Since the heat wave moved in I haven’t been able to turn on my oven.  As a result, I have gotten creative with my no-cook recipes.  A caprese salad is one of my favorites this time of year, when the tomatoes and basil are at their best.  But instead of tomatoes, I substitute cantaloupe and made a delicious hip twist on this Italian classic.  Serve this combo as a salad or on mini skewers for a party (or kids).  This is a savory recipe – think of it like a vegetarian version of cantaloupe and prosciutto, another delicious sweet-salty combo. 

Seed and cut one ripe cantaloupe into chunks or round balls (with a mellon baller).  Use one container of Bocconcini (mini Mozzarella balls) and a small bunch of fresh basil.  Layer cantaloupe, Bocconcini and basil on skewers and repeat until the skewers are full, leaving an inch or so at the end.  Drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper.  Instead of skewers, make a salad using the same ingredients and tossing until combined.  Serve with a nice glass of white wine or prosecco and enjoy!

The fun people over at Etch-it Cups have supplied two sets of their great party cups and 6 packages of their Etch-it tags (15 per package) for this Hip Hostess Blog giveaway.  Three winners will be chosen for this giveaway (2 winners will each receive a package of Etch-it cups; 1 winner will receive the Etch-it tags).

I’ve blogged about these cups before – they are great for keeping track of your drink.  Each cup has a little “chalkboard” on it.  Simply remove the protective cover, then etch your name or a cool design with your finger and your cup is personalized.  Never Lose Your Drink!

For info. of where to buy Etch-it Cups online, visit their site at http://www.etch-it.com/onlinepartners.htm

To enter the Hip Hostess Blog giveaway for the Etch-it Cups and Tags, click on the link below.  Winners will be randomly selected at 10pm EST on February 12, 2010.  Winners will be notified via e-mail.  One entry per person.  Good luck!

https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dF9FWnE4bmxheVlTdkczQVJSY2Rkc1E6MA

I’ve found that most shell place card holders look cheap or kitchy, until I saw these Neptune Shell Place Card Holders from Two’s Company.  They’re perfect for a beach theme party, whether it be a rehearsal dinner, dinner party or beachy bridal luncheon.  Even if you don’t use formal place cards, these can be used for marking food on a buffet table (i.e. writing the name of the dish on a place card so guests know what each dish is without having to ask).  They can also be used to display pictures on a guest table at the party, or at home after the party is over. 

Neptune Seashell Place Card Holders (set of 6), $18.50 – http://www.shopatron.com/product/part_number=2111/1657.0.57238.56866.0.0.0

Give your table a beachy look with seersucker.  This preppy fabric invokes the feeling of being beachside in New England.  Use this look for a lobster bake, pool party, backyard BBQ or summer dinner party.  Play up the theme with starfish, shells, anchors, buoys or hurricanes filled with sand and pillar candles.  Now your table will be dressed to impress.

Serve some shrimp “up” in a martini glass for a hip twist on the traditional shrimp cocktail.  It makes a great appetizer for New Year’s Eve, or any other time of year.

Whether you’re inviting friends to your beach house or throwing a beach theme party on your rooftop, seashell candle holders will add an authentic flare to your beach party decore.  Use real seashells and place a votive candle or tea light (removed from the tin holder) in the open side of the shell.  If you have any lying around, sprinkle tiny little shells inside the candle and watch them float in the wax as the candle melts.  If you aren’t on an actual beach, fill a shallow bowl or plate with sand and nestle the seashells in the sand before lighting them.  A fun use for those shells you collected on vacation, and a great way to create ambiance for your beach party.