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!

Quick Trick for Hors d'oeuvres/Snacks

The easiest snack to create to date is using phyllo dough. Yes, dough. Everyones loves crisp, flaky dough wrapped around or covering up a variety of options. Phyllo dough is easy to store and can create delicious desserts or meat and/or vegetable snacks. The most common way this dough has been used is wrapped around spinach and feta cheese in triangular shapes then baked. This tasty snack is called SPANAKOPITA.  Phyllo dough can also be used in desserts and tied in small parcels called PURSES. Add some fruit preserve and toppings in phyllo cups and you have a great dessert. The ease of the dough allows anyone to create almost anything and it is always scrumptious. Check out athensfoods.com for recipes and other uses.  We posted some pictures to get your creative juices flowing. Let us know if you use any!

Happy Hosting!

Lisa Elliott
The HAUTE HOST

Impromptu Entertaining - Do Drop In

Ever have a few people or just one person drop by unannounced and wind up talking for hours? It is always a good idea to have a few items on hand for these moments, especially if the company is good and things are flowing effortlessly. You don't want to interrupt the flow by needing to run to the store for some food or drink. I often call it the the Do Drop In Kit". Make up your own kit based on your life, your friends, family etc. here is an example:

2-3 Bottles of wine (Red or white) or Soda
A box of assorted crackers. I prefer the more upscale ones with a variety of cracker shapes and taste
    or cookies or chips and dip/salsa
2-3 Small cheese wedges (Your favorites if you prefer over dip and salsa)
Last but not least, cookie dough, preferably the kind that can be frozen. These are always a hit, especially warm out of the oven and take no time to prepare.

As you can see, just a few staple items and you can create a variety of mini bites to nibble. This is not to have you stock your refrigerator or pantry just some simple items that you may pick up at the grocery store, but would also consume in your everyday life with or without guests.

Happy Hosting!
Lisa Elliott
The HAUTE HOST
thehautehost@gmail.com

THEME TUESDAY - MAKEUP MADNESS

Yeah!!! It's our first THEME TUESDAY and we are doing the theme MAKEUP MADNESS!!
(This works best with a small intimate group)
Makeup Madness is bringing together your besties (best girlfriends) and treating them to some food and a makeup party. We want you to have fun, gain confidence and come away with a natural everyday, evening or glam look. I love having a color scheme for every party or event. So let's go with black and white for this one.

Invite your girlfriends over by mailing them a black, purse size, empty makeup bag and inside include a note with the details of What, When and Where the MAKEUP MADNESS will take place. The anticipation will begin the moment they open the bag.

Cover a long table or nice size coffee table with black tablecloths or sheets. Place a large hand held or stand up mirror in front of each guests seat. Next to the mirrors place black roll up makeup brush holders and add your guests names on each one on a small tag. Have barstools or director chairs ready for the guests when they are having their makeup applied.

Invite a makeup artist over to do makeup and consultations for your guests. Watch the ratio of artists to the number of guests. Have 1 artist to every 4/5 guests. Play games related to makeup. Makeup bingo, Makeup taboo etc. to entertain guests waiting for their make up application. Prizes can be a gift card to Sephora, Ulta or any store that is makeup exclusive with lots of choices.

Have bite size food and 2-3 cocktails. Save yourself time and just have prepared cocktails w/ fun glasses and the bite size food. We will leave this part up to you.  :-)

Add great conversation, enjoy your new look, your besties and a great theme party!

Happy Hosting
Lisa Elliott
The HAUTE HOST
thehautehost@gmail.com

Use This Fork?

I am very much a proponent for entertaining at home, the key is to do it with your own finesse. I don't believe in being a stickler for rules and regulations in the comfort of my own home, but I always share knowledge and let people decide what they opt to do at their parties.   Are you often confused about which piece of cutlery or flatware to use and when during the meal?  Well, we are going to show an overview of place settings of the basic meals we eat. Here is a formal place setting for Dinner.  Hopefully the labels are easy to read. Again, this is an example and you may find others offer a slightly different arrangement. On occassion, you may find your dessert spoon and fork at the 12 noon location at the tip of the plate, facing in opposite directions of each other and stacked if you will.

 

Here is an example of a lunch place setting:



And last but not least , here is an example of a Breakfast setting:





 

For specific placement refer to an etiquette site or book if you are concerned with rules and regulations related to placement.  The easiest advice I can offer is to use your flatware from the outside in. Meaning use the flatware furthest out for the courses being served. Think in order of the courses. Salad, Dinner, Dessert. Use the fork furthest out, that should be your salad fork and so on until dinner is over.  At the end of the day, as a host you want your guest to be at ease and enjoy themselves.

 

Thanks to replacements Inc. for the pictures.

 

Happy Hosting

Lisa Elliott

The HAUTE HOST

Lisa

 

Themes To Do!

The HAUTE HOST often hears "I don't know what to do when I entertain, or how to pull off a theme." Well we are here to help, and to get you off and running we will start a series called "Themes To Do". We will cover some themes from start to finish. The coverage will inlcude the invitation, food, decorations, and entertainment. We will do it on Tuesdays. So look for Theme Tuesdays :-)
We have some themes up our sleeves of course, but if you have one in mind, post it here or email us at theHAUTEHOST@gmail.com and we will try our best to do it!

As always, contact us for planning your next party or event and or questions or ideas for your party.

Happy Hosting!
Lisa Elliott
The HAUTE HOST

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Much Love to all the Moms, Mothers, Ma's, Mommies in the world!

Hope you enjoyed your day!

Happy Graduation Graduates!!! Class of 2011

As graduates prepare to enter college or the workforce, the feat of graduating is one to be celebrated. This accomplishment is a wonderful mix of completion and newness, as they enter the next phase of their lives. Whatever these newbies chose to do in their new lives, a loud and boisterous or calm and casual event should be held to say "Well Done".

Invite family and friends over, use your backyard to hold them all and keep them happy with great cook-out food. One of the easiest menus to date is cook out food. For decor use the school colors for partyware and balloons.  Incorporate the honorees yearbooks, yearbook pictures and any item that reflects their activities. For example a cheerleader:A megaphone and pom poms, if a soccer player, soccer balls and cleats as part of the main table decor. You get the idea. Make it about their journey through high school or college. Of course, the best item on the table should be the senior picture. If possible and enough room, display a school picture from Kindegarten through the culmination of graduation.

However you do it, just do it!!!! (nod to NIKE)
In honor of all the classes of 2011!  CONGRATUALTIONS!!!!!  Well Done.

Let us plan you next party or event!  Contact us at Thehautehost@gmail.com

Happy Hosting!
Lisa Elliott
TheHauteHost

Mother's day ideas at home

No reservations for Brunch on Mother's Day? Good. Let's be real, how many brunches can your mother take, year after year. Ok if it is a new mom, she can experience the brunch rush :-) So for those looking for something different, simply focus on your mom. Take a minute and think about what it is she likes, or likes to do and plan something special around that. Here's what we mean.

1. Breakfast in bed - Is your mommie a foodie? Well prepare mom a fabulous breakfast and bring it to her in bed and don't forget her favorite flower. Give her a gift of a cooking class at home. See the bedtray by Palau.

2. Fine dinning- If your mommie loves eating out, set the table and prepare a fine dinner for her. This should be a meal similar to what she loves when she goes out to eat. When we say set the table, we mean use the special dishes, glasses and table linen, you only use on special occassions and of course candles. Give her a certificate to her favorite restaurant as a gift. See the table linen at Horchow for ideas below.

3. Tea Time - Is your mommie a tea lover? Set up a mini tea service, on a deck, patio or sunroom with some tea type sandwiches and petit fours. These are only suggestions, if she'd prefer peanut butter and jelly sandwiches cut in triangles with oreos, do it. Give her a teapot designed w/ her style.

4. Shopping or Spa loving mothers? Bring a mobile boutique to her and let her feel like a celebrity shopping alone. Spa lovers? Bring in a home masseuse, mobile nail and aesthetician technician. Give a gift related to these ideas.

You get the gist. Celebrate at home in style, she'll love the originality and no lines for her belgian waffle.

Here's to all the moms that raised, are raising and are about to raise their kids.
As always contact us for your special and social events.  We can also provide you w/ resources and ideas. thehautehost@gmail.com

Happy Hosting!
Lisa Elliott
The HAUTE HOST

Cinco de Mayo Home Happy Hour

Feel the rush of Cinco de Mayo but not quite moved to go to a bar. Plan a last minute Cinco de Mayo Happy Hour at your house quickly and easily.

Send a quick electronic email with the pertinent details (who, what, when, where) using red, white and green colors.

Order from your favorite Mexican restaurant at lunch and pick up on the way home from work. One additional stop at your local liquor store for the alcoholic drinks of your choice. (Optional- buy some crusting sugar or salt for your glass rims for a festive touch)

When you get home, cover a coffee table or kitchen table with a white or red tablecloth. Don't stress if you don't have either. Just clear the table completely of all clutter or items.

Break out your Margarita glasses and pitcher. Ok, we know you are going to really use a huge punch bowl, go ahead. :-) Use clear glasses of any style if you don't have Margarita glasses.

Unpack your food and place on solid colored white plates or platters, unless you have red or green. Use the same colored plates or platters for all the food. This creates a monochromatic, yet pulled together look.

Arrange the food for easy access and place buffet style on the table of your choice. Make sure napkins and utensils are easy to reach and see.

Get comfortable, change your clothes if you like and wait for your guests. Ta Da! Your done.

Suggested menu items for Cinco de Mayo include Quesadillas, Tacos, Tamales and Tequila!
Add salsa(green or red) and/or guacamole and chips, and Margaritas.
MARGARITA RECIPE (Increase for number of guests)
1.5 oz. Tequila
1 oz . Cointreau
1 oz.  Fresh lemon or lime juice
Pour all ingredients into shaker with ice cubes. Shake well. Strain into chilled cocktail glass rimmed with crusted salt.
Contact us to help you plan your next party. thehautehost@gmail.com

Happy Cinco de Mayo!
Lisa Elliott
The HAUTE HOST

Books give inspiration

I often refer to books when looking for inspiration for a party. Whether it is for a theme or an idea, I refer to a variety of party planning books, interior design books, art, cooking and even history.  I look at things a whole new way and apply it to invitations, colors palettes, locations and design.  For a party to be memorable it takes a combination of personalization, individuality, details and unique touches. Let's face it, after you reach your mid twenties or early thirties Baby Showers can all feel the same. Staying creatve is easy when you enjoy what you are planning and don't try to hard.  So grab a book and be inspired! Look around and see what you can implement into a great party.  Contact us for planning your party. thehautehost@gmail.com

Happy Hosting
Lisa Elliott
The HAUTE HOST

Where's the Bar?

Have no idea what a highball glass is, or that red wine goes in one type of wine glass and white in another. If you prefer to kick it up a notch and not have drinks already made in self serving containers, or you are over being the bartender all night, hire a mobile bartender. You can use any search engine and locate a mobile bartending business, or get a bartender from a graduating bartender from a bartending school. Ask if they provide the glasess and/or alcohol and run with it if it fits your budget. Enjoy your evening and know if someone wants a vodkatini, sidecar or sex on the beach it will be covered and clean up is a minimum.  Drink up!

Happy Hosting!
Lisa Elliott
The HAUTE HOST

Presentation Presentation Presentation

As we have always been told, presentation is everything in all facets of life. When hosting a party I love the tablescape (all things tableware and food display). The presentation should be appealing, exciting and most of all attractive enough to entice your guest.  One of the easiest things to serve your guests are desserts. Having a dessert buffet has gotten even easier w/ beautiful cake stands like the ones by Z Gallerie, Pottery Barn and Horchow to name a few. They come in all shapes and sizes with and without domes and are multi purpose. You can always serve tapas, hors d'oeuvres and other items as prettily and fanciful as you please. Elevated cakestands give varying height and depth to your table making it look fuller. What else have you or would you display on these beautiful cake stands?  As always we are here to help you plan your best parties at home. Contact us at thehautehost@gmail.com
Happy Hosting!
Lisa Elliott
The HAUTE HOST

Party Favors and Prizes!

Hello my fellow Haute Hosts!
Want your guests to remember your party or anticipate your next one?  I love to give prizes to my guests for winning games or as a take home treat related to a themed party.  Here are a few examples you can use. Host a game night and have a team or individual win a board game or personalized pack of playing cards.  During the holidays give a small tree ornament to your guests as they leave. Hosting a girlfriend brunch, or spa day? Treat the girls to a mini spa kit for their nails or give a mini brunch recipe book to all in attendance. I had a wine tasting and during the event we played fun games and I gave away bottles of wine and openers to the winners; but to keep everyone smiling I gave everyone that didn't win anything neat wine stoppers.  These little items do not have to be expensive and you will find that it really makes your guests feel special. You can't help but notice the smiles when they open them. Since I love a great party, I enjoy wrapping my gifts and/or favors, although I'm sure your guests would appreciate them wrapped or unwrapped.  Play with some ideas and try it out you, you cannot go wrong. Check out a few pics of  the items mentioned! Let us know what you have given away as a party favor.  Need help planning your next party? Contact us at thehautehost@gmail.com
Wine stopper - winediva

Happy Hosting
Lisa Elliott
The HAUTE HOST

BLOG-A-THON 2011!

We have so much info to share with you we are participating in a Blogathon! That's right, you will have a tip, time saver trick, recipe or fabulous resource for the whole month of May!
Any issues, topics or concerns you want us to address? Email us at thehautehost@gmail.com!

Happy Hosting!
Lisa Elliott
The Haute Host

SALE! SALE! SALE!

SALE! SALE! SALE!
Catch them at just about every location imaginable that sold Easter items. This is the perfect time to stock up on Easter themed or pastel colored platters, plates, cookie cutters etc. I found the cutest little metal pails at Target for $1.00 each. They can be used as place cards for assigned seats, fill w/ mini floral bouquets and line a table as a low centerpiece, or use as party favors and fill with spa items, candy or anything related to the party.  These beautiful pink plates are also a perfect addition to any table setting. Pastel colored items also work great for spring lunches, baby and bridal showers, girlfriend brunches, and Mother's Day celebrations! Contact us today to plan your next gathering. Check out www.thehautehost.blogspot.com for more ideas and resources.
Happy Hosting
Lisa Elliott
The HAUTE HOST

Company's Coming!

Having Family & Friends over for any reason is cause for celebration. Don’t let the fun get lost in the preparation of them coming over. Here are a few tips to prepare and reduce the stress of big, small or medium gatherings.

Dinning-

Set the table the night before, or two nights before if you can. The dishes and glasses won’t mind spending the night on a buffet table or dinner table.

Entryway-

When weather is unpredictable, empty out the main closet and have enough empty hangars ready to be used. You can put you and/or your family’s coats on your bed or in a guest room.  Place an umbrella stand or two by the door and make sure you have a doormat to catch any rain, sleet or snow to protect your floors.

Bathrooms-

Task kids to clean the bathrooms the night before and place extra rolls of toilet paper in the bathrooms throughout the house. I like to make a little pyramid on the tank so there is no question as to where it might be. There is nothing worse than one of your guest reaching for an empty roll in the middle of a party.

Light a large, new scented candle in the bathroom(s) that will burn for a couple hours safely. If you think it is warranted, place a can of air freshner next to the toilet paper pyramid. Add some paper hand towels and your bathroom(s) are guest ready.

Last Call-

Provide your guest with paper containers to take food home if that is what you wish. This helps eliminate everyone spontaneously asking for your aluminum foil and paper plates. Check out http://www.thinkgarnish.com/  for containers like the ones below.

Hope these tips help!
Happy Hosting
Lisa Elliott
The Haute Host

Earth Day Part Deux

Oops! We promised on Facebook to bring you more eco friendly hosting options and we dropped the ball. Well Earth Day may be over but it is still a great thing to be aware of our planet. With that said, here are a few more items.  One of the fabulous companies that work with being green is http://www.bambuhome.com/  Please visit the site and view all their products. Bamboo is long lasting and as you can see very chic.  Below is a kid plate and nesting baskets made of, you guessed it, Bamboo. Nature really is naturally beautiful.

Happy Hosting
Lisa Elliott
The Haute Host

Hello Cupcake

In keeping with the Easter theme, desserts and kid entertainment. Here are some of the cutest cupcakes you can surprise your guest with at brunch, lunch or dinner. Again, it can be self serve, portion controlled (maybe), a possible kid decorating activity and all around pretty conversation piece. This will definitely inspire tongues to wag before they start to drool. You can have some if you live the DC metro area. If you hurry and hop on over to http://www.pinkpiggysweets.com/ to order them.  Order a bunch, stack them on varying height cake stands and make it a centerpiece. The colors are a great reminder of Spring being near and simply makes you smile. Enjoy!

Lisa Elliott
The Haute Host

Here comes Peter CottonTail - Cake

Here is a cute dessert idea for Easter or kids functions. Baskin Robbins has a ice cream roll cake shaped like a.....you guessed it. A rabbitt. Check out this little guy or gal. Eat up before he hops away! Visit the site for other ideas and shapes.
Enjoy!


Lisa Elliott
The Haute Host

Easier Easter Meal Ideas

Dreading cooking a big Easter dinner? Start a new tradition. Order your meal from your favorite restaurant, do a brunch or a pot luck. Enjoy family and friends and the special time it's meant to be without the stress. Don't spend hours in the kitchen or grocery store.  If you opt for the brunch idea, do half dinner items and mix in some breakfast foods. If the thought of people helping out with the meal made you all tingly inside, assign items to those you know can cook...well :-)  Most people won't mind bringing an item. Ask those guests to come at least 30 minutes prior to the rest of the guest so you can warm up any dishes and/or place them accordingly.
Basic Dinner Ideas (Combination of cooking, restaurant ordering and pot lucking!)
Glazed Ham
Green beans or greeens
Mashed/whipped red, white or sweet potatoes
Carrots
Small asortment of rolls, biscuits or croissants
Cakes, Pies chocolate bunnies etc. for dessert

Brunch Menu Ideas - Combination of cooking, restaurant ordering, pot lucking
Quiche
Glazed ham
Green beans or greens
Rice - flavored or wild grain
Carrots
Fruit mix
Small assortment of rolls, croissants, pastries
Crepes
Cakes, cupcakes, petit fours

We hope these basics get you in and out of the kitchen promptly. We simply want you to save time, make
memories and enjoy your family and friends.
Don't forget to do an easter egg hunt, play games and savor the time together.

Happy Hosting
Lisa Elliott
The Haute Host

Dress Up Your Table

Setting a basic table is easy and fun. The usual items you find consist of plates, napkins, glasses and silverware. To kick things up a notch for yourself and your guests, enhance the setting with a combination of  napkin rings, tablecoths, placemats and chargers. For more formal settings you can include wine glasses too.  These additions to the table continue the mood the invite set and can also drive home any themes associated with the party. Think Valentine's day and a red and white table set up. All of these items minus the tablecloths can be found in various woods, metals, ceramic and jeweled states. Here are a few examples of napkin rings and chargers from Instawares and Domestic wares. A lined strawberry gold charger and animal napkin rings carved out of wood. With a little imagination the possibilities are endless. Mix and match until your hearts content!

Happy Hosting!
Lisa Elliott
The Haute Host

Let's Chill

Forgot to chill the wine or bubbly or maybe had no room for all the bottles before your gathering? You may quickly chill a bottle of wine or champagne by placing the bottle in an ice bucket or other tall plastic container. Add a layer of ice on the bottom and sprinkle it with a few tablespoons of Morton ® Salt. Continue to layer salt and ice until it reaches the neck of the bottle. Pour water over mixture until it meets the top layer of ice, let stand for10-12 minutes, open and serve. Rinse ice bucket thoroughly after use to remove any salt residue.  For larger gatherings or big celebrations requiring multiple bottles, use the old college trick and place bottles in your bathtub with ice. Preferably in a bath your guest aren't using. If guest are using that bathroom pull the curtain. You don't need to fill the tub completely with ice, just ensure it is plugged. The ice will melt eventually and provide a cool bath for the bottles throughout the evening. Bottoms up!

Happy Hosting
Lisa Elliott
The Haute Host

NO PARKING!

Have a great home or place to have a gathering, but there is NO PARKING available? Have parking but it seems miles away? Parking can sometimes deter guests, especially in the colder months. Impress and/or surprise your guests by having a valet service at your home. That's right! You read it correctly. Have a valet service at your home. Arrange for your guests to pull up to your home and have their cars parked for them. All they have to do is get out of the car and walk in your home or venue. Host may pay in advance and make it complimentary for guests or give guests the option of paying for the service.   http://www.uniparkvalet.com/ is a reputable service in the Washington, Dc metro area. Search mobile valet parking service in any search engine in your area.  Believe me when I tell you this extra treat is much appreciated when your guest are full and relaxed and don't feel like walking to their car! They will remember your party for years to come!

Happy Hosting!
The Haute Host
Lisa Elliott

Whet your guests whistle

Ever hear of an Apèritif ? Pronoounced [ah-per-i-teef]  It's a refreshing drink typically served before a meal to stimulate the appetite. An Apèritif typically includes gin, vermouth or Campari and includes many of the oldest cocktails.

This Apèritif recipe is a great variation of the Cosmopolitan. The citrus vodka's sweetness is the perfect counterpart to the Campari and a splash of triple sec adds a perfect balance. Serve your guest this refreshing drink in these frosted mini tulip aperitif glasses.

Ingredients:

2 oz SKYY Citrus vodka

1 oz Campari

1 oz orange juice

splash of triple sec

orange peel for garnish

Prep:

Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice.

Shake well.

Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Garnish with an orange slice.

Cheers
The Haute Host
Lisa Elliott

Individuals Create Perfect Portions

Ever ponder how much dessert to offer your guests? Have to much left over? Present your guests with the perfect portion size. Each person gets their own! Individual size treats make clean up easy, a beautiful presentation and ease in picking up their treat. This can also be applied to certain foods in a buffet arrangement. Eat up! (Picture compliments of glutenfree)

Hors d'oeuvres are a Host best friend

Hors d'oeuvres - Simply an appetizer served before the meal. Make hosting easy breezy. Supply your guests with heavy hors d'oeuvres and stay out of the kitchen. Serve selections that are tasty at room temperature to avoid hot plates or checking on iced items. Discover http://whatscookingamerica.net/Appetizers.htm for ideas galore. Finger size items are always a safe bet too!

Self Serve Elegantly

Setting up food or drink tables should be fun and make your guests want to dive in. Select your menu so it is visually appealing as well as tasty. Use varying heights and make sure things that aren't obvious are labeled. Serving trays that are tiered or have levels make this even easier to help create the look. Here is a great chic 2 tier serving tray from Horchow. Got questions? I have your answers. Contact us anytime.

Specialty Drinks For All!

Specialty drinks are all the rage. Check out http://www.thewebtender.com/ for cocktail recipes and more. Create your own specialty drink and put it in a fun glass. Make your guest feel special. Love the ease of this site.

You Are Cordially Invited......

Everyone loves being invited to a party!  Did you know the invite is more than a holder of details of who, where and when?  It sets the tone for the entire event and hopefully excites everyone coming. Guests should know as soon as they see it what to expect. Formal or semi formal, casual, theme oriented etc. Invitations are sooo much fun to me, they can be as extravagant or as simple as ones imagination allows. For example, if you want to host a tea party, you can send a small porcelain or plastic tea cup with the details on a blank tea bag in the cup. A simpler idea could be to send a paper invitation in the shape of a teapot or teacup with the details written on the invitation. However, since we live in such a technological world, most people opt for electronic invitations for convenience or being eco-friendly or both. I say, I love a great invite in the mail, but I have often used the electronic invites myself. I came across this site and have to share because at the end of the day, I just want you to invite people over and get it going! An example of a newer more savvy evite can be seen above titled Balloons Silver and Burgundy at http://www.paperlesspost.com/  Visiting this site allows you to send fine stationery via email, view a great selection of invites, experience a design feature and much more. Hope you enjoy!

Happy Hosting!
The HAUTE HOST
Lisa E.

Welcome to the Haute Host and a wonderful Hosting NEW YEAR!

Welcome to the launch of the HAUTE HOST Blog and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

This blog was created to lead people to inspiration, challenge creativity and push the status quo of hosting events or parties in your own home. I intend to encourage hosting, partying and entertaining even on the smallest level. This is "the year of the party" and the year to reconnect with family and friends. No longer will you feel overwhelmed to host or tired of having the same old get-togethers. Check in and and be inspired with great ideas, tips and tricks, products, photos, recipes and much more. This blog will take the pressure off of hosting an event and show you how chic and stylish you have been all along. I promise something for the novice and the pro host. So, whether you are making resolutions or setting goals, be sure to include a party a month or gatherings galore. After all we only live once!!  Happy New Year!  To get you started, check out those lovely unique champagne flutes called Verve from Crate and Barrel. Love the thick base, and bubbles in the stem. Cheers! 

Happy Hosting!

The Haute Host

Lisa E.