Hip Tip: Use Balloon Ice Packs to Keep Bevies Cool

May 25, 2013 Leave a Comment

graduation party idea beverage cooler station tub backyard bbq father's day summer party picnic

While I’m not genereally a huge fan of decorating with balloons, I do love the idea of using balloons in unexpected ways for parties (see my post from last week on water balloon cake toppers).  With graduation season upon us and outdoor parties of all sorts coming up (Memorial Day, Father’s Day, 4th of July to name a few), I think this idea is definitely worth sharing.  Instead of using regular ice to keep drinks cool for a party, fill standard-size balloons half full with water and freeze them in advance.  Use colors that go with your party theme, like school colors for the graduate or red, white and blue for a patriotic celebration.  Although the balloon ice packs will produce some condensation as they melt, they’re neater than melted ice and add some color to your cooler.  And nothing says party like balloons. 

Photo Credit: Good Housekeeping (August 2012 issue)

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Filed Under: Beverages/ Alcohol, Decorations, Father's Day, Fourth of July, Hip Tips, Memorial Day, Outdoor Entertaining, Party Planning Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Last-Minute DIY Father’s Day Gifts {free printables}

June 13, 2012 Leave a Comment

It’s probably too late to make a photo card or order another photo gift to give to dad on behalf of the kiddies, so here are a few DIY Father’s Day gift ideas that won’t take very long (i.e. can be done while the kids are napping) and will make you look like you’ve had it together all along.  Happy Father’s Day to all the daddys out there!

Super Hero Supply Labels {Printables}

Super Hero Snacks (free printable labels available here from the Tip Junkie)
Turn dad’s favorite snacks into super hero supplies.  The DIY tutorial gives you step-by-step instructions.

 

Super Dad Cupcake Toppers (free printables here from Oopsey Daisey)
Customize store-bought or home-made cupcakes with these flattering “super dad” toppers.  Simply print them, tape them to toothpicks and stick into each cupcake.

retro father's day gift labels free printables

World’s Greatest Dad Retro Gift Labels (free printables here from Martha)
These retro-inspired labels will make any gift seem thoughtful.  Simply print them and affix one to any package, box or gift bag for instant custom packaging.

Custom Beer Bottle Labels for Dad (free printables here from Hello Lucky)
With regular size beer bottle labels and larger format bottles (for the good stuff or a bottle of wine), these labels are a great way to toast with some daddy juice.

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Filed Under: Dads, Father's Day, Gifts Tagged With: , , , ,

Mini Hamburgers

July 8, 2010 Leave a Comment

Don’t save small bites for your tapas or cocktail party – serve mini hamburgers and other mini grilled items (hotdogs, chicken sandwiches, pulled pork sandwiches, etc.) at your next BBQ.  Mini burgers are easy to make, quick-cooking (watch them – you don’t want them overcooked and tough!) and just so cute.  Even those with bigger appetites will enjoy them – just be sure to make enough. 

Make the mini burgers all the same or serve different flavors.  Make Fiesta burgers by adding cumin, cilantro, chopped onion, jalapeno and red peppers; make Asian burgers by adding fresh ginger, scallions and soy sauce;  or add Guinness to make super moist Irish-inspired burgers (see recipe index).  The possibilities are endless.  Ground lamb or turkey are also great options for mini burgers.

Looking for those cute little buns to house your mini burgers?  I’ve seen packages of them at several grocery stores.  Target sells whole wheat mini burger buns in their grocery aisle.  If you aren’t able to find pre-packaged, use a round biscuit cutter to make your own cut-to-size buns out of larger rolls.

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Filed Under: Backyard BBQ, Father's Day, Fourth of July, Memorial Day, party food, Sports Theme, Super Bowl, Theme Parties Tagged With: , , , , ,

Host a Father’s Day “Cook-In”

June 18, 2009 Leave a Comment

Grill_pan

Don’t let the rain ruin your plans for a Father’s Day cookout.  You can still throw your favorite father a BBQ in his honor -  just shift gears from a cookout to a “cook-in.”  Here’s a menu that you can make on the grill or in a grill pan.

 

 

Cookout or “Cook-In” Menu
 
Black bean and corn quesadillas
Chips and mango salsa
Coffee and chili rubbed steak
Chopped cucumber, red pepper and tomato salad
Chipotle mashed potatoes (add 2 Tbs. chipotle peppers canned in adobo sauce to your favorite type of mashed potatoes)
Grilled Asparagus
Espresso chocolate chunk cookies
Fruit kabobs (thread chunks of fresh fruit on bamboo skewers and drizzle with honey and fresh lime juice)
 
Vodka spiked lemonade or peach iced tea sweetened with agave nectar
Assorted ice-cold beer

 

http://hiphostess.wordpress.com/2008/05/26/coffee-chili-steak-rub/

http://hiphostess.wordpress.com/2008/06/03/espresso-chocolate-chunk-cookies/

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Filed Under: Backyard BBQ, Dinner, Father's Day, Fourth of July, Holidays, Local Menu, Memorial Day, menus, party food, Seasonal, Spring, Summer, Theme Parties Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Monogram Theme Father’s Day Party

June 1, 2009 2 Comments

monogram_beer_pitcher

If it feels like the father in your family is hard to shop for, throw a Father’s Day party with a monogram theme and tell all your guest to bring dad a monogrammed gift.  Your dad will feel super special with his initials all over.

A monogram theme also works well for a bridal shower, a birthday party or an anniversary. 

Here are some other ideas to get your monogram party started:

  • Send invitations with the guest of honor’s monogram.
  • Buy a brander with the guest of honor’s initial or monogram and brand steaks and burgers before serving them.
  • Serve drinks from a monogrammed pitcher or in monogrammed glasses. 
  • Buy disposable napkins with the guest of honor’s first initial imprinted on them. 
  • Serve cupcakes with the guest of honor’s initial piped on top or use alphabet shaped cookies to spell out their initials. 

Some great ideas for monogrammed Father’s Day gifts include:  Pilsner, low-balls or martini glasses, beer mugs, flasks, coasters, leather catchalls (for change and keys), money clips, cuff links, key chains, cotton handkerchiefs, toiletry bags, towels, coffee mug, playing cards, polo or button-down shirts, grill tools, guitar picks, gym bags, golf towels, golf balls or golf club links.

*Monogrammed beer pitcher shown above is available at Pottery Barn for $21.50 (including cost of monogramming)
http://www.potterybarn.com/products/p11076/index.cfm?pkey=cbarware

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Filed Under: Dads, Father's Day, Gifts, Monogram, Party Planning, Theme Parties Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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