Romantic Valentine’s Day Stay-cations
Valentines Day is the most romantic day of the year and the ideal time to plan a couples getaway to a romantic destination. What about those of us who can’t fly to our dream destination of choice or don’t have extra cash lying around so soon after the holidays?
I’ll show you how to create a romantic Valentine’s Day stay-cation without leaving the comfort of your own home and without the hefty price tag. I’ve created three Romantic Stay-cation themes based on three lover types; Languid Lovers, Sporty Lovers, Lover Lovers. Each dinner is comprised of food, drinks and décor inspired by the culture and landscape of each of the destinations.
A Tropical Stay-cation Destination for the languid lovers who love to lay around with each other, sipping on drinks wearing only a strategically placed lei. Click the link to see how you can cool off your hot night with exotic frozen drinks and savor the sensual tastes of the tropical islands.
A Ski Stay-cation Destination for the sporty lovers who love to cozy up to a warm fire and enjoy après-ski bites and nibbles without the hassle of suiting up…in ski clothes! Click the link to see how you can prepare hot cocktails to warm you up from top to bottom and how to satisfy your sweet and savory sides with a classic Fondue menu.
A City of Love & Lights (Paris) Stay-cation Destination for the lover lovers who love to fair l’amour en Francais. Click the link to see how you can prepare bubble cocktails that will tickle your palate and how to prepare a romantic picnic by the Seine-style menu.
Super Bowl Entertaining: The San Francisco Hangtown Fry Po-Boy
Ingredients:
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon milk or cream
- 3 raw shucked oysters
- ½ cup Bread Crumbs
- Vegetable oil or butter
- 2 slices bacon
- 1 egg
- Shredded lettuce
- 1 tomato, sliced
- Dash of TABASCO Green Pepper Sauce
- Green Goddess dressing
- Sourdough baguette
* Pat the shucked oysters dry with paper towels to remove moisture.
Preparation:
- In a small bowl, beat egg with the milk or cream. Dip the oysters in the egg/milk mixture and then the breadcrumbs.
- In a frying pan, heat the vegetable oil or butter. Add the oysters and fry approximately 30 seconds on each side or until three-fourths (3/4) cooked, remove from heat and set aside.
- While frying the oysters, fry the bacon in another skillet until the bacon becomes crisp and then fry the egg.
- Place the bacon in the sliced baguette, then top with the fried egg. Place the 3 fried oysters on top of that. Add a dash of TABASCO Green Pepper Sauce, then drizzle with Green Goddess dressing and serve on a bed of shredded lettuce and sliced tomatoes.
Makes 1 serving.
Instead of the chips, fry up a side of Mrs. T’s Potato and Cheddar Mini Pierogies and serve with Green Goddess dressing.
Super Bowl Entertaining: Bloody Mary Bar
Ingredients:
- 3 oz. of premium vodka
- 3 oz of tomato juice or use your favorite Bloody Mary Mix
- 1 tbs. Horseradish paste
- 3-5 dashes of Worcestershire sauce
- 2 dashes of TABASCO Original Red Sauce
- fresh cracked pepper
- a dash of sea salt
- 1 fresh lime wedge
Tools:
- Highboy glass
- Two mixing glasses
- Olive spoon
- Small skewers or toothpicks
Preparation:
For the rim mix:
In a shallow dish mix equal parts; sea salt, garlic flakes, fresh cracked pepper, paprika, dried parsley, finely chopped dried citrus rind and for an extra kick cayenne pepper.
- Coat the rim of the highboy glass with the juice from the lime wedge and dredge the rim in the mix, fill with ice and set aside.
- In one of the mixing glasses, combine all of the ingredients and roll from one mixing glass to the other to combine. Tomato juice (and pineapple juice) should never be shaken as it makes the juice too foamy.
- Once combined, pour the mixture into the prepared glass and garnish with the skewered olive/onion/lime wheel and celery stick.
Make your bloody mary bar interactive and set up a station where guests can dress up their own drinks! Get creative with the garnishes…I included bacon, fried oysters, and shrimp to name a few.
Super Bowl Entertaining: Hurricane, New Orleans Style
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Old New Orleans Crystal Rum
- 1 oz Old New Orleans Amber Rum
- 3 oz orange juice
- 3 oz unsweetened pineapple juice
- 1/2 oz grenadine syrup
- crushed ice
Preparation:
- Combine all ingredients; mix well (shake or stir).
- Pour over crushed ice in hurricane glass. Best enjoyed through a small straw.
- Garnish with orange wedge and a cherry desired.
Tying back to the location-based theme, Old New Orleans Rum is perfect for a New Orleans Style Hurricane. Distilled in NOLA, Old New Orleans Rum is produced by Celebration Distillation, the oldest premium rum distillery in the United States. The founder of Celebration Distillation, James Michalopoulos, is a New Orleans-based artist, who experimented with distillation through trial and error and with a crew constructed a unique combination pot and column still. For more about Old New Orleans Rum and where you can get it, visit their website at www.oldneworleansrum.com.
Super Bowl Entertaining: The Raven
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Catoctin Creek Watershed Gin
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- 2 oz cranberry juice cocktail
- 1/2 oz Blue Curacao
- 1/2 oz Chambord
- crushed ice
Preparation:
- Pour the gin, and blue curacao into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice.
- Slowly pour the Chambord over the back of a bar spoon so it floats on top.
The Raven is a dark and mysterious cocktail that I’ve adapted from other recipes for the Baltimore Ravens. It calls for Catoctin Creek Watershed Gin, which is distilled in the first legal distillery in Loudoun County since before prohibition by Becky and Scott Harris. Located in the Chesapeake Bay area, this gin perfectly ties in to the location-based theme and in name pays respect to the Chesapeake Bay watershed. It is distilled from organic rye graine with a secret recipe of organic herbs and spices. For more information about Catoctin Creek, you can visit their website at catoctincreekdistilling.com.
Super Bowl Entertaining: The Gold Rush
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Charbay “S” Hop Flavored Whiskey
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- 2 oz. orange juice
- lemon wheel and lime wedge for garnish
- crushed ice
Preparation:
- Combine all ingredients, mix well (shake or stir).
- Pour over crushed ice in hurricane glass.
- Best enjoyed through a small straw. Garnish with fruit wedge if desired.
I created The Gold Rush, similar to a Whiskey Sour, for the San Francisco 49ers. This drink calls for Charbay “S” Hop Flavored Whiskey, which is distilled in California and ties into the location theme. Charbay is a family owned business in Napa Valley that has been around since 1984 and is headed by Miles and Marko Karakasevic, a father and son team. Charbay Whiskey S is aged in used Chardonnay French Oak for 22 months, then cut to 99 proof. For more information on Charbay, you can visit their website at www.charbay.com.
Winter Stay-cation Parties
Are you looking to cure the winter blues? During the cold winter months, it’s common for celebrities to take off on luxurious vacations to hot-spots all over the world. Stars are soaking up the sun in exclusive spa resorts and spending tens of thousands of dollars for private island getaways…but what about those of us who can’t make it to our dream destination of choice? I’ll show you how to create a stay-cation party for you and your “posse” with food, drinks and décor inspired by the culture and landscape without the hefty price tag.
- How to Create a Stay-cation Party Theme
Great inspiration for a stay-cation party can be found in the pages for your favorite travel magazines.
Choose a specific destination or you might run the risk of your party becoming a cliché luau or generic tikki party.
- Throw a Lavish Party Without Breaking The Bank
Every budget conscious party planner begins with a comprehensive party plan and a detailed budget to keep them on track (on budget and on time). Another cost saving tip is to look at what you already have at home that can be repurposed in unexpected ways: vases for food services, a festive throw or sarong as a tablecover, etc. Focus on decorative touches in areas of your home that your guests will frequent—setting the tone when the guests walk in at the front door and the bathroom (the two most visited places of the home). The majority of your budget should be spent on food and beverages. Using pre-prepared foods that you can “spice” up can be a considerable time and cost saver.
- How to Announce the Party Theme to Your Guests
Whether emailed or snail mailed, invitations are the first visual clue (or indication) you give your guests as to what the theme is and what is expected of them at the party. Create a collage of your inspiration images in invitations to set the tone. Travel-themed invitations such as passports and postcards can be effective to set the tone with a little bit more work and creativity. The invitation is also the place where you can request guests come in a particular attire to compliment the theme and if there are any special instructions you need to impart (i.e. prompt start time or must prepare to participate in a specific activity). - How to Encourage Others to Dress the Part
The invitation is the place to request specific attire: “flip flops and bathing suits” or “safari gear.” Offer your guests a reward to dress the part: “come barefoot and beautiful to see what the future holds.”
- Do Your Guests Need to Bring a Dish?
Typically my hostess rule is if you are giving a party, then you really shouldn’t ask guests to “pitch in” or bring dishes unless you are clear that it is a potluck dinner. If you are set on having guests bring dishes, then very clear advance notice is required to ensure guests won’t feel put off and will bring dishes that compliment the theme and each other. Make a clear statement on the invitation that each guest is expected to participate and to what extent.
Below are links for drink and food recipes as well as décor tips for 3 different stay-cation themed parties.
Tropical Stay-cation Destination—The Caribbean
If you’re in the mood for a little fun in the sun in the Carribean without the sunburn, click on the link above.
Ski Stay-cation Destination—French Alps
For a cold-climate destination replication of the French Alps, click on the link above.
Exotic Stay-cation Destination—South African Safari Adventure
For a safari adventure to South Africa, click on the link above.
Winter Stay-cation Party: Tropical Destination – The Caribbean
To have some fun in the sun without a sunburn, you can have a tropical stay-cation destination themed party! This one is inspired by the Caribbean and features easy frozen cocktails, pineapple shrimp skewers, and shrimp ceviche!
Frozen Cocktails
Parrot Bay frozen pouches come in three different flavors (Mango Daiquiri, Strawberry Daquiri, and Pina Colada) and are the easiest way to make frozen cocktails. You can layer the beverages with alternating flavors for an added touch–the Strawberry Daquiri and Pina Colada alternating is a great holiday beverage with the red and white layers. You can even set up a Make Your Own garnish bar with fresh fruits and skewers for your guests to garnish their own drinks! Setting up these drinks only requires these three steps:
- Freeze the drinks overnight.
- Pour into a daquiri glass.
- Garnish with fresh fruit skewers.
Pineapple Shrimp Skewers
These skewers are a little sweetness and a touch of heat–one bite later you’ll be savoring the taste of the tropical islands! The recipe below makes 12 skewers.
Ingredients:
- 6 tablespoons Italian dressing
- 4 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 4 teaspoons brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1.2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 24 uncooked cleaned medium shrimp
- 12 fresh pineapple chunks, approximately 1 inch
- 12 skewers
Method:
- Heat the grill (or if it is too chilly outside – preheat the broiler)
- Mix the first six ingredients in a medium bowl until well blended and add shrimp and pineapple to the mix, toss to coat.
- Thread 2 shrimp and 1 pineapple chunk onto each of the 12 skewers.
- Grill (or broil 6 inches from the heat) for 4 to 5 minutes of until shrimp turn pink.
Shrimp Ceviche
Shrimp ceviche is the perfect tropical dish for seafood lovers! The recipe below serves 4.
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ tablespoons superfine white sugar
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon chili paste or sauce
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¼ cup minced red onion
- 1 ripe tomato, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
- 1 jalapeno pepper, finely diced
- 1 pound very fresh medium-small shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 avocados, halved
Method:
- In a large glass or plastic bowl, dissolve the sugar, salt, and chili paste in the lime juice.
- Season with pepper and cumin.
- Stir in the garlic, onion, tomato, jalapeno and cilantro.
- Gently mix in the shrimp and then cover. Refrigerate for 4 hours.
- To serve, drain the excess liquid from the shrimp.
- Allow to rest at room temperature for 15 minutes and serve in avocado halves.
Décor
All décor should be designed in a tropical color pallet; lime green, aqua blue, sea foam green, lavender and red hibiscus. This will add color to your home and make you feel as if you really were on a tropical island.
- MYO Luminaries – Give your tropical stay-cation a warm flickering glow with luminaries.
- Gather small paper bags in various tropical colors and place a votive holder with a tea light in to the bag. The light from the tea light will diffuse through the bag creating a soft light that illuminates the room. You can even decorate the bags with punches or cut outs to allow a bit more light to shine through.
- Fruit Centerpieces – To add splashes of color, fill glass vases with whole fruit, oranges, limes, lemons, bananas. Top the vase with a pineapple to create your own palm-tree!
- MYO Leis
- Purchase flowers from your local flower shop or nursery; plumeria, orchids, hibiscus, and gardenia are best. Thread a needle with string or finishing line and thread flowers onto the string by pulling a needle through the center of the flowers. Repeat until you have the desired amount of flowers on the string and then tie the ends together to create a lei.
Winter Stay-cation Party: Ski Destination – French Alps
For a cold-climate destination replication of the French Alps, follow these hot cocktail recipes, fondue recipes, and tips for décor!
Hot Cocktails
- Baked Apple Pie (Serves 6)
- Ingredients:
- 30 oz unfiltered apple juice
- 4 whole cloves
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 2 star anise pods
- 6 oz Captain Morgan Spiced Rum
- Method:
- Put the apple juice in a large pot with whole cloves, cinnamon and star anise.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove from the heat.
- Ladle the mixture into six coffee mugs and add 1 oz of Captain Morgan Spiced Rum to each mug.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick.
- Ingredients:
- Peppermint Mocha Toddy (Serves 1)
- Ingredients:
- 1 oz Peppermint Schnapps
- ½ oz Dark Crème de Cacao
- 1 teaspoon crème de menthe
- 4 oz Hot Chocolate
- Whipped cream
- Shaved chocolate or chocolate sprinkles for garnish
- Method:
- Pour the liqueurs into an Irish coffee glass
- Fill with hot chocolate
- Top with whipped cream
- Garnish with shaved chocolate or chocolate sprinkles
- Ingredients:
- Winter Wonderland(serves 1)
- Ingredients:
- 1 oz Bailey’s Irish Cream
- 1 oz Bushmills Whiskey
- White hot chocolate
- Whipped cream
- Cinnamon for garnish
- Method:
- Combine ingredients in a mug or Irish coffee glass
- Stir to combine
- Top with whipped cream and sprinkle cinnamon for garnish
- Ingredients:
Fondues
- Artisanal Cheese Fondue - Smooth and rich, this fondue recipe is the classic après ski dish on menus in the French Alps.
- Ingredients:
- 1 clove garlic, cut in half
- 1.5 cups dry white wine
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 7 oz Comte cheese, coarsely grated
- 7 oz Roclette cheese
- 7 oz Gruyere cheese, coarsely grated
- Pinch of ground nutmeg
- Pinch of ground black pepper
- Pinch of ground paprika
- 3 tablespoons Kirsch
- Suggested dippables:
- Bite sized cubes of bread
- Bite sized pieces of roasted potatoes
- 1 inch cubes of seasoned veggies
- Peppers, Carrots, Broccoli, etc
- Method:
- Rub the inside of a saucepan with the cut side of the garlic and then discard the garlic.
- Add the wine and cornstarch to the prepared pan and bring it to a boil.
- Reduce the heat so the wine is just simmering and add the cheese, nutmeg, black pepper, and paprika, stirring constantly until the fondue is melted and smooth.
- Keeping the heat low to medium, continue cooking, never boiling, the fondue for 15 minutes until it is thickened.
- Add the Kirsch and stir constantly for 1 minute.
- Transfer the fondue to a fondue pot set over a flame and serve it with cubed bread.
- Ingredients:
- Chocolate Hazelnut Fondue for those who love sweets.
- Ingredients:
- ¾ cups heavy whipping cream, reserve ¼ cup to thin if fondue begins to thicken
- 4 bittersweet chocolate bars, chopped 3 ½ ounces each
- 2 tablespoons Bailey’s Hazelnut Liqueur (optional)
- ¼ cup finely chopped hazelnuts or almonds (optional)
- Suggested dippables:
- Bicotti
- Salted pretzel sticks
- Cubed pound cake
- Sliced bananas
- Strawberries
- Oranges
- Pineapple slices
- Method:
- Heat ½ cup cream in a heavy non-reactive saucepot over moderate heat until cream comes to a low boil.
- Remove the pan from the heat and add chocolate and let chocolate stand in hot cream for 3 to 5 minutes to soften, then whisk the chocolate together with the cream.
- Stir in Bailey’s Hazelnut Liqueur (and chopped nuts) and transfer the fondue to a fondue pot with a flameIf the fondue becomes too thick, stir in reserved cream, 1 tablespoon at a time to get the desired consistency.
- Serve with your favorite dippables.
- Ingredients:
Décor
- Fireplace
- A fireplace serves as a gathering spot in a ski lodge after a long day on the slopes.
- If you do not have an indoor fireplace, create an outdoor fireplace on a non-flammable dry surphase with a “Light ‘n Go Bonfire log from ecoforestfirewood.com
- For a high-tech option, put a crackling fire DVD on your TV. You will not get the heat of the fire, but the sight and sound of the fire will create a cozy environment.
- Setting the tone
- Drape tables and furniture with winter throws (the one above is from Lands’ End) to create a warm feeling for your ski staycation
- Arrange pine cones and evergreen branches throughout the space to perfume the air with a pine scent which is reminiscent of the aroma of a ski slope coursing along an evergreen forest.
- You can even use artificial pinecones and evergreen branches that have been recycled from your Christmas decorations.
- Skiing is not the same without freshly fallen snow. Cut out paper snowflakes and hang them around the room and in the windows, doorways and ceiling. Embellish the snowflakes with glitter for an added sparkle.
- Ski Gear: When you are on your stay-cation, you do not have to hide your ski gear in the closet. Use poles, skiis, boots, coats, scarves/hats/gloves and goggles for decoration around the home. Place the boots near the fire to keep them warm, place the skiis and poles near the front door. This will give you the sense that you have just come off the mountain.
The Procrastinator’s Guide to Last Minute Holiday Parties!
Do you tend to leave everything to the last minute? You have nothing planned for your holiday party…no tree, decorations, or food? Leave your worries behind because I’ve got the procrastinator’s guide to last minute holiday parties! Seeing as you’re already out of time, I’ll show you how to bring the holiday cheer to your home with easy recipes and last minute decoration tricks!
Deck the halls without wrecking the walls! Transform your home with holiday décor using items you already own. Click on the links below to see how you can make your home more festive without a pine tree, all while damage-free! Pro Tip: Use damage-free Command Clear Decorating Clips, Mini Hooks, and Fridge Clips so that when the holiday season is over, you can remove the decorations without leaving nail marks on the wall or door.
Free-Form Décor
No tree? No problem! You can save the space and make a free form tree on your wall with last year’s lights and ornaments.
Décor Using Holiday Cards
Everyone gets holiday cards in the mail…why not double them as decoration? Display them on your wall and presto, instant décor.
I also have 3 ways to “punch up” your party with easy holiday punch recipes and an instant egg nog! There’s no need for a punch bowl either—I’ll show you how to repurpose everyday household items. Click the links below for recipes and directions on how to make your holiday punch.
You can also create a delicious holiday spread with only one trip to the grocery store! Smithfield spiral ham is great for the holidays—all you have to do is throw it in the oven to bake, then glaze it and serve. To glam up your ham, click on the link below for a glaze. For the turkey eaters out there, you can always substitute the ham for a preroasted turkey.
Holiday Smithfield Ham with Pecan Molasses Glaze
For leftover ham, click on this recipe: Ham, Garlic and Chive Appetizer Spread
Canned food is a procrastinator’s best friend! For easily prepared sides and appetizers, use canned foods—they’re not only convenient and budget-friendly, but they can reduce your cooking time. For recipes and directions on how to make these can-friendly dishes, click on the links below.
Baked Brie with Cranberry-Orange Relish
For sweets, make these faux homemade treats! Buy some already made gingerbread cookies, sugar cookies, and colored sprinkles. Coat the cookies with a simple sugar glaze made out of confectioner’s sugar and water and decorate with sprinkles to make it look like you’ve baked all day!
Repurpose items from around your house for table top décor. Use the cans from your holiday spread to make a cake stand—decorate the cans with holiday scrapbooking paper or wrapping paper and tier plain plates on the cans. A festive throw can be transformed into a table runner, while you can make an instant centerpiece out of ornaments arranged on a plate.
For entertainment, play a photo retrospective of embarrassing family photos and on your TV or favorite video device!
The Frankenstorm
Tonight is Halloween and NYC is definitely a creepy place to be tonight in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy! Halloween has seriously been impacted by the hurricane, with the cancellation of the 39th Annual Village Halloween Parade and countless events and parties. Can really do much when 20% of NYC is without power and without public transportation.
I created The Frankenstorm cocktail, which only seemed fitting for the situation here an all along the eastern seaboard. It is a modified Hurricane Punch (of course) with a bloody dripping rim. Green in color with a frothy head, the Frankenstorm looks like many New Yorkers feel tonight.
Happy Halloween to all and Cheers!
Ingredients
1 oz. Ketel One Vodka
1 oz. Blue Curacao
2 oz. Orange Juice
2 oz. Pineapple Juice
For the Rim:
Karo syrup colored with red food coloring
(dip glass rims in syrup and turn right-side up an allow to drip down the sides)
Garnishes:
green maraschino cherries
orange wedges
Instructions:
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add all of the ingredients. Shake vigorously to froth the pineapple juice and strain into an ice filled highball glass rimmed with sugar blood. Serve with a green maraschino cherry and an orange wedge.
Last Minute Halloween Tips and Tricks
Here’s a scary story for you…Halloween is creeping up and you don’t have anything ready for your Halloween party – no decorations or activities? no costume…? (insert scream) Are you starting to panic? Fear not! There are items lurking in your closets and around the house that you can easily transform into spooktacular decor, activities, and costumes!
You can turn everyday items we all have like black trash bags, leftover Christmas lights, and bed sheets into this years Halloween decorations. Without spending much money, these items can be adhered to your front door or to a blank wall in your house with damage-free Command Clear Products to create Die4Décor. As a fun party activity, your decor can pull double-duty as a photo booth, giving guests a memorable photo to take home or send each guest’s photo(s) via email as a “Thank You” for coming to the party.
click here for step by step instructions Die4Décor/DIY Photo Booth
If you don’t have a costume and don’t want to go dressed as “super lame,” it’s time to dig that old white button down shirt out of your closet! Whether it’s a little worn, has stains on it, or lipstick on the collar, it can be reconstructed into one of these six costumes for Halloween:
A fun twist on an aristocrat costume, the Arista-Cat can be playful if paired with the right shoes.
Magic Mike/Chippendale Dancer
Magic Mike was one of the hottest movies this year and this costume follows suit.
To be or not to be…dressed in a classic costume that will take you back to another era.
This whimsical costume is to be worn with the intent of having a magical evening.
A versatile costume piece made for a child or adult, angel wings can be taken to the dark side with the use of a black button down shirt.
A reflection of what could be a hard day’s work on Wall Street, this costume rises from the dead.
For step by step instructions on how to make these costumes, click on the name of the costume or the photo.
Die4Decor/DIY Photo Booth
You can make Die4Décor on your front door or any blank wall in your house by using everyday items from around the house and create a do it yourself backdrop for guests at your party to pose and take photos in front of. It’s not only inexpensive, but it gives your guests a chance to ham it up in their costumes and take a keepsake photo home with them. All you have to do is gather your items, damage-free Command Clear Products, and follow the instructions below!
Pro Tip: Damage-free Command Clear Hooks and Clips can transform an ordinary wall. They are invisible and won’t leave holes or marks on your wall!
Materials: Command Clear Products (hooks and clips), Command Picture Hanging Strips, black trash bags, bed sheets, colored packing tape, white twinkle lights, window screen material, gauze, rope, plastic chains, large frames, and scissors
- Using damage free Command Clear Clips, hang long strips of gauze material or white bed sheets on a blank wall to create a spooky backdrop. Tear the material to add dimension to the wall.
- Shred black trash bags and window screen material and drape them along the ceiling of the wall (using the same clips) like a holiday garland, but creepier! It’s all about the layering for a dramatic effect.
- Use Command Clear Decorating Clips to hang twinkle lights leftover from Christmas around the space for an eerie glow. Pro tip: Put Halloween colored packing tape over the bulbs of your white twinkle lights to transform them from ordinary to spooktacular.
- Hang empty frames distressed with paint splatters using Command Picture Hanging Strips as wall décor that doubles as a prop. (I attached a DANGER sign to my frame.)
- Hang props on your wall using Command Clear Hooks that guests can take off and incorporate into their photos. I used yellow plastic chains, made a whip out of a door spring with black rope and a hangman’s noose out a thicker black rope. (Click here for instructions on how to make the whip and here for instructions on the noose.)
- After the party, send each photo via email to guests as a “Thank You” for coming to the party and as a reminder of the great time they had.
Halloween Die4Decor: Hangman’s Noose
Materials: 1 yard of rope and black tape
- Lay the piece of rope out in the shape of an S.
- Taking the rope at the start of the S (at the top), wrap it down and around the rest of the rope. You should have one loop on the left and one loop on the right.
- Wrap the rope around (to the left) 4-5 more times making sure to keep the two loops.
- Stick the piece of rope through the left loop.
- Make sure to hold onto the left part of the noose and pull the right loop until it tightens and the left loop is no longer visible.
After it is complete, you should be able to adjust the size of the noose. On the other end of the rope, create a loop and use tape to secure it (or just knot it), so you can hook it onto your wall with one of the Command Clear Hooks for decoration, but easily take it off and use it as a prop for the photo booth!
Halloween Die4Decor: Whip
Materials: Door spring, rope, and scissors
1. Cut your rope into 15-20 pieces that are each 24 inches in length.
2. Fold one piece of rope in half and stick it through one loop of the door spring.
3. Pull the loose ends of the rope through the loop (of the rope) until it is secure on the door spring.
4. Repeat until you have used all of the rope.
Use one of the Command Clear Hooks to place the whip on the wall for easy removing. Warning: Use this prop carefully…it can hurt!
Spooktacular Costumes: Arista-Cat
Materials: White button down shirt, 1-inch black satin ribbon, oatmeal container, cardboard cereal box, black gloves, black fabric (felt preferably), black headband, black pipe insulation, fabric scissors, iron, spray starch, brass plated paper fasteners, Velcro, ruler, and hot glue gun
Step-by-Step Instructions
For the Collar and Cuffs:
- Carefully remove the cuffs and collar from the shirt along the sewn edge with fabric scissors.
- Heavily starch and iron the collar and cuffs so that they stay stiff and crisp. Also be sure to take out the collar tips before ironing!
- After ironing the cuffs, use two brass plated fasteners to make cuff links by placing them into the buttonholes on both sides.
- Place a small piece of Velcro on the insides of each cuff, close to the edge (to increase flare), for easy closing. Pro Tip: Use Velcro with adhesive strips to avoid sewing.
- Hot glue a piece of the 1-inch black ribbon along the base of the neck of the collar. Tie a bow with the ribbon and staple the center to keep its form. Hot glue the bow to the front of the collar and apply a small piece of Velcro for easy closing.
For the Top Hat:
- Take the cardboard cereal box and use a 9” plate (or something circular shaped) to trace and cut a circle that will serve as the brim of the top hat.
- Trace the outline of the top of cylinder oatmeal container in the middle of the hat brim, using a ruler and draw lines across the center circle to make 8 pie sections. Cut along the pie sections, leaving the outer circle attached so that the pie sections can be folded upward.
- Measure and cut out enough black felt to cover the both sides of the brim (two 9” circles) and the sides of the oatmeal container.
- Trace the outline of the top of the oatmeal container on the center of one of the felt circles cut out the center as one piece and reserve for the center for the top of the hat.
- Glue the of felt around the sides of the oatmeal container overlapping the seam by ¼”
- Attach the brim to the felt covered oatmeal container by hot gluing the turned-up pie sections to the inside of the oatmeal container opening.
- Slide the felt circle with the center cut out over the oatmeal container and glue to the top-side of the brim. Glue the whole fabric circle to the bottom of the hat brim
- Measure a piece of black satin ribbon around the base of the oatmeal container with an extra ½” to allow for an overlap and then hot glue it to the felt and covering any gaps between the felt around the brim.
For the Cat Ears and Tail:
- Cut two triangular shapes out of the pipe insulation tube and glue them to the sides of the top hat to make cat ears.
- Glue the finished hat to a top of a black plastic headband to make a top hat fascinator.
- Use the remainder of the black pipe insulation foam tube to fashion the cat’s tail and using a safety pin, fasten it to the back of your waistband.
Add these pieces (the collar, cuffs, hat, and tail) and black gloves (I found black gardening gloves) to an all black outfit to complete your Arista-Cat costume.
Spooktacular Costumes: Magic Mike/Chippendale Dancer
Materials: White button down shirt, 1-inch black satin ribbon, fabric scissors, iron, starch spray, gold brad fasteners, Velcro and hot glue gun
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Carefully remove the cuffs and collar from the shirt along the sewn edge with fabric scissors.
- Pro tip: Heavily starch and iron the collar and cuffs so that they stay stiff and crisp. Also be sure to take out the collar tips before ironing!
- After ironing the cuffs, use two brass plated fasteners to make cuff links by placing them into the buttonholes on both sides.
- Place a small piece of Velcro on the insides of each cuff, close to the edge (to increase flare), for easy closing. Pro Tip: Use Velcro with adhesive strips to avoid sewing.
- Hot glue a piece of the 1-inch black ribbon along the base of the neck of the collar. Tie a bow with the ribbon and staple the center to keep its form. Hot glue the bow to the front of the collar and apply a small piece of Velcro for easy closing.
Wear the cuffs and collar with a pair of black pants and dress shoes and go shirtless if you dare…
Spooktacular Costumes: Elizabethan
Materials: White button down shirt, 200 pack of standard 12 cup white paper coffee filters, hot glue gun, fabric scissors, and stapler.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Carefully remove the cuff and collar from the shirt along the sewn edge with fabric scissors. (use the collar and cuffs for Arista-Cat or Magic Mike)
- Cut ⅓ of white coffee filters in half and cut out the flat bottom portion of the coffee filter.
- Staple the coffee filters around the collar in a circular motion, applying 5-10 filters layered each time for a total of 3 layers.
- For the final layer, remove 1/3 off of the bottom of the remaining cut coffee filters with a pair of scissors. Staple the cut filters around the collar in a circular motion, applying 5-10 filters at a time. Repeat this step twice. Pro Tip: Use a hot glue gun to apply a final layer of coffee filters to cover the staples.
- Cut the flat centers out of the remaining uncut coffee filters. Staple the filters around the sleeves where the cuffs used to be.
- Remove 1/3 off of the bottom with a pair of scissors. Apply this layer to the on top of the already applied layer.
Complete this costume with black pants, black dress shoes, and tie a red strip of fabric around your waist as a decorative sash.
Spooktacular Costumes: Fairy
Materials: White button down shirt, fabric scissors, white 1-inch ribbon, 3 different colors of tulle, and ruler
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Carefully remove the cuff and collar from the shirt along the sewn edge with fabric scissors. (use the collar and cuffs for Arista-Cat or Magic Mike)
- Cut slits in the shirt along the collar and cuff areas with fabric scissors
- Thread white ribbon through the slits and tie the ends of the ribbon into a bow.
- Cut the three colors of tulle into different lengths - 8, 12 & 16 inches
- Fold the piece of tulle in half and tie it to the ribbon threaded the collar by pulling the cut sides of the tulle through the looped end. Repeat with alternating colors until the collar is complete.
- Repeat step 5 to complete the cuffs.
Complete this costume with leggings, a flowy skirt, and boots. You can even kick it up a notch by making a fairytale skirt using the same technique with the tulle and ribbon.
Spooktacular Costumes: Angel Wings
Materials: White button down shirt, fabric scissors, hot glue gun, 1-inch white ribbon, marabou feathers, 2 white wire hangers, white tape, and silver glitter spray
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Using two wire wire hangers, bend each hanger into the shape of wings.
- Lay the shirt flat and cut off the sleeves and the front of the shirt, leaving you with the back of the shirt (use the collar and cuffs for Arista-Cat or Magic Mike)
- Lay the hangers you bent in step 1 on top of the shirt and hot glue the two together. Let the glue dry, then cut along the frame of the wings.
- Hot glue white ribbon along the edge of the wire wings. Make sure the ribbon is attached on both sides of the wings and let it cool.
- Glue the marabou feathers (color of your choice) around the outside of the wings, using the white ribbon as a guide.
- Attach the wings together by twisting the wire hooks together in the center and secure them with white tape and hot glue if needed. Be careful when twisting the wire hooks.
- Hot glue white ribbon around the center of the wings to make straps. Be sure to measure the straps around your arms for fit. You can also use elastic instead of ribbon.
- Spray silver glitter over both sides of the wings to make them sparkle.
Complete the costume by pairing the wings with an all white outfit. Add a tulle fairytale skirt (see Fairy).
Spooktacular Costumes: Zombie 1%
Materials: White button down shirt, fabric scissors, tea bags, old tie, charcoal briquettes, and fake blood (corn syrup and red food coloring)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Carefully remove the cuff and collar from the shirt along the sewn edge with fabric scissors. (use the collar and cuffs for Arista-Cat or Magic Mike)
- Snip holes in the shirt with a pair of scissors and tear the sleeves and bottom of the shirt to make it frayed.
- Fill a bucket with warm water and 20 tea bags. Once the water is saturated with tea, submerge the shirt in the water and let it sit for approximately 1 hour. (This can also be done with coffee instead of tea.)
- Once the shirt has been dyed with the tea, carefully wring out all of the excess water over the sink or tub. Allow the shirt to fully dry.
- Rub dirt on the shirt to give it a bit of a grunge look.
- Rip up an old tie and drizzle it with fake blood (corn syrup colored with red food coloring)
Add a pair of worn pants and shoes to the shirt, darken your eyes with eyeshadow or eyeliner, drip a little bit of fake blood from your mouth and your Zombie 1% look is complete!
Yappy Hour – A Happy Hour for man’s best friend!
Parties have finally gone to the DOGS… but in a good way! My “Yappy Hour” is a great way to socialize with your dog and with other dog lovers and their respective pooches. Just like a human happy hour, make sure to have food and treats on hand for both your guests and your guest’s pets. My dog-friendly party ideas include treats and cocktails like a “Dirty Mutt-tini” or a “Whisker Sour” for the pooches and yeah… I have something for the humans too!
Yappy Hour parties are perfect way to celebrate your Dog’s birthday, as “Yard-warming” Party to introduce you and your dog to a new neighborhood or simply a great excuse for Dog lover’s to get together with their pooches!
Great your two and four legged guest with delicious beverages as the guests arrive to the “Yappy Hour”. Make the beverage fun by “pooching” them up with fun names!
Click here for my Yappy Hour recipes and tips!
Canine Inspired Cocktails
The Salty Dog
The Pink Poodle
The Pit-Blue
Hound’s Hors D’Oeuvres
Bow Wow Bites
Pooch’s Party Mix
Cana-Pup
Tail Wagging Wardrobe and Doggie Decor
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Canine Inspired Cocktails
The Salty Dog – serve in a highball glass
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Ketel One Vodka
- 4 oz Grapefruit Juice
- Coarse salt for rim of glass
- Lemon or lime juice and wedges for garnish
- Ice
Method:
- To salt the rim of the glass, either dip the rim into a small bowl filled with fresh lemon juice, or rub the rim of the glass with the cut side of a wedge of lemon
- Spin the wet rim in a bowl of salt.
- Fill the glass with the vodka and grapefruit juice and a few cubes of ice
- Stir to mix and garnish with a edge of lemon
Pink Pooch – serve in a rocks glass
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum
- 1.5 oz coconut water
- .75 oz orange juice
- 2 oz ginger ale
Method:
- Combine the first four ingredients in a shaker glass with ice
- Shake well
- Strain into a rocks glass and top with ginger ale
- Garnish with an orange slice
The Pitblue – Serve in a highball glass
Ingredients:
- .75 oz Tanqueray No. Ten Gin
- .25 oz Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka
- Blue Curacao
- 1 splash lime juice
Method:
- Add ingredients in and serve over ice in a highball glass
Pup-tini and Whisker Sour – serve in a martini glass
Ingredients:
- Water
- Wellness WellBites
Method:
- Fill a martini glass with water.
- Garnish with a Wellness WellBites
For more Yappy Hour Recipes, click here!
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Bow Wow Bites
Ingredients:
- Wellness CORE Grain Free Wet Food, comes in six different varieties
- CORE Grain-Free Beef, Venison & Lamb Formula
- CORE Grain-Free Puppy Formula
- CORE Grain-Free Salmon, Whitefish & Herring Formula
- CORE Grain-Free Turkey, Chicken Liver & Turkey Liver Formula
- CORE Grain-Free Turkey, Pork Liver & Duck Formula
- CORE Grain-Free Weight Management Formula
- Wellness WellBars
- Old Mother Hubbard Classic Biscuits
- Glass Bowl or Terrine
Method:
- Removing the Wellness CORE Grain Free Wet Food from the can, scoop the food into the terrine, alternating flavors by layer
- Carefully remove the wet dog food from the terrine so the dog food stays formed in its shape
- Place the dog food on a serving dish and garnish the plate with Wellness WellBars and Old Mother Hubbard Classic Biscuits for your pets to enjoy
For more Yappy Hour Recipes, click here!
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