Mersene Norbom talks creative ideas for hosting your child’s next bash
Kids’ parties can be a handful, but with a few cleverly constructed “play stations” your next kid’s party will be a breeze. Spread a few play stations out over your living room inside your home, or outside in the back yard, far enough apart so there’s no overflow and the kids can focus. These are play stations I’ve used for my kids – they were not only a huge hit but they made the parties kerfuffle free.
1. Cookie Decoration – Have a cookie decorating station with different color frostings and sprinkles. [...]
Gear up for True Blood’s final episode of the season with these themed party ideas
Parties are a huge tradition in our home, particularly around the TV shows we love. My favorite is the True Blood wrap party with our friends who share the obsession. We start by serving up thick and juicy Merlotte’s burgers with extra-thick patties, cheese, and slathered in toppings, including sweet barbecue sauce.
We make thick hand-cut fries from scratch, lightly salted, and heaps of coleslaw. While enjoying our burgers we talk about the season and make bets on how the season will end. Just before the final episode airs, I [...]
You never want to leave “that person” out of your party plans, but space can be the deciding factor
After downsizing my life, I had to work with a somewhat outdated kitchen space, which presented a clear obstacle to having guests. The weather was not cooperating and the garden was not an option, but I decided that I would make it work. By making intimate “stations” in your small spaces, you can have a fun and creative affair no matter what the size of your home.
1. If the kitchen is small, no worries. If you don’t have an island, create one with [...]
CHOCbite.com president and founder Adeline Rem shares her secrets to making the sweetest temptations for friends and family at home
Party favors often bring out gifts that have been used over and over. In recent years, favorite foods have been given as a reflection of the guest of honor or couple of honor. Here, Adeline Rem of CHOCbite gives us the lowdown on how to create customized chocolate bars, the ultimate party favor.
When we make our chocolate bars, we sing as we create these delightful bites. It’s the song and love in our hearts that makes every CHOCbite blissful.
People are always asking if [...]
Mesene Norbum schools us on the art throwing a casual warm weather bash
Summer hoedowns are a crowd pleaser.
When my kids graduated from high school, I decided to throw them each a true summer hoedown. While other parents threw fancy and expensive dinner parties, my goal was to create a fun and relaxed environment where everyone could dress casually and relax. Our party was a huge hit—we had more than 100 guests.
You can create your own summer hoedown with these simple creative elements:
• The Table: You need one long table – set more tables for larger crowds – with a white table cloth, [...]
Maria Nitti of Isabella’s Creations dishes on how to create unique bites
So you’re a fan of cupcakes? Join the party. While the trend just keeps going and going, new flavors, new sizes, and even more themed cupcakes are popping up everywhere. If you’re curious to make your out-of-the-box cupcakes look like the real deal, take a cue from Maria Nitti of Isabella’s Creations, she’s a pro on the sweet stuff and is doling out her tips of the trade.
Here are Nitti’s tips on creating cupcakes with pizazz:
Having been raised in a Puerto Rican family from Brooklyn, I learned to cook at [...]
Girl Scout Candy Bars
They aren’t made with Girl Scouts, promise! Instead, Nestle has come up with a new way to enjoy those Girl Scout cookies we all love so much: By turning them into candy bars. After a picture of a Thin Mint-Nestle Crunch bar turned up on Reddit in late February, the hunt was on — and Nestle has now said “look forward to some very exciting news in June.” Start saving your calories now. [Reddit and Huffington Post]
The McRibster
Speaking of things you can’t eat yet, take a gander at the McRibster, a concoction from Austria’s McDonald’s chain: It’s [...]
3-D Dessert
Well, aren’t all desserts 3-D? Yes, but some are a bit more 3-D than others. Leave it to Hollywood to one-up the concept: This year’s Academy Awards Governor’s Ball party will feature “3-D Desserts” designed by Wolfgang Puck. I don’t know that I would bother with the glasses, though. [Yum Sugar]
Wait for It
Teens studying The Great Depression were made to wait in line for their bread and soup and guess what? They did not like it ONE BIT. [Boston]
Bacon Thing of the Week
This may seem like the be-all and end-all of all things bacon, but that won’t stop us [...]
