How to Arrange Flowers

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How to Arrange Flowers
Flowers are a universal language. They say, “I love you,” “I’m sorry,” “I miss you” and a lot more. They brighten up a room, a patio, a front yard—and my personal favorite, a party. In my humble opinion, if you have a $20 budget for party decorations, you should spend it on flowers. It’s like saying, “I love you” to all your guests. Not sure how to make the flowers look their best? Here are a few tips that will have you... Read More
Mango Cosmopolitan Jelly Shot
I often receive requests from readers of the Jelly Shot Test Kitchen blog for recipes. Usually, it’s the nomination of a favorite cocktail for gelatinization.  Sometimes, it’s for a specific liquor.  These Mango Cosmopolitan Jelly Shots were created in response to such a reader inquiry (we’ll call this reader Mr. X, not to be mysterious, but because I don’t know his name). Mr. X’s wife loved mandarin vodka, and he wante... Read More

ReHeat – Rock UR Party

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ReHeat – Rock UR Party
This week the Rock UR Party bloggers threw down the gauntlet and came up with party ideas all in the name of "Fun." From packing the perfect picnic to celebrating the longest day of the year in style, here are the articles we thought deserved a second look. 1. 8 Tips for Packing the Perfect Picnic from Scaron I don't know about you, but I always seem to forget something when I pack for a picnic, camping trip, whatever. Whether it's eating utens... Read More

Bites and Pieces – Rock UR Party

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Bites and Pieces – Rock UR Party
Hooray for Father's Day! For all the times that special man was there for laughs and tears, good times and bad, what better way to say "thanks dad" than with a big, juicy burger? Since "one-burger-does-not-fit-all," here are three great burger recipes we found on the web that cater to any kind of meat preference. 1. Western Burgers from Blog Chef For the "hard-core" meat eater: this burger will not leave you asking "where's the beef?" It has al... Read More

Summer Solstice Party

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Summer Solstice Party
This has been one crazy year for weather. Piles of snow, endless rain, dangerous storms, sigh.... So we need to celebrate the first day of summer more than ever: with a bash that’s all about sunshine. Decorations Think yellows, oranges and reds. Table linens, flowers and streamers are quick and easy ways to add color to your celebration. If you have a little more time on your hands, make some tissue paper pompoms to hang above the party... Read More

Party In a Can

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Party In a Can
Lately, everyone seems to be canning, from hipsters pickling their own Bloody Mary garnishes to locavore hippies stocking up for the winter. But you know who was doing it before it was cool? That's right. Your grandma. Grandma had a hell of a pantry, didn't she? Those basement shelves were positively dripping with the spoils of her gardening victories. Thing is, Grandma didn't throw many dinner parties. Mine didn't, anyway. Her jars were... Read More

Easy Petit Fours

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Easy Petit Fours
I can turn down a cupcake, biscotti or macaron, but never a petit four. Why? It’s a tiny cake, with wee little layers. . . who wouldn’t go crazy for one!  I have tried to make them myself at home many times, and always had difficulty with the fondant coating – in a few variations mine turned out lumpy, sticky, or messy - but never a gloriously glossy pastel sheath like those you see in cookbooks. Suffice it to say, I was ecstatic when... Read More

8 Tips for Packing the Perfect Picnic

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8 Tips for Packing the Perfect Picnic
My picnic basket and cooler are calling to me. And who am I to say no? Packing up a fabulous picnic for lunch or dinner is a great way to celebrate and enjoy summertime. But how do you pack the perfect picnic? We asked some popular bloggers to help us make a list of 8 tips. Here’s their advice: 1. Plan ahead. Make lists of what to make/bring to prevent junk food items. Have a “clean” kit packed: wipes, sanitizer, gallon of water that... Read More

Golf-Themed Father’s Day

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Golf-Themed Father’s Day
This Father’s Day, celebrate Dad’s favorite pastime by having the family over and hosting a golf-theme outdoor BBQ. Reserve the links for Father’s Day at least a week in advance, and send Dad out that morning to play a round with his buddies or children. Once you’ve got him out of the house for at least three hours, now’s your chance to start prepping for your family party. Décor Start with artificial plastic turf, which you ca... Read More
Watermelon Basil Martini Jelly Shots
The weather has been a bit cool and rainy here in Minneapolis. My fingers are crossed for some sunshine, but in the meantime, I’ll make do daydreaming about patio-friendly cocktails.  AND Jelly Shots, like this Watermelon Basil Martini Jelly Shot! What could be better on a warm sunny afternoon than a little cube of watermelon and basil scented heaven?  I rest my case! I made versions of the jelly shot with both vodka and gin - i... Read More