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