gettyimages.com

Today we’re channeling Sophia Loren and capturing the effortless glamour of the the Italians on holiday, in our current party series inspired by Capri Island.  In our last post we talked invitations and color palette (ocean blues, lemon yellows, herbal greens.)  We now turn to decor:

Al fresco dining sets the stage for a laid-back summer soiree, where guests linger over a meal for hours, and the wine and laughter flow late into the night.  Drape the table with a linen in a bright saturated color, like this gorgeous pink shade.  Designate a nearby spot as a bar for guests to help themselves to drinks and appetizers.  Remember, just because a party is outside doesn’t mean you can’t break out your best dishes and set an inviting table with lush flowers and place cards at each setting.

marthastewart.com

Use ripe apricots as place cards for a summertime soiree, like this one from Martha Stewart Weddings.  To make it yourself: “Write names on strips of thin art paper; use a pencil to curl ends in opposite directions. Hang paper from bamboo toothpicks (available from kitchen-supply stores) inserted through apricot tops.”

veer.com

For a setting that smells as delicious as it looks, gather rosemary, lavender, & thyme into a tight bunch, secure with twine, and attach a simple card with each guest’s name to mark their spot.

hostessblog.com

For a Tuscan-themed wine tasting, hint at the flights to come by cutting slits in wine bottle corks and sliding in cards with guests’ names.

Showcase summer’s bounty by using fruit in the floral arrangements.  Plums, peaches, & berries are at the height of their season in the summertime and lend a natural beauty when mixed with flowers.  Use a footed compote like this one to allow the fruits to cascade onto the table.

gettyimages.com

Create a lounge-y atmosphere by placing soft pillows on the backs of chairs and draping blankets for guests to wrap up in when the night gets chilly.  Potted trees and herbs placed around the table give this outdoor “room” a cozy feel.  Nothing says “That’s Amore” like flickering candlelight.  Unscented pillar candles scattered down the center of the table look lovely, or try this DIY project from Design Sponge that recycles wine bottles into candelabras.

Wine Bottle Candle Project

Next up on our Capri Island series: Food & Drink!

Capri Island

Maybe it’s the hint of summer in the air, or maybe it’s the fact that I’m counting the days until my own Italian excursion, but my latest party inspiration comes from the sun-drenched, glamourous island of Capri.  Think al fresco dining, overflowing bowls of just-picked lemons, bossanova beats, and the fresh scents of saltwater and rosemary.

The key to translating this into a party is maintaining the relaxed simplicity that seems to come naturally for the Italians.  Instead of fussy flower arrangements, try a more organic look with low bouquets of tightly-bunched flowers and herbs, bowls of fresh lemons for a bright pop of color, and even tall olive branches that bring a sense of height and drama to the table.

veer.com

Set the tone before guests arrive at the party with a chic invitation that hints at the summery soiree to come.  This lemon motif by Iomoi would be perfect.

"Lemons," www.iomoi.com

If you’re feeling especially creative, source vintage Italian postcards from Ebay and handwrite the party details on each one.  This allows each guest to receive a completely personalized invitation.

You’ve chosen a theme and visualized a color palette of ocean blues, sunny yellows, and grassy greens.  Your guests are invited and digging out their topsiders and Jackie-O scarves for a summer affair.  Now stay tuned for tips on decking out the table top, planning the perfect menu, and throwing an unforgettable bash that will leave your guests dreading the words “arrivederci!”

Today we’re continuing our guide on how to be a hip hostess: calm, charming, & gracious in every entertaining situation.

Don’t Take on Too Much

When planning a menu, it’s crucial that you start by determining how much you can comfortably handle.  If you’re not a super experienced cook, prepare a simple and delicious main course, and then “assemble” your hors d’oeuvres and dessert from store-bought ingredients.  Nothing could be better than a wood platter overflowing with grapes, cheeses, warm crusty bread, and purchased hummus… and how easy is that?  I’ve also discovered that sometimes the most fun gatherings aren’t your typical “dinner party.”  Invite friends for a weekend brunch, drinks & apps, or a late-night dessert party. The sky is the limit, and the only “rule” is to make sure that you’re going to be able to kick back and enjoy the party as much as your guests!

marthastewart.com

marthastewart.com

Go the Extra Mile!

Keeping it simple does NOT mean being a lazy hostess.  Successful entertaining always begins with passion, an attitude of showing your friends that no matter how busy you are, they are worth the extra time and effort of making a party really special.  It’s all in the details: sending an invitation that builds excitement (even if it’s an evite!), choosing a menu based on the guest-of-honor’s favorite foods, and setting the mood with the perfect soundtrack.  It’s not about spending lots of cash… it’s about showing your guests that you poured thought and love into making it memorable.

Add Drama

One of the best ways to make a party unforgettable is to weave a cohesive thread through the entire party, from the invitations to the menu.  This can be as simple as choosing a color that sets the entire tone.  If you’re hosting a summer bash, let yellow dominate the party’s palette, from the sunny linens on the table to the Lemon Drop signature cocktail.  Or go all out and transport your guests to another time or place.  Host a Roman Holiday, with a build-your-own pizza station, festive flutes of Prosecco, and ‘That’s Amore’ serenading guests upon arrival.  Thinking outside the box is the key to transforming an ordinary event into an extraordinary experience.

marthastewart.com

marthastewart.com

amyatlas.com

We’re wrapping up our series on creating a Dylan’s Candy Bar-inspired party, and today’s post is on PRESENTATION, with chic ideas for making it stylish and whimsical.   Remember, even Krispy Kremes & Whataburgers can look festive if presented creatively.

Candied Citrus Martini from marthastewart.com

Petit Fours from marthastewart.com

Think about how to take the theme up a notch with stylish serving pieces.  Fill glass bowls and modern white platters with colorful jelly beans and red hots, and have a waiter pass them around the room on silver trays.  Create a gorgeous buffet with cake stands and clear jars of varying heights, and choose sweets that are in the party’s color palette so that the food itself doubles as decor.

marthastewart.com

Macaroons, marthastewart.com

Remember, this party is all about fun, so be creative and think outside the box (or buffet!)  Delight guests by renting a snow cone machine or cotton candy cart.  Hire someone to hand scoop a selection of refreshing gelatos for guests.  One of my favorite local sources, Affogato, will not only set up a gelato cart, but will bring an espresso bar to your party too!  (caffeinedealer@gmail.com). The important thing is to infuse surprise elements that leave your guests talking about the fun, long after the party’s over.

gettyimages.com

Party inspiration comes from everywhere when you look for it: art, fashion, food, and in this case, interior design. Our current series translates the whimsical interiors of Dylan’s Candy Bar in NYC into a chic party theme that works as well for an adult cocktail party as a children’s shindig.

Today we’re talking menu: after all, you’ve gotta have more than sweets. How to maintain the sense of fun and whimsy while providing your guests with something a bit more substantial? By making it all “mini,” of course!

Here’s some eye candy to get you started:

callahancatering.com

marthastewart.com

callahancatering.com

dkimages.com

Below is a recipe from Food & Wine that turns a classic (mac & cheese), into a fun, bite-sized snack that’s perfect for a cocktail party.  They can be prepared early and baked just before guests arrive.

—

foodandwine.com

Three-Cheese Mini Macs

Total Time: 45 min. Makes 48 Mini Macs.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 pound elbow macaroni
• 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for brushing
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup milk
• 4 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded (1 packed cup)
• 4 ounces deli-sliced American cheese, chopped
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked Spanish paprika

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°. In a large saucepan of boiling salted water, cook the macaroni until al dente, about 5 minutes. Drain, shaking off the excess water.
2. Brush four 12-cup, nonstick mini muffin tins with butter. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of the Parmigiano; tap out the excess.
3. In a large saucepan, melt the 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the flour over moderate heat for 2 minutes. Whisk in the milk and cook, whisking, until boiling, about 5 minutes. Add the cheddar and American cheeses and whisk until melted. Off the heat, whisk in the egg yolk and paprika. Fold in the macaroni.
4. Spoon slightly rounded tablespoons of the macaroni into the prepared muffin cups, packing them gently. Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of Parmigiano on top.
5. Bake the mini macs in the upper and middle thirds of the oven for about 10 minutes, until golden and sizzling. Let cool for 5 min utes. Using a small spoon, carefully loosen the mini macs, transfer to a platter and serve.

gettyimages.com

Just Browsing

There are tons of great online sources for old-fashioned candy. Check out nostalgiccandy.com and sweetfactory.com for a huge selection. Load up your online cart with goodies to set up your own candy buffet. At the end of the party, give your guests cellophane bags tied with colorful ribbons so they can help themselves and take their sugar high to-go.

Go Local

While you’re in the area, why not hop over to South First Street to Sugar Mama’s Bakeshop to pick up a dozen luscious cupcakes, piled high with decadent buttercream. From “The Marilyn Monroe” to “Banana Puddin,’” their creative names and unique flavor combinations will be a guaranteed hit at any sweet soiree.

"The Southern Belle," Sugar Mama's Bakeshop, Austin, Texas

Think bold color and sugar-inspired decor, with a fresh, modern twist.  Everyone loves to indulge their sweet tooth, so this look works as well for an adult’s cocktail party as it does for a kid’s shindig.  Surprise guests with tons of sweet treats, from candy-rimmed martini glasses to a smorgasboard of sugary treats straight out of Willy Wonka’s factory.

amyatlas.com

The key to pulling off this look in a way that doesn’t scream “kiddie party” is to set everything against an all-white color palette, allowing the vivid hue of the candy to take center stage.  Check out these sugary dessert buffets, with a rainbow of candies set on white and clear glass serving pieces.  The multi-tiered arrangement and monochromatic palette allows the candy to be all the decoration needed here.

amyatlas.com

Stay tuned during the next couple of weeks as we walk through every step in creating a Candy-themed party, from sourcing the best local desserts to creating invitations that will give guests a taste of the sweetness to come.