Are you ready for the parties? There is only one you should be going to tonight!

Remember I talked about Discoween last week? I am so excited to hang with Fred Schneider of the B-52s at this super cool benefit for Canine Companions for Independence. Here’s Fred visiting with Mara Davis and dishing on tonight’s awesome party.

If you haven’t gotten your costume yet, check out CitiTrends on Ralph David Abernathy. It’s next door to the Goodwill and I ventured in there this week with some trepidation. It is a TREASURE TROVE of 70′s Disco outfits. And the clothes are new. There are a ton of 70s inspired jewelry, too. I couldn’t believe it. And everything seemed to be just $3.00. Yup, you read that right. Three Dollars. And the people working in there could not have been nicer. They were even playing all the disco hits from the 70s. It’s my new favorite.

Go go go. But first buy your tickets for Discoween – it is sure to be the party of the year!!

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to The Superions – Bat Baby

My friend, Barry, is always up to something cool. This time he is decking the halls for Halloween.

Barry has been making little movies of ways to decorate your house for this scary season! This was one of my favorites!

What do you think? Good gracious, clowns give me the willies!

I love it!

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Rockwell – Somebody’s Watching Me

Hope you had a fantastic weekend! Lots of parties and fun events happening here in Atlanta, it’s almost too much to keep up with! Go, go, go!

Maybe I should just stop for a cocktail. What do you think?

Let’s mix up some fun, shall we?

First, lets fix something delicious to eat. Then we drink. Here’s a great recipe from the lovely people at the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina. I’ve yet to visit, but I understand that it is breathtaking in December. How about a luscious apple and gruyere pudding? Yum! This is going on my recipe roster for Thanksgiving.

Granny Smith Apple and Gruyere Pudding
Courtesy of Chef Michael Gonzalez of Bistro

Ingredients:
• 9 large baked croissants, large diced
• 1 1/2 cups granny smith apples, peeled and medium diced
• 1 cup grated Gruyere cheese
• 3/4 cup cooked smoked bacon, medium diced
• 2 tablespoons of reserved bacon fat
• 1/2 cup leeks, medium diced
• 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh ginger, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons garlic
• 2 teaspoons fresh sage, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 6 whole eggs, beaten
• 3 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Method:
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a medium-sized skillet over medium heat, add butter and reserved bacon fat. Add leeks, garlic, ginger, pepper flakes, and sweat until leeks are soft (approx. 10-12 minutes). Add apples, bacon, chopped herbs, and cook an additional 3 minutes. Remove pan from heat and reserve.

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, lightly beat eggs then add cream and milk. Whisk together until incorporated. In a separate large mixing bowl add diced croissants, cooked leek/apple mixture, and Gruyere cheese. Mix thoroughly. Add egg/cream mixture into croissant mixture, season with salt and black pepper, and gently incorporate until well mixed. Let pudding mixture sit for 5 minutes. Butter a medium sized casserole dish and distribute pudding mixture evenly in dish. Tightly cover with foil and bake in a water bath until pudding is set in middle (approx 35-40 minutes). When pudding is set -uncover foil, remove dish from water bath, and continue to bake for additional 8 minutes until browned. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes and serve.

Time for cocktails! My adorable friend Kate from NYC sent me this cocktail inspired by Mexico’s Two Year Marriage Dissolution Option. I guess that’s kind of like leasing a car – weird, but funny. They should make this the law in Hollywood. Oh, wait, I think it’s standard out there. Heck, we’ll drink to just about anything. But this sounds especially good.

I'll have one of these, please!

The 2-Year Old New Borrowed Blue
2 oz. Flor de Caña 4 Year Rum
3/4 oz Lime Juice
1/2 oz Agave Nectar
Blueberries

Shake & strain into a martini glass. Garnish with blueberries.

Not feeling fruity? How about these fun Halloween themed cocktails from my buddy Alex? Lots of cinnamon involved. I LOVE cinnamon in any form.

Oaxaca Chaka
2 oz Milaro SBR Anejo
0.75 oz Agave nectar
1 oz Heavy whipping cream
2 oz Milk
1 scoop Oaxacan chocolate powder
Freshly whipped cream top

Mix all ingredients in a pot. Heat up till boiling. Pour into coffee cup and top with whipped cream. Garnish with skeleton shaped cinnamon.

Corpse Reviver!

Pumpkin Fever
2 parts Bols Pumpkin Smash
1 part Sailor Jerry Rum
¼ part cream
¼ part milk
Shake with ice and strain into a sugar-rimmed, chilled martini glass. Sprinkle with fresh ground cinnamon.

Tomorrow, I am going to share the coolest way to cook corn on the cob for a crowd. You are going to love this!

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Cat Stevens – Moon Shadow

My new friend, Amy, wrote and asked if she could be a guest blogger. Well, sure! Amy runs the website, Gay Dating Sites, whose philosophy is keeping my darlings safe when looking for fun friends. I like that.

Throw a Pumpkin Carving Party!

Just because you’re an adult doesn’t mean you have to hang up your costume and sit back and let the kids be the only ones to have all the fun on Halloween. Okay, so maybe you can’t parade around the neighborhood in a princess costume banging on doors asking for handfuls of Snickers, but who says you can’t carve up some fun and throw a fabulously frightening pumpkin carving party?

Intriguing Invite. Turn to online invites or place a few phone calls to gather up your most ghoulish pals! Let your friends know that the party is BYOP (bring your own pumpkin) and encourage them to spring for the untraditional. An interestingly shaped gourd or pumpkin of a color other than orange can make for a unique twist on the original idea. Since there’s a good chance of getting pumpkin guts everywhere, make sure you tell your invitees to leave their pearls at home and to dress for a mess!

Scary Setup. If the autumn breeze is just right and provides for an evening not too cold, take the party outside. This won’t cause any issues if the carving gets a little sloppy and you are sure to have an easier clean-up on your hands. If the weather doesn’t permit for an outdoor event, set up a table inside and cover it and the floor with old newspapers or plastic.

Tools of Terror. Have the necessary utensils like carving knives, designs, spoons, pencils and paper laid out and ready to go. To make things a little more fun, also provide your guests with an array of paint colors, glitter, ribbons and other decorative items to allow everyone to tune in to their creative sides and add some Halloween flair to their pumpkins!

Devilish Decorations. Create a festive scene with barrels of hay, fall leaves and of course pumpkins, pumpkins, pumpkins! For a spooky ambiance, string orange Halloween lights and spider webs around the carving area and be sure to raid your nearest craft store for more decorations that are bound to get you and your friends in the Halloween spirit. For a little background noise play either a classic horror movie like Frankenstein or a cd of themed songs — Monster Mash, anyone?

Trick or Treats. Since your party will be revolving around pumpkin carving, it’s okay to take the easy route for snacks—go for pizza, chips and other simple appetizers. But considering it’s Halloween, you most certainly can’t skimp on the sweets—be sure to serve up some pumpkin pie (don’t forget the whipped cream!) and pick up plenty of fun-size candy to litter around your home.

Creepy Cocktails. Really get the party going and turn to your cauldron to brew up some drinks! This is the perfect opportunity to shine as the haunted hostess with the mostess!—mix vodka with cranberry juice or any other red beverage and serve it as “Vampire’s Blood.” Or you can make a “Creepy Crawler Punch” where you drape drinks with gummy worms, spiders, or whatever you can get your hands on!

Amy Reynolds is a guest post author who shares with us her ideas on entertaining for Halloween. Amy also is an author of articles about online dating for Gay Dating Sites.

Thanks, Amy!

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Theme from the movie Halloween (so scary!)

Doesn’t a Harvest Dinner sound like just the thing this time of year? Yummy, warm eats, paired with moonshine is sure to put a glow on your face as bright as the Harvest Moon. And a $30 price tag makes it all the more lovely.

D.B.A. BARBECUE PRESENTS A HARVEST MOONSHINE DINNER ON OCTOBER 27, 2011
Special $30 Three-Course Dinner Menu Paired with Junior Johnson’s Midnight Moonshine

On Thursday, October 27th at 7 p.m., D.B.A. Barbecue invites guests to dine on their heated patio and indulge in a special three-course “Harvest Moonshine Dinner” featuring pairings of Junior Johnson Moonshine for just $30 plus tax and gratuity. The dinner will have one-seating only at 7 p.m. and will start with passed snacks from D.B.A.’s brand new dinner menu, followed by a three-course menu that is carefully paired with Junior Johnson Moonshine handpicked by Matt Coggin, owner of DBA. Throughout the evening, guests will enjoy tunes off of Neil Young’s classic album, Harvest Moon. For more information or to make a reservation, please call D.B.A. Barbecue at 404.249.5000. Visit DBA Barbecue online at www.dbabarbecue.com.

Harvest Moonshine Dinner Menu

Passed Snacks:
Cajun Spiced Fried Shrimp
Pork Sliders with Tangy BBQ Sauce and Slaw
Boiled Peanuts
Junior Johnson Cherry Moonshine

First Course:
Smoked Pork Belly with a Maple Bourbon Glaze Over Parmesan Cheese Grits
Junior Johnson Strawberry Moonshine

Second Course:
Smoked Beef Short Rib Over Horseradish Mashed Potatoes With Caramelized Brussel Sprouts
Junior Johnson Pickled Moonshine Martini

Third Course:
Apple Cobbler With Caramel Ice Cream
Junior Johnson Baked Apple Moonshine

If you have never had moonshine, let me assure you that each sip really lets your food digest. I discovered this in New Orleans after filling up on way too many delicious treats and was expected to eat more. The only way this can be accomplished is by sipping a bit of moonshine. Not sure what is in it that helps, but it truly does. And makes you feel all warm and fuzzy, as well.

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to King Harvest – Dancing In The Moonlight

I love my dogs, Oscar and Karen. They make everyday much more fun.

My friend, Kenn, over at Eclectia (home of all those crazy cool Halloween decorations), loves his baby, Blanche, like I love my little ones. In fact, Blanche is hosting a red carpet parade and flashmob this Sunday, October 23, from noon to 7pm.

Blanche emailed me with all the details:

1) PICK OUT YOUR COOLEST PET COSTUME

2) ROUND UP ALL YOUR FRIENDS AND TELL EM THIS IS OUR CHANCE TO WALK THE POOCH PARADE RUNWAY

3) ANYONE WHO WORKS THE RUNWAY NEEDS A CELL PHONE # WITH TEXT MESSAGING ENABLED. MAKE SURE MOMMY OR DADDY KNOW THAT

4) PRACTICE YOUR BEST BARK

5) TREATS, SHOPPING AND A PLAY AREA FOR ALL OF US

Sweet Blanche

Isn’t she adorable? And she types! How smart is Blanche? My dogs just dig holes and sleep.

This is sure to be a very fun afternoon of puppy love. Eric & I will be there, shopping, sipping, nibbling all the food truck offerings and cheering on Blanche and her canine buddies. There is a suggested $5 registration fee and you can sign up your little darling by clicking here. You will receive a text at 1:30 on Sunday giving you all the flashmob deets.

Who wouldn’t want to see a Puppy Flashmob? This should not be missed.

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Donny Osmond – Puppy Love

Are you ready for Halloween? Is your costume in order? Would you like to party with me while Fred Schneider of the B-52s spins the hits?

I have my Studio 54 inspired costume ready to go. But I am missing just one thing – YOU! Even Stefon from SNL’s Weekend Update would be reporting that Atlanta’s Newest Club is…

DISCOWEEN!

This place has everything…a full open bar, 70s themed food, DJ Vickie Powell, female impersonators selling 70s garb, a photo booth, live entertainment, costume & dance contests for iPads and an amazing raffle that includes a vintage 70s Gucci purse and a framed photograph of Elton John during the 70s taken by famed photographer Kate Simon.

There might even be a room full of karate kicking puppets, although I can’t guarantee it. But Fred Schneider and I will definitely be there, partying the night away in high 70s disco style. And it all goes to benefit CCI; Canine Companions for Independence, founded by noted philanthropist Cathleen Smith-Bresciani.

Come party with Fred and me!

Tickets are only $60 and can be purchased at Dixie Dog Accessories. I think this is an absolute steal for an open bar, an intimate evening of dancing with Fred Schneider (no, not dancing intimately with Fred Schneider!), and a chance to win an iPad, all the while contributing to CCI, a global nonprofit that provides highly-trained service dogs to those with disabilities. Word on the street is that Ms. Cathleen Smith-Bresciani gives the most creative parties in town, so I am even more excited to see what the evening brings.

WHAT: Discoween
A 70s inspired Halloween bash with 100% of the proceeds benefiting Canine Companions for Independence.

HOST: Fred Schneider of the B-52s

WHERE: Paris on Ponce
716 Ponce de Leon Place NE
Atlanta, GA 30306

WHEN: Friday, October 28, 2011 from 8:30 p.m. to midnight

TICKETS: Tickets are $60 in advance and $75 at the door, and can be purchased at dixiedogwear.com.

Tickets are very limited and are going fast – hurry up or you will miss all the fun!

Save me a dance?

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to The B-52s – Love Shack

Break out the sweaters and let’s sit by the fireplace. When I think cozy luxury, you know I am talking about The Ritz-Carlton.

First stop, Palm Beach, where Pumpkin Palooza is in full swing. If you love pumpkin pie and pumpkin lattes, wait til you see what this grand property has cooking. Literally.

Pumpkinlicious!

All month long, each of the 31 days promises a cornucopia of popular and playful pumpkin surprises. Guests can start their day with pumpkin muffins or pancakes; lunch offers Pumpkin Bisque or Pumpkin Ale and Pumpkin Ravioli is a savory dinner option in Temple Orange. Desserts at the fire-pit are abundant with pumpkin nibbles and sweets—Pumpkin Cookies, Pumpkin Ice Cream or Pumpkin Crème Brulee.

Yummy!

If you are clever enough to plan your visit at Halloween, you will be treated to a fun-filled, magical, not-so spooky, sweet treat Cupcake Tea and Costume Party. “Trick or Treat–give us something good to eat!” is the battle cry for kids at Halloween. This spirited day has always been a holiday filled with mystery, magic and treats. The Great Pumpkin Cupcake and Vampire’s Blood Red Velvet Cupcake are some of the bewitching flavors. On Saturday, October 22, at 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. enjoy a day of ghostly-good cupcakes, candy, costume contest, face painting and magic tricks! Reservations are required for guests and goblins. Price is $50 for adults; $35 for children.

After you have stuffed yourself silly with every pumpkin goodie on the menu, you could take a walk (a long walk) on the beach and then treat yourself to a massage or facial at their Eau Spa; seriously one of the most magical places I have ever been. You truly leave the world behind once you enter. The only caveat – you will not want to leave.

After spending a couple of weeks in Palm Beach, how about we head north to The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans for Thanksgiving? Hand your keys to the valet and before heading to your room, stop at the Concierge Desk and say hello to my friend, Rudy, who knows everything about America’s foodiest city. He will help you find anything you need in New Orleans, and of course can make your reservations for M Bistro’s Thanksgiving Feast. This gorgeous dining room, resplendent with dripping crystal chandeliers and luxurious velvet, will welcome you like the royalty the staff believes each guest to be. I am very excited to spend Christmas here meeting Chef Vinny, who has replaced our beloved Chef Matt Murphy (who has since moved on to open his own place, which, of course, we will visit, as well). Check out this menu!

Om nom nom. Work off all those calories by strolling all over New Orleans. There is so much to see and enjoy in my favorite city. I can never get enough of the food, the people and those incredibly well-crafted cocktails. It is a dream come true to me. Mostly the people. These folks really know how to smile in the face of any situation. They are a true inspiration.

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to The Smashing Pumpkins – 1979