Halloween Favor Boxes from A Little Hut

How fabulous are these little favor boxes from online store, A Little Hut? The best part is you don't have to wait around for your mailperson to show up with your cute little boxes. You purchase the template from A Little Hut and make them by using a simple downloadable PDF that includes all instructions and printable materials. In addition to the Halloween boxes, you will find templates for Alphabet Mat Boards, a 2009 Calendar, and other styles of favor boxes. Be sure to check out the A Little Hut Blog and Etsy Store, too! Happy Shopping!

SWANKY GIVEAWAY: Inkspot Workshop

Time to start planning your holiday party! Let's start the festivities with a fabulous giveaway from Inkspot Workshop! The winner will have their choice of a set of 10 invitations from the Snowman Martini Line or the Pinwheel Snowman Line. How cute is that snowman drinking the martini? I love the "Party till our faces falls off" on the Pinwheel invites. Super cute and great colors that you can carry throughout the event! To enter, post a comment here telling us which items are your favorite from Inkspot Workshop's Etsy Store. Be sure to check out the rest of the Holiday Line! and the Inkspot Workshop Blog. Giveaway ends Friday, October 3rd at midnight PST. Winner will be announced Monday, October 6th. Good Luck!

Swanky Deal: Norman Copenhagen Pots

Norman Copenhagen Pots on Sale at Sprout Home for $14.75 - $21.00 (orig.$59-$84). Unfortunately Red is sold out, but Black is still available.

Check back tomorrow for a special HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY on swankytables. Happy Sunday!

Image: Sprout Home

Happy Hour: Pina Co-Labor

Today's Happy Hour Recipe is in honor of fellow blogger, Michelle of Memorable Events. Check out her blog to see her BIG NEWS!

PINA CO-LABOR
Ingredients:
1 cup Glow Mama ice cubes
1 1/4 cups freshly cut pineapple pieces
1/2 cup milk (calcium enriched if possible)
1/2 cup coconut cream (or coconut milk)
2 tbsp organic white sugar

Directions:
Blend the ice, pineapple chunks, milk, coconut cream and sugar in an electric blender until smooth. Pour into a tall exotic glass and garnish with a chunk of fresh pineapple.

Curried Sweet Potato Shooters

Love the chic presentation and the yummy contents. The perfect start to a fall dinner.


Curried Sweet Potato Shooters

The Ingredients:

makes 10

• 2 baked sweet potatoes
• 1 tablespoon of curry powder
• ¾ cup each of milk
• unsweetened coconut milk
• salt
• pepper
• minced chives

Scoop out the flesh from the potatoes, and discard the skins. Place in a blender with the curry powder, the regular milk and the coconut milk. Blend on high for about 10 seconds, until the mixture is smooth and uniform. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then chill. When ready to serve, divide among 10 shot glasses or sake cups and garnish with minced chives.

Recipe:: Domino Magazine
Image:: Mikkel Vang

Mini Candy Dispensers

Love these cute little favors. You can fill them up with a candy that matches your event decor and your guests have the perfect candy dispenser for their desk at work. You can find the Mini Candy Dispensers at beau-coup. I am a candy-addict. I think I lost 10 pounds when I stopped working in an office.

John Derian at Target, Orla Kiely up next

Dig this tray from the John Derian for Target collection(12.99). Great colors and graphic. I found out via the Mouthing Off Blog that British Designer Orla Kiely's home and kitchen accessories collection for Target debuts in February! Love her!

Yummy Crostini Recipes

I saw Giada De Laurentiis making these yummy crostini recipes on Oprah quite awhile ago. Now, they are two of my favorite appetizers to serve. Especially fabulous for fall and winter events.

Stilton-Pear Crostini drizzled with Pumpkin Seed Oil

Ingredients

• 6 brioche rolls
• 1/3 cup pumpkin seed oil
• 4 to 6 ounces Stilton cheese thinly sliced or crumbled
• 3 green Comice or Anjou pears cut into thin wedges
• 1/2 cup toasted pumpkin seeds

Preheat oven to 375°. Cut rounded tops off rolls, then slice each roll in half horizontally. Brush insides of rolls with about 3 tablespoons pumpkin seed oil total. Place brushed side up on a baking sheet, and bake until golden brown, 7 to 10 minutes. Remove from oven. While still warm, place cheese and pears on toasted rolls.

Arrange rolls on a serving tray. Top with pumpkin seeds, and drizzle with remaining pumpkin seed oil. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Recipe: Rori Trovato

Crostini with Gorgonzola Honey and Walnuts

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 24 1/3-inch-thick diagonal slices baguette
• 6 ounces creamy gorgonzola cheese , coarsely crumbled
• 2/3 cup walnuts , toasted, coarsely chopped
• 1 ripe fig , thinly sliced crosswise (optional)
• 3 tablespoons honey

Preheat the oven to 375°. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet in a single layer. Lightly brush the baguette slices with oil. Toast in the oven until the baguette slices are golden, about 8 minutes. (You can toast the baguette slices 1 day ahead. Cool, then store them at room temperature in an airtight container.)

Toss the gorgonzola with walnuts in a small bowl. Spoon the cheese mixture onto the baguette slices and press slightly to adhere. Return the baking sheet to the over and bake until the cheese melts, about 8 minutes.

Arrange the crostini on a platter. Top each with a slice of fig, if desired. Drizzle with honey and serve warm.

Created by: Giada De Laurentiis
Image: Gentl & Hyers

inkjet designs: the cutest darn favors ever!

So happy when I stumbled across inkjet designs on Etsy. Inkjet is based in England and you will find super cute acrylic coasters(top row), pocket mirrors(bottom row), badges, and magnets. The perfect favor or gift for your next soirée. The graphics and colors just scream "design a party around me". Are you an Etsy Seller? Check out her Etsy Badges. I can definitely see that latte coaster sitting on my desk in the near future! Don't forget to check out her blog, too. Happy Shopping!

Jell-O Petri Dish Treats for a Mad Scientist Party

These look like so much fun to make! Perfect for a Mad Scientist Party for the little chemist in your life!

Jell-O Petri Treats

• 2 3-ounce boxes Jell-O
• 14 petri dishes
• gummi worms and mini jawbreakers

1. Follow the quick-set directions on the Jell-O packages.
2. Pour the liquid mixture into petri dishes (each package makes about seven dishes' worth), then have the kids add candy "growths."
3. Place the dishes on a tray and refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.

Get petri dishes HERE

Recipe & Images:: Cookie Magazine

Built NY + French Bull = Cool Wine Totes

What a smashing collaboration: French Bull and Built NY products. These Wine Totes would make a perfect hostess gift when spending the weekend at your friends house!

French Bull Rainbow Flower 2 Bottle Tote
French Bull Vine 1 Bottle Tote

Emmy-Nominated Cocktails

Food & Wine Magazine put together of list of cocktails that celebrate a mix of Emmy-Nominated shows. Perfect for having friends over to watch the festivities!

• Mexican Three Way::Entourage began this season in Mexico, so to celebrate their Emmy-Nomination throw back a Mexican Three Way.

• Zee Spotted Pig Bloody Mary::Are you a Dexter fan? Up for Outstanding Drama Series, what better drink then a Bloody Mary for Miami Police analyst/serial killer, Dexter Morgan.

• The Vamp:: Pour yourself a Vamp while you watch and see if Vanessa Williams wins Outstanding Supporting Actress for her role on Ugly Betty.

• All Dave All Night:: The perfect way to toast David Letterman's Emmy-Nomination for Late Night with David Letterman.

• Stumbling Islander:: I'm a huge LOST fan and Michael Emerson, who is nominated for his role as Ben for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. (Even though I would have nightmares after watching him on The Practice, back in the day.)

• Sudden Headache:: Christina Applegate is nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for Samantha Who?. Here is the perfect cocktail for her character amnesiac Samantha Newly.

60th Primetime Emmy Awards are airing tomorrow night at 8pm ET/5pm PT on ABC.

Images & Recipes: Food & Wine Magazine

Halloween Invites from Tiny Prints

Tiny Prints always has a fabulous selection of photo cards and invitations. I ordered my holiday cards from them last year and I loved them! Well, they have really have gone all out for Halloween. So many cute choices!
Here are some of my favorites:

Monster Parade Invitation
Which Witch?
Eerie Elixir
Haunted House

Images: Tiny Prints

Happy Hour: Grey Goose La Poire Peartini

A lovely fall martini, cheers!

GREY GOOSE La Poire Peartini
2 parts GREY GOOSE La Poire
1/4 parts DISARONNO
1/4 parts simple syrup
1/2 part lemon juice
Pear slice for garnish

Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker is frosted and beaded with sweat. Strain into martini glass and garnish with pear slice.

Picture & Recipe: People Stylewatch

Have you checked out Free Design Blog?

Maybe I'm the last one to find this, but I don't care, because I love it and I had to share! Free Design Blog is the side page of Summer Allen-Gibson's weblog, Design is Mine.
Summer has weeded through all the design freebies to find the most fabulous ones. (like the desktop wallpaper from Cecily Ink above)

Swanky Deal: Tower Shot Glasses 95 cents

Great shot glasses on sale at CB2 for 95 cents. Perfect to buys in bulk for the Milk and Cookies Shooters, I posted on earlier. Happy Shopping!

Festive Flag Banner

Love this Fabric Flag Banner at Sparkability. Such vivid colors and fun designs, perfect for any celebration! The banner measures 38 ft X 12 inches and is made of cotton, so it can be reused for every special occasion in your house.

picture: Sparkability

Monogram Wedding Shower or Bridesmaid Lunch

There's just something about using letters as decor that I love. It would be perfect for a bridesmaid lunch, wedding shower, baby shower, or 1st birthday party. Here's the details:

• JulietheFish Designs:: Custom Sterling Initial Necklace:: I just received a double initial necklace from Julie, and love it!! I actually haven't taken it off since I received it. Check out all this different option at her Etsy Store. It's a perfect gift for a girlfriend or bridesmaid.

• Paperluxe Studio:: Monogram Stationery Favors-Works double duty as favor and place card on your table.
  

• DecalMonograms:: The perfect way to personalize a plain beverage tub for your event. Also a great gift for the bride or baby nursery.
  

• Anthropologie Monogram Mugs: Group in threes(bride's monogram or bridesmaid initial) and fill with flowers on the table. You could also line up down the center of the table.

• Flares and Fountains Fabric Letters:: Use to decorate the table, buffet, or mantel. Attach ribbon and hang on front door to welcome guests.

• Martha Stewart Initial Party

• Monogram Gift Wrap:Rebecca Thuss
  

Taking ABC a little too far Menu:
ABC Sandwich
Tomato Alphabet Soup with Parmesan Crisp
Monogram Cupcakes

A.B.C. Cocktail
1 part Amaretto
1 part Bailey's Irish Cream
1 part Cognac

Chill a shot glass with ice or in the freezer. Empty the shot glass from ice and water. Pour Amaretto, Bailey's Irish Cream and Cognac into the shot glass.
recipe: cdkitchen

Double Duty Centerpieces

I love these fun, yet functional, centerpieces from Real Simple Magazine. The red and white gift boxes(filled with a little trinket) and twirly pops can double as favors for guests. The fruit placed on clear upside down boxes is perfect for a modern fall table. The IZZE soda centerpiece is so easy and festive. Anytime you can incorporate a centerpiece that matches your color scheme and can be a food or drink item, is a huge bonus!

picture: Real Simple Magazine

Blood-Red Punch For Your Little Witches and Ghosts

To make scary ice cubes, place Halloween items (such as plastic spiders and bugs or gummi worms) in ice cube trays, leaving a little of each item exposed. (Be sure each item is big enough not to be easily swallowed.) Fill the tray with water and freeze. Place several cubes in each glass before filling with punch.

Ingredients:

3 cups cranberry-raspberry juice blend or other berry juice

3 cups sparkling water

1 cup thawed frozen strawberries or raspberries, pureed

1 cup crushed ice cubes

Directions:

In a 2-quart pitcher or punch bowl, combine the juice, sparkling water, pureed berries and ice. Stir gently to mix. Divide the punch evenly among 8 glasses. Serves 8.

Adapted from Williams-Sonoma Kids Parties, by Lisa Atwood (Oxmoor House, 2008).
picture: Williams-Sonoma

Longneck Vase Centerpiece

Fill these chem lab beaker glass vases with colorful sand, long stemmed floral, or colorful water for a modern centerpiece. Perfect for your child's "Chemistry" themed party or a striking buffet table, too. You can find these fun vases on sale for $4.95 at cb2.

Swanky Deal: bon coffee cups at CB2

Check out CB2, for these colorful rubber band bracelet coffee cups on sale for .95 - 1.50.

Fabulous Finds at ink lore!

So happy I found this lovely Etsy shop via Scoutie Girl(via Inkspot Workshop Blog). You will find fantastic table and gift items hand block printed with original designs. I just placed an order for the 1-2-3 Grow with Me, a natural canvas growth chart printed with antique wood block numbers. A perfect baby shower gift! Here are some more of my ink lore favorites:

Yarrow Cork Coaster Set
Orange Flour Sack Kitchen Towel
Linen Table Runner available in custom sizes
1-2-3 Grow With Me

Pictures: ink lore

Happy Hour: Spiked Apple Cider and Donuts

Nothing says FALL like apple cider and donuts. Yummy!

SPIKED APPLE CIDER
8 servings

INGREDIENTS
2 quarts apple cider
1 cup apple brandy
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1 teaspoon curry powder

DIRECTIONS
In a large pot, combine all the ingredients over high heat and bring to a simmer. Lower the heat and keep warm. To serve, strain through a fine mesh sieve into a heatproof pitcher and pour into mugs.

CIDER DOUGHNUTS
Makes 2 1/2 dozen

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 cups flour, plus more for rolling 1/2 cup sugar 2 tablespoons powdered buttermilk 2 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup apple cider 1 egg, beaten 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract Vegetable shortening or oil, for frying (approximately 2 quarts)

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, powdered buttermilk, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, cloves and salt. Make a well in the center. Stir the cider, egg, butter and vanilla into the dry ingredients until well blended. Refrigerate half of the batter.
2. In a large, deep skillet or a deep fryer, heat the shortening until rippling but not smoking, or until a deep-fat thermometer registers 360º.
3. While the oil heats, using a teaspoon, form the dough into 15 one-inch pieces and roll the pieces into balls with lightly floured palms. Working in 2 batches, fry the balls until deep brown all over, 2 to 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the doughnut holes to paper towels to drain. Repeat with the refrigerated batter. Serve warm.

Picture: Susie Cushner,
Recipes: Rachel Ray Magazine

Spooky Punch Bowl Stand

In keeping with the spooky theme today, I am diggin' this Bone Stand from Pottery Barn, $29. It fits a punch bowl or drink dispenser, but I think it would be perfect for a centerpiece(just add black candles). Love it!

I might pass out when I open this invite!

Yikes, I would be flat on the floor if I opened this little invite box. Feel like making plaster cast's of your finger for Halloween this year? Check out the instructions for this creative(yet eerie) invite at Martha Stewart.

Modern Holiday at Made by Girl

I know its September, but I just couldn't help it! I'm a big fan of Made by Girl cards and posters, and she has really out done herself for the Holidays. Love the vibrant colors and modern design. I think the reindeer cards would also make fabulous impromptu holiday invites. Above is just a sampling of her Holiday Collection, check out the rest on her site.

Nie Nie Recovery Auction at Today's Creative Blog

Please visit the Nie Nie Recovery Auction at Today's Creative Blog. Fabulous items are being auctioned to benefit the Nielson Family, including Inkspot Workshop stationery.

Swanky Deal: Aqua Marina Chargers

These fabulous Italian-made textured glass chargers from NapaStyle are on sale for $64.99 for 8 pieces (regular $128). The 13 1/2 diameter chargers are available in Aqua Blue, Green, and Clear. Perfect for a Seaside Table. Be sure to check out their whole clearance section for lots of great deals! Happy Shopping!

Picture: NapaStyle

Fall Harvest Party

Even though it seems like we didn't get much of a summer this year, I'm still looking forward to Fall. Perfect time to have a Fall Harvest Party:

Decor:

• Wheat Centerpiece: Place a small glass hurricane inside a larger one with about 1/4 inch space between and slip in wheat. Place a votive candle in the small hurricane.
  
• Mix natural fall elements and modern glassware for a fabulously chic autumn table.
• Quick Fall Placecard
  
• Fall Leaf Swag
• A Galvanized French Vase filled with branches on a buffet table full of homemade goodies makes a striking presentation.{Rebecca Thuss}

Activities for your Bite-Size Guests:

• Impromptu Hay Rides
• Apple Bobbing minus the mess. I love this idea from Cookie Magazine. They also suggest hanging Apple Cider doughnuts, for a sweet treat. Now that's my kind of tree!!
  

Menu:

• Tex-Mex Corn Chip Chili
• Toasted Corn Meal Corn Bread
  
• Beet Salad with Blue Cheese
• Apple and Celery Slaw with Blue Cheese Dressing
• Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
  
• Buttered Spiked Cider

Pictures: (Sunset Magazine}{Domino Magazine}{MarthaStewart}{RebeccaThuss}{Cookie Magazine}

PopMat Paper Placemats

These placemats were just cracking me up this morning. For more designs check out Publique Living or Velocity Art and Design. Have a fabulous Sunday!

Picture: Publique Living

Shots at a Baby Shower?

Love this idea from life style expert, Kelley Moore's Seattle Magazine Entertaining column. This was the finishing touch on a fabulous baby shower she planned at West Seattle children's boutique, Georgia Blu. Just fill tall shot glasses with milk and place a cookie on top. So cute, yet so easy! Make sure you check out Kelley's Blog for lots of fabulous ideas!

Picture: Seattle Magazine

Happy Hour: Players Punch

It's always nice to have something you can prepare ahead of time for a party. This punch tastes great, is easy to make, and you can prepare ahead. Perfect when you're having people over this Sunday to watch the games! Go Seahawks!

PLAYERS' PUNCH
(Serves 12)
In large pitcher combine 6 cups cranberry juice, 3 cups orange juice, 3 cups vodka, 3 tbsp sugar and 1½ tsp pumpkin pie spice. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld. When ready to serve, pour into ice-filled highball glasses and garnish with orange wheels and a swizzle stick.

Recipe & Photo: InStyle Magazine