It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere. All The Ingredients For A Chic Cocktail Party

I recently attended a very chic cocktail party at my next door neighbor's home. Sharon knows how to throw a party! For most hosts and hostesses, party preparation begins with a guest list, an invite or EVITE, and the cocktail and appetizer menu. Sharon leaves it to professionals and hires staff and a chef. If you prefer to DIY, this post is for you. 

HERE: 18 Chic Ideas

Oscarine Lucite Bar Cart
Sharon's party is centered around her luxe Lucite bar cart. Just the idea of one is so Mad Man chic! 
Anthropologie 

Serve A Signature Drink
Sharon had "The Trixini," a champagne cocktail made with Chambord. It was named after her precious pup, Trixie. Here's something different. The Candied Grapefruit Cocktail. It's as pretty and refreshing as it can be.
Pretty Plain Janes

Party Rosettes
Create a Photo Booth Background or hang above the buffet. These will add pizazz to the party.
Paper Source

Matte Metallic Bar Accessories
I found these bar accessories on sale. Love the Matte look of the gold! You will love the prices, as they are greatly reduced.
Pier 1 Imports

Baked Brie in Puff Pastry with Figs, Honey and Pistachios 
Who doesn't like warm gooey cheese? This stylish starter has a trio of terrific flavors - crunchy nuts, salty cheese, and sweet fruit. 
Melangery

Large Brass Pineapple Tumbler with Straw
Guaranteed to put the Pina in your Colada! How fun is this? I can just see it sitting proudly on that Lucite and brass bar cart above.
Food52

Use Code: WELCOME10 for $10 off of your first purchase of $50 or more

ALESSI
"Pop" Ice Bucket
A touch of red livens up any party!
Barney's New York

Artichoke Hearts with Citrus Zest
When you want to serve up something sophisticated and at the last moment, this is your dish.  It's prepared with jarred artichokes! 
Williams-Sonoma 

O Martini Glass
These are so contemporary chic! Again, Sharon ordered a bunch of these for her party. They look great lined up in a row and also make a stylish server for olives and nuts. Sold in Sets of two.
Riedel USA

Salt Cured Salmon With Vodka, Juniper, Rosemary & Lemon Zest
There is always a crowd around the salmon platter. A sophisticated dish that is simple to make. 
Feasting At Home

The Dolce Vita Bar Cart
Rose gold and super glam, this double decker designed by Ceci Thompson, will deliver the chicest of cocktails.
CB2

RabLabs Amethyst Bottle Stopper
Jewelry for your wine bottles! Imagine the style statement your wine selection will make with these on display. A great gift, too.
Zhush

Edible Violas
These beautiful blooms add a touch of whimsy and elegance to cocktails, cupcakes, and salads.
Terraine

Bacon Wrapped Dates With Almonds
The perfect party finger food. This recipe comes from NYC's Red Cat restaurant. Sweet and savory always play well together.
Saveur

Floral Elixirs for Champagne Cocktails
Champagne chic. Create clever champagne cocktails with this set of five elixirs. Not only do they make a beautiful beverage, they also have sensational scents. One or more bottles make an haute host gift.
AHAlife

Spicy Shrimp Tapas With Mango
Funny how a zest of lime, a pinch of Sichuan Pepper, a cube of mango and a shrimp can all come together to create a simple but stylish appetizer.
Eat Well 101

You can find the Bamboo Skewers at Sur La Table. I always have some on hand.

 Apricot Coconut Prosecco Punch
As the author of this recipe states, "Fresh tart apricot puree, subtlety sweet coconut sorbet and bubbly cold prosecco. Yes and Yes." 
Heather Christo

Quick Balsamic Fig Roasted Tomato & Burrata Cheese Tarts
What a colorful and sophisticated offering! Burrata Cheese is so "of the moment." Probably best on a buffet than passed.

Half Baked Harvest

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Foodie Friday: Mom Worthy Brunch Bites & Beverages

Mother's Day is upon us. Are you ready? I don't require a super big deal made over me. Being a Mother is an honor, and something I wanted to be more than anything.  Spending time with Miss "Shop This," would be the best gift of all.  Many of you will be gathering together to celebrate your own mothers this Sunday.  Why not make the event special with a little fanciful food and a chic cocktail?



HERE: 22 Mom Worthy Recipes 

Eggs, Caviar and Buttered Soldiers
Nothing says "special day" more than caviar. Gosh, I adore it! This recipe even elevates the butter slathered on the toast with a lemon infusion. 
Gourmet Traveller

Raspberry Rose Spritzers

This rosy recipe can be made with sparkling grape juice or champagne. What a pretty way to start the day!

Heather Christo

Persian Love Cake Doughnuts
With ingredients like rose, lemon, pistachio, saffron and cardamon, this has got to be one interesting doughnut! Love how it is served in the box with coffee, and so will Mom.
Twigg Studios

Green Salad with Edible Flowers

Such a simple but stunning salad! I have purchased edible flowers at Whole Foods.

Martha Stewart

Lemon Sugar Crepes with Whipped Cream Cheese

These special crepes are not that difficult to make. And though I am sure they taste fabulous, the presentation is beyond beautiful.

Half Baked Harvest

Peach Bellini Cocktail

An easy recipe that is ever so special.  It's made with fresh peach puree

Laylita

Coconut Banana Macadamia Nut Pancakes with Coconut Syrup 

No one would know, but I love a pretty pancake. I never eat them, but I secretly think about them.  I'm not talking about your average flapjack, which I find boring. This recipe is right up my alley. It's unique and anything but boring.

Pineapple and Coconut

Strawberry Brie Waffle Bites
I couldn't resist these beautiful bites. What fun for company, and the children are sure to enjoy them.
Lemon Tree Dwelling

Frittata with Baby Broccoli and Cheddar

A frittata is a wonderful choice for a Mother's Day Brunch. It is easy to serve and tastes good hot or at room temp. A crispy bread topping is the perfect finish for this yummy dish.

Williams - Sonoma

Floral Fizz

This non - alcoholic sparkler is a refreshing choice for those who do not drink.

Food52

Raspberry and Basil Créme Brûlée

This one is for Mollie, who loves a good Créme Brûlée. I love mixing savory with sweet.

Chatelaine

Chicken and Leek Pie

This petite pie is just the cutest for lunch brunch or dinner! It calls for corn fed chicken. That's a first for me. Free range would do fine.

Gourmet Traveller

Brown Sugar Peaches and Cream Grilled French Toast

Grilled fruit makes anything taste better. I think of myself as the queen of French Toast, but this recipe beats all of mine. A must try!
Half Baked Harvest

Orange Mint Julep

Bobby Flays take on a southern staple.  Isn't it refreshing looking?

Bon Appetit

Swiss Chard, Pear and Gruyère Tart

Savory and sweet - a perfect pairing!
Cannelle et Vanille

Light Fresh Fruit Parfait
This is the easiest little treat to make, and I have done it many times. Everyone will love it, and isn't it pretty served this way?
Taste With The Eyes

Asparagus Goat Cheese Galette

Those that like to make a pie, will love creating a galette. This flaky buttery crust is not as difficult to work with, as a normal pie crust.
Simple Bites

The Sparkling Floral Lemon Drop
Made with Skinnygirl® Bare Naked Vodka, and a splash of Prosecco. Sign me up!
The Glitter Guide

Stuffed Strawberries
Give this job to the kids. They'll love stuffing the strawberry halves with the gooey chocolate mixture. It couldn't be easier!
The Reluctant Entertainer

Leek+Potato+ Goat Cheese Tarte Tatin
A Tarte Tatin is basically an upside down pie. I have never tried to make one, but they sure are beautiful! This may be worth the effort.
Yes! More Please

Vegan No Bake Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake
Mom won't believe how beautiful this cake creation is! The crust is made with dates and almonds. Yum!
Call Me Cupcake

Raspberry Rose Fizz
Pretty in pink. This cocktail is a combination of two classic drinks, the Clover Club and the Ramos Fizz. It's perfect for Mom. 
Honestly Yum
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~ A Sweet Deal ~
Celebrate women this weekend with 20% off everything at Anthropologie Code: XOXO 
(click Anthropologie to get your savings)

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Foodie Friday: Celebrate With Cake!

Foodie Friday: Fabulous Fall Appetizer & Drink Recipes

Autumn brings a new way of entertaining. With the exception of Fall Tailgate Parties, most of us take the party inside.  So instead of cold beers and wings, our entertaining gets elevated (thank God) for Fall's special events and holidays. My thought process about entertaining is - always go the extra mile - to make your guests feel welcome and special. So if you are having a girls night in, a family affair, or a full out chic cocktail party, I hope you find inspiration here!

Falling Leaf Fizz

This just looks like candy corn to me! Served with a dried apple chip, it is the perfect pour for Fall.
The Nibble

Coconut Shrimp with Mango Salsa

I have long loved coconut shrimp, but never thought to serve it for a party. It certainly is a pretty dish. To make it easier, Whole Foods does make a mango salsa that is absolutely perfection!
Crave

Pear and Sage Sazerac
" A delicious cocktail reminiscent of New Orleans, with just enough sweet and herby flavor to be a fall standard"
The Dandy Life

Salmon Dip
A creamy savory dip that when served as shown, guarantees no double dipping!
Saveur

Perfect Fall Sangria
Colorful, juicy, perfect. This is one chic cocktail.
The Effortless Chic

Mini Caviar Parfaits
Elevate your average dip and chips with these individual sophisticated servings. 
My Recipes

Sweet and Savory Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Puff Pastry Twist. 
Made with bacon, brown sugar, cheddar and rosemary. This is one sweet and salty sensation!
Half Baked Harvest

Caramel Apple Sangria
Sparkling cider, Sugar free caramel syrup, and white wine with plenty of apples create a festive Fall treat.
A Night Owl Blog

Feta With Honey And Pine Nuts
Feta never looked so good! A nice change from your average cheese plate.
Pop Sugar

Chamomile Hot Toddy
Spice heavy and soul warming!
M. Gram

BO SSÄM
I love to surprise guests with an impressive "spread." The presentation of little delights gets the conversation going, even for only a few. This Korean classic features slices of pork with condiments, both salty and spicy.

Gourmet Traveller

Apple Cider Margarita
Now this is festive for Fall!
How Sweet Eats

Fig And Blue Cheese Phyllo Bites
Sweet and savory make the perfect bite in my book!
Taste, Love, And Nourish

Cassis Cocktail
What a good looking drink! Make this the house specialty!
100 Layer Cake

Cheese-Stuffed Dates with Prosciutto

Giada De Laurentiis's recipe is simple yet very elegant, especially as presented. 

Food Network

Apple Cider Rum Old Fashion
Talk about Fall flavors! This is one yummy yet sophisticated libation.
Dine X Design

Veggie Chips
Everyone loves a chip. But let's show our personal pride by going the extra mile and making your own.  These roasted veggies are crispy and ever so interesting.
Pure Wow

Gingersnap Cocktail
Created with Amaretto, Vanilla Vodka, Ginger Beer, Molasses with a cookie side. This will put a smile on any guest's face.
intoxicology

Chicken , Balsamic, Blue Cheese And Caramelized  Onion Flatbread
What a marvelous mouthful that title is!
Aida Mollenkamp

Pumpkin Pie Shots
A darling grown up treat for Halloween and beyond! A mixture of Bailey's Irish Cream, pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spices.
Because of Madalene

Jonathan Adler's Cheval Bar Cart
Old school cool. The perfect accessory for any cocktail party. This is the Ferrari of barware!
AHALife

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