The Hip Hostess

Menus, tips and ideas for hosting with style!

Pumpkin Hummus October 25, 2009

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Infuse the flavors of fall into a year-round favorite.  Adding pumpkin puree to store-bought hummus adds a slightly sweet, warm flavor to this crowd-pleasing dip, and a healthy dose of beta-carotene.  Serve this as part of a Halloween, Thanksgiving or fall cocktail party menu.  I even like to whip up a batch for an afternoon snack.


Pumpkin Hummus

1 C. garlic hummus (store-bought or homemade)

1/2 C. pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg

1/8 ground cloves

1/4 C. toasted pepitas (green pumpkin seeds), optional

crackers, tortilla chips or pita wedges

Combine hummus, pumpkin and spices in a small bowl.  Stir until well combined.  Transfer to a small serving dish; sprinkle with toasted pepitas.  Serve with whole-grain crackers, tortilla chips or pita wedges.

 

Hip Tip – Mini Pumpkin Centerpiece October 21, 2009

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Creating a centerpiece for a fall dinner is as easy as picking up a bag of mini pumpkins at the grocery store or farmer’s market. These adorable miniature pumpkins – the most common are Jack-Be-Little or Baby Boo – are inexpensive and hearty enough to last for weeks. Place the pumpkins on a simple cake stand or platter and pile them high. Tuck fresh leaves or cut branches of fall berries in empty spaces for a finished look. For a more modern version, use a white rectangular platter and place an odd number of pumpkins in a straight line, alternating with tea lights.

 

Baby Shower Idea – Decorate Onesies October 10, 2009

 

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Give parents-to-be a memorable gift to take home from a baby shower by having each guest decorate a onesie.  Supplies for this project are inexpensive and easy to find:  White onesies in various sizes, a few pieces of cardboard (to put inside the onesie so the paint doesn’t bleed through), a package of stencils (animals, flowers, etc.), fabric paints in a few colors, a small plastic tray for the paint and a package of paint brushes.  Cover a table in newspaper and an inexpensive table cloth.  Buy a package of small clothespins and use a piece of ribbon, yarn or string to make a clothesline across the room (the paint will need time to dry).  If you have the space, have guests go into another room to do the decorating and bring the mom-to-be into the room after everyone has made one to present her with the gift.  Every new parent will appreciate having a plethora of cute onesies for their new bundle.

 

Hip Harvest Party October 7, 2009

Host a seasonal harvest theme party with ideas from my monthly column on The Family Groove.

http://www.thefamilygroove.com/oct09_TheDinnerParty.htm