How to Throw an Impromptu Party!

I found this little gem on Skinnygirl Cocktail's FB and just had to share! I mean, sure the video is shameless self promotion, but they do bring up some really great points. I've pointed out in several other blog posts that when I'm planning a party it can take me DAYS to prepare and by the day of the party I've driven myself mad with preparation. So quick tips like this (and you know I love me some quick fixes. lol) can take so much stress out of party planning, especially if you don't have a lot of time.

Party Hostess Mode! Activate!

My Birthday party (which I of course planned myself since I'm an uber perfectionist) is this Saturday so I've gone into full Party Hostess Prep Mode. This means my week is about to be filled with an obscenely over the top cleaning regimen and obsessive party planning and prep....my poor husband. 

The Hostess (And The Importance Of Gifts)

(For me?)

The literal definition of "Hostess" is a female that provides hospitality, BUT as Domestic Goddesses we know that the real definition of Hostess is "Bitch that runs the show"!


Now lets talk about something that I am a HUGE advocate of: The Hostess Gift. This isn't just for rich people and Europeans, you can do it too! :D


It is polite to bring a hostess gift to a dinner, special occasion gathering (i.e.- Holiday party, etc.), if you are staying overnight at their house, or any event where the hostess has don't all the work to plan and arrange things. It shows your appreciation for the hard work that they've done and at the very least makes you look polite. :) One easy gift idea is of course flowers. If you've been to their house before, buy flowers that match the color scheme of their living room, dining room, or kitchen. This shows much more thoughtfulness and looks better when she displays them. If you've never seen their house, get a nice seasonal arrangement or roses. REMEMBER: Different rose colors have different meanings so make sure you pay attention! You don't want to send her or her spouse the wrong message. Also, if you'd like to be SUPER considerate, buy a vase or get flowers that are already in a container just in case she doesn't have one available.

(Look how happy these people are that they brought a hostess gift!)

Another great gift is of course BOOZE! Now I'm not saying bring over a case of beer (unless she really loves a certain type of beer). A nice wine or bottle of champagne will do. And of course I am always an advocate of Pink Champagne as a hostess gift. It's elegant, delicious, and girly enough so the hostess knows it's just for her. I know I shouldn't have to say this but it happens so I'm going to: If you bring over alcohol (or anything else) as a hostess gift and it doesn't get finished that night DO NOT TAKE IT HOME! It is no longer yours, you gave it as a gift to the hostess, it is extremely tacky to steal it back. Oh and you spending a lot of money on it is not justification. If you have that much of a problem with spending money, gift her a less expensive bottle. It's the thought that counts and stealing back your gift says that you only think about yourself. 
There is however no problem with buying hostess gifts in bulk! See a set of wine glasses on sale super cheap? Go ahead and get them! Maybe add a personal touch by painting them, that way you also have the option of splitting them up or giving them as a set. Caterer gave you a couple extra bottles of wine? Why not store them away to be used as a hostess gift later? 


If you're coming to My house for dinner. A puppy would be an appropriate hostess gift. Preferably something that is small, fluffy, and easy to train. ^_^ J/k


For more fantastical gift ideas, go to the Patron Saint of the Domestic Goddess...Martha Stewart! 

Hot Spiked Cider/Caramel Apples Drink Recipe

Today I have two recipes for you in one! A lot of you have been asking me for the recipe for my Warm Spiked Apple Cider that was featured in my Ugly Sweater Friendsmas Party blog so here it is! Plus (just because I love you ladies) I'm adding in my super easy recipe for Caramel Apple Shots! 

Warm (Spiked) Apple Cider

What You Need:
1 Four Quart Crockpot 
1/2 Gallon of Apple Cider (I bought a whole gallon and saved what wasn't used for the recipe for the non-drinkers at the party)

3 Cups Of Spiced Rum (I used Captain Morgan's Original Spiced)
1 Green Apple
1 Stick of Cinnamon (Optional)


How To Do It:
About an hour before your party starts: Pour half a gallon of apple cider into the crockpot. Add 3 cups of spiced rum (you can add more depending on taste but you shouldn't need more than 3). Stir. Add a stick of fresh cinnamon to the bottom (optional) and turn your crockpot onto high and cover. While your crockpot is heating up, it's time to prep your green apple. Cut off the top and the bottom to throw away then cut the rest into thin slices (about 3/8 of an inch thick). Core the apples OR if you'd like to make it fun like I did, cut out fun shapes in the center of the apples such as leafs, pumpkins, hearts, stars, Christmas trees, snowflakes, and letters! Use your awesome female imagination! Add the apples to the top of your cider and cover.
10-15 minutes before your guests arrive turn your crockpot to warm and cover again so the heat stays in but isn't too hot to drink. Once the guests arrive you can take of the lid if you'd like so the guests can see your fancy apples, and don't forget to provide a ladle for them to get the cider out! Drunk people dipping their glasses into the crockpot can get VERY messy. lol


Easiest Ever Caramel Apple Shots
(You can make this as a shot or a drink but it's very sweet so I think shots work best)


What You Need:
Spiked Apple Cider (See Above Recipie)
Butterscotch Schnapps (aka: Buttershots)


How To Do It:
1.) Fill up half a shot glass with spiked apple cider. 
2.) Fill up the rest of the shot glass with Butterscotch Schnapps. 
3.) Drink it and be amazed at how it really does taste just like a caramel apple.
Become totally smashed! :D

Ugly Sweater Friendsmas Party!

Here are some of the pictures from my very first Christmas party! 

(My butler Ichabod was all dressed up and stood happily at the door waiting to give the guests their party favors)

(For inexpensive favors I got a variety of dollar bottles of liquor and put a tiny bow on each one. The guests loved it!)

(The day of the party I noticed that one of my walls looked at little bare so I got some foam snowflakes from the dollar store and spray painted them with the little cans of silver, blue, and purple spray paint I had left over from doing crafts for my wedding. When they dried I sprayed them with glitter and they turned out lovely!)

(I made warm spiked about cider, then topped it off with green apple slices with fun holiday shapes cut into them!)

(My best friend and my chihuahua Jose in the matching sweater she got him for Christmas!)

(My very first Christmas tree I got back in 2007. It's a pre-lit white tree with all blue and silver ornaments. I've wanted a tree like this since I was a kid.) 

(An overly enthusiastic group picture! Look at all those ugly Christmas sweaters!)