Posted: January 13th, 2010 | Author: sarita | Filed under: Adult Birthday Party, Birthday Party Activity Ideas | Comments Off
Is it strange to plan your birthday party around alcoholic beverages? Not to us! How about a grownup birthday cocktail party idea where attendees dress with more panache than usual, and enjoy retro cocktails and cocktail party food and hors d’oeuvres?
First, you need to select the cocktails. You may want to start with one of the definitive guides to cocktail recipes. (Try
The Craft of the Cocktail
by Dale DeGroff for major inspiration). If you’re not an experienced mixologist, consider making batches of cocktails or punch in advance, or you’ll be making drinks all night and never have a chance to enjoy the party. Even martinis can be made in advance in a pitcher for your cocktail party! You can also hire a bartender for a few hours. Many bartenders can suggest a variety of popular cocktails your guests are sure to love. They will also help you gauge the amount of alcohol you’ll need to purchase.
Select a diverse range of cocktails for the cocktail party. Offer cocktails that feature different liquors, so there is a white rum cocktail, a vodka cocktail, a gin cocktail, etc. You also want to have some fruitier options like a cosmopolitan, as well as something more classic like a Rob Roy. Perhaps a chocolate martini! Cocktail selection also depends on the time of day and theme of the party, but try to offer something that people don’t have the chance to enjoy every day. Mojitos are fairly simple to make and can be made in advance if necessary. People also enjoy a spicy bloody mary at any time of day. If it’s a cool time of year, you may also offer a hot beverage such as Irish coffee or spiced cider that you can keep warm in a crockpot and have guests serve themselves with a ladle.
We suggest going with high quality liquors and mixers for this special occasion birthday cocktail party. Make sure you provide not just fabulous cocktails, but suitable drinks for people who prefer beer or wine only. A wine spritzer, sangria or a beer with lemonade can resemble a cocktail and keep non-cocktail folks happy.
Cocktail party appetizers are essential for a cocktail party. A cocktail party menu features finger food that is easy to prepare in advance. But what to make? We love having a wide variety of cocktail party foods for the casual snacker, but enough substantial options so that guests can enjoy a light meal if they like. Consider Asian treats like mini egg rolls or fried wontons stuffed with seafood or mushrooms. Different types of bruschetta are also a great make-ahead option. You can arrange toasted bread slices with white bean puree and a drizzle of olive oil, or a classic combination of tomatoes and garlic. Mixed nuts, olives and an antipasto platter are crowd pleasers. If you’d rather not prepare all the food, many grocery stores offer excellent frozen hors d’oeuvres such as mini quiches or meatballs, where all you need to do is heat, insert toothpicks and serve.
You may also want to offer water and non-alcoholic options, so that people can opt out or take a break between cocktails. Depending on where you live, you can arrange for a trusted, non-drinking friend or family member to shuttle your party attendees home from the party. This way, guests can relax and enjoy the evening without drinking and driving.
Cheers!
Posted: November 28th, 2009 | Author: sarita | Filed under: 30th Birthday Party, 40th Birthday Party, 50th Birthday Party, Adult Birthday Party, Birthday Party Decoration Ideas, Birthday Party Favors | Tags: birthday dim sum, chinese birthday party decoration, chinese dim sum favours, chinese new year birthday, chinese new year birthday party, dim sum birthday party, dim sum birthday party theme, dim sum party, dim sum party menu, dim sum party theme, kumquat chinese new year, kumquat chinese new year party | Comments Off
A dim sum birthday party is a great way to celebrate a birthday that falls around Chinese New Year (typically January/February). Though a dim sum theme can be a blast any time of the year. At a dim sum birthday party, you can enjoy a dizzying array of dishes, served tapas style. Selections range from steamed dumplings and bbq pork buns, to fried shrimp balls, chicken wings, noodles and custard. Dishes can be passed at the table or presented as a casual buffet. If the number of dim sum dishes is daunting for you to prepare, you can easily cater a fabulous dim sum meal and spend more time enjoying yourself. Remember to order personalized fortune cookies for dessert and offer party favors in fun, colorful Chinese takeout containers.
Flower decor is perfect for a dim sum birthday party as each type of flower has different symbolism in Chinese cultures. For example, plum blossoms represent courage and hope, indicating rebirth and the beginning of a new spring. Be sure to have stacks of tangerines, oranges and kumquats as they represent good luck.
Dim sum is most commonly served midday with tea, but an evening dim sum birthday party with the addition of cocktails or a nice lager would be delicious as well.
We tend to think of a dim sum birthday party as an event for adults, but the finger foods would be enjoyed by kids as well.
Posted: November 18th, 2009 | Author: sarita | Filed under: Adult Birthday Party, Birthday Party Favors | Tags: birthday party favor ideas, birthday party favor ideas for adults, Birthday Party Favors, birthday party favors for adults, party favors adults, personalized party favors adults | Comments Off
Birthday party favors aren’t just for kids. Adults love leaving a birthday party with a remembrance of the occasion, particularly if they’re useful, special, personalized or delicious. (or a combination of each).
Useful party favors for adults could be a selection of nice bath products like soaps or lotions. Spa-type gifts such as bath salts or scented candles are also welcome (particularly for ladies) and are something people don’t often buy for themselves.
One of our favorite special party favors for adults is a framed photo. Choose a photograph that has some significance to the birthday party attendees. Make duplicates and place copies in purchased picture frames.
We also enjoy giving personalized party favors to adults. Some lovely stationery with their initials, or a book with a written inscription can be a personal and treasured memento.
Finally, the party favor we like the best is the edible kind. One thing we like to do is make cupcakes from the same recipe as the birthday cake. We then send guests home with one or two beautiful cupcakes set in an attractive box. Sometimes guests aren’t always feeling like birthday cake at a party, but you give them a taste for later when they’re ready.
Posted: November 11th, 2009 | Author: sarita | Filed under: Adult Birthday Party, Birthday Party Decoration Ideas, Kids Birthday Ideas | Tags: birthday balloon, birthday balloon modeling, birthday balloons | Comments Off
These balloon models featured in the Telegraph are for the UK talent show X Factor, and would make an incredibly fun birthday idea as well. Imagine if you could get a detailed balloon model in the likeness of the birthday boy or girl? What a surprise! You may not know that the art of balloon modeling goes far beyond the simple balloon animals like bears and giraffes you’d see at amusement parks. (Although they’re very cute and a great type of party entertainment). Some detailed balloon models take a day or more to complete and employ highly specialized techniques.
X Factor: John and Edward balloon models latest party craze – Telegraph.
Posted: November 2nd, 2009 | Author: sarita | Filed under: Adult Birthday Party, Costume Birthday Party, Kids Birthday Ideas, Teen Birthday Party Ideas | Tags: dolly parton birthday party, dolly parton birthday theme, dolly party birthday theme, miley cyrus birthday party | Comments Off
Having seen Dolly Parton perform last year, we think a Dolly-themed costume and music birthday party is a fabulous idea. (This is the first time I’ve felt I had something in common with Miley Cyrus. Amazing!). Dolly’s wonderful sense of humor, sparkly dress and incredible musical talent is inspirational.
“And being such a fan, Cyrus and her guests plan to dress like her idol for the November 23 party.
“I want to rent out a cool place and play all Dolly Parton music and have everyone dress up as their favorite Dolly moment.” Miley explained.”
Miley Cyrus Planning ‘Dolly Party-Themed Birthday’.
Is it strange to plan your birthday party around alcoholic beverages? Not to us! How about a grownup birthday cocktail party idea where attendees dress with more panache than usual, and enjoy retro cocktails and cocktail party food and hors d’oeuvres?
