Ikea Sale this weekend!

The LACK side table at IKEA makes a great extra "party table". Group a few together for a kid's buffet or as extra drink tables for your next event. Lots of colors to match your decor. Great deals on the lamp and chair too!!

Picture: IKEA

Happy Hour: ArcLight Cinemas Martini

Ingredients
2.5 ounces Malibu Rum
2.5 ounces Blue Curaçao
2 ounces pineapple juice
.5 ounces Sprite
Cherry for garnish, if desired


Directions
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the rum, blue curaçao, juice and Sprite. Shake, and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with the cherry.

Recipe: Rachel Ray Magazine
Picture: Shay Peretz

Double Duty Tote Bags for Out of Town Guests

Fill these MAPTOTE bags with lots of yummy local treats and your guests will have a fab bag and "map" while in town for your event. Find them at Cut + Paste.

Yummy Frozen Treats for Labor Day Weekend!

Here's some fancy frozen treats for your labor day bbq or end of summer celebration!!

Frozen Lemon Cream Sandwich
Yummy frozen lemon cream between butter waffle cookies rolled in pistachios.
Total Time: 20 minutes, Serves: 6

ingredients

• One 7-ounce container chilled crème fraîche
• 1/4 cup lemon curd
• Finely grated zest of 1 lemon
• 12 crisp butter waffle cookies
• 1/4 cup finely chopped unsalted pistachios

directions

1. Line a small baking sheet with wax paper. In a chilled bowl, using a hand-held electric mixer, beat the crème fraîche with the lemon curd and lemon zest until firm peaks form.
2. Arrange half of the cookies on the baking sheet and spoon the lemon cream onto the centers, letting it ooze gently to the edges. Top with the remaining cookies, pressing down very gently. Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer and freeze the sandwiches until firm, at least 4 hours.
3. Spread the nuts on a plate and roll the edges of the sandwiches in them. Serve at once.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich
Break-and-bake cookies, which come packaged in eight-inch squares, are the secret to these incredible ice cream sandwich bars. Simply roll out all the dough to create one giant cookie, then bake, slice and layer it with store-bought ice cream and hot fudge sauce. Dip the bars into crushed chocolate toffee candy to form a super crunchy shell.
Active time: 30 minutes, Total Time: 4 hours, Serves: 16

ingredients

• 1 package prescored break-and-bake chocolate chip cookie dough, at room temperature
• 2 pints vanilla ice cream, softened slightly
• 1/4 cup hot fudge sauce, warmed
• 1/4 cup salted roasted almonds, coarsely chopped
• 1/4 cup chocolate-coated toffee bits or one 1 1/2-ounce chocolate-coated toffee bar, coarsely chopped

directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Set the cookie dough in a 9-by-13-inch baking pan. Place a sheet of plastic wrap on top and evenly press or roll the cookie dough to fill the baking pan. Remove the plastic wrap and bake the cookie for 14 minutes, until lightly browned. Let the cookie cool completely in the baking pan.
2. Invert the cookie onto a work surface and slide it back into the baking pan, bottom side up. Trim the edges if necessary. Scoop the vanilla ice cream over the cookie in large dollops. Place a sheet of plastic wrap on top and press or roll the ice cream into an even layer. Freeze for 1 hour, until the ice cream is just firm.
3. Remove the plastic wrap. Drizzle the warm chocolate sauce all over the ice cream. Cover again with plastic wrap and freeze for 1 hour longer, until firm.
4. Invert the baking pan onto a cutting board and tap gently to release the cookie bar. Flip the cookie bar over so it is ice cream side up. Using a sharp, heavy knife, cut the bar in half crosswise, forming two 9-by-6 1/2-inch rectangles. Sandwich the cookie bar rectangles together and press hard to seal. Wrap in plastic and freeze for at least 1 hour, until firm.
5. In a bowl, combine the almonds and toffee pieces. Using a sharp, heavy knife, cut the ice cream cookie into 16 bars. Press one side of each bar into the almond and toffee mixture. Return the bars to the freezer or serve right away.

MAKE AHEAD The ice cream bars can be stacked and frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Gianduja Mousse Sandwiches
For a super easy ice cream sandwich, spoon the mousse between chocolate wafers and freeze overnight.
Active Time: 10 minutes, Total Time: 30 minutes, Serves: 4

ingredients

• 1/2 cup chocolate-hazelnut paste, such as Nutella
• 1/4 cup crème fraîche
• 1 1/2 teaspoons brandy or hazelnut liqueur
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Chocolate wafer cookies, for serving

directions

1. In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the chocolate-hazelnut paste with the crème fraîche and brandy at low speed until smooth. In another bowl, beat the heavy cream until firm peaks form. Using a rubber spatula, fold the whipped cream into the chocolate-hazelnut mixture until no streaks remain. Spoon the mousse into small bowls and refrigerate for 20 minutes. Serve with the chocolate wafer cookies.

Pictures and Recipes: Food & Wine Magazine

Goblet Centerpiece

Here's a fun and colorful idea from Rachel Ray Magazine:
Place your goblets upside down on a table, tuck large blooms underneath and top with colorful votives. So bright, cheery and easy!!

Grab your apron, it's a Retro Kitchen Shower!

How about a Retro Kitchen Shower for the Bride-to-Be? Break out your Betty Crocker cookbook and start whipping up some 50's inspired cocktail nibbles. How about Celery Cheese Spread or Hot Curry Dip? Yummy!!

Here's the details:

• Winifred Studios Stand Mixer Recipe Cards:: Set of 12 Add a recipe card to each invitation and have the recipient fill it out with their "signature" dish for the Bride.
  

• Winifred Studios Mixers Thank You Card
  

• Pop Ink Fashion Melamine Plate Set:: Set of 4 $18.00-50% off

• Fleur-de-lys Glasses: Work great for drinks or as small vases for flowers. (bathroom or at each place setting)

• Ikea Burken Jar with Lid:: Fill with flowers, and use a few of these down the center of the table. Then the hostess can send the flowers home with the bride-to- be. She can use the canisters in her kitchen once the flowers are gone.

• Garden Glimpse Vases:: Another option for the table. Fill with some pretty white flowers or a contrasting color.

• Cutting Board Shower Invitation

• Brody and Ma Retro Avocado Green Damask Large Round Party Tub:: Fill with cool drinks for guests

The Perfect Modern Beverage Dispenser

It was love at first site when I happened upon the Marseilles Beverage Dispensers from Roost. At $170 for the small, and $220 for the large, they are a bit on the pricey side, but they could double for works of art. You can find them at one of my favorite Seattle stores, Velocity Art and Design.

Swanky Deal: 95 Cents at CB2

You can find all of the above items for 95 cents each at CB2. Gotta love a deal!!

Sneak Peek into the Inkspot Workshop Holiday Line

Opening up the mail during the holidays and seeing what fun and festive cards my friends have picked out is one of my favorite moments. Guess what? It's almost that time to start thinking about what you are going to send out. Here is a sneak peek of Inkspot Workshop's Holiday 2008 stationary and tags. These items, and more, will be available in the Inkspot Workshop Etsy Store the beginning of October. I love the modern and unique graphics and colors. The snowmen and tree cards are some of my favorites, as well as the "little car with tree". Too Cute! In the meantime, be sure to check out the current line. I have the Personalized Mini Notes(perfect for gifts) and the Polka Dot Woody Personalized Note Cards (they come with cute little address labels too!). Happy Shopping!

Pineapple Satays with Coconut Caramel

The perfect dessert or appetizer for a tropical themed event or festive outdoor party!

Pineapple Satay with Coconut Caramel
Prep and Cook Time: 35 minutes. Notes: You will need 16 wooden skewers for this recipe (soak in water 30 minutes).

Ingredients

1 ripe pineapple
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup coconut milk
1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, toasted

Preparation

1. Trim ends from pineapple, then stand it on one end and cut off peel. Quarter pineapple lengthwise and cut out core. Reserve half the pineapple for another use. Cut each remaining quarter into 4 lengthwise slices, then cut each slice in half to make 16 thin wedges. Skewer each lengthwise.

2. In a small saucepan, combine sugar with 1/2 cup water. Bring to a boil, swirling to dissolve sugar; boil, swirling occasionally (do not stir), until just golden and honeylike. Remove from heat and slowly whisk in coconut milk (mixture will bubble furiously).

3. Prepare a gas or charcoal grill for high heat (450° to 550°; you can hold your hand 5 in. above cooking grate only 2 to 4 seconds). Using a pastry brush, coat pineapple pieces with caramel sauce. Grill just until marks appear, then turn to mark other side, 4 to 5 minutes total. Put skewers on a platter, sprinkle with toasted coconut, and serve with remaining caramel sauce.

Yield

Makes 4 servings

Happy Hour: White Cosmopolitan

One of my very favorite cocktails is the White Cosmo. So crisp and refreshing!!

White Cosmopolitan

Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz vodka
- 1/2 oz Cointreau
- 1/4 oz white cranberry juice
Garnish: lime wheel

Mix all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with lime wheel.

Picture and Recipe: Cocktail Times

A Modern Spot of Color

I am digging these cute little Red Chamber "Double Gourd" vases::$16. These glazed ceramic vases would make a striking centerpiece with some simple flowers, or a wonderful hostess gift.
Picture: LibaStyle

Swanky Deal: Lounge Runner

Great deal at CB2! The Lounge Runner for $9.95, regular $19.95 Happy Shopping!

b|e creative tags!

Love these favor/gift tags from Etsy seller b|e creative. So cute and lots of styles to choose from!

Picture: b|e creative

Are you planning a fabulous event in the Atlanta area?

Michelle of Lemiga Events has gone all out(which is nothing new, if you have seen the events she has planned) orchestrating an Open House Soiree of Atlanta's best wedding and event vendors. The Soiree is being held Sunday, August 24th, from 4 - 6pm at The Solarium in Decatur, Georgia. You will be treated to a fabulous group of event vendors from photographers and videographers to invitation, cake, lighting and floral designers and get great ideas from creative table displays,decor, and over-the-top extras such as photobooths, entertainment and spa services. You can register for the event at http://lemiga.eventbrite.com and see more details at http://lemiga.blogspot.com. So wish I was closer, and I bet it's not raining in Decatur, like it is in Portland at this moment. Nice August weather!! Happy Monday!!

DIY Outdoor Bar

Here's a great idea for you crafty people out there, or if you are like me, find someone else to build it for you!! How much fun would be to have this portable bar for you next backyard bash? Click here for the directions from ReadyMade Magazine.

picture: ReadyMade Magazine

Happy Hour: Pear Sidecar

Pear Sidecar Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients

object2=">1/4 cup pear brandy
object2=">2 tablespoons unsweetened pear juice or nectar
object2=">1 tablespoon lemon juice
object2=">1 tablespoon simple syrup (see Notes)
object2=">1 or 2 slices fresh pear, about 1/2 in. thick

Preparation

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour brandy, pear juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup over ice. Cover and shake vigorously for 1 minute. Strain and pour into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with sliced pear. Serve immediately.

Notes: To make simple syrup, cook 1/2 cup each sugar and water in a small pan over medium heat until sugar dissolves and mixture turns clear; cool before using. Can be kept, covered and chilled, for 6 months.

Seaside Table by the Fabulous Kim Gray!!

The very talented stylist, Kim Gray, shared these fabulous photos from a Seaside Table she designed for an LIG Magazine shoot in Paternoster (about 150 km from Cape Town, South Africa) I love how she mixed so many of the natural seaside elements with the limes, apples and gorgeous colored glass. I love the color palette-so fresh and modern!! If you love this table setting, you will find even more fabulous eye candy on her blog. It is a daily must read!! Thanks so much, Kim, for sharing these fabulous pictures! Enjoy!!!

PS. Sorry for all the scrolling...I had a nice PS document all set up, but it is not uploading correctly.

Swanky Deal: Mini Margarita

Mini Margarita glasses on sale for 95 cents at Crate and Barrel! Perfect filled with treats as a favor for a fiesta!!

The Unexpected

I love unexpected touches for events, and these are great examples from InStyle Weddings.
Picture: InStyle Weddings

Bright Flower Boxes for your Table

One of my favorite containers to use for floral arrangements are Amac Boxes. They are modern, inexpensive, come in lots of colors and sizes, and the biggest selling point in my house, twin-proof. One of my 2 year old twins takes "bull in a china cabinet" to a whole new level. The above pictured arrangement is from a party at my house this past weekend. They look fabulous when the light shines through them. Happy Monday!!

Tile Runner for your Table

Love this idea of using tile for a table runner. It's perfect for adding style and color to your table; and works double-duty as a trivet for hot food. Check your local tile store for remnants at discounted prices.
Picture: Martha Stewart

Happy Hour: Madras-tini

This cocktail would have been perfect for the Preppy Party I did a couple weeks ago and super easy to prepare for a large group. Just place all of the ingredients in a fabulous pitcher and guests can serve themselves. I like how they placed a tag on the pitcher above.

Madras-tini

Serves 20

8 cups chilled vodka
5 cups cranberry juice
2½ cups fresh orange juice
Tangerine slices for garnish

In a large pitcher, combine vodka, cranberry juice and orange juice. Stir, then refrigerate until cold. Pour into glasses and garnish with tangerine slices.

Swanky Deal: Bamboo Dinnerware

Besides the fact these plates are made of eco-friendly renewable bamboo over plantation fir, they just look fabulous! I love the modern shape and they would be a great accent for a beach-inspired table. They are also on sale at Crate and Barrel for $3.95 - $5.95 BONUS!! Happy Shopping!

Cocktail Party Timeline

Great timeline from Epicurious for throwing a fabulous cocktail party and keeping your sanity:

Four weeks before:

• Choose a theme for your event. • Determine where in your home you want to host the party. • Decide on a menu and drinks. • Make a guest list and design the invitation.

Three weeks before:

• Send out invitations (if it's a smaller group of close friends, you can wait until two weeks before). • Create a shopping list and cross-check with your menu.

Two weeks before:

• Plan the layout of and decorations for the party space. • Create a shopping list for any decorating supplies. • Buy, rent, or borrow any extra equipment needed. • Hire a server or bartender if necessary. • Make sure your stereo and speakers are working and create your music playlist.

One week before:

• Verify your guest list and call or e-mail guests you haven't heard from. • Buy any decorations needed except flowers and other perishable items. • Place order with florist. • Purchase ingredients that will keep. • Write a service plan for your party, including how you will prepare before the event and how you will cook the food throughout the week. • Start any possible cooking or food prep.

Two days before:

• Purchase the rest of the food, including perishable items. • Decide what to wear to avoid any last-minute fashion stress.

One Day before:

• Pick up flowers. • Clean up and decorate the party space and bathroom. • Decorate and arrange furniture, food tables, and bar. • Set up the bar or drinks station, making sure you have all the necessary equipment. • Prepare as much as possible from your menu.

Day of:

several hours before: • Buy ice. • Double-check that you have all the food and supplies you need—this is the time to make a last-minute run to the store. • Finish preparing the food (except last-minute heating and garnishing). • Cut up and prepare all bar garnishes. • Queue up your playlist so it's ready to go.

two hours before: • Get yourself ready. • Cool any beverages that need to be chilled.

thirty minutes before: • Put finishing touches on food and drinks—to keep hot food hot, store in a 125°F oven until you're ready to serve. • Arrange any room-temperature food on the buffet or food stations.

just before the party starts: • Set ice and garnishes on bar. • Turn on music. • Double-check everything, sip a drink, and welcome your guests!

Beach Inspired Tables

Let's hit the beach! The colors and textures of the beach always make for great tables. Above are some of my favorite tablescapes. I especially love the blue and white low table with white pillows for seating.(upper left) The white lantern and floating white mums gives it such a fresh, clean, modern look. I also love the grass tied white napkins in the bottom left photo and the sea shell and sand centerpiece(upper right).
Pictures:{Coastal Living} {Luna Photography}{Ben Vigil}{Amy DeYoung}

Brunch Parfaits

One of my favorite menu items from the Preppy Brunch was the yummy yogurt parfaits. They looked fabulous in the green martini glasses from CB2. It also makes the perfect portion when you have a large group! Here's a recipe for a similar Brunch Parfait from Cooking Light Magazine:

BRUNCH PARFAITS

Assemble everything but the granola and almonds ahead of time, and store in the refrigerator for up to an hour. Sprinkle with granola and almonds just before serving for the optimum crunch.

Ingredients
1/3 cup apricot preserves
3 cups sliced strawberries
2 cups low-fat vanilla yogurt
1/2 cup low-fat granola without raisins (such as Kellogg's)
2 tablespoons slivered almonds, toasted

Directions
Place apricot preserves in a medium microwave-safe bowl, and microwave at high for 10 to 15 seconds or until preserves melt. Add strawberries, and toss gently to coat.
Spoon 1/4 cup yogurt into each of 4 parfait glasses; top each serving with 1/3 cup strawberry mixture. Repeat the layers with the remaining yogurt and strawberry mixture. Top each serving with 2 tablespoons granola and 1 1/2 teaspoons almonds. Serve immediately.

Yield
4 servings (serving size: 1 parfait)

Thank You Wedding Fanatic!

It was so nice to receive an email from Katie letting me know Swanky Tables was featured on Wedding Fanatic. This site is THE resource for wedding planning with a fun and modern approach. I especially love the Parties & Showers and Decor categories. A must read if you are planning a wedding or shower!

Happy Hour: Classic Hurricane Cocktail

Ingredients

1/2 cup sugar Ice cubes 2 cups rum 2 cups passion fruit juice 2 cups orange juice

2 cups pineapple juice 1/2 cup orange liqueur, such as Grand Marnier Juice of 4 limes (about 1/2 cup) Bitters, such as Angostura 8 fresh pineapple wedges

1. In a small saucepan, heat 1/2 cup water and the sugar over medium heat and stir until dissolved. Let the simple syrup cool.
2. Fill a pitcher with ice cubes. Add the rum, passion fruit juice, orange juice, pineapple juice, orange liqueur, lime juice and simple syrup and stir until chilled. Strain the cocktail into glasses, top each with a dash of bitters and garnish with a pineapple wedge.

picture: Eugenia Uhl
recipe: Rachel Ray