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
Showing posts with label twin cities events. Show all posts
Showing posts with label twin cities events. Show all posts
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
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
the Fare
Entertain the Green Way - Locally
It can be a little intimidating to "go green" all at once - it requires not only a financial investment (though there are often big long-term savings), but a personal one. We all know change is hard, but usually leads to bigger and better things. With that said, why not take small steps, and you'll be guaranteed not to be too overwhelmed.
For your next party, try buying locally produced vegetables, fruits, dairy and meat - it's a great way to support your community and ensure quality and freshness at the same time. Because the food isn't transported across country - or overseas - it arrives at your table at the peak of taste. In addition, buying locally eliminates a large carbon footprint. Allow what is in season to inspire your menu - for late summer, a soup with butternut squash and apples (with a little blue cheese crumbled on top, yum) is a perfect starter (the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a great source for apples).
Craving a little beef? Thousand Hills Cattle Company south of Cannon Falls, MN is a favorite with local chefs and foodies. Their grass fed beef is naturally free of hormonesa and antibiotics, and high in Omega-3's. Try slow cooking for a roast that literally falls apart on your fork. Now you can have your steak, eat it, and feel good about it too.
It can be a little intimidating to "go green" all at once - it requires not only a financial investment (though there are often big long-term savings), but a personal one. We all know change is hard, but usually leads to bigger and better things. With that said, why not take small steps, and you'll be guaranteed not to be too overwhelmed.
For your next party, try buying locally produced vegetables, fruits, dairy and meat - it's a great way to support your community and ensure quality and freshness at the same time. Because the food isn't transported across country - or overseas - it arrives at your table at the peak of taste. In addition, buying locally eliminates a large carbon footprint. Allow what is in season to inspire your menu - for late summer, a soup with butternut squash and apples (with a little blue cheese crumbled on top, yum) is a perfect starter (the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a great source for apples).
Craving a little beef? Thousand Hills Cattle Company south of Cannon Falls, MN is a favorite with local chefs and foodies. Their grass fed beef is naturally free of hormonesa and antibiotics, and high in Omega-3's. Try slow cooking for a roast that literally falls apart on your fork. Now you can have your steak, eat it, and feel good about it too.
the Glass
"Go Green" seems to be the battle cry du jour in the grocery industry as of late. It's all about "pesticide/antibiotic free", or more simply, "organic". Defined as "...pertaining to, involving, or grown with fertilizers or pesticides of animal or vegetable origin, as distinguished from manufactured chemicals." In other words, for all the non-chemists out there (like me), not made/grown with words we can't pronounce. Grocery stores like Kowalski's are increasingly promoting their organic food sections, but also gaining organic steam is the wine industry.
Now, the term "organic", when attached to vino, is not cut and dried. Apparently true organic wine must meet rigid government standards endemic to the country in which the vineyard is located, but there are also grey areas having to do with sulfites (some organic vintners believe it should be allowed when used in very small amounts to stabilize their wines, others frown upon them 100%). If sulfites are used, some winemakers will not claim their wines are 100% organic, rather, they will say "wine made from organic grapes". Well that clears things up, doesn't it (she asked, dripping with sarcasm). My advice to you is to ask your favorite wine expert, like Rick Anderson of France 44 Wine & Spirits. They carry many organic wines and can give you the right info.
Go forth (to the liquor store) and Go Green! Cheers!
Now, the term "organic", when attached to vino, is not cut and dried. Apparently true organic wine must meet rigid government standards endemic to the country in which the vineyard is located, but there are also grey areas having to do with sulfites (some organic vintners believe it should be allowed when used in very small amounts to stabilize their wines, others frown upon them 100%). If sulfites are used, some winemakers will not claim their wines are 100% organic, rather, they will say "wine made from organic grapes". Well that clears things up, doesn't it (she asked, dripping with sarcasm). My advice to you is to ask your favorite wine expert, like Rick Anderson of France 44 Wine & Spirits. They carry many organic wines and can give you the right info.
Go forth (to the liquor store) and Go Green! Cheers!
Monday, August 24, 2009
the Green Clean
I throw a party every month because it gets me to take my house cleaning routine to the next level. Fortunately we now have so many great earth friendly cleaning products to choose from that don't have those overpowering "i just cleaned" smell.
Caldrea and Mrs. Meyers products make your home smell like a European garden. Plus, now they offer beautifully crafted cleaning tools on their website that make tasks like dusting your books a pleasure. To go ultra green, get your hands on the Norwex line of cleaning products! The microfiber cloths have silver fibers embedded in them to kill bacteria as you wipe it up. Dry, it is a dust cloth, wet, you can clean surfaces without needing any sprays or powders. For the times you have a stubborn stain that doesn't want to budge, a multipurpose paste is available. Now that you are stocked up on green cleaning solutions, make that house shine!
Caldrea and Mrs. Meyers products make your home smell like a European garden. Plus, now they offer beautifully crafted cleaning tools on their website that make tasks like dusting your books a pleasure. To go ultra green, get your hands on the Norwex line of cleaning products! The microfiber cloths have silver fibers embedded in them to kill bacteria as you wipe it up. Dry, it is a dust cloth, wet, you can clean surfaces without needing any sprays or powders. For the times you have a stubborn stain that doesn't want to budge, a multipurpose paste is available. Now that you are stocked up on green cleaning solutions, make that house shine!
the Flare
Green Décor for Your Home
Greening a party can be done through many small choices. Start by decorating with plants, which have a longer lifecycle than cut flowers. Succulents come in many interesting textures and colors, and they can be grouped in a large shallow planter to make a unique and interesting centerpiece or in a series of small pots scattered around the party area. These can be enjoyed throughout the rest of the year, and even be reused at the next party. If the event requires disposable plates, consider purchasing Bambu All Occasion Veneerware from Sur La Table. These plates and silverware are made from 100% organically grown bamboo peeled directly from the bamboo stalk. They are FDA approved, and biodegrade in 4 to 6 months after disposal.
It is easy to get a fresh look for your home utilizing quick change solutions. Slipcovers are a great way to change the color palette and style of furnishings whenever you choose without replacing entire pieces. Retailers such as Pottery Barn have slipcovers available in standard sizes that can work for certain sofa styles. For a wider variety of fabric, trim, and style options, an interior designer can work with you to design custom slipcovers that fit your furnishings and taste exactly. They can even suggest many new green fabrics that are available in a variety of styles.
Integrating vintage and new-to-you furniture and accessories into your décor adds variety and whismy, without generating new environmental damage as the result of manufacturing and shipping the product. Plus, when you shop vintage you have access to a wide variety of pieces that no one else will have in their home and isn't available from a catalog. For a European aesthetic, visit Euronest in Minneapolis, or for a mid-century vibe, check out Swank Retro in St. Paul and Spinario in Minneapolis.
When you are refreshing your style, don't forget your walls! Paint is a quick and easy transformation for any space, and with the wide variety of green paint options on the market, this is the perfect time to update your palette. Hirshfields offers multiple low VOC paints in every color of the rainbow, that perform even better than the original formulas do. VOCs are Volatile Organic Compounds - gases that vaporize, which you typically experience as the odor when you paint. I personally love Benjamin Moore's Aura line of paints and use them in my own home because they are low-VOC and low odor, typically require only one coat of paint, fully washable in any sheen, and the ColorLock technology gives superior resistance to color ruboff. Try in for your next project and experience the difference.
Greening a party can be done through many small choices. Start by decorating with plants, which have a longer lifecycle than cut flowers. Succulents come in many interesting textures and colors, and they can be grouped in a large shallow planter to make a unique and interesting centerpiece or in a series of small pots scattered around the party area. These can be enjoyed throughout the rest of the year, and even be reused at the next party. If the event requires disposable plates, consider purchasing Bambu All Occasion Veneerware from Sur La Table. These plates and silverware are made from 100% organically grown bamboo peeled directly from the bamboo stalk. They are FDA approved, and biodegrade in 4 to 6 months after disposal.
It is easy to get a fresh look for your home utilizing quick change solutions. Slipcovers are a great way to change the color palette and style of furnishings whenever you choose without replacing entire pieces. Retailers such as Pottery Barn have slipcovers available in standard sizes that can work for certain sofa styles. For a wider variety of fabric, trim, and style options, an interior designer can work with you to design custom slipcovers that fit your furnishings and taste exactly. They can even suggest many new green fabrics that are available in a variety of styles.
Integrating vintage and new-to-you furniture and accessories into your décor adds variety and whismy, without generating new environmental damage as the result of manufacturing and shipping the product. Plus, when you shop vintage you have access to a wide variety of pieces that no one else will have in their home and isn't available from a catalog. For a European aesthetic, visit Euronest in Minneapolis, or for a mid-century vibe, check out Swank Retro in St. Paul and Spinario in Minneapolis.
When you are refreshing your style, don't forget your walls! Paint is a quick and easy transformation for any space, and with the wide variety of green paint options on the market, this is the perfect time to update your palette. Hirshfields offers multiple low VOC paints in every color of the rainbow, that perform even better than the original formulas do. VOCs are Volatile Organic Compounds - gases that vaporize, which you typically experience as the odor when you paint. I personally love Benjamin Moore's Aura line of paints and use them in my own home because they are low-VOC and low odor, typically require only one coat of paint, fully washable in any sheen, and the ColorLock technology gives superior resistance to color ruboff. Try in for your next project and experience the difference.
the Inspiration
Sorry Kermit, it IS easy being green. Every aspect of every event can be 'green'. All it takes is a little thought. Here are definitions and example to inspire!
Composting: a mixture of various decaying organic substances, as dead leaves or manure, used for fertilizing soil. Example: Chowgirls Killer Catering started their business, day one, with common sense responsibility; their kitchen composts all 'scraps'…everything from vegetable peels to chicken bones, leaving only 10% waste in their entire kitchen operations.
Recycling: to treat or process (used or waste materials) so as to make suitable for reuse. Examples: Eureka Recycling is one of the largest nonprofit recyclers in the United States. The event recycling program from Eureka Recycling assists organizers in making events nearly waste-free. Eureka Recycling will staff recycling and composting stations at events, for a fee, and ensure that the attendees 'think' before they 'throw'. In addition, RedStamp.com prints all their personalized stationery and other cards on 30% recycled content cardstock made with 100% renewable Green energy.
Reuse: Rentals! While there are also many awesome disposables that are biodegradable and compostable, rentals means reuseable! Aarcee Classic Events has everything you need for your event; from forks to coffee cups, to China and serving utensils, to safety equipment and linen napkins.
Sustainability: Capable of being continued with minimal long-term effect on the environment.
Example: Xcel Energy is the number one wind energy provider in the nation and is working towards reduced emission levels by 2020 by converting coal fire generating plants to compost or natural gas.
Organic: pertaining to, involving, or grown with fertilizers or pesticides of animal or vegetable origin, as distinguished from manufactured chemicals.
Example: Cupcake Café & Catering in Minneapolis serves up organic soups like their Ginger Chicken Noodle and Italian Tomato Bean, as well as Fair Trade coffees, and organic flour breads.
Composting: a mixture of various decaying organic substances, as dead leaves or manure, used for fertilizing soil. Example: Chowgirls Killer Catering started their business, day one, with common sense responsibility; their kitchen composts all 'scraps'…everything from vegetable peels to chicken bones, leaving only 10% waste in their entire kitchen operations.
Recycling: to treat or process (used or waste materials) so as to make suitable for reuse. Examples: Eureka Recycling is one of the largest nonprofit recyclers in the United States. The event recycling program from Eureka Recycling assists organizers in making events nearly waste-free. Eureka Recycling will staff recycling and composting stations at events, for a fee, and ensure that the attendees 'think' before they 'throw'. In addition, RedStamp.com prints all their personalized stationery and other cards on 30% recycled content cardstock made with 100% renewable Green energy.
Reuse: Rentals! While there are also many awesome disposables that are biodegradable and compostable, rentals means reuseable! Aarcee Classic Events has everything you need for your event; from forks to coffee cups, to China and serving utensils, to safety equipment and linen napkins.
Sustainability: Capable of being continued with minimal long-term effect on the environment.
Example: Xcel Energy is the number one wind energy provider in the nation and is working towards reduced emission levels by 2020 by converting coal fire generating plants to compost or natural gas.
Organic: pertaining to, involving, or grown with fertilizers or pesticides of animal or vegetable origin, as distinguished from manufactured chemicals.
Example: Cupcake Café & Catering in Minneapolis serves up organic soups like their Ginger Chicken Noodle and Italian Tomato Bean, as well as Fair Trade coffees, and organic flour breads.
the Bling
I'm sure you've heard it before - green is the new black. But what does green mean? Of course it refers to a clean and healthy environment, but it also invokes a respect for nature.
When thinking about what to wear to a "Green Party," consider visiting the brand new website of Serenity Jewels. Designer Melissa Luoma designs spectacular solid sterling silver jewelry, which blings with AAA grade Cubic Zirconium gemstones. The inspiration for her designs comes from a love of the ocean and the sea, which has always brought her a feeling of serenity. She uses ship coins and sand dollars and presses them into the sterling silver, creating an imprint. Most of her pieces have her signature script, "May all your travels in life be filled with serenity." They are then topped of with a broad range of sparkle—perfect for casual days with jeans, or as a statement jewelry piece with your little black dress for upcoming soirées. The collection is now available online at www.serenityjewels.com.
When thinking about what to wear to a "Green Party," consider visiting the brand new website of Serenity Jewels. Designer Melissa Luoma designs spectacular solid sterling silver jewelry, which blings with AAA grade Cubic Zirconium gemstones. The inspiration for her designs comes from a love of the ocean and the sea, which has always brought her a feeling of serenity. She uses ship coins and sand dollars and presses them into the sterling silver, creating an imprint. Most of her pieces have her signature script, "May all your travels in life be filled with serenity." They are then topped of with a broad range of sparkle—perfect for casual days with jeans, or as a statement jewelry piece with your little black dress for upcoming soirées. The collection is now available online at www.serenityjewels.com.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
the Coif
Hair alert: Evolution Experience Hair Studio (2836 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis) is building a luxurious addition to their uptown salon, not to mention their Friday Happy Hour specials are back in full swing for the social season!
Every Friday, from 5pm - 9pm, you can receive a full blowout, including a full shampoo (a nice solid head massage doesn't feel better than on a Friday after work!) All this, for only $20. Nellie, the in-house make-up artist, also does eye and lip touch ups for a mere $20. She'll smoke up your eyes and get your lips popping before you head out for a fun evening on the town.
Owner Matt Swinney is expanding his salon, and the grand opening party is set for the 19th of September. Described as a masculine space that women are attracted too, the addition will help them grow as a salon experience, while helping to boost the uptown economy.
Every Friday, from 5pm - 9pm, you can receive a full blowout, including a full shampoo (a nice solid head massage doesn't feel better than on a Friday after work!) All this, for only $20. Nellie, the in-house make-up artist, also does eye and lip touch ups for a mere $20. She'll smoke up your eyes and get your lips popping before you head out for a fun evening on the town.
Owner Matt Swinney is expanding his salon, and the grand opening party is set for the 19th of September. Described as a masculine space that women are attracted too, the addition will help them grow as a salon experience, while helping to boost the uptown economy.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
the Fare
Cocktail Parties. If 10 Minnesotans were asked to describe their ideal one, you would likely hear 10 different descriptions. There are no hard and fast rules except that it has to have (say it with me) COCKTAILS. Luckily the Twin Cities has tons of great resources to enable you to throw your perfect party.
First things first. The bar. Important, right? Glassware, ice bucket, cocktail napkins, coasters...the list could be endless. Get your barware on at France 44 Wine & Spirits. You can buy everything you'll need, or if you want to enlist them to run your party for you, they'll bring everything with them. That way you can "rent" that Mojito Muddler you've had your eye on before you buy it. Online at www.france44.com or brick and mortar at the corner of 44th & France Avenue (duh!) in Edina.
Lil' Tart. Pucker Up. Sunny and Bubbly. No, I haven't suddenly come down with writers' Tourrette's. These are just a few of the cocktails you can make with Phillip's UV brand flavored vodkas. There are tons more at www.uvvodka.com/recipes, and there's even a section where you can submit your own concoction. So summon your inner mixologist and have at it!
Lastly, a good cocktail party isn't complete without something to nosh on. Surdyk's Liquor Store & Cheese Shop will not do you wrong! Cheese platter? Check. Antipasto? Check. Catering and staffing? Check and check! They're just across the Hennepin bridge from downtown Mpls or at www.surdyks.com.
This should get you started, but if you're still floundering, mark your calendars to attend the Affair on November 7 & 8 at the Convention Center in downtown Minneapolis. It's everything you need for home entertaining. Wine, spirits, food, fashions for you and the home, you'll find it. See you there!
First things first. The bar. Important, right? Glassware, ice bucket, cocktail napkins, coasters...the list could be endless. Get your barware on at France 44 Wine & Spirits. You can buy everything you'll need, or if you want to enlist them to run your party for you, they'll bring everything with them. That way you can "rent" that Mojito Muddler you've had your eye on before you buy it. Online at www.france44.com or brick and mortar at the corner of 44th & France Avenue (duh!) in Edina.
Lil' Tart. Pucker Up. Sunny and Bubbly. No, I haven't suddenly come down with writers' Tourrette's. These are just a few of the cocktails you can make with Phillip's UV brand flavored vodkas. There are tons more at www.uvvodka.com/recipes, and there's even a section where you can submit your own concoction. So summon your inner mixologist and have at it!
Lastly, a good cocktail party isn't complete without something to nosh on. Surdyk's Liquor Store & Cheese Shop will not do you wrong! Cheese platter? Check. Antipasto? Check. Catering and staffing? Check and check! They're just across the Hennepin bridge from downtown Mpls or at www.surdyks.com.
This should get you started, but if you're still floundering, mark your calendars to attend the Affair on November 7 & 8 at the Convention Center in downtown Minneapolis. It's everything you need for home entertaining. Wine, spirits, food, fashions for you and the home, you'll find it. See you there!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
the Little Black Book - Cocktail Parties
In my opinion, cocktail parties are the best events not only to attend, but to hold. Short, easy, sweet. Try some new drinks, fun little dishes, mix, mingle, and on to the next event! Though, to be honest, I do still stress a little when hosting one - I try to do as much as possible ahead of time, which helps enormously. Easy recipes with a big bang are a must (read-- if I am fed chips of any variety it's time to move on). A little effort can go a long way....
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