Capture the Moments - Take a Picture - Say Cheese

Nothing is better than hosting a party and the next day just smiling knowing that a good time was had by all. Capturing spontaneous moments throughout the evening is a great way to start a photo album and remember the little things...possibly a little blackmail material might be applicable too. :-) Taking pictures also relaxes people when taken in groups and can initiate conversations. I love pictures and looking back at them at a later date is also good fun.  Of course I think everyday you are alive is reason enough to party, but if you have lots of pictures then throw a picture party. Why not?  You know I can give you ideas on how to do it. If you want shots from different perspectives, have several cameras and incorporate it into your evening. Pass the cameras around at a certain time or assign it to a few people who you know will do a good job. Now what shall you use to take the pictures? We suggest using old faithful.....the upgraded version. Polaroid. A new model by Lady Gaga is being released, but again, old faithful. There are many choices for digital, but I like instant gratification. People seeing their photos immediately creates smiles and laughter.  Here is a great option, but you can always pick your own. Say PARTY!


Happy Hosting!
Lisa Elliott
The HAUTE HOST

Theme Tuesday - COOKIE BAR

When you want to entertain, but have little funds, are very short on time, allergic to your kitchen or simply don't want to cook anything; turn to an all time favorite, cookies. Yes, cookies dahling. Create a COOKIE BAR!  Have several types of cookies displayed for your guests to nibble or nosh throughout the event. Here's how you do it.

Ok, sorry fellas, this one is for the girls too, but we promise to include you next time...or in the near future. :-)

Invite a few ladies over by sending them a lined index card, the kind recipes used to be written on. On one side list a cookie recipe and the other the details of the party. List the who, what, when and where.  You can let them know how to dress as well with a line for attire. Add something like "Sweets for my Sweets, please join me at (insert your name) Cookie Bar.

Place white or clear platters of small and medium size on a kitchen island or table in a buffet style. Add varying height using cake platters and fill a couple clear cookie jars with the same type of cookies. Cook the cookies or simply pick them up from a bakery or grocery store. Have cold milk in champagne glasses waiting on the table. You can use any pastel color with white to keep it light and airy and not clash with the cookie colors.

Have a blind cookie tasting contest before all the girl talk begins. Give the winner a roll of slice and bake cookies and/or or a pair of cookie cutters. Another game could be to take the guests back in time guessing popular cookies from their generation of the 70's, 80's etc. You'll be surprised at what people remember on a sugar high!

Let your guests dunk until their hearts are content and have a  great time! Here are some cookies you can use, chocolate chip, oatmeal, strawberry coconut and don't forget the OREO's, just our personal favorite. :-)

Happy Hosting!
Lisa Elliott
The HAUTE HOST

A little thing called Confetti

Confetti has come a long way in the world of decorating. Confetti is available in a variety of colors, textures, shapes and sizes. You can shoot it out of little cannons, scatter it on tables, drop it inside invitations, or throw it in the air. It always creates a sense of whimsy or fun depending on the type used.  I prefer using the same color and a specific shape, for example yellow butterflies.  However, I have used and find quite cute diamond like confetti.

Here are a few other confetti types you can use for showers, anniversaries or birthday parties.  See if you can find additional uses for this little decoration with a big punch. You can also make your own with a 2 or 3 hole punch and a variety of paper types. Simply punch the paper and use the cutouts.

Happy Hosting!
Lisa Elliott
The HAUTE HOST

What is Printable Partyware?

Want party items in your own colors or theme? Looking for invitations, cupcake toppers, cupcake wrappers, favor boxes, stickers, labels etc? Now you can personalize your party items and printout in your own home. The gist of this technique is to put your information on a provided template and print it out to fit your party without paying a fortune for personalization. Simple, or as some say, easy peesy. This is just one DIY personalization method to make your partyware your own! Visit www.paperandcake.com  to view one of many companies that offer this great party or celebration service.  Challenge your creativity and create a whirlwind for your next event.  Here are a few items you can personalize and printout.

Happy Hosting!
Lisa Elliott
The HAUTE HOST

Cupcake Crazy

I must admit this post is factual but completely selfish. I am addicted to cupcakes and have been before they became the phenom they are now. Nothing frustrated me more than not being able to buy an individual cupcake just a few years ago. Now I can buy one on every corner. Cupcake boutiques are popping up everyday across the states. And we can't get enough!  One thing is for sure you can't go wrong with cupcakes and these days they are coming in all shapes and sizes. They have even made there way into weddings, celebrity bashes and they are being stuck on sticks too. The ones on sticks are called cake pops. Don't let that confuse you, they are quite tasty and follow suit with the many theme related and exceptional displays they can create.  Take a bite and live a little.

Happy Hosting!
Lisa Elliott
The Haute Host

Chic Cups - Paper or Plastic

Tired of the same old paper cups or the typical plastic ones? Add a different touch from your usual red cups, by using these great reusable ones that won't break. They still give a casual feel to your party and will be quite a conversation piece. Here is a great example from designer Jonathan Adler. There are a variety in stores this season in lots of colors and designs.  Put your feet up, enjoy your drinks and the weather out back.

Happy Hosting!
Lisa Elliott
The Haute Host

thehautehost@gmail.com

Decorations - Paper Lanterns - (Lost Blogger Posting)

Decorations - Paper Lanterns
Adding decorations is one of the elements that heightens a parties experience. One of our favorites, paper lanterns, always sets a distinct mood. Try arranging paper lanterns in clusters on the floor, hang them from the ceiling, string them above tables, or use as centerpieces. They also have lanterns with ...lights built in to give a glow to an outside sunset evening. Lanterns come in all shapes and sizes, prints and solids and can offer quite a unique touch to a party. Think outside the box, these little guys can be used inside or out. They are inexpensive and can flatten for immediate storage. Try them out, you won't be disapointed!