Monday, December 5, 2011

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS-COCKTAILS & CAROLS

I'm delighted to have the always chic Kate from PARTY RESOURCES share her favorite holiday ideas and inspiration at the first stop on our VIRTUAL DINNER PARTY with COCKTAILS AND CAROLS. I can't wait to see what Kate is serving up this Holiday Season!
What fun to be the first to arrive at Barbara's HOME FOR THE HOLIDAY'S FETE and to be in charge of cocktails and nibbles! Let's get this party started shall we?
For me, the perfect party venue is a gorgeous party barn like ours in CT. where we hold all of our parties through out the year. The images below are from our annual Christmas Party. 
Music sets the tone for any party and while I love Christmas music, I prefer to take a pass on them when I entertain. I am loving this Cocktails playlist from the stylish LuLu Powers-
Every party should have a well stocked bar that includes good wines and champagne. 
My favorites for entertaining are a great MALBEC
A delicious chilled SAUVIGNON BLANC

And really good CHAMPAGNE!
For the holidays it is nice to make it a bit more festive, so serve a signature cocktail. How about a festive POMTINI? 




For hors d'oeuvres I like to have a few stationary items and a few for passing.
Make a batch of CHEESE STRAWS-they are a guaranteed crowd pleaser and pair perfectly with a variety of cocktails. Prepare these ahead for a delicious stress free nibble! 
Assemble a stunning WINTER WHITE CRUDITE with tangy Buttermilk Dip 
Everyone loves BRIE EN CROUTE!
MINI WILD MUSHROOM RISOTTO CAKES are a sophisticated and elegant addition
And who can resist tangy ROASTED SHRIMP COCKTAIL?

For more delicious make ahead cocktail canapes, go HERE for 101 recipes for hors d'oeuvres that are ready in under 20 minutes.

Thanks for having me Barbara and I can't wait to see how the rest of the dinner party unfolds! 
Join us for the next course on Friday- TREE TRIMMING AND HOLIDAY CHEER with THE ENCHANTED HOME. It's sure to be fun and inspiring!

18 comments:

Party Resources said...

Thanks for having me Barbara - such fun! xx

jeanette from everton terrace said...

Wonderful! I'll have the brie and a Pomtini please :)

Acquired Objects said...

Ok this looks like fun.... what time is the party?

Splendid Sass said...

You will find me in the corner with the cheese straws, and a cocktail.
Everything here looks fabulous, as always Kate. I love your barn. My daughter and I have seriously thought of it.
Thank you for these lovely tips, and have a happy holidays.
Teresa
xoxo

The enchanted home said...

Iam so ready for a party!! First of all that barn setting is totally DREAMY!!!!!!! Second yes to champagne and pretty drinks. Brie en croute might well be my most favorite appetizer of all and I have to print out the recipe for the mushroom risotto cakes, those sound and look fabulous. This is my kind of party..well done to both of you!
Party on:)

Ann said...

Love that barn!

Town and Country House said...

Wonderful! My mouth is watering!

I Dream Of said...

This is so much fun and so timely - we are hosting a dinner party on Saturday. Thanks for getting us all together to celebrate. I'll take some cheese straws and champagne, please. Sounds like the perfect combination!

Anonymous said...

HH and Party Resources,

Over the River and through the woods to the beautiful barn we go.This is my first virtual holiday party. Is dinner at 8, we can't wait. Thank you for the great ideas and "virtual camaraderie".

Francine Gardner said...

Sounds fabulous! still struggling over my Christmas lunch menu

Unknown said...

such great decor tips!! thanks for sharing!

Punctuation Mark said...

i love this idea... looking forward to what next over the next few days!

Unknown said...

Ok, I just adore this idea and love that the magnificent Kate has kicked things off! Champagne? Yes! And, love Lulu Powers. Was just dancing the night away with one of her sisters this weekend!

Let's kick off our heels and dance!
xoxo Elizabeth

Anonymous said...

The party is off to a great start! Everything from the setting to the music to the pomtini... Thanks for the inspiration!

Hamptontoes said...

Barbara,
What a fun way to do your invitation for the upcoming guest bloggers...so creative! Now to Kate...isn't she the best? Really! Parties in her CT barn...amazing! (I keep dropping hints to her that my invites are being lost in the mail!) Winter white crudite has my name all over (and perhaps, I'll have to "borrow" her idea!) Wonderful inspiration.

Anonymous said...

How fun! Love Kate. She sure knows how to entertain! xo

Anonymous said...

This is wonderful, I would love to go to a party in a barn! Can you believe I have never tasted a cheese straw?

Mence said...

Wonderful! My mouth is watering!