Hot Chocolate! (think: Coming to America)

Tired of Starbucks or making hot chocolate from a tear-away pouch?  Try one of these sultry Winter drinks to spice up your life and give your taste buds some action.

 'Holiday' Hot Chocolate:

-Ina Garten

Yields: 9 cups

4 cups whole milk

4 cups half-and-half

1 pound white chocolate, chopped

2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Seeds scraped from 2 vanilla beans

optional: 1/4 to 1/3 cup orange flavored liqueur (I omit this ingredient)

In a saucepan over medium heat, heat the milk and half-and-half to just below the simmering point.  Remove the pan from the heat and add the white chocolate.  When the chocolate is melted, add the vanilla, vanilla bean seeds, and optional orange liqueur.  

Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate

-Second City Soiree

Pumpkin Pie White Hot Chocolate

-Closet Cooking

4 servings

3 cups whole milk

1 cup canned pumpkin puree

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp ginger

1/8 tsp cloves

1/8 tsp nutmeg

1 tsp vanilla

4 oz white chocolate, roughly chopped

pinch salt

Heat the milk, pumpkin puree, and spices in a sauce pan until it just starts to simmer and remove from heat.  Add the chocolate and stir until melted.  Pour into mugs and top with whipped cream and garnish with cinnamon.

PC: Better Homes, Second City Soiree, Closet Cooking

DIY Valentine Napkin Rings

In case you don't have the time to invest in V-day decorations, go the DIY route to create a napkin holder or setting that will set the mood. The good news? You can use them year after year or else for a Spring or Summer Party. The great  news? They're cheaper than the real thing.

Buy real or faux flowers and sew or glue them onto a pony tail holder. 

To Form Leaves:

1. Fold a square green napkins in half along the diagonal.

2. Fold it in half again along the long edge

3. Fold it once more in half along.

To Form a Flower:

1) Use a square napkin of any color.  Fold the cloth in half along the diagonal.  Place it on your work surface so that the longest side of the resulting triangle is at the top.  Take the corner opposite the longest side and fold it up so that it just extends over the top.  The top and bottom edges should be parallel.

2. Fold the bottom edge up so that it falls just short of the top edge.  Begin rolling the napkin from one end.

  Guide and adjust the cloth as your roll to give it an even shape.

3. Slip the complete flower between the upper and lower halves of the leaves, and arrange in the glass. 

PC: Country Living, Martha Stewart

Watercolor Delight

Want to turn your favorite painting into stationery liner? Check out the colorful collaboration of Swiss Cottage Designs and Love, Jenna that mixes watercolor and calligraphy to produce a one-of-a-kind Save the Date.

If you send this to me, I'll save your date and your invitation!

PC: Swiss Cottage Designs 

A Natural Affair

I can't help but fall in love with weddings that are held in the great outdoors. There is something so magical and enchanting about going au naturel as you can see for yourself.  This couple chose to mix nature with Eastern influences which is undeniably beautiful.

PC: White Loft Studio, Flowers: Beautiful Days

DIY Baking Party!

Serve your birthday girl a delicious treat with this sophisticated Baking Party!  Party guests will feel like real pastry chefs as they get the chance to make and bake a variety of gourmet desserts.  Each station brings new techniques and yummy creations as everyone rotates through seven fun-filled activities.  When the party is over, send your happy guests home with their own box of bakery fresh treats that show off their new baking skills.

Click here to purchase this $25.00 DIY Baking Party.  The party plan includes 50 pages of tutorials, party instructions, and gorgeous photos, including step-by-step directions. 

Here is an example of a Baking Party DIY Tutorial:

DIY Baking Party: One Charming Party, Kara's Party Ideas

Eat your Heart Out

Valentine's Day is just around the corner.  Here is a breathtaking bouquet idea that will make your Valentine fall in love all over again. At one end, start with a few drops of pink in the blooms of sweet peas, hyacinths, and nerines and lead them into fuchsia peonies, ruby fringe tulips, and raspberry cyclamens.  Complete the effect by wrapping your Valentine's gift in a pink inspired paper and serve a delicious meal.  Ideas to follow.

PC: Martha Stewart

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.