Gumball Necklaces!

Snow days call for art projects and here is one that will have you DIY enthusiasts chomping at the bit. 

Glamorous (and oh-so-perfect for Valentine's day) Gumball Necklaces!

Directions:

1. Using a metal skewer, pierce one side of the gumball. Hold the top of the gumball steady as you guide the skewer (see photo). This will prevent the skewer from slipping off the slick surface of the gumball.

2. Flip the gumball over and pierce another hole directly opposite to the first hole. If you try to poke a hole straight through both sides at once, the gumball will crack.

3. The hardest part is stringing the ribbon. Use a large needle to thread the ribbon through the gumballs. Thinner ribbon is easier to string. Tie a knot between each gumball as you string it.

Tip: Look for bags of single colored gumballs at your local party supply store.

PC: One Charming Party, Sarah Westbrook



Chip n' Dip

Having a 'Chip & Dip' platter is a must if you ever plan on entertaining.  Choosing one that matches the rest of your serving pieces is just as vital. After dozens of parties, I've decided I'm only investing in serving pieces that are white, silver, or wooden. Everything else (to me) just looks mismatched.   For those of you registering, please take my advice! I wish someone had told me this 2 years ago.

Here are some of my current favorites: 

Michael Aram 'Chrysanthemum' Chip & Dip

Nambe Scoop Server:

Great for a modern household

Michael Wainwright "Lines" Platinum Set

This is classic and beautiful

Atticus Bamboo Chip and Dip Tray

I actually own this tray-it's great for parties and holds a lot of food

Now the fun part-a recipe provided by my sister Meredith:

Feta Cheese Dip with Pita Triangles

Recipe:

Servings: 4-6

1/4 to 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese

1 8 oz package softened cream cheese

1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 clove minced garlic

1/4 tsp oregano

Other:

1 bag of pita bread, cut into small triangles

Combine all ingredients (besides the pita) with a whisk or food processor.  If using the latter, be sure not to overmix.  Form the mixture into whatever shape you desire on a plate or tray.  Refrigerate until ready to serve.  Top with diced tomatoes, chopped onions, and chopped black olives.

Serve with pita bread-throw the triangles on a baking sheet, and bake at 350 for 8 minutes right before serving.

Load the pita 'chips' and feta 'dip' onto your coolest tray.  Serve and enjoy!

*If you're pregnant, make sure the feta cheese is pasteurized. If not, pass on this appetizer.

Garrett's Popcorn

Last week, my husband and I had the pleasure of hosting our good friend DJ from Chicago for the night.  As a thank you, his beautiful (and always thoughtful) wife Emily sent us the greatest and most unnecessary gift imaginable-a tin of Garrett's famous Chicago-style popcorn.  If you've never tried this Chicago delicacy, you're truly missing out.  As I like to say, it's disgustingly good and the Chicago mix (half caramel corn/half cheesecorn) didn't land on Oprah's 'favorites' list by accident.  

So thank you Emily for not only making my pregnancy so delightful but also for reminding me that it's the simple and delicious things in life that people appreciate the most. 

Friends, remember this idea when you want to send someone a little something to show how much you care or to say thank you. It's the perfect gift.

PC: Garrett's Popcorn

This little piggy went to get a pedicure...

City living has its drawbacks... like walking to and from a pedicure in 20 degree weather.  Luckily, with my latest drug store find, Kushyfoot Yoga socks, my walk (to hail a cab) just got warmer.  These socks only expose your piggies, so that the rest of your foot can run all-the-way-home (without frost bite). Unfortunately flip flops are still needed.

Pair these socks with a pedicure gift certificate and a good book and call it Christmas.

La Cage Aux Folles

Everyone always asks me what Broadway show they should see when they come to New York and now I have the perfect answer: La Cage Aux Folles!

This Tony award-winning musical has garnered rave reviews with the touching tale of one family's struggle to stay together... stay fabulous... and above all else, stay true to themselves.

It definitely doesn't hurt that one of the leads is former TV star Kelsey Grammer ('Frasier').  Who knew Grammer could sing (and swing to the other side)? He's amazing as is the rest of the cast of this colorful and entertaining show.  It's definitely worth your while!

P.S. Kelsey Grammer and Douglas Hodge (the two leads) are only on through February 13th.

PC: Fox News, La Cage Aux Folles

West Elm Hostess Gifts

The next time you walk by West Elm, go in! They have amazing holiday sales on entertaining goods that are hard to resist.  From beautiful horn and cheese trays/knives, to cocktail stirrers, and decorations, they really have host/hostess gifts down flat.  I might stock up for future dinner invitations-it never hurts.  Happy bargain hunting.

Twig Bar Tools Set (Very Michael Aram-esque)

Bone Wine Stoppers ($9.00) (Bring with a nice bottle of wine)

Horn Cheese Knives ($23.00)

 (Bring along a good hunk of manchego, some fig jam, and crackers)

Bone Cheese Knife Set ($23.00)

(Again, bring cheese)

Mercury Birds ($12-16.00)

For a modern household

Cocktail Picks ($9.00 for a set of four)

Menorahs 2010

"8 days of light, 365 days of gorgeousness" by Jonathan Adler

Jonathan Adler Skyline Menorah

Ventana Menorah: this double agent transforms into a candelabra.

Jonathan Adler Blue & Green Mod Dot Dreidel: great for playing or else a hostess gift

PC: Jonathan Adler

Retro Storage

Only Fish's Eddy would have such stylish and retro storage jars.

PC: Fish's Eddy

Smells like Team Spirit

PC: Target, Amazon

Wildfire, Where art thou?

New York boasts some of the greatest restaurants in the world but one thing it lacks is my favorite chain of all time-Wildfire.  Wildfire is one of those restaurants where everyone knows your name (or at least my name, because I'm on their wall of fame). Is anyone out there (Lettuce Entertain You)? Will you please open shop in NYC, preferably downtown on the West side? I will become your best customer.

Since I have a feeling that it's not opening anytime soon, [sigh], I often recreate their chopped salad (roasted chicken, avocado, tomatoes, blue cheese, bacon, scallions, corn, tortillas strips with a side of citrus lime vinaigrette and ranch and a baked sweet potato) at home and even though it holds me over, it's nothing like the real thing. 

Here's the salad:

Luckily they sell their citrus dressing online. Buy it here.

And here's a similar bowl/chopper that they use at the restaurant for your own use:

Tree Spirit Bowl and Chopper:

PC: Lasplash, Lettuce Entertain You, Bed Bath & Beyond

DIY Inspiration

PC:

1, 2, 3, 4, 9: Martha Stewart Weddings, 5: Wedding Style Guide, 6: Country Living, 7: Corbin Gurkin via Duet Wedding, 8: Kate Headley  

Dinner Party!

This past weekend I prepared a feast for my brother and sister-in laws as a thank you for hosting me (and my husband) in the Hamptons for the weekend.  Here is what was served:

The Appetizers:

Grilled Shrimp Cocktail with lots of horseradish in the cocktail sauce:

(Shell and devein shrimp. Season with salt/pepper.  Throw on the grill for 2-3 minutes on one side and about 30 seconds on the other.  Test for doneness.  Serve with cocktail sauce loaded with prepared horseradish)

White Bean and Pancetta Pizza:

Locanda Verde-Style Ricotta and Grilled Country Bread with Honey:

Second course:

Frisee Aux Lardons: (one of my favorite salads ever)

Main Course:

Strip Steaks from Allen Brothers:

Grilled Veggies:

(Throw your favorite veggies on the grill and top with a bit of olive oil and salt/pepper)

Dessert:

Monkey Bread (with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream)

(Pillsbury-style)

The meal was a slam dunk! The homemade margaritas may have affected their judgment, but I'll take it!

PC: smitten kitchen, food & wine, wonggawei's flickr stream, gourmet.com, anotherpintplease, floydthefoodguy.com, preparedpantry.com

Anthropologie

The more I study parties, the more I realize that I prefer things simple... simple as in gorgeous. If you have good taste and use the right colors (which is the art of it all), you don't need all the bells and whistles.  Case in point: Linda Ly's Anthropologie-themed 1st Birthday party for her darling daughter.  A beautiful party for a beautiful occasion.

(A gorgeous backdrop doesn't hurt either)

Want to create something similar at home? Purchase this affordable Apothecary Beverage Dispenser from Z Gallerie (it's only $49.95!)

PC: Kara's Party Ideas, Z Gallerie