Hip Find: Individual Pie Tins

Mini Cup Pie Set williams sonoma

How cute are these little mini pies?  Buy an individual pie pan – similar to a muffin tin – complete with a double-sided cutter to make perfect little decorative top crusts with decorative cutout designs.  These mini pies would make a great party favor for a rustic/country bridal or baby shower.  Mini Cup Pie Set available at Williams-Sonoma ($24.95).

As a DIY option, try using a muffin tin and making a mini lattice top by weaving strips of dough across the top of each mini pie.  Be sure to grease the tins well to get the mini pies out of the tins in one piece.

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Hip Tip – Potted Plant Centerpiece

Use pretty potted flowers for a centerpiece – either one large pot or several smaller pots with different flowers and/or herbs.  A potted plant works especially well for a party in the garden or any outdoor event, and will last longer than fresh-cut flowers.  Tie ribbons around the pot for added interest.  For a shower or birthday party, place a colored napkin under one plate on each table and let the guest who chooses that seat take the centerpiece home.

Photo Credit:  Flowers Quata (potted Hydrangeas)

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Party in the Garden

Host a garden party with ideas from my July 2010 column on The Family Groove.

http://www.thefamilygroove.com/jul10_EntertainingOnTheEasy.htm

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Signature Drink – “Love Potion” for the Bride

     

I recently hosted a bridal shower brunch for my sister and came up with a fun signature drink to serve:  Sara’s Love Potion.  Similar to a mimosa, it’s a champagne cocktail made of 2 parts champagne and 1 part strawberry nectar* (you don’t need exact measurements – just pour some bubbly into the glass and add a splash of the nectar).  Serve in champagne glasses and garnish with fresh strawberries.  Print a sign with the name of the bride and the name of the drink.  Add some hearts of cupid clips and you’ll have yourself a hip signature drink.

*Several organic brands sell strawberry nectar which are pure strawberry juice.  Other brands, such as Goya, sell a strawberry nectar that is strawberry flavored (it has apple juice, added sugar, etc.).  Either will work in this drink.

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Hip Tip – Save Time, Serve Cupcakes

Save yourself the trouble of having to cut and serve a cake at your next party by serving cupcakes.  Cupcakes are a huge hit for many reasons, but they really are a very practical dessert to serve.  It can take a while to cut and serve cake to a large group of people (trust me, I know!).  Consider serving cupcakes when hosting a large birthday party, shower or other event where cake is the norm.  Streamlining dessert means more time for you to enjoy the party.

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Make-ahead Spring Brunch

Check out my April 2010 column on The Family Groove for a make-ahead spring brunch menu. 

http://www.thefamilygroove.com/apr10_EntertainingOnTheEasy.htm

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