As I mentioned last week, my mac decided it had too many photos on it and refused to upload even one more. This was a tragedy because I lost all the photos I took at Erin & Chris’ new, beautiful home.
But I still want to tell you all about it, I will just have to substitute some pictures. Bear with me. The bonus is the recipe, sweeties!
You remember my adorable friends Chris and Erin, right? They are so funny and lovable, being with them is like a big hug. They just moved into their new house as newlyweds and it is awesome! A great kitchen, an amazing dining and living room and way, way, up the stairs, is a man cave for Chris, with all his media. I look forward to a dance party up there soon.
Halloween is almost here and even more fun than the candy, are the spooktastic drinks you can conjure up. Our old friend Lindsay sent us this from way up in New York City. And in honor of our dear friends Calvin and Steve, who are hosting the hot undead crew of the Vampire Diaries as they film in their downtown loft, I thought this drink was quite appropriate.
Take it away, Lindsay!
This Halloween leave a lasting mark on guests with a chic fang-tastic cocktail! Inspired by the recent vampire craze, renowned New York City Mixologist Jonathan Pogash channels the flavors and trends of the season combining festive ingredients and the alluring flavors of Corzo Tequila to elevate the entertaining experience.
Entice guests with the thrilling flavors in the Corzo Bite, a vampire inspired blood orange cocktail. Highlights include:
· Festive Colorings: Reminiscent of the crimson shades of blood
· “Bloody” Ingredients: A bloody illusion is created with ripe blood oranges and home-made red grenadine
· Bite Garnish: The strawberry syrup garnish on the glass creates and tasty vampire bite effect
CORZO Bite
1 1/2 parts Corzo Silver Tequila
1/2 parts Campari
1 part fresh blood orange juice
1/4 parts blood (aka home-made grenadine) **
2 parts Jarritos Tamarindo Soda
Process: Build all ingredients into a highball glass filled with ice. Add the “blood” at the end.
Garnish: blood orange wheel and strawberry syrup
** Home-made grenadine: Add equal parts white sugar and POM pomegranate juice together and dissolve sugar over high on stove-top. When dissolved, add several drops of orange flower water, simmer on low heat for 10 mins., chill, and serve.
** If blood oranges are not available, use a slice of regular orange that is soaking in “blood” as a garnish.
Corzo Tequila’s unique double aging, triple distillation process creates an unparalleled taste and smoothness in this cocktail.
Thanks, Lindsay!
Tomorrow we will be mixing up some trouble with absinthe (just for you, Chioke!), so stay tuned.
xoxo, Patti
Today blogging to Warren Zevon – Werewolves of London
Halloween is upon us. Have your purchased the candy, eaten it all and then replaced it? I need to replace all the Tootsie Rolls I gobbled up. (sorry kids…)
Anyhoo, we are off to a party on Saturday night and will post more on our costumes as the time draws nigh. Over at Better Homes and Gardens, they are dispensing fab advice on easy last minute costumes. Let me know your ideas!
Fast and fabulous costume ideas that you can pull together in no time
By Kristin Finello
Just got word of an impromptu Halloween bash and need a costume for tonight? No problem. Here are seven fast and fabulous ideas that you can pull together in no time. The best part: You probably already own most of the items you’ll need.
1. The Ultimate Tourist
Don’t be surprised if people ask, “You’re not from around here, are you?” Men and women can both pull off the look of the stereotypical tourist. Just dress badly, hang a few cameras around your neck for good luck, and wander around looking confused.
What You Probably Already Have: Knee-length shorts, a shirt (logo T-shirts with the name of a city or tourist attraction, or loud tropical-inspired shirts are best), a baseball cap or straw hat, knee socks, sneakers, and sunglasses. Wear your camera around your neck and carry a large shoulder bag or backpack.
What You Might Need to Get: A fanny pack to strap around your waist, and assorted maps and guidebooks to hold or carry in your bag or backpack.
2. Miss America
Not only is this a great shortcut costume, but when else would you ever wear that old bridesmaid or prom dress again? Now’s your chance to whip it out and strut your stuff. Be sure to tell everyone that you hope for world peace. Bonus points if you actually have a talent for the talent competition.
What You Probably Already Have: An old formal dress from a prom, wedding, or other affair, and high-heeled shoes.
What You Might Need to Get: A glittery tiara (you can pick one up at a party store or accessory shop) and a pageant sash. Make your own sash by cutting fabric into a long strip and writing Miss America on it in glitter. Pick up an inexpensive fresh or fake bouquet to carry.
3. The Crocodile Hunter
Want to get back to nature? Go as the fearless Crocodile Hunter — sans the mud and life-and-death situations. You probably won’t encounter much wildlife in the urban or suburban jungle, but you just never know!
What You Probably Already Have: Khaki shorts and a khaki short-sleeved button-down shirt capture the look. Pull on a pair of brown socks and ankle boots.
What You Might Need to Get: Pick up some gauze and use it to bandage your hand where a croc just “bit” you. Also, drape a plastic snake or three around your neck, or carry a stuffed crocodile.
4. A Got Milk? Ad
Here’s the ultimate in easy costumes. Dress however you want, but make yourself into an instant pop culture icon by painting on the telltale milk mustache. Make a “Got Milk?” sign out of poster board and hang it around your neck.
What You Probably Already Have: Clothes — you can wear any outfit you’d like.
What You Might Need to Get: White face paint to draw a milk mustache above your top lip, and poster board and yarn for your sign.
5. Aerobics Instructor
Get in touch with your athletic side by dressing as an aerobics instructor. Bonus: Burning a few extra calories as you show off your moves will help make up for all the Halloween candy you’re going to eat!
What You Probably Already Have: Sneakers, athletic socks, sweatpants or leggings, a T-shirt and/or a sports bra.
What You Might Need to Get: A sweatband or bandanna for around your forehead, and a blow-up or plastic set of dumbbells. Scout out a curly wig and you can go as fitness guru Richard Simmons (be sure to substitute striped nylon shorts and a sleeveless shirt for the outfit above).
6. Celebrity and Paparazzi
Here’s a great last-minute idea for two or more people: One of you dresses like the celebrity of your choice, all ready for the red carpet. And the others follow the celebrity around, snapping photos and yelling “Over here!” and “Look to the right!”
What You Probably Already Have: An old evening gown, high heels, and jewelry for the celeb (or a tuxedo or suit and shades if the celebrity is a man). For the paparazzi: Black pants, black shirts, and sneakers for chasing camera-shy stars.
What You Might Need to Get: Up the celeb’s glamour quotient by finding a fake fur coat or wrap at a thrift store or costume shop. If the photographers don’t want to use real cameras, they can buy prop cameras to shoot with.
7. Chef or Butcher
Celebrity chefs like Emeril Lagasse, Wolfgang Puck, and Rocco DiSpirito are hot right now, and you can get in on the trend this Halloween. Don’t worry if your culinary skills aren’t up to snuff — looking the part is all that matters!
What You Probably Already Have: Mimic a chef’s or butcher’s white uniform by wearing a white shirt or jacket, white pants, and a white apron. If you’re going as a chef, grab a dishtowel or two from your kitchen and tuck them into the waistband of your apron.
What You Might Need to Get: No butcher’s outfit is complete without a smear of fake blood across the apron. Also, pick up a large plastic knife, some plastic meat (from a kids’ kitchen set), and a paper hat. Chefs can buy a traditional chef’s hat at a costume or party store.
There you go! I love the “Got Milk” idea. You could pair it with your favorite celebrity outfit and double your fun.
Pretzel Crisps. What? What exactly is a Pretzel Crisp? I had a chance to find out when the nice folks from Snack Factory sent three bags full to my door. Now, Snack Factory is the swell company that brought you Bagel Chips – remember those? The OMG, let-me-eat-the-whole-bag folks? Believe me when I tell you that Pretzel Crisps are even better. At our house they have been replacing potato chips as a crunchy side to sandwiches and late night munch attacks.
But, how could I use them for a party? Really, Patti? There a zillion ways to use these multi-flavored yummies. This past Sunday I served them as a pre-dinner nibble with the cream cheese/fig dip Wesley had made for the party that week. You know how chips always break? Not my new buddies the Pretzel Crisps. No siree, they held up. So why not top them with any ingredient you would normally top a bruschetta with? They would be divine topped with my favorite dilled chicken salad. You could use them in place of blini and slather them with sour cream and caviar.
And check out all the flavors! Eric and I tried the Plain, Sesame and Everything Crisps. I loved the Everything Crisps best (so did Curtis and Eric). But I checked the website and they have a Buffalo Wing flavor!! Isn’t that crazy? I love it. Get ready for some football y’all!
Original - Super Yummy
Sesame - Ultra Yummy
Garlic Parmesan - Over The Top Yummy
So go on out and grab a bag and try them. Let me know how you would top ’em. I am dying to hear your ideas!
xoxo, Patti
Today blogging to Ohio Express – Yummy Yummy Yummy
Oh how I love my friends – the diversity among us is riveting and our differences make for the very best get togethers. After all, if we were all the same, it would be dull as dirt, yes?
And this weekend was Pride. What better excuse for a fabulous party than Pride? None, that’s what. So I got together all my favorites and threw a dessert dance party on Thursday as a mini kickoff to the Pride activities. A wonderful time was had by all.
I fashioned this sign out of 2 Happy Birthday Banners. The last "E" is a "B" cut up.
This was also the party I swore I could do for $100. How did I do?
This is going to be another short post as I am suffering the effects of too much sugar from last night’s Gays & Girls Dessert Dance Party to kick off pride weekend.
Are we ready to discuss pumpkin carving? If so, lets visit Pumpkin Masters to get some cool ideas.
Here are some of the cool things they are carrying this year:
“Follow You” Eyes: Attach these glow-in-the-dark pumpkin eyes that watch your every move! The special shape of the eyes creates an optical illusion, so it seems like they are following you as you walk by.
It’s Alive! Pumpkin Light: Shaped like a spooky brain, this pumpkin light uses three bright red LEDs to bring your creation to life. The LEDs slowly pulse on and off, creating the effect that your pumpkin has a mind of its own!
Kids Monster Pieces: A safe and mess-free way to get youngsters excited about decorating! Kids can create their very own monster by inserting eye, mouth, nose and ear parts in the skin of the pumpkin.
Kids Pumpkin Sticker Kit: Mix and match 60 full color stickers to create an endless variety of silly and scary faces.
Monster Pumpkins: This kit includes tools and patterns that are perfect for carving extra large, jumbo pumpkins (24” and larger).
Vintage Pumpkin Carving Kit: Step back in time with the retro patterns of this vintage carving kit.
Kits and accessories are available at major retailers and grocery stores nationwide, with suggested retail prices of $2.99 – $4.99.
I like the idea of stick on eyes – less carving, more fun. I am also contemplating putting a Mardi Gras mask on my orange friend to keep from carving. What do you think? I would love to hear your carving ideas and see your photos.
Send your photos to patti@anatomyofadinnerparty.com and I will post them here!
xoxo, Patti
Today blogging to The Groovie Ghoulies – Monster Mash
Whew, what a weekend. Lets get started with the recap.
Friday night we attended FLUX, the art installation in Castleberry Hill. It is more of an art installation than art festival because it is interactive and a bundle of fun. Called Le Flash last year, this year’s incarnation had a ton more partiers and more things to see. There were zebras running on buildings, movies projected onto high rises, singing heads, food carts and much more. Eric and I went with besties Crystal & Teague, said hello (and Happy Birthday!) to our friend Denise Jackson in her gallery, and then stopped for a drink at our other besties loft, Matt and Clint. It was delightful, exhilirating and cultured.
Roll the footage!
Crystal and Teague party down at Miss Jackson's gallery
On Monday I was on the set of “Dirty Dishes” as the guest star of this fun series made popular on You Tube. My friend, Barry and his co-star, Cori Davenport invited me to come on and be a guest on the episode entitled “Open Faced Sandwiches With Two Faced Friends”. You all might remember Cori as Kim Kolciac’s friend on The Real Housewives of Atlanta. We filmed in Cori’s palatial mansion in Gainesville, Georgia. The house even has an elevator! And of course, we dished – Cori had all sorts of delicious tidbits to share with us about being on reality television. I love to know what happens behind the scenes. And no, I can’t divulge….that would not be nice. Ok, a little divulgence. The producers of the reality shows make sure everyone is in serious party mode before they start filming. I guess it should come as no surprise that the chardonnay is flowing, but I never knew for sure. But now I do!
Whew! The past week has been crazy busy. Last night we celebrated Eric’s birthday with a handful of our besties. It was so nice. And I’m hoping that I can get by today by just posting photos. Because I am lazy and the laundry is piling up. And I’m lazy. Wait, did I say that already? Well, it’s true today.
Thanks to our nearest and dearest for making Eric’s big day so special. Boy Howdy, do we have a bunch of beer at the house. And now a contraption for making beer can chicken! But that’s a post for another day.
Thanks for allowing me to be lazy today. And a million thanks to all our darlings for helping Eric celebrate his birthday by eating chili dogs, chips & dip, donuts and mac & cheese.
xoxo, Patti
Today blogging to The Macaroni Cheese Song (I love all the hilarity of You Tube!)
