What's the Theme?
I love to entertain, and do a fair bit, but I often find myself stressing far too much in my attempt to create the perfect menu. What I have found really helps is to work from a theme. Yes, themes can sometimes be cheesy, but they don't need to be! Start with a locale - say, the Caribbean. Offer your guests a classic rum punch alongside some spicy shrimp, followed by Tostones with jerk chicken and sautéed chayote sqaush. Finish your meal with tropical fruit tarts and you'll have a scrumptious Caribbean feast. (Don't forget the music-the Afro Cuban All Stars make a wonderful backdrop). Epicurious.com has some great recipes to get you started.
Another go-to theme is Spanish Tapas. My guests love to graze, and Tapas are the ideal grazing fare. Patatas Bravas are a classic, as are Empanadas, Tortilla (Spanish omelette) and Spanish Ham Croquettes. For the more adventurous, try Boquerones en Escabeche (pickled anchovies), artichoke rice cakes with manchego, or Morcilla Frita (fried black pudding). Round out the meal with some of the wonderful Spanish wines available, or the traditional accompaniment of Sherry. Visit www.spain-recipes.com for some interesting menus and recipes.
- Kiersa Notz, Creative Director, the Affair
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
the Flare
Channeling Your Inner Cowboy/ Cowgirl
Looking for a party theme that all age groups will enjoy? Then get ready to throw a Cowboy Party.
There is something about the Wild West culture that still resonates with Americans regardless of your love for country music, line dancing or cowboy boots. In fact, many of the guests my husband met at the Tanque Verde Ranch in Arizona, owned by the Minnesota family who owns Grand View Lodge, were Europeans enthralled by the Wild West who had always dreamed about experiencing the cowboy lifestyle on a dude ranch for themselves.
So how do you bring the country to your home? Start with setting hay bales around your yard (or living room, if you are adventurous and have a good vacuum). These work well as flexible seating, and a plaid blanket draped casually across the top helps protect bums and legs a bit from the scratchy hay. Saddles, horseshoes, crops & whips scattered around add to the cowboy atmosphere. Bandanas strung along rope create a colorful and casual banner. Strings of lights and lanterns can be hung from trees or poles to add atmospheric lighting. Tables can be set with bandana napkins and wildflowers casually gathered in canning jars and pitchers. Large metal horse troughs are a central element in every western film, so to reference them, fill large metal buckets with beer and soda in bottles- perhaps a ginger beer or root beer. It would be fun to make a specialty sasparilla brew for your guests (with or without alcohol). And maybe it brings back camp flashbacks, but I think "bug juice" is a fun beverage, especially for kids (it is really just red Kool-Aid.)
Showing a western flick playing in the background provides great conversation starters for your guests. A large white sheet hung on the side of a garage or house can serve as a screen with a rented projector. Screens can also be rented if you what to show the movie in a different location in your yard or home. A fire pit creates the campfire atmosphere for everyone to gather around, roasting marshmallows and hot dogs, and eating your "grub." If you really want to take your food to the next level, Williams-Sonoma has a monogrammed steak brand! I can only imagine what that would look like if you used it on a piece of grilled tofu instead of a slab of New York Strip Steak! For an activity that kids of all ages will enjoy, why not have extra rope on hand to practice your lasso skills? Don't forget to encourage your guests to come in their best cowboy gear, and treat them to their own Sheriff badge when they arrive (these can be purchased for a small amount from online party supply companies along with kid size cowboy hats). Now go rustle up a good time for your guests!
- Colleen Fox Slack, Home & Culinary, the Affair
Looking for a party theme that all age groups will enjoy? Then get ready to throw a Cowboy Party.
There is something about the Wild West culture that still resonates with Americans regardless of your love for country music, line dancing or cowboy boots. In fact, many of the guests my husband met at the Tanque Verde Ranch in Arizona, owned by the Minnesota family who owns Grand View Lodge, were Europeans enthralled by the Wild West who had always dreamed about experiencing the cowboy lifestyle on a dude ranch for themselves.
So how do you bring the country to your home? Start with setting hay bales around your yard (or living room, if you are adventurous and have a good vacuum). These work well as flexible seating, and a plaid blanket draped casually across the top helps protect bums and legs a bit from the scratchy hay. Saddles, horseshoes, crops & whips scattered around add to the cowboy atmosphere. Bandanas strung along rope create a colorful and casual banner. Strings of lights and lanterns can be hung from trees or poles to add atmospheric lighting. Tables can be set with bandana napkins and wildflowers casually gathered in canning jars and pitchers. Large metal horse troughs are a central element in every western film, so to reference them, fill large metal buckets with beer and soda in bottles- perhaps a ginger beer or root beer. It would be fun to make a specialty sasparilla brew for your guests (with or without alcohol). And maybe it brings back camp flashbacks, but I think "bug juice" is a fun beverage, especially for kids (it is really just red Kool-Aid.)
Showing a western flick playing in the background provides great conversation starters for your guests. A large white sheet hung on the side of a garage or house can serve as a screen with a rented projector. Screens can also be rented if you what to show the movie in a different location in your yard or home. A fire pit creates the campfire atmosphere for everyone to gather around, roasting marshmallows and hot dogs, and eating your "grub." If you really want to take your food to the next level, Williams-Sonoma has a monogrammed steak brand! I can only imagine what that would look like if you used it on a piece of grilled tofu instead of a slab of New York Strip Steak! For an activity that kids of all ages will enjoy, why not have extra rope on hand to practice your lasso skills? Don't forget to encourage your guests to come in their best cowboy gear, and treat them to their own Sheriff badge when they arrive (these can be purchased for a small amount from online party supply companies along with kid size cowboy hats). Now go rustle up a good time for your guests!
- Colleen Fox Slack, Home & Culinary, the Affair
the Glass
Theme parties rank for me somewhere between watching the neighbor's vacation slides and poop-scooping my back yard. Maybe it's because I'm just not that type...I don't like dressing up for Halloween or playing baby shower games either. But this part of me does not apply to theme drinks. Themed drinks, when done right, can be downright delish.
Coffee-it's not just for breakfast anymore. At least not when combined with tequila...Patron has a wonderful product that mixes tequila with the essence of the finest coffee: Patron XO Café. Create the perfect Espresso Martini for your next "coffee klatch" during book club or go to www.patronspirits.com for more ideas!
It's fall, so why not host a party where guests are hunkered down around a blazing bonfire and serve the ultimate Hot Tottie. Heat apple cider (don't forget some mulling spices, or at the very least some cinnamon sticks) and then combine with a nice red wine, like an Argentine malbec, and serve. For more ideas on what wine you may want to try, go to www.tgicimporters.com.
If you're still stumped on what kind of drinks to serve, visit www.haskells.com and look under "haskells gourmet" and then "recipes". There is a huge list, and I mean HUGE, of creative cocktails. How creative? How 'bout an Aquarius Punch for your next pool party, or a Hailstorm during, well, anytime between October and June (we are in Minnesota, after all).
Bottom line is, there are so many great cocktail themed choices out there, no costume is required. Drink up!
- Laurie Ziegler, Gourmet Food & Wine, the Affair
Coffee-it's not just for breakfast anymore. At least not when combined with tequila...Patron has a wonderful product that mixes tequila with the essence of the finest coffee: Patron XO Café. Create the perfect Espresso Martini for your next "coffee klatch" during book club or go to www.patronspirits.com for more ideas!
It's fall, so why not host a party where guests are hunkered down around a blazing bonfire and serve the ultimate Hot Tottie. Heat apple cider (don't forget some mulling spices, or at the very least some cinnamon sticks) and then combine with a nice red wine, like an Argentine malbec, and serve. For more ideas on what wine you may want to try, go to www.tgicimporters.com.
If you're still stumped on what kind of drinks to serve, visit www.haskells.com and look under "haskells gourmet" and then "recipes". There is a huge list, and I mean HUGE, of creative cocktails. How creative? How 'bout an Aquarius Punch for your next pool party, or a Hailstorm during, well, anytime between October and June (we are in Minnesota, after all).
Bottom line is, there are so many great cocktail themed choices out there, no costume is required. Drink up!
- Laurie Ziegler, Gourmet Food & Wine, the Affair
the Ensemble
What in the World am I Going to Wear?
Ahh - the troublesome question we all face. We are invited to a themed party, and we have no idea what to wear... What I have found is when in doubt, select your "theme" to be the accessory. Whether it's a creative fun hat, such as those made by Anna Lee of Ruby3 designs, or a bold piece of jewelry from a local vintage shop, you are sure to stand out, while not wearing any more than a simple black sheath.
One place I like to head for inspiration for the men, however, is Heimie's Haberdashery in St. Paul. One step into this store and you are taken back in time, to a place where men dressed to the nines, shined their shoes, slipped a hankie in their coat pocket, and every once in a while wore a seersucker suit and white buckskin shoes. There is a cabaret feel to the entire store, which carries everything for men: canvas and leather tote bags, cuff links, thousands of silk ties, shiny leather shoes in every color, a wall of fabrics for custom suits, shirts and tuxedos, even belt buckles, wallets and money clips. And while you there, why not stick around for a shave and a shoe shine. You will not miss owners Anthony and Vincent, always dressed to the nines, never forgetting a pocket watch, vest or any small detail. The lucky man on your arm is sure to leave looking dapper as ever, sure to beg the question, "Did you visit the boys at Heimies?"
- Sarah Ramsay, Fashion & Lifestyle, the Affair
Ahh - the troublesome question we all face. We are invited to a themed party, and we have no idea what to wear... What I have found is when in doubt, select your "theme" to be the accessory. Whether it's a creative fun hat, such as those made by Anna Lee of Ruby3 designs, or a bold piece of jewelry from a local vintage shop, you are sure to stand out, while not wearing any more than a simple black sheath.
One place I like to head for inspiration for the men, however, is Heimie's Haberdashery in St. Paul. One step into this store and you are taken back in time, to a place where men dressed to the nines, shined their shoes, slipped a hankie in their coat pocket, and every once in a while wore a seersucker suit and white buckskin shoes. There is a cabaret feel to the entire store, which carries everything for men: canvas and leather tote bags, cuff links, thousands of silk ties, shiny leather shoes in every color, a wall of fabrics for custom suits, shirts and tuxedos, even belt buckles, wallets and money clips. And while you there, why not stick around for a shave and a shoe shine. You will not miss owners Anthony and Vincent, always dressed to the nines, never forgetting a pocket watch, vest or any small detail. The lucky man on your arm is sure to leave looking dapper as ever, sure to beg the question, "Did you visit the boys at Heimies?"
- Sarah Ramsay, Fashion & Lifestyle, the Affair
the Inspiration
Personalize Your Party
Hosting a themed event means hosting a personalized and custom event. Personalized stories, tabletop designs and menus make your turn-key event both memorable and remarkable.
Remove the hassle and challenge of entertaining by using an event designer, such as Bungalow 6. From gatherings to weddings to corporate events, Bungalow 6 does all the 'hard work', including logistics, design, menu creation and catering, entertainment and staffing. Input from the host ensures that the event reflects their personal taste and style, and their one of a kind floral and tabletop design is sure make your occasion unique.This means that not only will your guests have the time of their life at your party, but you will too.
Try adding interaction to your event. According to John Cosgrove of Cosgrove Trivia Challenge, personalized and custom laughs are the best laughs. Using trivia to bring excitement and energy to groups, Cosgrove has been entertaining people for over 10 years in the Minneapolis area, from Target Corporation to rehearsal dinners.
Breath, Love, Eat Cake! Gateaux Cakes offers custom cakes for all types of events, as well as custom, personalized invitations from their sister company Beau Papier- a refreshing change from an evite invitation that your guests will appreciate.
- Janna O'Meara, Entertaining & Events, the Affair
Hosting a themed event means hosting a personalized and custom event. Personalized stories, tabletop designs and menus make your turn-key event both memorable and remarkable.
Remove the hassle and challenge of entertaining by using an event designer, such as Bungalow 6. From gatherings to weddings to corporate events, Bungalow 6 does all the 'hard work', including logistics, design, menu creation and catering, entertainment and staffing. Input from the host ensures that the event reflects their personal taste and style, and their one of a kind floral and tabletop design is sure make your occasion unique.This means that not only will your guests have the time of their life at your party, but you will too.
Try adding interaction to your event. According to John Cosgrove of Cosgrove Trivia Challenge, personalized and custom laughs are the best laughs. Using trivia to bring excitement and energy to groups, Cosgrove has been entertaining people for over 10 years in the Minneapolis area, from Target Corporation to rehearsal dinners.
Breath, Love, Eat Cake! Gateaux Cakes offers custom cakes for all types of events, as well as custom, personalized invitations from their sister company Beau Papier- a refreshing change from an evite invitation that your guests will appreciate.
- Janna O'Meara, Entertaining & Events, the Affair
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