oh, how posh! daily blog

Posh Parties: End Of Summer Bash!

oh, how posh! — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 15:10:30 +0000

The summer season is quickly drawing to a close, so why not send summer off with a bang by throwing a fabulous end of summer bash! A celebration that is paired with a delicious menu and a laid back atmosphere will be a hit and the perfect way to end summer.

Setting the Scene

Choose an easy theme like a chic and stylish backyard BBQ. It’s easy to plan and will also help to keep the mood of the party relaxed.

A great place to start is with the centerpiece or the flowers in your backyard, and build from there with your color scheme. Just keep the light hues of summer in mind when choosing the decor and you’ll be fine.

The party start time should be in the late evening around dusk, just when the sun is beginning to set. Hang lanterns around your patio or scatter candles and lanterns to light the space, this will help to create a warm and sultry summery vibe .

Set up chairs and table in a way that will make it easy for your guest to mingle and talk with each other.

On the Menu

Keep the menu light and with plenty of summer seasonal foods. Set up a buffet to serve up bit-size and savory appetizers, which will allow your guest to mingle with each other around the buffet table. For the main menu, you can stick with summer BBQ favorites but with a twist.

End of Summer Bash Menu

A Farmhouse Bacon Cheeseburger

Peppercorn-crusted Strip Steaks with Seasoned Butter

Spicy Chile Grilled Chicken

Charcoal-roasted Artichokes

Ginger-and-Herb Pan-grilled Clams with Tomato Bruschetta

Honey-Rosemary Lemonade

Thai-Basil Sangria

Frozen Mexican Hot Chocolate Pops

Ready to plan your end of summer bash? Get to it and start planning!

Have fun and enjoy.

celebrate life in style…

Entertaining Inspiration: It’s Just Peachy!

oh, how posh! — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 14:57:24 +0000

Wow, can you believe that summer is almost gone, and with the end of summer will also come the end of peach season. So, now is the time to enjoy some delicious and juicy peaches. We have some creative ideas for table settings, centerpieces and recipes that are just peachy!

Using peaches to dress up your dinner table is simple and easy. A stunning centerpiece can be created by arranging peaches in a beautiful vase. It’s an easy centerpiece to make and it smells great. For a chic and stylish place setting, simply write names on strips of thin art paper, and use a pencil to curl ends in opposite directions. Hang paper from bamboo toothpicks inserted through peach tops.

For the menu: All the best recipes start with the freshest ingredients, and peaches are no exception. For cocktail hour serve your guest Peach Martini with Chiles and freshly shucked oysters and warm olive bread smeared with a soft blue or gorgonzola cheese. For a light dinner go with the Grilled Chicken and Peach Kebab Salad or the Curried Peach and Shrimp Salad, it’s ideal and perfect for a summer dinner. Finish up the evening by serving up a Bellini Sorbet which takes its cue from the classic Bellini cocktail or some mouthwatering Vanilla and Riesling Poached White Peaches.

There you go, some great entertaining inspiration for a great summer evening.

Enjoy!

celebrate life in style…

What We Love: Busy Bee Paperie

oh, how posh! — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 16:15:41 +0000

oh, how posh! loves Busy Bee Paperie. This chic and stylish boutique has fabulous stationery and gifts for every occasion. If you haven’t had a chance to check them out, now is the perfect time. Here’s a few items that we just love and we’re sure that you will love them as well!

Can you believe that’s it time for the kids to head back to the classrooms? Well, BBP has a great collection of back to school items to help get you get the kids prepared and organized for the school year: personalized bag tags, calendars, note pads and more!

To see more of the great finds from Busy Bee Paperie

I know that we still have a little while before Halloween, but seriously it’s just around the corner – yikes. So, start you planning early for Halloween and pick up some spooky invites for your parties and celebrations. Also, do a little DIY with some of the ghoulish stamps!

Okay, how fabulously cute are these party invitations? They have such a cool collection of invites, no matter the occasion, theme or age, you will find some that you love!

What a great way to commemorate your engagement, ask friends and family to save the date with a digital photo save the date cards! They have a great collection that will coordinate with your entire wedding collection.

Personalized birth announcements, what an adorable way to introduce the precious new member of your family. Busy Bee Paperie has birth announcements for boys, girls and twins. Love it!

So who’s the brains behind this chic and stylish shop? That would be Renée Jent, she is the beautiful lady that owns Busy Bee Paperie. Here she is with her three gorgeous little boys (how cute).

So head on over to Busy Bee Paperie and let us know what you love.

Enjoy!

celebrate life in style…

Simply Irresistible: Ice Cream Delights

oh, how posh! — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 19:39:24 +0000

Simply irresistible is really the only way to describe these yummy chilly treats. Not only are they cool and refreshing, but these adorable desserts are just what the doctor ordered to beat the heat! Also, these are ideal to serve at your next party. Not only will your guest find them delicious, they will not be able to get over how cute they are. Simple and very easy to make, they are bound to go over well with any age group. A definite crowd pleaser, because who would not enjoy having frozen chocolate cupcakes or frozen whoopie pies on a hot summer day!

Ready to make some of these delish treats? Here’s the recipes

Chocolate Cups

Servings: 12 filled chocolate cups

Ingredients

8 ounces semisweet chocolate, broken up (see Note)

1 tablespoon solid vegetable shortening

12 paper or silicone cupcake liners

12 scoops assorted ice cream and sherbet flavors

Chocolate curls, citrus curls or fresh fruit, to garnish

Preparation

1. Melt chocolate and shortening a medium-size microwave-safe bowl on high in microwave oven for 2 minutes, stirring halfway. Stir until smooth.

2. Using a small clean brush, spread about 2 teaspoons melted chocolate into bottom and up side of each cup. Chill cups until firm, about 10 minutes, reserving any extra chocolate.

3. Remove cups from refrigerator. Re-melt remaining chocolate in microwave for 20 seconds, if necessary. Reinforce any weak spots inside cups (especially near the rim) with melted chocolate. Return to refrigerator to set, about 20 minutes. (Cups can be prepared up to 2 days ahead; refrigerate loosely covered with plastic wrap or foil.)

4. To remove chocolate cups from paper liners: Loosen a top edge and peel paper away (it will rip apart, but still come off cleanly). For silicone liners: Pop out of liners by gently pressing on bottom of cups, and pulling away side of liner from chocolate shell.

5. To serve: Scoop 1 generous scoop ice cream or sherbet into each chocolate cup (cups can be filled several hours ahead and frozen, covered). Immediately before serving, garnish with chocolate curls, citrus curls or fresh fruit, if desired. Note: You may substitute milk or white chocolate for semisweet, depending on flavor preferences.

Frozen Whoopie Pies

Servings: 12

Ingredients

Ice Cream Filling:

1/2 gallon Neapolitan ice cream (in a rectangular container)

Cookies:

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

2 teaspoons baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

1 cup packed light-brown sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup cocoa powder

3/4 cup milk

Preparation

1. Ice cream: Cut packaging from ice cream. Slice ice cream crosswise into 6 slices, and place on 2 small baking sheets. Freeze 1 hour.

2. Heat oven to 375 degrees F. Line two large baking sheets with nonstick foil. Cookies: Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in bowl. Beat butter and sugar in second bowl until creamy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. On low speed, beat in cocoa. Beat in flour mixture and milk in 3 additions, beginning and ending with flour.

3. Drop 2 heaping tablespoons batter per cookie onto prepared sheets, spacing 3 inches apart. Spread into 21/2-inch rounds with the back of a spoon (keep size equal since they will be sandwiched).

4. Bake at 375 degrees F for 12 to 13 minutes or until cookies spring back when lightly touched in center. Cool on sheets 5 minutes. Remove cookies to rack to cool completely.

5. Remove one sheet of ice cream from freezer. Working quickly, cut circles of ice cream with 3-inch cookie cutter. Sandwich two cookies and one ice cream round. Save ice cream scraps for snacking. Repeat with all cookies and ice cream. Wrap in plastic and freeze assembled whoopie pies at least 1 hour or until ready to eat.

Recipe Source: Family Circle

Enjoy!

celebrate life in style…

Wedding Inspiration: Sweet Sensations!

oh, how posh! — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 16:26:29 +0000

Have you been pondering on rather or not to have a dessert station at your wedding reception? Well, after reading this post and looking at all these scrumptious desserts, I promise you your mind will be made up and the dessert station would have won. If it looks like hard work, it’s not, frankly it’s easy as pie. Just select your favorite desserts (which by the way is no easy task for me) set up the table and you’re done! Your dessert table will tell a story, a story of your wedding and of your style. Also your guests will love you and thank you for it.

Pink Baby Cakes, is what this story tells , and what a story! Your guest will think about these little sweet sensations long after your wedding. Mini pastries, cookies and cupcakes are in abundance with this dessert table. For this “sweet stop” choose sweet treats that are special to you and the groom in different varieties.

I really can’t get enough of this beautiful pink setup, stacked with delicious treats. Simply stated – fabulous.

Can I have S’mores, please! Bring back memories of camping and childhood with the S’more Sweet Station. What a great way for everyone at your reception to toast with the happy couple. This childhood treat is a great way to personalize your reception. This sweet station is easy, all you need are chocolate bars, marshmallows, and graham crackers and you will have the perfect sweet station.

Ice Cream Dreams says it all for this one. This station is all about nostalgia and I am loving it. What could be cooler than old fashioned ice cream floats? Set up the table with old fashioned ice cream glasses, chocolate, vanilla and strawberry ice cream – keep it simple. Then add bowlfuls of toppings – the good ones, fudge, caramel, sprinkles, nuts, whipped cream and of course cherries.

So which sweet station will make a debut at your wedding?

Enjoy!

celebrate life in style…

Real Posh Parties: Butterfly Kisses

oh, how posh! — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 17:47:21 +0000

Here’s a butterfly theme that will make your child’s next birthday memorable. I absolutely love it and it is so cute! This real party comes from Renée Jent over at the Busy Bee Paperie and it is simply adorable. So, are your curious to what was Renée’s inspiration for this butterfly birthday party theme? Well, with Renée having three little boys she doesn’t get to use much pink around her home, so when her sister asked her to help with her niece’s 2^nd birthday party she was super excited! They started by choosing an adorable pink and purple butterfly theme, that I must say suited the beautiful birthday girl very well. She then contacted Gretchen of Chichiboulie, (a very cute online boutique that has some fabulous gift ideas) to ask if she could provide some wonderful artwork for the cute butterfly invitations.

Gretchen did a fab job on the invitations, I mean seriously how perfect are these whimsical invitations! The butterfly themed party also gave Renée an opportunity to make these adorable tissue paper peonies which were beautiful during the party and now add to the decor in her niece’s playroom.

With a delicious and picture perfect butterfly cake and pink butterfly decor, all in all we can say it was a party fit for a special little girl!

So are you loving this butterfly themed birthday party and and ready to create your own, well here are the the details, happy planning and be sure to share you ideas with us!

Invitation custom made by Busy Bee Paperie & Chichiboulie

Tissue Paper Peonies made with help from Martha Stewart

Cake from Pat A Cakes and Cookies Too

Beaded Butterfly Decor from Hobby Lobby

Thanks Renée for the inspiring idea!

celebrate life in style…

We Love: Refreshing Summer Cocktails

oh, how posh! — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 15:28:40 +0000

Wow, is it hot! So, beat the heat with some refreshing and stylish cocktails that are absolutely so very posh! We have got a great lineup of some luscious drinks that are perfect for your summer entertaining needs or better yet, why not mix some up night to enjoy while relaxing on the patio for cocktail hour.

Gin Fizz – Ahh, the best known of the fizz cocktails. I mean seriously how could anyone go wrong with fresh lemon juice and gin. This is a great one to enjoy while watching the go down.

Pomegranate Margarita – Okay this is great cocktail for two reasons. One, OMG does it taste good and a great refresher for a hot summer day. Second, it’s healthy. This cool little margarita is packed full of antioxidants. This will be a hit at your next BBQ.

Sideways Sour – A hot, sunny summer calls for icy, cold drinks . . . and since summer is not quite over yet, start pouring up these yummy mouthwatering cocktails!

Watermelon Margarita – Fruity, delish and not too sweet, In other words the perfect cocktail to entertaining with.

Enjoy!

celebrate life in style…

Summer Fun: A Posh Pool Party

oh, how posh! — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 16:35:03 +0000

Having a pool party is a quintessential part of summer and the perfect soiree to beat the summer heat. If you are ready to plan your next pool party and have no idea where to start, no worries we the ultimate guide with all the essentials you need to throw a fun and stylish party.

For starters, if you don’t have the perfect pool, secure one quick. You have to have a great pool in order to have a fab party. Once the pool is in place, up next are the invitations. You can send some pretty cool invites out by mail, like the one I found above over at Papertails or send one out via email from evite. Find some fun invitations that will let your guest know that they are in for lots of fun!

For more posh pool party ideas

Next - What’s on the menu? Create a menu that will tantalize your guest taste buds. It’s all about fresh flavorful foods and mouthwatering cocktails. Remember, your guest may want to take a dip in the pool, grab a bite to eat and jump back in the pool. For that reason keep your menu light. Also set up everything buffet style.

Appetizers

Lobster Avocado Boats – A special dish that is easy to make, your guest will love the Lobster Avocado Boats (pic 3), they are delish!

Cucumber Dip – The Cucumber Party Dip (pic 2) is a cool and refreshing dip that is perfect in the summer. This is also great way for you to use your fresh garden cucumbers.

Main Course

Chicken Mango Slaw – Can you say “Yum and perfect for your summer party”. David Lebovitz has created a tasty Chicken Mango Slaw (pic 5), that has the perfect crunch to it. It is of course open to many variations, such as roasted pork or sautéed tofu.

Barbecue Quesadillas – These zesty barbecue quesadillas (pic 6) are filled with chicken, spicy barbecue sauce and cheese. Serve them up with sour cream and salsa. They make a great poolside snack.

Grilled Pork Skewers with Chile Sauce – Bobby Flay’s Grilled Pork Skewers with Chile Sauce (pic 7) will definitely be a hit at your party. These skewers are very tender and full of flavor. Watch out though because the sauce is very hot and spicy.

Side Dishes

Creamy Coleslaw – Okay seriously, can you really have a summer party and not have a bowl of delicious creamy coleslaw (pic 1). The recipe is simple and easy to make, remember for a creamy slaw it’s all about the dressing.

Grilled Yellow Squash and Zucchini Pasta Salad – Here’s a great way to use summer’s abundant squashes. Toasted pine nuts and briny kalamata olives will make the pasta salad (pic4) a standout at the party.

Desserts

Warm Compote of Summer Fruits - Enjoy the fruits for summer by whipping up a Warm Compote of Summer Fruits (pic 12). These scrumptious fruits are only around for a few months so we need to enjoy them while we can.

Vietnamese Coffee Popsicles – Looking for style on stick? Well look in the direction of the mouth-watering flavors so Vietnamese Coffee Popsicles (pic 9). These popsicles are a coffee lovers delight. Add vanilla, mocha or chocolate for some variation. These iced treats are are cool, refreshing and packed with a caffeine punch!

Cocktails

Patio Daddy-O Planter’s Punch - Quench your thirst and turn up the heat at the party with this sweet and spicy island punch. To make this Patio Daddy-O Planter’s Punch (pic 8 ) be sure to garnish it with fresh pineapple wedges, citrus slices and a cherry.

Blackberry Limeade – This refreshing drink just screams summer, and should be sipped ice cold. The Blackberry Limeade (pic 10) is great for any summer outing and is kid friendly!

Frozen Lemonade with Coconut Rum – You won’t be able to make these fast enough. With Frozen Lemonade with Coconut Rum, (pic 11) you can’t go wrong.

Up Next – Setting the Scene: Decorate the pool area by surrounding it with some pretty floral arrangements and plants. Let your guest lounge around the pool in style by setting the deck chairs and chaise lounges around the pool. Place tables around the chairs for guest to place their drinks and food.

Pool Party Must – Haves:

Beach Balls

Pool Floats

Sun Screen

Pool Games

Waterproof Disposable Camera

Cabana Towels

So get out of the heat and enjoy the party!

celebrate life in style…

Fourth of July Crafts: Red, White & Blue

oh, how posh! — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 16:50:29 +0000

Happy Fourth of July! Are you planning to enjoy your day with family and friends? Or are you planning just to play it by ear and keep it low key? Well, whatever your plans are for celebrating the holiday, you can add to the fun by creating some easy family crafts. These cool and patriotic crafts will pair along perfectly with your family picnic or BBQ and the kids will love the idea of having something to create to the day of celebration.

1. Picnic Napkin Rings

Add sparkle to your table with our easily made picnic napkin rings. These star-spangled wrappers will add flair to a picnic and bursts of color to outdoor meals all summer.

2. Stars and Stripes Clip-Art Paper Cones

Filled with a mix of beet and blue-potato chips, these easy-to-make stars and stripes cone containers are something to cheer for.

3. Patriotic Ice Cream Cone Wrapper

These stars-and-stripes clip-art templates make store-bought ice cream look extra special. To make the ice cream cone wrappers, simply print the clip art and wrap around the cone, fastening with a glue stick or double-sided tape.

4. Drink Parasols

Add a burst of patriotic spirit to summer sips with these red, white, and blue umbrellas. Pop one into every beverage you serve for an instant air of festivity. Besides doubling as stirrers, the little paper parasols help identify each guest’s glass. Once you’ve fashioned our patterns into umbrellas, grab yourself a drink, sit back, and get ready to watch the sky.

Enjoy your holiday!

celebrate life in style…

Sex and the City 2: A Posh Affair

oh, how posh! — Tue, 25 May 2010 16:07:43 +0000

Right now my excitement level can not get any higher! I am so sure you know why I am so excited. The movie Sex and the City 2 will make its debut on the big screen on May 27th and I can’t wait! To pay homage to one of my favorite group of ladies and former hometown, I propose planning a fabulous Sex and the City cocktail party before heading off to the theaters to catch up with our NYC girls – Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda. So pull out your favorite pair of Manolo Blahnik’s, your most fabulous chic cocktail dress and let’s get this party started!

Setting the Scene: Pull out the DVD of the 1st SATC movie and have it playing in the background during the party. Create some chic and stylish centerpieces by filling large martini glasses with silver mirrored balls surrounded by black and hot pink feather boas. Add in some animal prints, you can get some cute zebra print plates and napkins to bring it all together! Remember it’s has to be all about the glam of NYC and nothing else.

What to Pour: There is no way you can have a SATC party and not serve up delish Cosmopolitans . So fix up a batch of Cosmos and mouthwatering Flirtini’s. Also prepare a pitcher of non-alcoholic cocktails and coffee. If you’re headed out to the movie after your cocktail party make sure you have designated drivers that I have not been drinking. Keep it safe!

What’s on the Menu: Keep the menu simple and light with bite size scrumptious delights.

Olives and Cheese Platter

Prosciutto Wrapped Figs

Smoked Salmon Bites

Crab stuffed mushrooms

And to satisfy the sweet tooth:

Triple Chocolate Cheesecake

Affogato Mocha

Enjoy your party and be sure to tell us all about!