| Written by Amy Storer-Scalia, on 06-01-2010 20:00 |
Tips for Throwing an Easy B-day Bash
Amy Tobin and the EQ at The Party Source offer their best tips and tricks for hosting a fuss-free fete. So you can have your party and cry if you want to, but tears are completely optional.
If you could choose one super power, you'd want Martha Stewart's panache for your next party.
News flash: Martha Stewart isn't Super Woman (remember the prison days?) and you can pull off her party-perfect panache with these simple tips and tricks from EQ at The Party Source.
Keep a Party-Ready Pantry
This tip is taken from Amy Tobin's recently released book, Amy’s Table: Food for Family and Friends. To party-proof your pantry, Amy suggests you stay stocked using this basic list. Each time you head to the store, take a quick peek to see what needs replenishing.
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Mixed nuts
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An assortment of gourmet crackers, flatbreads, bread sticks and tortilla chips
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A few great cheeses
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Salsa, tapenades, spreads and chutneys
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Jars of olives, roasted red peppers and marinated artichoke hearts
Opposites Attract
When you're deciding what to serve to eat and drink at your holiday parties, remember that opposites attract! You want to strike a balance of spice, acidity, sweetness and bitterness and the perfect cocktail and appetizer pairing will hit in all four tastes, Tobin says. "Think about serving a spicy dish. You'll want a soothing, cooling drink to go with it," she adds. "Think lime-laced margaritas with spicy Mexican food. You can spin that around and serve a spicy cocktail with a cooling nibble, too."
It doesn't matter which part of the equation the flavors occur, just make sure to touch on spice, acidity, sweetness and bitterness. Take that classic pairing knowledge and use it to your advantage when you put together your party menu, Tobin says.
Here's one to try: Sweet heat meatballs or spicy shrimp cocktail paired with a lemon drop martini. Not only are you covering your flavor bases, you know you're making something your guest will love.
Have Some Class
If you'd rather learn your party panache in a hands-on setting, check out upcoming classes at The Party Source. Connie Volker, EQ event and marketing director, suggests these for you and all your posh pals.
Jan. 15
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Chef Rhonda Clark
Are You Ready for Some Football?
If there’s ever a day that America parties, it's Super Bowl Sunday! Learn how to create the best football fare. Rhonda's game-day menu will keep you off the sidelines so you won’t miss a single play!
Guinness Steak and Mushroom Stew
Cheddar Herb Biscuits
Italian Pizza Turnovers
Buffalo Calamari with Spiced Parsley Mayonnaise
S'mores Shooters
Jan. 16
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Mixologist Joy Perrine
Kentucky Bourbon Cocktails with Joy Perrine
Interest in bourbon, America’s native spirit and a beverage almost exclusively distilled in Kentucky has never been greater. Joy Perrine named "Best Bartender in Louisville" by Louisville Magazine will join us to teach some of her award-winning cocktails featured in her book The Kentucky Bourbon Cocktail Book. She’ll explain how the use of specific spirits and ingredients, glassware and special techniques, such as muddling and infusions, accentuates the unique flavor of bourbon. We’ll also taste her suggested appetizer pairings for each cocktail.
Jan. 22
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Chef Philippe Audax
Private Event: Cincy Chic — Inspired Italian Demonstration Cooking Class
Our French Chef will teach how to prepare an Inspired Italian Dinner Party! Click here to learn more and/or R.S.V.P.
Greeter Cocktail: Limoncello
Parmesan Cannoli
Cognac Risotto
Trecce Dell Orto with Five-Herb Pesto
Veal Marsala
Tiramisu
Jan. 29
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Matt Preston
Girls Night Out: A Guide to Tasting, Ordering, Pairing (and Drinking!) Wine
Join wine expert Matt Preston for a fun and relaxed evening of wine discovery. Enjoy light hors d'ouevres at this interactive experience that will explore the differences between grape varietals, restaurant wine lists, and the basics of food and wine pairing. Plus, you'll get an eye-opening aroma experience when you take a spin on the wine wheel.
Editor's Note: This story topic/company spotlight was suggested to Cincy Chic through a recent reader survey.
PHOTO CREDITS
Photos courtesy of EQ at The Party Source
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