The Hip Hostess

Menus, tips and ideas for hosting with style!

Hip Tip – Shake-Up Your Halloween Bar October 28, 2008

Filed under: Beverages/ Alcohol,Decorations,Halloween,Hip Tips,Presenation Ideas,Products — hiphostess @ 8:00 am
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Buying holiday-specific party goods isn’t generally a great idea unless you have lots of extra storage space.  But purchasing a few small, festive pieces that can be used for other occasions will help you set a festive scene.  Take, for example, this skull and bones cocktail shaker.  It doesn’t scream “Halloween” but it’s definitely perfect for the occasion.  Not only will it “shake-up” your Halloween bar, but you can easily use this kitchy piece year-round.

 

This cocktail shaker is availble at Target (seasonal), for $14.99.

 

Hip Tip – Party-Worthy Pickles September 30, 2008

Filed under: Appetizers,Dairy-free,Gluten-Free,Hip Tips,Local Menu,party food,Products,Vegetarian — hiphostess @ 8:00 am
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I am always on the look out for interesting but simple additions to add to a hors d’oeurve or cocktail party spread.  Pickled veggies by rick’s picks fit the bill.  Rick uses local cucumbers to make varying types of pickles and other local produce - such as asparagus, okra, beets and green beans - to make unusual but delicious pickled treats.  The Windy City Wasabeans (green beans in a soy-wasabi brine) are my personal favorite, but they are all worth trying.  All of rick’s picks are super flavorful, easy to eat and make a great addition to a veggie, cheese, cured meat or mezze platter.  They are sophisticated enough to serve at a more formal party, just use a crystal dish with mini silver tongs as your serving piece.

 

You can sample rick’s picks at the NYC Green Market in Union Square on Wednesdays. 
Order rick’s picks online at http://rickspicksnyc.com/order.php ($10.99 per 15oz jar)

 

Rosh Hashana Favors September 24, 2008

Filed under: Eco Friendly,Edible Treats,Party Favors,Products,Rosh Hashana — hiphostess @ 8:10 am
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A jar of honey is the perfect favor for Rosh Hashana.  Wish your guests a “sweet” new year by buying local jars of honey from your farmer’s market.  Attach a honey dipper to the bottle with a ribbon tied around the lid of the jar.  Add a homemade label, if you like, with the year (the Jewish New Year is 5769 for 2008) and a greeting.  These are also super practical favors, as your family and friends will have local honey to use throughout the year.

 

Honey dipper are available at many stores.  Crate and Barrel sells simple wooden honey dippers individually for under $2 each – http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=752&f=12956.

 

Chocolate Wedding/ Bridal Shower Favors July 8, 2008

Filed under: Bridal Shower,Edible Treats,Party Favors,Products — hiphostess @ 9:44 am
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I know I may seem a little obsessed with the mini version of wedding cakes (see prior post on mini wedding cake candles), but Godiva’s delectable little version is noteworthy.  The ”Couture Favors” come individually wrapped in an ivory box.  The mini cakes will appeal to both milk and dark chocolate lovers alike – they are made of milk chocolate and filled with dark chocolate ganache.   

 

The chocolates are not inexpensive, but they would make a great favor for an intimate bridal shower or wedding if your budget permits.

 

Godiva’s Chocolate Couture Favors come in sets of 4 individually wrapped favors for $38 ($9.50 each).
Available at:  http://www.godiva.com/catalog/product.aspx?id=1303&SE_Section=Shop&SE_Category=43

 

Bubbly Party Favors June 17, 2008

Filed under: bachelorette party,Bridal Shower,Party Favors,Party Planning,Products — hiphostess @ 10:30 am
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Champagne and sparkling wines are the ultimate festive drink.  Mini bottles of these bubbly libations make great party favors for any celebratory event.  Many companies are now producing mini versions of their larger champagnes and sparkling wines, and by ordering them by the case you can often get a small discount. 

 

For my sister Sara’s 40th birthday party, we chose mini bottles of Asti Spumanti, an Italian sparkling dessert wine, to give as favors.  We had gift tags printed (“Sara’s Fountain of Youth”) and used satin ribbons to tie them around the bottles.  Everyone loved their festive favor!

 

 

 

 
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