Cocktails, Anyone?!

Hosting a themed cocktail party is a great way to create an interactive and FUN experience for you friends!

My friends and I have been throwing cocktail parties that explore one particular type of liquor. This allows the guests to explore the possibilities and potential of each liquor. Not only can this be a fun social experiment, it can be educational!

 Western Themed American Whisky Party!

Guests were invited to saddle up and step into the West...

  Dressed in Cowboy Boots and Hats, we sipped whisky that was blended in four unique cocktails created by Scott Miller, Bay Area Mixologist

Providing a drink menu listing the Drink names and ingredients allowed guests to learn about the different ratios and flavors used to create each drink.

A cocktail cannot reach perfection unless it is accompanied with the perfect garnish! Be sure to prep all garnishes before the party.

Setting up an area where guests can smell individual whiskys and vermouths creates guest interaction and great conversation!

Several vermouths were needed to explore the variations of the

Classic Manhattan!

The second Party was an Alice and Wonderland themed party celebrating Vodka! Because Vodka os the perfect platform to create fresh herb and fresh fruit infused liquor, much creative liberty can be used to create the drink menu!

Bridal Shower Brunch

Lovely flowers set the mood for the charming

Bridal Shower Brunch

Honoring Sarah Reeder, Soon to be Mrs. Pool!

Hand Stamped invitations were created for Sarah's Shower, coordinating with the wedding's theme,
which was to be refined and rustic,

with a touch of vintage.

Instead fo the tradittional guest book, April Peet, bridesmaid, came up with the neat idea of having guests write down a favorite memory they have shared with the Bride-to-Be. Simple personal notes created a keepsake book for Sarah to cherish long after the party.

Let the bubbly flow! Guests toasted Sarah's bright future with colorful and yummy fresh fruit mimosas.

A HOT summer shower in Woodland called for an abundance of beverages. It is always a good idea to provide guests at any party non-alchoholic options to sip on between cocktails. Remember to include garnishes!

A Brunch buffet was set up for guests to visit throughout the party. Pre-rolled utensils help speed up the line and simplify the experience.

A focal point of the shower was the beautiful coconut cake made by Sarah's sister Erin. Surrounding the cake with fresh flowers and a framed wedding inviatation created a charming display.

The bride looked like a queen as she opened gifts sitting in her decorated chair! Satin Ribbon and Tool were used to create the simple and sweet vail.

Cheers to Sarah, the Lovely Bride!

Backyard Bridal Shower

The sunny backyard of Crissi Kessler set the perfect backdrop for a

 "Garden Party" Bridal shower

honoring Emily Beall, soon to be Mrs. Tidwell.

From the invites to the party favors Crissi and I kept with the beautiful purple and green color theme Emily had chosen for her wedding. The white round tables were set with white china, purple napkins, and centerpieces of beautiful summer flowers. We put sliced limes in the vases to add a fresh touch of color. Under the vases we placed pictures of Emily and her soon to be husband, Jim, framed with purple stationary. The photographs added a personal touch and focal point for guests ase they dined.

 Each guest was given an individually labeled champagne glass upon arriving. This glass would double as the party favor for them to take home and enjoy in the future!

 Nothing says summer party like a fresh fruit mimosa bar! A great way to start a party and encourage guest interaction is to provide customizable beverages, where guests can create their own concoctions and share flavor ideas!

A meal of summer quiche, fresh fruit salad with  a lemon yogurt sauce, mixed green salad with pecans and berries, and fresh baked muffins were served.

Homemade Lemon Cupcakes served as dessert, beautifully frosted by Allison Geiser of Timothy Bakery, Woodland

In effort avoid lenghty games, we decided to keep it simple with a participate at will guessing game. The prize? Purple Beer of course!

 Crissi and I mailed a blank recipe card with each invitation and asked the guests to bring it to the shower filled out with one of their favorite recipes they would like to share with Emily. This is a creative way to give the

bride-to-be a useful collection of memories from the special day!