hat Cookies

Candy Cane OREO Santa Hat Cookies

Whether you’re a twister or a diehard dunker, you’re going to love this OREO Cookies recipe. Made to look like Santa’s iconic red hat, they are almost too cute to eat. Almost. Made from OREO Cookies with Candy Cane-flavored Crème—available exclusively at Target stores this holiday season for $2.99—these Christmas cookies are a blissful blend of chocolate, cream cheese, strawberries and a hint of peppermint. Lay them out for Santa, bring them to a holiday

Read more

How To Decorate A Christmas Holiday Buffet Table!

How To Decorate A Christmas Holiday Buffet Table!

“Au Naturel” Christmas Buffet Table So many hosts are smart to serve buffet-style when entertaining a crowd during the holidays. This strategy, which also works well for beverage and dessert bars, allows you to prepare dishes and display before guests arrive and gives guests the freedom to help themselves at their own pace, while allowing you to be a guest at your own party. We created this nature-inspired tablescape to serve as a landscape to

Read more

‘Au Naturel’ Alpine Sparkle Hot Holiday Trend 2012

'Au Naturel' Alpine Sparkle Hot Holiday Trend 2012

all photo credits – Alexandra Mascali One of the HOT trends for Christmas 2012, as reported by Christmas World, is NATURAL. Nature continues to be the primary source of inspiration this season.  We took this trend and transformed it into a holiday table.  Our inspiration was ‘Alpine Sparkle’ and its beauty lies in the simplicity of nature.  The combination of greens with ice encrusted trees and glistening snow is sheer magic for any holiday celebration.

Read more

‘White is Right’ Hot Holiday Trend 2012

'White is Right' Hot Holiday Trend 2012

Comments 4 One of the HOT trends for Christmas 2012, as reported by Christmas World, is WHITE.   This year white is right – snowy decorations, fluffy white Christmas wreaths, and glitter effects will be in fashion.  The “it” color combo this season will be silver and white.  Tree and table decorations will trend towards classic elements, such as baubles, stars, angels and nativity figures, and items that give Christmas a traditional character. We love

Read more

Star of David Staircase with Command™ Brand

Star of David Staircase with Command™ Brand

A Stairway to Heaven, Hanukkah-Style.  We love this simple and special way to celebrate the festival of lights! Star of David Staircase Create the Star of David with painted blue Popsicle sticks (make 8 for the 8 nights of Hanukkah) and hang each from the banister railing of your stairway with Command™ Clear Mini Hooks. In honor of the “Festival of Lights” string little blue Hanukkah Lights with  Command™Clear Decorator Clips down the banister to enhance

Read more

Mittens On The Mantle Christmas Idea with Command™ Brand

Mittens On The Mantle Christmas Idea with Command™ Brand

Try this twist on tradition, in lieu of stockings on the mantle, make mittens a must-have holiday surprise! Mittens On The Mantle On a silk cord or decorative ribbon in a holiday color, hang mittens for each family member or hang a hang a dozen for the 12 days of Christmas.  Attach the cord to your mantle (or even stairway banister) with Command™ Clear Small Hooks. Stuff the mittens with tiny treats and/or candy for the

Read more

12 Days of Christmas Holiday Craft and Activity with Command™ Brand

12 Days of Christmas Holiday Craft and Activity with Command™ Brand

Bring the 12 Days of Christmas to life with the 12 Days of Christmas “Good Deed” Cards DIY wall art. We loved creating this craft and the kids are so excited to get started this holiday – Dec 12th to be exact!  The best thing about this project is that it pulls double duty as a fun holiday decoration and a meaningful holiday activity.  It will have children jumping at the chance to reveal their

Read more

Holiday Dressing

Holiday Dressing

It’s about that time to get ready for entertaining for the HOLIDAYS! I just bought myself a beautiful red, ruffled scarf and I’m all about using it as my “add-on” accessory throughout the holidays! Now the question is… what to wear with it during the Holiday Season. I’ve put together 5 different looks that you can easily wear with a red scarf. I wanted to show a work look, a casual look, a dressed up

Read more

Rules of the Little Black Dress

Rules of the Little Black Dress

  Rules of the Little Black Dress by momtrends featuring a leopard clutch purse The party must go on! Nicole here from Momtrends.com–I’m filling in for the lovely Dawn who is very busy recovering from the hurricane and trying to right her world at the moment. Since the PartyBluPrints team sets the bar so high when it comes to the food portion of entertaining, I’m not even going to attempt to go there. Instead, I’m

Read more

“Little Peeps” Easter Table Centerpiece

“Little Peeps” Easter Table Centerpiece

  For the “Little” Peeps Easter Table! Here’s a simple yet special idea for your Easter celebration.  Mason jars filled with an assortment of colorful Peep Bunnies and Chicks and Easter candy are the perfect pick for your “little peeps” Easter table centerpiece. When the party is over, they double as a family favor.  Send each family home with a jar as their keepsake of a special day. Note: depending on the size of your

Read more

New Years Brunch 2012 – Ring It In Right!

New Years Brunch 2012 - Ring It In Right!

Ring in the New Year Right! It’s so easy to get all wrapped up in New Year’s Eve partying that you forget all about the opportunity to kick-off the New Year with a celebration. So we’re proposing a New Year’s Day Brunch to ring in 2012 properly.  (FYI: If the holiday season is getting by you, it’s not too late to plan a party). Brunch is a smart choice for your party, as it allows

Read more

6 Top Holiday Trends for 2011

The Holidays are here, and if you want to know the hottest trends for entertaining and decorating for the season we have them for you.  I did my homework and spotted 6 that are already all the rage for 2011. Each is explained below: 1. Alpine Sparkle is a hot trend this season – a ‘silver and green’ color theme with a mountain meets Manhattan twist! Mix Mercury glass with holiday greens and pine cones

Read more

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Turkey – Gourmet Magazine Holiday Issue

I have been reading Gourmet Magazine for as long as I can remember. I would anticipate with excitement each issue’s arrival at my home and would wait for just the perfect time to turn its pages and soak up every word and image. Now, I wait with the same excitement for the Special Editions.  This season’s edition, Gourmet Holiday, is gorgeous gastronomy at it’s best.  It not only contains recipes that are a feast for

Read more

Hottest Holiday Decorating Idea 2011 Season Is Alpine Sparkle!

Hottest Holiday Decorating Idea 2011 Season Is Alpine Sparkle!

all photo credits – Alexandra Mascali Searching for the hottest look to decorate your home this holiday season? Well, we’ve got not only the look, but we’re sharing our notes on where to buy everything you’ll need along with step-by-step instructions on how to build it ! The Inspiration: The beauty of Alpine Sparkle lies in the simplicity inspired by nature – the combination of ice encrusted trees and glistening snow is sheer magic for

Read more

Traditional English Christmas Dinner

Traditional English Christmas Dinner

If traditional is your cup of tea this Holiday Season, try this elegant and very English menu by William and Sonoma.  The well thought out and delicious dinner offers a selection of two main courses: a juicy beef roast with Yorkshire Pudding or a bone-in pork roast glazed with Seville orange marmalade accompanied by glazed parsnips and carrots with sherry . Whichever entrée you choose, your guests will be treated to a taste of the

Read more

The Thanksgiving Kids’ Table

The Thanksgiving Kids' Table

photo credit – Alexandra Mascali This Holiday Season remember to address all your guests, even the smallest ones. Some of my warmest childhood memories were created by my mom, grandmother, and aunt at the holidays. No pressure, but we all have the opportunity to create an experience for our guests when entertaining. To know that for the children these experiences will turn into loving memories that will last a lifetime is inspiration enough, right? Make

Read more

New Year’s Eve Party Pick: Chocolate Fondue!

New Year's Eve Party Pick: Chocolate Fondue!

Chocolate Fondue is a great way ring in the New Year because fondue is fun to do and chocolate puts everybody in a good mood.   One of the things I love best about fondue is it brings everybody to the table to participate.  The circle is a symbol of good luck for the New Year so why not form one around some melted chocolate goodness ! Chocolate Lover’s Fondue from Hersheys – yields about 2

Read more

3 Rockin’ Picks for Your New Year’s Eve Party!

3 Rockin' Picks for Your New Year's Eve Party!

Here are my 3 must-haves picks for a New Year’s Eve celebration.  I love the back to basics feel of each and they are a great way to start out the New Year in a simple and special way. 1. Pop the Prosecco Keep the cork on the champagne and pop the Prosecco this year. Prosecco is an Italian wine – generally a dry sparkling wine – made from a variety of white grapes of the

Read more

Good Luck Grapes for New Year’s Eve

I love tradition, especially ones that bring good luck.  So here are a few foods to serve as part of your New Year’s celebration that are said to bring good fortune.  If you know of any others or have a family tradition of your own, leave a comment and share with the rest of us! In Spain they eat 12 grapes at midnight for good luck. Thread 12 grapes on a skewer for each guest

Read more

Simple Ideas For The 12 Days of Christmas

Simple Ideas For The 12 Days of Christmas

Keep the Holiday Season SIMPLE and SPECIAL and you will enjoy it more, we promise!  Here is an idea for each of the 12 days of Christmas that won’t break the bank or stress you out.  Enjoy. 12. December 13th – Watch a Christmas Special ABC Family has one every night! 11. December 14th -Read THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS > online here 10. December 15th – Make Candy Cane Hearts > MakesandTakes.com 9. December 16th

Read more

Make It ‘Ladies’ Night In’ For The Holidays With A ‘Marry Me’ Movie Night

Looking for a unique way to host the ladies for some holiday cheer this year?  What better way to celebrate than with a wedding!  Host a “Marry Me” Ladies’ Night Viewing Party and invite Lucy Liu to join you and your gal pals by featuring this Lifetime Original Movie, A 2-Night Event! The movie is perfect for a girls only get-together and is a wonderful fairy-tale to lift your holiday spirits!   Lucy Liu stars

Read more

Good Housekeeping’s Green Christmas Ideas

I wanted to highlight these simple and special ideas for you so … take a tip from the amazing folks at Good Housekeeping and “lessen the holiday scene-setting stress by sticking to a pared-down palette — one that won’t have you seeing red.  These chic and simple green Christmas decorations give a nod to nature in the midst of winter’s chill and celebrate the soothing shade in all of its subtlety — from moss to

Read more

Eight Nights Of Light Cupcakes

Eight Nights Of Light Cupcakes

Here is an idea for Hanukkah that celebrates the festival lights in the sweetest way!  I love this delicious dessert idea and it can double as the centerpiece for a kids table. Visit the  brightideas.com site for more simple and special ways to entertain! Eight Nights Of Light Cupcakes Prep Time: 10 min. Bake Time: 24 min. Decoration Time: 10 min. Difficulty: Easy Yield: Makes 24 cupcakes. Ingredients 1 box yellow cake mix 1 can

Read more

DIY “THANKS” Picture Board

DIY "THANKS" Picture Board

  Thanksgiving is our favorite holiday of the year.  In our opinion, it’s got all the best food with none of the stress and expense of the December Holidays.  What we love most though, is that it’s simply about sharing a special meal, taking a timeout to enjoy each other, and giving thanks for all the blessings in our lives.  As one of life’s greatest blessing, we should pay special attention to giving thanks for

Read more

10 Tips for Tackling The Turkey Day “To Do” List!

10 Tips for Tackling The Turkey Day "To Do" List!

Read more

Hot Holiday Party Trends Plus How to Host!

The Holiday Season is just around the corner.  That being said if you are thinking about hosting a holiday party this year it’s time to start planning!  Two hot trends are emerging for  2010 that you should consider before deciding on a theme or style.  Which ever way you decide to go, we have a party idea for you and if you start early and stick to our plan you will not only be able

Read more

Quick Tip for Decorating An Easter Buffet Table

This goes out to my sister Donna’s friend Dina from Cedar Grove, NJ. Like many families, Dina hosts a crowd for the Holidays. Sit down dinners are not possible, but creating a pretty tablescape still is – you just need to alter the plan. The image above illustrates a simple but special way for you to decorate your buffet table. All you need is a pretty pitcher, some pussy willow branches or twigs from your

Read more

Mistletoe Kisses in Chocolate – The Kissletoe!

As a kid, one of the Christmas traditions I loved best was hanging the Mistletoe.  I got so excited anytime someone was caught under it and was tickled pink to get a kiss from my Dad if it was me!   That is why I was so happy to see Hershey’s take on this traditional holiday decor.  What better way to make Mistletoe than with Hershey’s Chocolate Kisses.  Plus it’s a great DIY Christmas craft

Read more

Holiday Cookie Exchange Party Plan!

Holiday Cookie Exchange Party Plan!

To kick off the holidays and banish any inner grinch you may be feeling this year, Elizabeth and I have come up with a perfect party plan.  It’s our Holiday wish to inspire you to entertain and celebrate this joyous season with all your friends and family.  Below we have included a link to a 17 page eguide to show you exactly how to make it happen without the stress, mess and expense.  See what

Read more

“Make-Ahead” BBQ Menu

Labor Day is the last chance to celebrate summer, so invite friends and family over and head to the backyard for some fun! Try this “make-ahead” menu and be a guest at your own party! Ribs are a great idea after a summer of hamburgers and hot dogs, your guests will welcome the change (and they can be cooked ahead of time). Add a Tomato Salad, Napa Style Cole Slaw, Corn Bread Poppers and sliced

Read more