tipsandsolutions : celebration

Tip of the Week - Patricia Mendez

katie — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:00:00 GMT

Keep Checking Back for Entertaining Tips from Patricia Mendez

Patricia Mendez has catered and coordinated special events in the Los Angeles area since the early 1990s and now teaches “Easy Entertaining for Beginners,” a cooking class for novice hosts and hostesses in Torrance, California. She is the author of Easy Entertaining for Beginners, a multiple award winning book, including the 2009 Recipient of the Mom’s Choice Award.

Halloween Entertaining Tip - October 26, 2009

Purchase 1 large and 1 smallish pumpkin. Set up this fun and festive treat at your Halloween party. No more than 1 hour before serving, skewer bite-size pieces of fruit on bamboo skewers. Sprinkle with lemon juice to avoid turning brown. Draw a spooky or silly face on the pumpkin and stick skewers all around the top to resemble hair. Hollow out a smallish pumpkin, wash and dry well. Prepare dip in advance and when ready to serve spoon into pumpkin and place next to large pumpkin with fruit skewers along with a bowl of gingersnaps for a delicious autumn treat.

1 package (8 oz.) 1/3 less fat cream cheese, room temperature
1 can (16 oz) pumpkin
2 cups powdered sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 cup light whipped topping
1 package purchased ginger snaps
Skewered fruit kebobs, apples, grapes, pears, sprinkled with lemon juice.

In a mixing bowl, mix softened cream cheese with pumpkin, powdered sugar and pumpkin pie spice. Fold in 1 cup light whipped topping. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Serve with skewered fruit kebabs and ginger snaps.

Outdoor Western Birthday Party

joe — Mon, 11 May 2009 22:52:00 GMT

Round 'Em Up for a Rootin' Tootin' Good Time!

When it comes to planning an outdoor party for kids, the sky's the limit. Hosting an outdoor party opens up a whole new world of options. More space, more fun! And there's no need to spend a lot of money to have a lot of fun. If you're planning a party during the summer months, check out some of these fun and easy games and a few menu suggestions to go along with a western party theme. Test their squirt gun skills with "Sharp Shooters", allow them to sneak up on the Sheriff in "Giddy Up, Whoa!", and let your li'l buckaroos search for hidden cowboy toys in a "Haystack Hunt".

Tips

Use colorful bandanas for costumes, table decorations, or to wrap up party favors for your 'lil buckaroos.
Make each guest a simple fringed cowboy vest from paper bags.
Take pictures and develop them with a sienna filter for an old-fashioned western look.

Checklist

Lifetime Picnic Table
Lifetime wheelbarrow
Squirt guns
Empty cans
Bag of plastic cowboys & indians, or just horses
Hay
Sheriff's badge
Bandanas for decorations and costumes

Sharp Shooters

Checklist

A squirt gun for each child to use and take home
Empty pop cans or plastic cowboys, indians, or horses toys to use for targets

Steps

Line up targets in a row on the table
Have each child stand at a reasonable distance facing the table and take a turn shooting at the targets.

Giddy Up, Whoa!

This is a variation on the old favorite "Red Light, Green Light". The object of the game is to be the first child to tag the Sheriff.

Steps

Choose one child to wear a cowboy hat or badge to designate him/her as the Sheriff. Have that child stand at one end of the yard.
Have the rest of the children line up across the other end of the yard to wait for the signal from the Sheriff.
The Sheriff turns away from the children and hollers "Giddy Up!" which is the signal for the children to run towards him/her.
After a couple of seconds the Sheriff whirls around to face them, hollering "Whoa!" which is the signal for the children to freeze in their tracks. If the Sheriff notices a child moving, that child is out.
The Sheriff then turns away from the children again with the signal to "Giddy Up!". This process is repeated until the Sheriff is tagged. The first child to tag the Sheriff gets to be the new Sheriff.

Haystack Hunt

Checklist

Hay
Plastic cowboys, indians, and horses that the children can take home. Be sure to count them so you'll know when they've all been found!
A Lifetime Wheelbarrow, or something similar, like a large wagon, to put the hay in.

Steps

Before the party, hide the toys in the hay
At a designated time during the party, have the children search through the hay together to find the toys (you may have to help to make sure every child finds some).

Suggested Chuckwagon Menu

Try to incorporate authentic western grub on the menu. The following are just a few easy-to-make suggestions.

Pork-n-Beans with hotdogs
Cornbread
Wagon wheel macaroni with cheese and hotdogs
Cupcakes decorated with western symbols, like a cactus or a star.

Mother's Day Tray

katie — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 18:40:00 GMT

Easy Mother's Day Craft- A Mother's Day Breakfast Tray

This Mother's Day give your mom a special breakfast tray that she can display or use again and again. For the woman who has served you and your kids breakfast for years, this is a great way to return the favor while giving her something she'll always cherish! All you need are a few simple supplies, a wooden tray, little helping hands, and Lifetime Table to assemble everything with minimal cleanup.

Checklist

Lifetime table
Lifetime chairs
Wooden tray
Patterned paper (in her favorite colors or colors that match the home decor)
Solid colored cardstock
Journaling pen (acid-free)
Thick thread and ribbon
A sharp pencil
A photo of your children
Scrapbook letter stickers
5-6 Buttons
Hot glue gun
Decoupage or regular white glue
Paint matching the patterned paper (optional)

Steps

If desired, paint the wooden tray and allow to dry.
Have children write what they love about mom on patterned paper.
Cut cardstock into several peices. One to fit the length or width of the base of the tray, and some peices that are just 1/4" bigger than your photo on each side.
Smear the white glue or Decoupage on the back of your peice of cardstock, and adhere it to the inside of the tray against the left wall.
Do the same to the back your peice of patterned paper, and place it centered between your cardstock and the right wall.
As you allow both peices of paper to dry on the tray, use the needle and thick thread or ribbon to stitch around the cardstock that is just slightly larger than your photo. You can use a sharp pencil to poke holes along the edges beforehand.
Use white glue to mount the photo to the piece of stitched cardstock (that is 1/4" larger than the photo) so that it forms a frame. Adhere some thread or ribbon across the bottom and use hot glue to add a button or two.
Use the hot glue to adhere the ribbon along the length of your cardstock, near the center of the tray. Glue on the remaining buttons and washers to the ribbon.
Adhere embelished photo to tray.
Place sticker or title letters to the cardstock. Create a saying that means something to her, or something pertaining to what the children have written, like "Mom, we love you because..." ... and you're done!

Tips

To preserve the tray design and images, spray a coat of clear matte fixative over the inside of the tray. To create a water-proof coat, pour in a layer of high-gloss coating. Spread evenly by tipping the tray from side to side, and use a blow-dryer set to low to blow air over surface to eliminate bubbles.

Breakfast Tray by Jennifer Luke. Supplies: wooden breakfast tray; paint by DecoArt; patterned paper by K&Company; letter stickers by Heidi Grade Designs; waxy flax; washer; ribbon.

Here Comes the Easter Bunny!

katie — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 22:00:00 GMT

Tips to plan an unforgettable Easter.

In spring, the Easter bunny is busy hopping from house to house, delivering baskets filled with candy and colorful Easter eggs. We throw open our winter-weathered doors to welcome back the cherry blossoms, tulips, and daffodils, breathing in the sweet scent of a new season. Bunnies, baskets, and fresh flower bouquets, spring brings it all to your door! Now it’s time to let it all inside and celebrate Easter with a party like never before. Whether you plan to invite friends, family, or fellow church members to your Easter celebration; make it as colorful and exciting as the season of renewal with these dinner party tips.

Checklist

Banquet or round Lifetime tables
Lifetime folding chairs
Yellow and baby blue square silk table toppers over white to-the-floor cloths.
Blue hydrangeas, yellow daffodils, and white roses, all in little silver pots.
All white china with yellow and baby blue stick-on dots around the rims.
Blue, yellow and white Jordan Almonds in little “nests” made out of colored Easter basket grass.
1 chocolate egg for each guest.
Pale yellow and blue napkins tied with white satin ribbon and fuzzy chicks in grass “nests”.
1 Easter greeting card that has a photo of a bunny on the front. It can be cute, funny or silly…your choice. Check out the downloadable bunnies below if you’d rather print them at home.
Vellum
Yellow cardstock
Pale blue ribbon

Steps

Push together three long tables to make one big square table.
Invitations- Make copies of your greeting card at a copy store (or print them at home on white cardstock), then mount onto yellow corrugated paper or heavy cardstock. Use a Lifetime table for easy set-up and clean-up. Cover the whole paper with a same-size piece of velum with the invitation message printed on to it. Punch 2 holes at the top. Tie the cardstock and photo together with blue ribbon. Find envelopes to match, and send them out to guests at least 1 week before your party.
Make or buy the silk toppers- Find fabric at your local fabric store and have 60” square toppers made. If you sew, hem the edges yourself. These are inexpensive, and you can use them again and again for birthdays and other parties.
Set the table- Use your materials to set and decorate the table. Put the silk toppers over the long white tablecloth. Put the silver potted flowers in the center, and, place the Jordan almond ‘nests’ randomly in and around the silver pots. Use a knife to cut a 1/2” deep slit in each egg, and insert a name card into each egg. Put a chocolate egg at each place to reserve your guests seats. Set out the white china, and place yellow and blue stick on dots.
Make some delicious Mexican Easter brunch eggs to serve (recipe below).

Tips

Having weekend guests? It is nice to make a breakfast tray and leave it outside their room. Place a Lifetime Personal Table by their bed, so they can eat in comfort. Everyone appreciates a little extra private time in the morning and it will make your guests feel pampered.
Use smaller Lifetime square or round tables for extra seating. Cover with white cloths to-the-floor and top with 60” square silk toppers.
Invitation materials www.envelopments.com This is an invitation website (they have a store in Irvine, CA) that will give you all the necessary materials to build your own invite.

Recipe: Candy Nest Cookies

3 Tbs margarine
10 oz. mini marshmallows
12 oz. Chow mien noodles
½ cup Chocolate chips
Peanut M&M’s Eastermix or Jordan almonds

Melt butter in a large saucemap then add marshmallows. Stir until melted. Add chocolate chips, stir well, then stir in chow mien noodles slowly. Drop by spoonfuls on wax paper. With butter on your hands, shape into nests. Add candy “eggs” (M&M’s or Jordan almonds) while nests are sticky. Let cool and use as unique decorations or cute and tasty treats!

Recipe: Deb’s Mexican Easter Brunch Eggs

12 eggs
½ cup flour
1 tsp. Baking powder
½ tsp. Sea salt
1 pint cottage cheese
1 lb. Jack cheese
½ cup butter, melted
8 oz. Can diced green Ortega chilies

Toppings:

sliced Avacado

grated cheddar cheese

salsa

sour cream

chopped green onion

crumbled bacon

Beat eggs until lemony and light. Add the flour, baking powder, salt, Cottage cheese, jack cheese and butter.
Mix well and stir in the chilies.
Pour into a greased 9x13 pan and bake at 350 for 35 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
To serve: cut eggs into squares and place on a plate. Allow guests to choose toppings. Great served with fresh fruit kebobs and poppy seed dressing and croissants, coffeecake or cornbread with honey butter.

Free Downloads

Easter Traditions

Charly — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 17:41:00 GMT

Start some fun Easter traditions with a whimsical Easter Egg tree and a yummy Easter brunch.

Your friends and family will be delighted at the sight of this charming Easter Egg Tree.You can decorate a small, living tree in your own yard or just use a small dead branch, about 2ft. tall, for a table centerpiece.

Checklist

Lifetime Table
Lifetime folding chairs
If you’re using a single branch, you’ll need an appropriate -sized container to put it in, filled with pebbles (plain or decorative) to support the branch in an upright position.
Several empty, colored plastic eggs preferably with the small hole in the top, but not necessary. If you’re going to use the plastic eggs without holes, you’ll need see-through tape to attach the ribbons.
Decorative ribbon to tie each egg to the tree branches
String
For Potted Branch Only--White acrylic paint and small sponge to apply paint to the tree branches (Do not apply paint to a living tree)

Steps

Set up workspace using portable, stain-resistant Lifetime table and chairs
If you’re using a potted branch, apply white acrylic paint to the entire branch using a small sponge brush or sponge. Let paint dry, then insert branch into pot of pebbles in an upright position.
For each plastic egg, cut a 23in. length of ribbon.
If you’re using plastic eggs with holes in the top, loop a 3 inch piece of string through the hole in the egg leaving both ends free on the inside of the egg shell. Pull the ribbon through the loop of string on top of the egg until the string is in the middle of the piece of ribbon. From the inside of the shell, pull the ends of the string down tight to hold the ribbon securely to the top of the egg, tying a couple of knots to keep it secured. Tie each end of the ribbon around the tree branch in a bow so that the egg hangs down from the branch. Do this to each egg until the branches are full of hanging Easter Eggs.
If you’re using plastic eggs without a hole in the top, tape the middle of the ribbon to the tip of the plastic egg and tie each end of the ribbon around the tree branch in a bow so that the egg hangs down from the branch. Do this to each egg until the branches are full of hanging Easter Eggs.
If you’re using a potted branch, you may choose to decorate your container as well.

Easter Brunch

You’ve dyed them all. You’ve hid them all. What else can you do with all those hardboiled Easter eggs? Devil ‘em! Deviled eggs are a special treat for a special day. Take those eggs from fun to fancy in just a few simple steps.

Deviled Eggs Ingredients

Hardboiled eggs
Mayonnaise
Salt
Pepper
Paprika
*Optional: shrimp and chives for garnishings

Steps

Peel enough eggs for each person to have a couple eggs each.
Carefully slice each egg in half lengthwise and scoop out the yolks into a big bowl
Place the emptied egg halves on a large platter
Add enough mayonnaise to the egg yolks to make a smooth, creamy paste, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Now fill each of the egg halves with yolk paste (you can use a pastry bag or a knife)
Sprinkle with paprika and garnish with a sprig of chives and a shrimp

April Fool's Dinner

katie — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 18:57:00 GMT

It's April Fool's Day, So What's for Dinner?

Top off a fun-filled day of practical jokes with an April Fool's Dinner that will baffle your family. Their eyes are sure to deceive them when you present this yummy frosted mash potato layer "cake" and chocolate ice cream "taco salad" with an irresistible gelatin fruit punch that will prove a little difficult to sip through a straw! This April Fool's Day, prepare a memorable menu your family will never forget.For even more foolish fun, set up your April Fool's Banquet in an unusual setting. Try a different room in the house, or perhaps your driveway.

Checklist

Lifetime table
Lifetime folding chairs: enough for each guest

Meatloaf Layer Cake

Since it's April Fool's Day, serve up this "dessert" first! Yields 8 to 10 servings.

2 eggs, beaten
1 can (5.5 oz.) spicy tomato juice
1/2 c. seasoned bread crumbs
1/2 c. quick-cooking oats
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cups grated carrots
1 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
2 lbs. ground beef

Mashed Potato Frosting

4 2/3 c.water
1 c. plus 2 Tb. milk
7 Tb. butter or margarine, cubed
1 3/4 tsp. salt
4 2/3 c. mashed potato flakes

Steps

Combine all meatload ingredients in a large bowl, mixing well. Pat into two ungreased 9in. square pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 - 30 minutes until done; drain. Let stand for 10 minutes.
Bring the milk, butter, water and salt to a boil in saucepan, . Pour in potato flakes, stir, and remove from the heat. Invert one meat loaf onto platter; invert other meat loaf onto separate plate. Spread 1 1/2 c. mashed potatoes over first loaf on the platter. Slowly slide second meatloaf layer onto the first "frosted" meatloaf layer.
"Frost" the meatloaf cake by spreading 3 1/2 c. mashed potatoes over the top and the sides. For a really fancy cake with an even more convincing effect, use a pastry bag and various frosting tips for an attractive border around the top and bottom edges of your meatloaf cake. If you don't have a pastry bag,simply use a resealable plastic bag and cut one bottom corner off to squeeze ingredients through.

Chocolate Ice Cream Taco Salad

Hay Caramba! This is a Taco Salad they'll never forget! Yield: 6 servings

1 c. ground pecans
1 pint chocolate ice cream
1 3/4 tsp.water,(will be divided)
6 drops green food coloring
1 3/4 c. flaked coconut,(will be divided)
4 drops yellow food coloring
6 taco salad bowls, or waffle ice cream bowls (whichever you prefer)
6 Tb. whipped topping
Black rope licorice (smooth,not twisted) cut into 1/4in. slices for "olives"
Maraschino cherries for "cherry tomatoes"

Steps

Spread pecans on a plate. Drop scoops of ice cream onto the pecans and roll to coat. Place ice cream balls onto a baking sheetand place in the freezer.
In a big sealable plastic bag, mix 1 1/2 tsp. water and the green food coloring. Then add 1 1/2 c. flaked coconut. Seal plastic bag and shake well to distribute coloring.
In a little sealable plastic bag,mix the yellow food coloring and the remaining water; add the remaining coconut. Seal plastic bag and shake well.
Place ice cream balls into bowl shells. Top with green coconut "lettuce." Add a dollop of whipped topping "sour cream" and sprinkle with the yellow coconut "cheddar cheese". For the final touch, sprinkle licorice "olives" and maraschino "tomatoes" on top.
Serve Immediately

April Fool's Berry Punch

It looks like punch. It smells like punch. But on April Fool's Day, you just can't be too sure! Plan ahead...needs to chill.Yield: 6 servings

2 pkgs. (3 oz. each) cherry gelatin
2 c. sliced fresh strawberries and blueberries
6 straws
Note: Any berry flavored gelatin and fresh fruit combination will taste great!

Steps

Follow directions on gelatin package. Refrigerate until partially set, 2 - 3 hours.
Fold in strawberries and pour mixture into six tall glasses.
For a convincing effect, insert a drinking straw into each glass.
Then replace glasses in the refrigerator until gelatin completely sets.

5 Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick's

katie — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 23:54:00 GMT

St.Patricks’ Day Celebration – More than just wearing green!

What are your plans for St. Patrick’s Day? Don’t just settle for the wearin’ o’ the green. Liven things up with a rollicking game, a fun craft, and a yummy St.Patrick’s Day meal!

Pot o' Gold Game

Pot o’ Gold Game (A St.Patrick’s Day twist on “Kick the Can”) - You should have a minimum of three players. No maximum limit.

Checklist

A small “cauldron” (pot to hold the “coins”)
Gold “coins” – Can be gold-painted rocks, candy wrapped in gold paper, or just yellow paper coins

How To Play the Game

Put the coins in the pot, and set the entire ‘pot of gold’ out on the table.
Pick one child to be “It.” S/he will be the Leprechaun.
The object of the game is for the other kids to grab the pot of gold from the table without being touched by the Leprechaun.
To begin the game, the Leprechaun stands by the table with eyes closed and slowly counts to 20 while the kids hide nearby. When the Leprechaun is done counting, s/he will start looking for the kids while keeping an eye (and an ear) on the pot of gold.
To play the game, the children try to dash in and capture the pot of gold before the Leprechaun can touch them. If a child is touched by the Leprechaun s/he is out of the game.
The game is over when someone grabs the pot of gold without being touched by the Leprechaun.

Make Your Own Blarney Stone

Kissing the Blarney Stone is an old Irish tradition. The Blarney Stone is a special stone at the top of the Blarney Castle in southwest Ireland. The Irish say if you kiss this stone you will receive the gift of eloquent speech. You can make your own Blarney Stone and use it to make a wish for whatever your heart desires. Take an ordinary rock and turn it into something magical!

Checklist

A smooth rock, washed clean
Paint, markers, glue, glitter, sequins, whatever decorations you prefer
Simply paint your rock, use markers to draw designs, or use glue to attach other decorations. Then make a wish!

Green Jello Jiggler Shamrocks

2 (6 oz.) pkgs. green Jello brand gelatin.
Shamrock cookie cutter
2 ½ c. boiling water

Steps

Empty contents of jello packages into a 9x13x2 inch pan (for an 8in. or 9in. pan, cut ingredients in half)
Pour in boiling water, stirring until gelatin is completely dissolved.
Chill in refrigerator at least 3 hours.
When ready to serve, dip bottom of the pan in warm water for 15 seconds. Leave jello in the pan and use cookie cutter to cut out shamrocks. Lift the shamrocks from the pan using your fingers or a metal spatula. If jigglers stick to the pan, dip pan in warm water for a few more seconds.

Three Ingredient Dinner Rolls

Makes about 10 rolls

2 cup self-rising flour
1 cup milk
4 tablespoons mayonnaise
green food coloring
10 paper muffin liners

Steps

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a medium bowl, add a few drops of food coloring to mayonnaise and mix well. Add milk and flour and blend together.
Spoon batter into muffin liners in muffin pan.
Bake for 15 minutes, until nicely puffed.

Valentine's Dinner for Two

Charly — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 19:11:00 GMT

Surprise that special someone with a romantic night in.

February has arrived and love is in the air....after all, it's almost Valentine's Day! Can you smell the sweet essences of chocolate, fresh roses, and perfume? But you'll want a little more than that to prepare the perfect romantic evening. Surprise someone special this Valentine's Day with a delicious dinner for two by following these easy steps. Prepare the recipes below, or substitute with your own favorite dishes.

Checklist

Lifetime card table
Lifetime folding chairs
1 bag of chocolate kisses
long tinsel curtain
11 pieces of paper in various colors, about 3 inches x 5 inches.
an elegant tablecloth (a solid dark color looks great)
2 tall candles with candlesticks
2 of your nicest plates and silverware sets
2 champagne glasses
romantic music

Steps

Make a trail of chocolate kisses from the door he usually enters, all the way into the room you'll be dining in.Make sure the trail is long enough so that, at random places in the trail, you can place 11 little love notes.
Write out and place ntoes throughout the trail of chocolate kisses. Start with a note that reads "10 reasons why I fell in love with you" followed by notes with little messages like "the way you laugh" and "that dimple in the corner of your smile."
Hang the long tinsel curtain over the entryway to the dining room (so he has to walk through it).
Create a romantic setting. Drape a long tablecloth over a small table (a Lifetime 37 inch table works perfectly). Set the 2 tall candles between 2 place settings and leave room for 1 plate in the center.
Set up the stereo with your favorite romantic music nearby. If you have a remote, you can turn it on as soon as he walks in the room.
Leave some room for dancing...just in case.
Prepare delicious Lobster Shooters to make the evening extra special.

Tips

Get creative with your beverage! Try putting a new label on the bottle that reads "Love Potion No. 9." You may even want to purchase a funky shaped glass bottle with a cork and fill it with your favorite drink concoction.

Saucy Steak for Two

Prep time: 10 min. Cook time: 50 min. Serves 2.This homemade sauce is perfect over two pieces of steak 1-2 inches thick. (You can also try this sauce on chicken or pork). Allow two 1-2 inch cuts of beef tenderloin steak to thaw as you combine the following ingredients in a small sauce pan:

3 tablespoons Catalina salad dressing
3 tablespoons honey
3 tablespoons apricot preserves
3 tablespoons grape jelly
3 minced garlic cloves
2 Tablespoons minced chives
2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 Tablespoons olive oil
2 Tablespoons ketchup
1 Tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon pepper

After combining all the above ingredients in a small saucepan, bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove 1/4 cup sauce to pour over when ready to serve.
Coat the steaks in sauce and place on broiler pan. Broil about 5 inches away from heat for 10-15 minutes on each side, or until meat is as dark as desired, occasionally basting with remaining sauce.
Your meat thermometer should read 145 degrees for medium rare, 160 degrees for medium, and 170 degrees for well done.
Pour the 1/4 cup sauce set aside over the steaks when ready to serve.

Cottage-Cheesy Baked Potatoes

Prep time: 15 min. Bake time: 1 hour. Serves 2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2 medium potatoes
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 Tablespoons water
1/2 cup cottage cheese
1/4 cup buttermilk
3 Tablespoons Parmesan cheese
2 Tablespoons thinly sliced green onions (or chives)
*salt and pepper to taste

Place potatoes in the oven at 400 degrees for 1 hour, or until thoroughly cooked.
Cut in half and scoop out inside of the potatoes, leaving four shell halves. Mash potato insides in a small bowl and set aside.
Cook and stir onion and water in a small skillet for 3 minutes, or until onions are tender.
Add cottage cheese, buttermilk,parmesan cheese, salt and pepper, and mashed potatoes.
Stir until well mixed.
Spoon into potato shells and sprinkle with green onions.

Sauteed Mushrooms

Prep time: 5 min. Cook time: 15 min. Serves 4.

1 pound mushrooms (Regular White tastes great)
1/4 cup margarine
2 tablespoons margarine
2 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil
2 minced garlic cloves
2 Tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
fresh parsley for garnish *optional

Slice mushrooms into 1/4 inch pieces (egg slicers work well for this) and saute in a 10-inch skillet with 1/4 cup margarine. Cook 6-8 minutes or until tender.
Add the 2 Tablespoons margarine, oil, and garlic. Stir.
Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Cook for 5 minutes or until mushrooms are lightly browned.

Chocolate Carrot Cake

Prep time: 35 min. Bake time: 25 min. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup baking cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 eggs
1 1/4 cup vegetable oil
3 cups finely shredded carrots

Grease and flour two 9-inch round pans (or line with greased waxed paper). Set aside.Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl and beat until combined. Pour half into one pan, and half into the other.
Bake for 25-30 min at 350 degrees or until you can insert a toothpick into the center of the cake and it comes ut clean. Cool for at least 10 min before removing from pans. Gently slide a butter knife between the cake and the pan. *Tip - If you're concerned about the cake breaking, use a spatula to gently separate it from the bottom of the pan before tipping upside down to remove cake.

Frosting

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup butter, softened
1 1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup baking cocoa
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Beat cream cheese and butter in a large mixing bowl until fluffy. Mix in powdered sugar, cocoa, and vanilla.
Spread over one cake layer, place other cake layer on top of that one, and spread frosting over that layer, too. Sprinkle with walnuts and chocolate chips.

Who Loves Ya Baby?

Charly — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:58:00 GMT

Valentine's Dinner for Friends or Family

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and love is in the air! If you've risked frostbite decorating a loved one's car, burnt your fingers baking heart-shaped cookies, and spent hours stringing up paper hearts with cute little sayings, try something new this year. Celebrate it with a party for all of your special valentines! Follow these steps for the perfect Valentine's celebration for family, friends, church group, or community organization.

Checklist

Lifetime round tables
Lifetime folding chairs
red and pink felt cut into hearts (see downloads for templates)
pink or white plates
miniature red, pink, and white roses
little silver cups
napkins
long stems of ivy small, handwritten love notes
thin satin ribbon (red, pink, or white)

Steps

Decorate the top of a round table with BIG red and pink felt hearts placed on top of a white or pink cloth that goes to the floor.
Use pink plates (or white plates with a pink heart cut out of felt at the top of the plate.
Place miniature red, pink, and white roses in little silver cups.
Tie napkins with long stems of ivy secured with a "love note" written on beautiful paper and tied with a thin satin ribbon.
Put folding chairs around the table.
Wrap the chairs in pink tulle or a lightweight pink fabric and tie the back with a length of ivy and a tiny bouquet of roses.
Prepare delicious Lobster Shooters to make the evening extra special.

Tips

Add embellishments and involve the kids! Put out bowls of decorations such as sequins, jewels, rhinestones, pearls, ribbons, lace, etc. along with some glue. Make a heart template before you begin to cut hearts to insure uniformity in size. Pre-cut the felt into big hearts in sizes 6 inch, 7 inch, and 10 inches across (see downloads). Supervise the kids while they glue the decorations onto the hearts. You will need about 12 hearts to cover a Round Lifetime Table top.
You can purchase felt at any fabric store and most department stores.
You can purchase pink plates at any department or party supply store.
Everyone looks better in candlelight. Sprinkle the table with votive candles, being sure to put one at each place setting.
For an extra romantic "Dinner aux Deux," place your table in front of the fireplace, put on some soft music, and enjoy the evening.

Lobster Shooters

1 lb. Lobster, cleaned
1/2 cup grapefruit juice
olive oil
sea salt and freshly ground pepper
2 ripe tomatoes, seeded and diced
1 English cucumber, diced
1/4 sweet onion (Vidalia or Maui) diced
1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped
zest of 1/2 lemon

Dressing

4 T. seasoned rice wine vinegar
6 T. extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp. Sweet mustard
1 tsp. freshly grated ginger

Split the lobster and clean it. Marinate in grapefruit juice for 1/2 hour. Drain and brush with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Grill the lobster over hot coals until just done, brushing with grapefruit juice. Do not overcook!
Remove the meat from the shell and cut the meat into small chunks. Place in a small juice or shot glass.
Combine the tomatoes, cucumber, onion, cilantro, and zest. Mix well.
Whisk together the rice wine vinegar, olive oil, ginger, and mustard. Pour over vegetables and mix well. Spoon the vegetable mixture over the lobster and serve with a sprinkling of cilantro.Serves 8 as an appetizer.

Elegant Holiday Buffet

Charly — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 16:52:00 GMT

Host a holiday feast with classic style and grace.

Now that you’ve decorated the tree, it’s time to decorate the table! Whether you’re planning a Christmas feast for two or twenty, this party plan is a sure ticket to dining in elegance. Invite your guests to a holiday dinner that welcomes the spirit of Christmas with class, style, and grace. Most of the materials can be purchased at a building supply or home improvement store and your local department store. The glass architectural blocks form the shape of a Christmas tree and have a wonderful effect—your guests will think you’ve gone to the work of sculpting a tree out of ice! Along with the tall candles, the ice blocks give the table dramatic height, and a sophisticated look.

Checklist

Lifetime banquet table
Lifetime folding chairs
A red silk tablecloth and white linen napkins
21 glass architectural blocks
Earthquake or museum wax
11 glass votives and glass balls
A wreath and small weight
Artificial snow
Tall red or white candles and candlesticks of various heights
White Christmas lights
”Christmas tree” napkin rings: Paper towel rolls (1 or 2), a variety of small green beads, and rubber cement or hot glue gun
Red Christmas ball ornaments
Glass bowls (fish bowls work nicely)
Small white flowers, preferably with flexible stems or vines
Clear or red berry wreaths (one per glass bowl)

Steps

Place red silk tablecloth and white linen napkins on your banquet table.
Make the “Ice Block Christmas Tree” – At the back edge of the buffet, line up 6 glass blocks, end to end, placing earthquake or museum wax in between each block. Next, center 5 glass blocks on top of the first 6, affixing with wax. For the next layer use four blocks, then three, then two, and finally one block. You now have a Christmas tree shape made out of glass blocks with five small ledges on either side. Remember to affix each layer and each block with wax.
Place a small glass votive candle holder on each ledge and top with a red glass Christmas ball. Surround each with a sprig of holly. Place a final glass ball on the top of the Christmas tree. You will need a total of 11 glass votives and glass balls.
To hang a wreath in the center, tie a wreath with heavy weight fishing line and thread it in between the top two glass blocks. Tie a weight onto the end and let it hang. This will hold the wreath in place.
Surround the glass Christmas tree with artificial snow, more glass balls and red candles.
If you want the glass tree to sparkle from behind, tape a string of white tiny Christmas lights to the backside of the tree and plug in.
Make “Christmas Tree” napkin rings: Glue the ribbon onto the cut towel rolls. Allow to dry, and then glue beads and sequins onto the ribbon in a ½ inch circle, layering it to cluster and form a Christmas tree shape. You may have to do this in stages, allowing the glue to dry before adding another layer. The idea is to make a 3-dimensional “tree,” with a chunky, clustered look. The more layers you make, the more chunky the tree will look. Allow to dry overnight. Glue a sequin “star” to the top of each Christmas tree.
Set the glass bowls on top of the clear berry wreaths, and bend the white flowers so that they fill the glass.

Tips

Glass Blocks can be found at any home improvement or building supply store.
Make a dessert table using a 5 foot round Lifetime table, covered with red silk, velvet, or felt fabric. Arrange the desserts on additional stacked glass blocks, adding height and interest to the table. Surround with candles and artificial snow.

Recipe: Christmas Gift From the Kitchen

Potted Cheese
6 oz. Cream Cheese, softened
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 T. sherry
1/2 tsp curry powder
sea salt to taste
18 oz. jar of mango chutney, finely chopped
chopped chives

Beat together the cream cheese, cheddar, sherry, curry powder, and salt until well blended
Stir in the chutney
Pack into three or four 6oz. Ramekins or custard cups and sprinkle with chives. Cover with plastic wrap and then foil and refrigerate or freeze. Will keep for three weeks.

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Printable recipe: Christmas Gift from the Kitchen.

Chinese New Year

Charly — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:18:00 GMT

Ring in the New Year with flavor from the Far-East!

It’s time to table your traditional New Year’s Party and try something from the Far East. Whether you celebrate Chinese New Year, or you just want to put a twist on your New Year’s celebration, you’ll love this party plan. Send out these interesting invitations to pique interest, then impress your guests with rich and elegant Chinese décor—all with minimal effort. In a quick trip to the Chinatown in your area, you can get most of the materials you need to get started. Chinese New Year’s Eve is translated “Change Eve.” Embrace change with this fun and unique party!

Checklist

Two 8ft. Lifetime Tables. Put them end to end to form one long banquet table.
Lifetime folding chairs: enough for each guest
Red Doupioni silk fabric, large enough to cover your table and go to the floor.
Inexpensive black or red Chinese silk pillow covers. (Go to your local Chinatown, they usually come with a tassel on each corner and measure about 15 inches square.)
Handmade invitations: Mailing tubes, Red and Gold paper, Gold tassel, Feng Shui coins (one per guest), Glue stick, Fortune cookies (optional; 2 per guest), printable Chinese Luck symbol.
Chinese chopsticks
Shiny red plastic cylinder vases
Chinese decorations (paper fans, Chinese lanterns, figurines, Chinese robe, etc.)
Red Gerber daisies and green berries
Either all black, white, or red dishes

Make Invitations

Cover small round mailing tubes with red and gold paper.
Print out downloadable Chinese Luck symbol from your computer using red, white, and black Chinese-themed paper.
Glue it to the center of the tube.
If you'd like, glue a Feng Shui coin at the top (for extra luck!).
Thread a small gold tassel through the lid opening, attaching the invitation to it so when the recipient opens the mailing tube, the invitation comes out attached to the lid!
You may want to put a fortune cookie inside, as well, or better yet, write your own fortunes!

Set the Table

Cover your Lifetime Table with red Doupioni Silk. You may have to sew two pieces together to make a cloth large enough to go to the floor.
Use the inexpensive black or red silk pillow covers as your placemats. Simply lay them flat on the table.
Put the Gerber daisies in the cylinder vases filled with water and set them in the center of the table.
Add atmosphere by setting out the Chinese decorations on the table or hanging them from the ceiling and walls.

Tips

To get wrinkles out of your pillowcase placemats, simply lay them on a flat surface (other than your silk table cloth) and mist with a spray bottle filled with water. As they dry, the wrinkles will start to disappear.
Use your Lifetime Table as a workspace to make the invitations. Have all your materials ready before you start.
Give them an authentic experience! Fold the table legs under and place your table on 2 ft. high blocks of wood, cover with the silk fabric, tucking the ends under the table. Place cushions or pillows on the floor around the table and invite your guests to sit and dine!
Try printing the menu on your computer and placing it on the table. Use a font like Copperplate or Kunstler Script. Dress up the menu with a motif (perhaps a Feng Shui coin theme) that matches your party.

Quon Mon's Asparagus Beef

Serves 4

2 cups fresh asparagus (cut diagonally into 1/4 inch slices)
2 cups boiling water
4 T. peanut oil
1 tsp. sea salt
1 lb. flank steak (cut diagonally into 1/8 inch slices)
Chinese salted spiced black beans
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 T. soy sauce
1 T. Hoisin sauce
1 tsp. freshly grated ginger
asparagus liquid
1 T. cornstarch

Place the fresh asparagus into a saucepan of boiling water. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 2 minutes. Remove asparagus and retain the cooking liquid.
Heat the peanut oil in a wok until smoking. Add the flank steak, season with sea salt and quickly sear the meat. Remove meat from skillet.
In a bowl, mash together the black beans, garlic, soy sauce, Hoisin sauce, and ginger. Place mixture in the wok and add a cup of the reserved asparagus liquid. Cook for about 4 minutes. Mix the cornstarch with a little bit of cold water, then add to the black bean mixture and stir until sauce is thickened.
Add the beef and asparagus and cook for about 1 minute. Serve on top of hot steamed rice or noodles.

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Giving Thanks

katie — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 12:02:00 GMT

Go All Out! It’s Thanksgiving!

It’s almost Thanksgiving. You’ve spent weeks thinking about what to serve for that special Thanksgiving dinner, shopping for those ‘family recipe’ ingredients (along with one more frozen turkey), and worrying about the weather. Take off that last bit of stress and use this elegant and easy party outline to plan your dinner décor. Follow the steps below to set a beautiful and classic Thanksgiving scene using pumpkins and earthy colors. Nothing tells your family you care like a well planned holiday gathering…. except maybe a warm bowl of turkey soup…

Checklist

Lifetime Banquet tables
Lifetime chairs
A selection of Heirloom Tomatoes and tomatoes of all shapes and sizes
Chocolate or maroon velvet tablecloth
Fairytale pumpkins (the gray-ish white ones that have a wonderful shape)
Baby white pumpkins (one for each setting)
Lots and lots of cream colored candles
Cream or Maroon colored napkins
2” wide chocolate velvet or orange ribbon (about 2’ per guest)
Thanksgiving Pilgrims Blessing Mix (one for each setting). Cellophane bag, Bugles, candy corn, pretzels, dried fruit and nuts.
Prayer of thanks printed on small square of parchment paper. See free download.
Square or round cardboard cake bases
Lots of fall leaves
Spray adhesive

Steps

Push together three long tables to make one big square table.
Cover the tables with brown velvet fabric, taping or sewing edges together to form a very large square that will cover to the floor.
Cover folding chairs with a cream-colored fabric and tie in the back with a few pumpkin ribbon.
Set candles, white pumpkins, and filled chargers along the center of the table. Be sure to put the pumpkins in places that create interest, taller pumpkins next to smaller ones, wide pumpkins beside skinny ones, etc.
Make Pilgrim's Blessing Mix Bags & Tags: Fill the cellophane bags with a few Bugles, candy corn, pretzels, dried fruit and nuts. Print the downloadable Pilgrim's Blessing Mix tag and attach to the bag with a ribbon.
Make Placemats: Use a small table as a work surface to make the placemats: One at a time, spray the square or round cardboard cake bases with fixative glue, and cover with Fall leaves. Place silver chargers at the top of each placemat. The earthy placemats and the silver chargers make a beautiful setting for your table.
Cut slits at the top of the white baby pumpkins, and use them as place card holders. The pumpkin place card holders are adorable, and will surely get noticed! You can also attach a pumpkin leaf with the guests’ name.
Set the table with white china or earth tones.
If you have any leaves or pumpkins left, sprinkle them along the table’s center. This will add to the detail surrounding your beautiful cooked turkey centerpiece.
Cook the food! Put a spin on traditional sliced turkey, it’s sure to be a hit. Here’s a new one for your Thanksgiving feast, or a great recipe for after Thanksgiving: Deb’s Best Ever Turkey Soup.

Tips

Have fun at the Pumpkin Patch! Take the kids along to pick out wonderfully shaped white pumpkins. If you make it into a challenging game, they will have a great time scouting out pumpkins with interesting shapes.
A great source for cream colored candles of all sizes is Candles The Williamsburg Candle Co. (1-800-367-9722 www.wsac.com.) They burn longer and they don’t drip.
Use extra tables as a buffet to serve your Thanksgiving dinner.
Match the décor on the dinner with the table décor, using Fairytale pumpkins, fall leaves, pumpkin colored roses or mums.

Recipe: Deb’s Best Ever Turkey Soup

Turkey Carcass
Water
2 bay leaves
sea salt
freshly ground pepper
1 tsp. Marjoram
1 T. fresh thyme leaves
1 T. chopped fresh sage
3 T. butter
3 T. flour
½ cup uncooked rice
2/3 cup diced celery
1 onion, chopped
3 T. chopped fresh parsley
Turkey meat, diced
Turkey dressing
Turkey gravy
3 cups sliced fresh mushrooms

Place the turkey carcass in a large soup kettle and cover with water. Stir in the bay leaves, salt, pepper, marjoram, thyme and sage. Bring the water to a boil and simmer for 3-4 hours, adding more water to keep the turkey bones covered.
Strain the stock and reserve.
Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a kettle, stir in the flour until smooth. Add the turkey stock (you should have 3-4 quarts.) Add the rice, celery, onion and parsley. Simmer for 20 minutes.
Add any leftover turkey meat, dressing and gravy.
In a skillet melt the remaining butter and sauté the mushrooms until brown. Add to the soup and let the whole thing simmer for another hour or so.

Pumpkin Cake

2 cups sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups pumpkin puree or cooked mashed pumpkin
Cream Cheese Frosting (below)
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Combine sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs in a large mixing bowl; mix well. Add dry ingredients and beat until well blended. Stir in pumpkin puree.
Pour batter into two greased and floured 9-inch round layer cake pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes (or until toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean). Turn out onto racks to cool. Frost pumpkin cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. If desired, sprinkle with pecans.

Cream Cheese Frosting

1/4 cup butter
1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese, room temperature
1 pound confectioner's sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Combine ingredients in mixing bowl. Beat until creamy. Makes enough to frost a 2-layer cake.

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Spooky Halloween Table Decor

katie — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 16:15:00 GMT

Frightfully delightful décor ideas for your table. This Halloween, please any crowd of goblins, witches, pirates, or ghosts!

The only thing scarier than Halloween, is not being prepared for it! If you host an annual Halloween party, or are looking to throw a party this year, try these table topper ideas to entertain your guests with frightfully delightful décor! From a black fuzzy tablecloth, to a variety of pumpkins and candles, a miniature trick or treat bag for a name plate, these peices are easy to make and set the perfect scene.

Checklist

Lifetime tables
Lifetime folding chairs
Black, furry fabric, enough to cover your table or just the center
“Pumpkin” placemats: Orange and black shiny vinyl fabric or felt (1 yard per 4 guests),glue gun, scissors,
Guest party bags: Free downloadable cut out templates or kid friendly cut out templates, Halloween patterned paper bags, glitter, dark stamp ink pad, paintbrush, colorful tissue, glass or plastic vials, lollypops, and whatever additional candy you want inside.
Miniature pumpkins
Tea lights or small candles
Black cat, witch or moon stickers
White plates
Black wire
Pencils
Fake black spiders
Lots of pumpkins of various sizes and shapes

Ideas

Cover your Lifetime table with the black, furry fabric
Make “pumpkin” placemats: Cut the orange shiny vinyl fabric into the shape of a large pumpkin (no larger than 17” x 15”). Glue the vinyl pumpkin onto a 17” x 15” rectangle of black vinyl. Glue short tufts of raffia at the top of the pumpkin for “stems”. Cut out eyes, nose, mouth, ears, etc. from additional black vinyl and glue onto the orange pumpkin placemats, to create a spooky face. Hollow out enough tiny pumpkins to place 5-6 on every table. Put votive candles inside.
Place pumpkins of several different sizes in the middle of each table.
Make the baby pumpkin-votives. Place the candle or tealight on top and center of the pumpkin. Use a pencil to trace around the candle and make a circle. Use a knife to cut out the circle, go as deep as you'd like the candle to sit. Place the candle in the pumpkin. Set the baby pumpkin-votives around the other pumpkins on the table.
Place the black stickers on the rims of white plates at each setting.
Tie napkins with black wire, spiral the ends by twisting around a pencil and attach fake black spiders to the ends.

Tips

Set up a small kids’ table using either the Lifetime Kids picnic table or an adjustable-height Lifetime table. Have crayons and white paper on each table along with stickers, spiders, black cat charms, etc. so they can draw spooky Halloween stuff and decorate it. Remember to have an adult supervise.
Furry and vinyl fabric can be found in most fabric stores, and black fake spiders and stickers can be found at most party supply stores.

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10 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day

katie — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 18:49:00 GMT

Some fun activities for you and your family to enjoy and preserve our beautiful Earth

It’s time once again to celebrate Earth Day by appreciating our world’s beauty and fighting pollution. The first Earth Day was held April 22, 1970 as a nationwide demonstration, petitioning the government to put environmental issues on the political agenda. Thousands of schools and about 20 million demonstrators participated in the original Earth Day. Earth Day was such a success that it is now celebrated annually.

People everywhere get involved in community events or honor family traditions that build our environment. What? Your family doesn’t have an Earth Day tradition? Well it’s never too late to start! Below are 10 examples of Earth Day family traditions to get you thinking.

Ideas

Plant a tree in your back yard: Besides being a fun activity for your family, planting trees help to lower greenhouse gas emissions, and they provide a habitat for a variety of other plants and animals. Go to your local nursery, and pick out the perfect tree for your yard. Lifetime trailers make it easy to haul the tree home. More trees in your yard can actually lower your cooling bill by providing shade over your house.
Make pine cone birdfeeders- Bring birds right to your yard and watch them as they enjoy a healthy snack. Making pine cone bird feeders is a fun and easy activity for children, click here for instructions.
Visit a nearby recycling facility- Recycling processes are fascinating and fun to watch. If you save up recyclable materials to drop off during the visit, you’ll earn some extra change you can use to pick up ice cream cones afterward.
Sit with the family and set specific goals to recycle and save energy- It’s often as easy as changing your light bulbs, adjusting the setting on your fridge, or making a routine trip to a nearby recycling bin.
Plant or renew your vegetable garden- April is the perfect time to plan your garden. Section off an area of your yard, and decide what you’d like to grow this year. If you don’t have a yard, window boxes and large pots work just as well. Home grown vegetables are pesticide-free and help you save money. Let the children choose new types of fruits or vegetables to try out each year, and give them responsibilities in the garden.
Plant flowers at a local non-profit organization or church- Contact the organization prior to planting. Most are thrilled when someone offers to beautify their grounds.
Go on a nature hike- Nature hikes are a great way to appreciate the details of our beautiful earth. Pick a park or nearby trail, or visit a new place every year on Earth Day.
Clean up litter at a local park- Parks provide places for everyone in the community to enjoy nature. Unfortunately, litter detracts from their beauty, and can be dangerous to people and animals. Bring some large bags or a Lifetime Yard Cart and gather up trash to revive your park. Use sticks to pick up the litter you don’t want to touch.
Attend an Earth Day event- Earth Day events are held across the nation, and are full of fun activities for both you and the kids. Pick a place close to you, events can be seen at www.earthday.net.
Cook a special Earth Day meal using all non-processed foods- Invite the friends and family over to share a healthy, home-cooked meal. If you have many guests, set up extra tables and chairs to accommodate them. Get creative and decorate in an ‘earth day’ theme using leaves or potted plants, and let each guest take a plant home to add to their garden. See table decorating tips at “Going Green Dinner Party.”

Hooray for the Red White and Blue!

katie — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 03:57:00 GMT

Throw a festive Fourth of July bash for friends and family

It’s July, and the sweet smell of grilled burgers and fireworks seem to linger in the air. The sounds of crackling sparklers and children’s laughter make up some of our warmest memories. But no Fourth of July is complete without an invitation to a back yard barbeque! Plan an unforgettable Independence Day party for friends, family, or your church group with the following tips and steps.

Checklist

Round Lifetime Tables
Plenty of Lifetime Folding Chairs
Shiny red, white and blue vinyl fabric. Cut into 48” squares (one per table)
Either solid red, white and blue napkins. Or make “flag” napkins with “star” napkin rings: for this you’ll need paper towel rolls, glue gun, 2” red grosgrain ribbon, and large silver or gold stars
Red and white gerbera daisies and blue iris or delphiniums
Galvanized 2 quart metal buckets. Use either plain or decorated with stars and stripes: for this you’ll need red, white, and blue acrylic paint, brushes and some newspaper
White dinnerware

Steps

1. Invitations set the scene for a party. Come up with a fun, creative invite for this years’ 4th of July and send it out one month ahead. Ideas: A photo of your dog with a big red, white and blue collar, photos of your kids in a wagon with flags, little flags with the invitation attached and placed in a mailing tube. Use your imagination…have fun with it.
2. Use round tables set out around the yard, covered with white tablecloths and vinyl square toppers. When guests arrive, let them and their children sit where they like.
3. Make the “star” napkin rings: Cut up the paper towel cardboard rolls into 2” widths. Then cut the grosgrain ribbon into lengths that will cover the circumference of the cardboard rolls. Glue the ribbon onto the rolls and allow to dry. Glue a big star onto the top of each ring.
4. Paint the buckets: Cover your small Lifetime Table with newspaper. Use red, white and blue acrylic paint and brushes. Paint each bucket with stripes and stars in a fun heart shape, using the red, white, and, blue downloadable stencils. Allow to dry and fill with flowers. Make enough for one on each table, and some for the buffet table if you like.
5. Make Deb’s delicious Lemon-Soy Swordfish Steaks with Avocado Butter, and make it a party to remember!
- For easy serving, place white plates on rattan chargers and serve food buffet-style.

Tips

Recipe: Grilled Lemon-Soy Swordfish Steaks with Avocado Butter

Yeilds 8 swordfish steaks

1/3 cup soy sauce
1 tsp. Grated lemon peel
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1 T. Dijon mustard
½ cup Safflower oil
8 swordfish steaks
Avocado Butter (recipe below)

Mix together the soy sauce, lemon peel, lemon juice, garlic, mustard and oil in a bowl and blend well.
Place swordfish steaks in a large ziplock bag, pour the marinade over and seal, squeezing out all the air. Refrigerate. Marinate the fish for 1-3 hours, turning the bag occasionally.
Grill fish over hot coals for about 3 minutes on each side. During cooking, brush with marinade. Serve with Avocado Butter

Recipe: Avocado Butter

½ cup softened butter
1 ripe avocado, mashed
4 T. fresh lemon juice
2 T. chopped fresh chives
1 T. chopped fresh parsley
1 T. chopped fresh basil
1 tsp. Worchestershire sauce
freshly ground pepper to taste
½ tsp. Sea salt

Blend together the butter and avocado until smooth. Add remaining Ingredients and mix well. Refrigerate, covered, until serving time. Can be made 1-2 hours ahead.
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