Peach and Mint Cocktail Party

Whether you may be throwing a party for a specific reason like a housewarming, or just as a get-together for your friends, you no doubt want it to be original. To do that though, you must have a starting point of your overall feel of the gathering. I’ll be showing you how to throw a sophisticated, modern, and chic cocktail party that is comfortable and fun. A description that doesn’t generally go with those descriptive terms! This is a trend that is easily adaptable to any sort of event, may it be a wedding, housewarming, shower, or just a party for the fun of it.

First off, you need something to make your cocktail party unique. You may choose to be the mixologist for the evening, or have a talented friend do the job if you don’t hire a professional cocktail caterer. Once you make that decision and get your bar arranged for, choose your signature drink. It will be the one you have out and the mixologist will ask” would you like a ~signature drink name here~ or to place an order?” This drink will set the tone. For my example cocktail party the signature drink will be a Peach Whiskey Smash, a fitting drink to pull together this cocktail party.

A peach whiskey smash consists of:

 1/2 peach, cut into thick slices. 3 or 4 fresh mint leaves. 1 lemon wedge. 1 ounce water. 1/2 ounce simple syrup. 2 ounces whiskey. 1 sprig mint. 1 thin peach slice for garnish. muddle all ingredients except whiskey in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and whiskey. Shake and strain into an ice-filled old fashioned glass and garnish with a peach slice and a sprig of mint.

Here is where I got this specific recipe: http://mixandserve.com/category/drinkreceipes/

You want to have food that goes with the theme your drink creates.

For a cocktail party, it’s good to keep with easy to eat to foods, like hors d’oeuvres and bite-sized desserts to keep people circulating.This is a recipe for the bruschetta with peach salsa and brie shown above: http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/bruschetta-with-peach-salsa-melted-brie-10000001634755/

Set out a spot of sweet and unsweet tea in pitchers with a glass of mint sprigs for ones interested in a non-alcoholic beverage. I suggest checking out buying actual mint plants versus sprigs in the grocery aisle. It’s quite generally considerably cheaper, if you don’t already have one in your yard to supply it. Just cut the stems and wash the leaves gently before using. You don’t want potting soil in your drinks!

Arrange vases of peach colored flowers about (tulips are lovely) with sprigs of mint as the greenery to release a pleasant aroma to set the mood for your cocktail party.

You can continue on with the theme past this to have bite-sized peach cobblers (it’s trendy to take comfort foods and put a modern spin on them), eggplant and mint dip, cucumbers with yogurt mint dressing, even make finger cucumber sandwiches with pickled peaches! A recipe for pickled peaches: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/nanas-southern-pickled-peaches/detail.aspx

A cocktail party is a great way to assert your individuality and have a laid back party with your friends. I hope you enjoyed this post. Have you thrown a cocktail party before? What did you do for it? Our other readers would love to hear about it!

Brooke

Things to do in your life together #28

Go to a murder mystery restaurant. Not one near you? You can get a kit to have a murder mystery party at home.

Neons!

This trend of the week is all about neons. There are a lot of fun ways to incorporate them into your event, and they’re great because they give a youthful and playful air. Here’s an idea for a wedding I like:

 

The trick to neons in your wedding is ensuring it’s used as an accent. Like ribbons, bouquets, bridemaids belts and shoes, small things that will really pop without overloading the eyes.

And for a kids party, you can have a lot of fun with neons. An 80’s themed bash is the obvious choice for neon colors! This party has cassettes spray painted bright colors with guests names written on them for the “place cards”.

 You can get pretty creative with a little paint! 😉

And for a party to remember, have a paint “ball” party with a neon dress code! For our local readers, there is a paintball facility right outside Fort Smith that has the guns and gear for rent and paintballs to buy in colors of your choice if you want the real deal, as well as some pretty awesome courses. But we suggest some paint/water filled balloons for all the fun and none of the bruises! Just call ahead and reserve the time slot and gear.

 

Beforehand (or after paint”ball”, if you’re brave enough to have painted people in your house!) have your guests over to fill their tanks. Serve some fun bright drinks (pink punk cosmo, anyone?) and throw up some black lights in front of a curtain and set up a camera for an awesome photobooth your friends will love! For some extra fun, have each guest bring a few props, like feather boas and big sunglasses, to throw in a box by the camera.

A fun way to express yourself and be sure to have a good time!

 This is Brooke bringing you the Trend of the Week.

Things to do in your life together #23

Go berry picking.

 

Don’t forget your “Thank Yous”

After the big day is over you will want to make sure you send out your “Thank Yous”. Many people send out a general thank you but others may write personal notes to each guest. Depending on whether or not you had a wedding shower before hand, guest may or may not bring gifts to your reception. If they do, you may want to write a thank you listing exactly what they brought. And of course, thank everyone for attending. Here are a few trendy “thank yous” that you may consider.

A simple store-bought card usually sold in bulk.

 

Shirts made showing off you unique personality as a couple!

Make a sign that says thank you and hold it up during the photo shoot and simply send out a picture to each guest.

Or use your imagination! This is super cute!

Or take a picture on your honeymoon and send out a postcard/picture.

 

“Thank yous” will be the last preparation you need to think of but don’t wait until the last-minute because you don’t want to be writing them on your honeymoon!

 

~Angela~

Thought For The Week

Marriage orients men and women toward the future, asking them not just to commit to each other but to plan, to earn, to save, and to devote themselves to advancing their children’s prospects.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Incorporating Color Into Your Wedding Dress

This weeks Trend of the Week is to incorporate color into your wedding dress.

At this years New York Bridal Fashion Week, there was a variety of colored dresses from hues of light pink, to icy blue, and even black. This year is the year to stand out and be different and to make your special day unique to you. 

If you’re a fan of the tradition white dress you can still add a touch of color to your dress. This one is cute and adds your “something blue” directly to the dress.

 

This is beautiful in a sophisticated color of pink and the bodice is just gorgeous!

 

Wedding dress in a classy blue.

Or be brazen in this color catcher. (Please don’t make your grandma go into shock!)

 

Either way you choose to go, make your dress special and unique by adding some kind of flair or a personalized piece to it.

 

~Angela~

 

Thought For The Week

The development of a really good marriage is not a natural process. It is an achievement. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jeweled Bouquets

If you plan to “tie the knot” this year this may be something you will be interested in.

The new trend for 2012 is jeweled bouquets.

Everybody loves a little bling, so why not incorporate that into your special day? These are now so much in demand that you can purchase it online and have it shipped the very next day. Everything comes with a price though… the silver and black brooch bouquet shown above starts at $350.00 and increases depending on size.

If you want to really stand out carry a bouquet made with bling down the aisle.

 

 

 This one is very elegant with a flush of pink intertwined.

 

Or be BOLD with this rainbow inspired bouquet…

This one is shown with fresh flowers & feathers.

Now you know I always take into consideration the  “Bride on a Budget” so here is a link to make this DIY Jeweled Bouquet:

 http://www.notesonawedding.com/diy-make-your-own-vintage-style-jeweled-bouquet/

One of the advantages to making your own jeweled bouquet is that you can use your mothers and grandmothers old brooches and mismatched jewelry. We here at The Party Loft like to bring in special touches especially when it involves family.

 This is your trend of the week and thanks for reading!

~Angela~

Random Thought for the Week

Many marriages would be better if the husband and the wife clearly understood that they are on the same side.

3..2..1 SMILE!

This TREND OF THE WEEK is all about Photo Booths!

Photo booths have become a popular way to capture those special memories and your guests unique personalities at everything from weddings to birthdays.

While professional photo booths can be costly, creating your own can be an easy and fun project that is sure to provide you with an album of amusing and memorable photos.

Don’t worry my ‘tight budget’ friends because you can make your own DIY (do it yourself) photo booth and still have money left over for the honeymoon!

• Start by hanging a simple backdrop, like a sheet, tablecloth, or curtain.
• Use your digital camera and set it up on a tripod.
• Attach a remote to let your guests take their own pictures.
• Get creative! Provide props and costume pieces or even a small chalkboard for them to write messages.
• Print off duplicates of the pictures and send them to your guests with the “thank yous”.

Use your imagination and make your photo booth unique for your special day!

Thanks for reading about my TREND OF THE WEEK!

Angela @ The Party Loft

Thought for the Week

Love is a feeling, marriage is a contract, and the relationship is work! 

(Do The) Mashed Potatoes?

We have all been to our fair share of weddings with the traditional dessert bar, hors d’ourves bar, candy bar, cupcake bars, & for some, the oh so famous alcohol bar. This year is the year for a change up. Throw out the traditional and bring in something new!  A soul and comfort food that nearly everyone likes played up to its fanciest. Enter the Mash Potato Bar! This idea is brillant!

A serving of mashed potatoes is served in martini glasses for each guest. A variety of items arranged in a bar type setting will allow each guest to customize their portion to their tastes. Get creative with the toppings!

• Basil pesto
• BBQ pulled pork or chicken
• Brie, Stilton, or grated mature Cheddar cheese
• Butter
• Chopped ham, bacon, or Canadian bacon
• Chives
• Cracked pepper
• Creamed corn
• Demi glace
• Diced tomatoes
• Feta cheese
• Fried onion straws
• Gorgonzola cheese
• Guacamole
• Horseradish
• Jumbo shrimp
• Lobster
• Lump crab meat
• Marinara sauce
• Parmigiano-Reggiano, finely grated
• Roasted garlic
• Roasted red peppers
• Rosemary
• Salsa
• Sauerkraut
• Sauteed herbed mushrooms
• Shredded beef
• Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• Shredded mild Cheddar cheese
• Steamed vegetables
• Sour cream (or Creme Fraiche)
• Sundried tomatoes
• Toasted bread crumbs
• Tuna and sweetcorn mayonnaise
• Wasabi

 

 

Don’t be afraid if your theme doesn’t fall into the formal category, because this idea can be dressed up or down! Trade out mason jars for the  martini glasses for a more laid back wedding.

Leave you guest wowed & their tummies happy! 🙂

 

RANDOM THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

IN HOLLYWOOD A MARRIAGE IS A SUCCESS IF IT OUTLAST MILK