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By Shindig_Spot, May 20, 2009 12:29 AM

There is one type of party food that I love, the appetizer. Whatever you want to call it, canapé, cocktail, finger food, or hors d’oeuvre, these tasty tidbits are piled high on my plate. But, herein lies the problem, while my plate runeth over with small delicious bites and my wine glass is full; I have a hard time balancing it all; and no, I’m still just on my first glass of wine. I have yet to find the perfect appetizer plate that allows me to enjoy my food without the juggling act.

I could always go the way of The Amazing Plate Caddy, but something tells me I can balance it all in style.

Plates n’ Glasses

These 2 plates not only balance your tidbits, but they mind your drink as well.

Although this 12 piece set is currently out of stock, it’s worth a mention. This colorful plate and glass set not only makes it easy to wine and dine, but it makes identification easy as well. The plates look to be on the larger side so you can make sure to get a sample of everything on the first trip to the buffet.

These plates work with your own “standard” wine glasses. These plates give a rustic look, perfect for an afternoon of wine and cheese. Pair these plates with this Servingware. They are on the small side (I mean, they are supposed to fit on top of a wine glass) and can only fit a few slivers of cheese, some grapes and olives. To be fair, they are for appetizers, not the meal.

Good Grips

These plates are sans glass, but they make holding on to your grub a bit easier with their smart design. These plates are of ample size for more than a few canapés.

Update
While in the middle of this post, I received my Napa Style catalog and discovered that they had a few different types of plates available. Here is a wooden design in appetizer and dinner sizes. This plate is currently not for sale, but it still worth a mention. The ceramic plates, in creme and orange are available in sets of 4.

Home Wet Bar also has styles that hold you glass in wood and plastic. There are also these plates that sit on top of of your glass for your jungle theme.

It looks like everyone is having shindigs these days. I really can’t blame them, what better way to pass the day/afternoon/evening, than with food and drinks and friends?

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By Shindig_Spot, April 30, 2009 11:01 PM

Want to personalize your next shindig?  Let these chalkboard decor items make it easy and fun to do.

Drinkware

Are your guests getting their drink cups mixed up?  I have to admit that those red plastic party cups, while they hold lots of drink, are hard to keep track of.  Have your guests stake their claim by using these Etch It cups.  It’s okay that it’s not a true chalkboard; no concerns of chalk dust to float into your drink.

Servingware

Simple and practical.  These two options for cheese trays from Kegworks are not only simple is design, but are practical in function.  Not only will they look great on your table, but will let guest be able to tell the difference between the Brie and the Gouda.  The Slate Cheese Serving Tray gives more than enough room for cheese presentation and identification.  The Cheese Tray with Charcoal Slate Insert  combines a traditional wood tray with a slate insert..  Line your crackers and fruit in the wooden tray and serve the cheese from the slate tray.

Accessories

Now that your drinks are labeled and cheese tray chalked up, what about the table?  The Lingo Tablecover from Realm Dekor allows guests to mark their spot at the table.  For an easy DIY project, create your own chalkboard tablecloth by using Mexican Oil Cloth that comes in various color and patterns.  For those special occasions when you want to break out the napkin rings, try this set from MoMA.  These Chalkboard Napkin Rings serve a double duty as holder for the napkin origami challenged and as place cards.  If the table has any room left on it, this slate vase from Kimberly’s Events’ Chalkboard China Collection will make for a great centerpiece.

Scatter the use of these chalkboard decor items from party to party, or use them all at once for a themed End of Summer/Back to School event.  Don’t be afraid to try something new, you can always erase and try again.

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By Shindig_Spot, April 20, 2009 11:19 PM

There are lots of cool party accessories out there that I spot online and I think of all the fun ways I can incorporate them into some of my parties.  So far, they have just been ideas in my mind that have never been realized.  Here are a few sweet finds I have stumbled upon that I hope to incorporate into some of my shindigs, and maybe you can too.

Dark Belgian Chocolate Cordial & Toasting Cups

I have seen these glasses around for some time.  They can be used for mini dessert cups for mousses or fresh fruit.  Of course, nothing goes better with chocolate than a liqueur.  Liqueurs are different from flavored liquor based on how they are made and their alcohol content.   I think that something creamy such as a Baileys Irish Cream or something fruity like Grand Marnier or PAMA (pomegranate) would go well with these chocolate treats.  For those cold winter nights try filling it with a shot of vanilla vodka as it melts in a large mug of hot chocolate!  They could also be used for a different type of wine tasting;  serve wines that pair well with chocolate.

*Suggested Recipe – B-52

• 1 oz. (2Tbsp.) Kahlúa
• 1 oz. (2 Tbsp.) Baileys Irish Cream
• 1 oz. (2 Tbsp.) Grand Marnier

Layer ingredients in a shot glass in the order given being careful not to mix them.

Edible Candy Cane Shot Glasses

These minty delights definitely bring a seasonal feel to mind.  Nothing would warm up guests more than a schnapps or coffee liqueur served in these candy cups while singing carols.  The cups filled up with vanilla ice cream sprinkled with chocolate shavings are an alcohol free alternative so the little ones can join in on the holiday cheer as well.

Suggested Recipe – Peppermint Patty

• 1 shot peppermint schnapps
• 1 squirt chocolate syrup

Keep a shot of peppermint schnapps in your mouth, and squirt chocolate syrup in. Shake head vigorously and swallow.

Edible Rainbow Candy Shot Glasses

From minty to lemony, these glasses are reminiscence of those long rainbow lollipops.  Lemony in flavor, they will go great with a fruity vodka or a tequila.  Fill them with a frozen Cosmo or Margarita mix or a fruity sorbet.  Let the fruit  linger like the last of the remaining summer sun at your next BBQ.

**Suggested Recipe – Hay Fever Remedy

• 1/2 msr vodka
• 1/4 Southern Comfort
• 1/4 amaretto
• 1/2 msr pineapple juice
• 1 teaspoon greandine

Shake and strain.  Shooter.

Chocolate Lined Wafer Shot Glasses

I had never seen these wafer treats before and thought they were very cute.  These mini cake cones lined with chocolate are perfect for that bite-sized ice cream treat.  Enjoy these shot glasses with mousse or fresh fruit topped with whipped cream.  Or, for a hard shell treat both inside and out, fill with your favorite ice cream and top with chocolate Magic Shell topping and enjoy chocolate through and through.

Suggested Recipe – Drunken Affogato (Ice Cream Shots)

• For the chocolate shots:
  • 3 cups chocolate ice cream
  • 3/4 cup coffee-flavored liqueur, such as Kahlúa
  • 24 whole hazelnuts
• For the vanilla shots:
  • 3 cups vanilla ice cream
  • 3/4 cup lemon-flavored liqueur, such as Caravella Limoncello
  • 24 whole macadamia nuts

Place a small scoop of ice cream in each glass. Top with 1 tablespoon liqueur and 2 nuts. Serve immediately.

Cool Shooters Ice Shot Glass Maker

These frozen delights are great not only for their resueability, but for their cool double duty – they are cool to look at and keep your drink ice cold on thoes hot summer days.  Host a vodka tasting party, not need to chill teh glass to make sure you vodka is served ice cold.  For a big show, try a flaming shot, white hot flame and cool as ice fingertips.  For a party of 5 or more, try this shot glass mold by Lush Life  that makes 12 at a time.

*Suggested Recipe – Oyster Shot

• 1 freshly shucked raw oyster
• 1 0z. (2 Tbsp.) tequila
• dash hot pepper sauce
• squeeze of lemon juice

Place oyster in the bottom of a chilled martini glass or shot glass.  Pour tequila, add pepper sauce and lemon juice.  Drink as a shot, allowing oyster to slide down your throat.

*recipe courtesy of  Cocktails – 2000 Desk Calendar

** recipe courtesy of  The Classic 1000 Cocktails