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.