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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Show A Lot Of Heart. Wear A Little Red

The month of February has been dedicated to Heart Awareness. Perhaps your life has been affected by heart disease, like mine has been. Both friends and family are experiencing the effects of this disease. If we all became more aware of the signs, symptoms, and preventative measures, we can fight and win this battle of the heart. Go Red For Women is the American Heart Association’s national campaign to bring an end to heart disease and stroke for women. It's a great place to start your own education. Another way is to simply wear red and make your heart smile.

I applaud Macy's for their 2016 Go Red For Women's Cardiovascular Disease Campaign.  10% Of the Sales of the Go Red For Women Collection benefits this campaign. Click to shop from your heart.
Macy's

Yves Saint Laurent Beaute

La Laque Couture

Couture to the fingertips!

Neiman Marcus

Sachin + Babi Ruby Dot Ball Skirt
A girl is guaranteed a good time when wearing this fun and elevated skirt!
Anthropologie

Graci Red Tulle Dress
Shades of her heart. What a precious way to wear red.
Childrensalon

Trench Warmer Belted Coat
With a slouchy fit, this chic classic has been updated in bright red. Talk about adding sunshine to a rainy day! It's a budget buy at less than $80.
Nasty Gal

Love Moschino Sequin Heart Sweater
A casual look that is stepped up with sequins. Love the textured sleeves. Now greatly reduced.
ASOS

Lauren Ralph Lauren Rainboot
When all you want is a touch of red to chase the rainy day blues away....
Macys

Angela Vest and Eloise Pants
Straight up stunning! These two pieces make a statement in poppy red. 
Alice + Olivia

Rouge Louboutin Velvet Matte Lip Colour

Inspired by Christian Louboutin's iconic shoes and bags, this is one expensive lipstick.  Not only does it go on like suede, this lip color features a subtle scent that is evocative of a feminine and glamorous woman.  

Nordstrom

Zip Hoodie
Just as it should be.
Peace Love World 

Kate Spade New York Fall 2016
More red is coming for Fall 2016. Here's a peek at Kate Spade New York with lots of embellishment.
Kate Spade New York 

Christian Louboutin Paloma Two-Tone Leather Tote
She walks as if the world is her oyster. I would walk like this too if I had that Proenza Schouler Red Dress on, and carried that fabulous bag!
Saks  
GIF Found HERE

1 OUT OF 3 WOMEN DIE OF HEART DISEASE AND STROKE EACH YEAR.

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Best In Beauty Buys & Bonuses

I have said it before. I am a bit obsessed with beauty products. A romantic walk for me is down the makeup aisle. All of the colors, shine, and gilded packages are so full of possibilities. Like an artist in a paint store or a kid in a candy store, a makeup department is where I like to play. Like you, I love a good deal and recently discovered that you can save on beauty and fragrances. You just have to know where to shop. Here's how....

Philosophy

Save up to 30% Sitewide. The more you spend the more you save. Code: sweetsavings Ends 2/18
Philosophy

Neiman Marcus Beauty Event

I look forward to this event every season. Neiman's always has the best bags! Get this exclusive Tote with your $125 Beauty/Fragrance order. Spend $500 and get the Cosmetic Bag, too. A good place to start shopping is in the NM Beauty Award  Winners Section. By the way, shipping is Free at Neiman's.
Neiman Marcus

Oscar Blandi Teasing Dust
I call this my "Magic Fairy Dust." This fine powder is my secret to the best second day hair ever. It really works miracles. The price of 4 Containers at Overstock is less than one container HERE
Overstock

 Antica Farmacista Home Ambiance Perfumes
Get ready to stock your gift closet with these. They make heavenly host gifts, and they smell like heaven, too. Now nicely reduced at...
Beautyhabit

It Cosmetics IT Cosmetics Full Coverage SPF 50 CC Cream Illumination 
You can often find a beauty of a deal at QVC.  I have heard rave reviews about this product, and I own this brush. It's really nice. I think this would be worth a try, and it is a very good value.
QVC

Beauty Discount Code
Here is an unadvertised discount at Beauty.com Take $15 Off Orders of $75+ Code: BEAUTY15 Ends 2/27 Plus get Free 1-3 Day Shipping on Orders of $35+ There are exclusions but many brands you love are included.
Beauty.com

Art. Love. Color. Brushes Set

A limited edition by Smashbox. This set is fun, high quality and oh so giftable. A $107 value and now hugely discounted. Brushes can be so expensive. Nice to get them on sale.

Nordstrom

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Set

Have you ever tried this product? If so, you know it seems to cure everything. Use to protect and moisturize body, face, and lips. This is a great value at almost 50% off.

Elizabeth Arden

Discounted Fragrance, Skincare, and Cosmetics

I discovered this website years ago. It's where I buy my Hermes 24 Faubourgh for about 40% off and Van Cleef and Arpels First for an average of 50% off. You really do need to click and visit. See if you can save on your own fragrance or skincare. There's always a coupon code to use for added savings.

Fragrancenet

Saks Gift With Beauty And/Or Fragrance Purchase

Get the Codes and details be clicking below. Offer ends 2/28
Saks Fifth Avenue

I recently discovered this beauty website, and I am so glad that I did. They donate 1% of sales to Look Good Feel Better, an organization that supports women battling cancer. They almost always have a promotion going on, they feature a rewards program for loyal clients, and they carry so many products that I use. Save $10 on $50 orders at Scarlet & Julia! Code: SJ10 Ends 3/31
Scarlet & Julia

Clinique Free Gift 

If I used Clinique, I would never purchase a product without a free gift, as there is almost always a promotion going on somewhere. This one is extra good and all you have to do is spend $27 at

Bloomingdale's

Shipping is Free with $150 or always for Loyalist Members. It takes about 30 seconds to become one.

Buy More, Save More Event

Save from 25% - 29% on luxe skincare. Click for details.

SkincareRx 

Kate Somerville Melrose Place Set
Did you know that Sephora has an online Sale Section? They do, and I can always find something enticing. Today it is this great value from Kate Somerville. Three of her best selling skincare items
Sephora

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