Easy Party Ideas: Build a Bloody Mary Bar

Perfect for New Year's Eve, watching all of those bowl games, or for New Year's Day brunch, this DIY Bloody Mary Bar is a hit every time!

Part salad bar, part drink bar, the Bloody Mary bar is becoming a popular interactive addition to parties and restaurant bars everywhere. Since everyone has their own idea of the perfect Bloody Mary, each drink can be individually crafted to get the seasoning just right.  It's not only fun but efficient to let guests mix up their own custom blend. Each region of the country has local add-ins and flavorings but one thing is consistent; everyone thinks their version is the best. As a Southerner, I would lose my membership card if I didn’t know how to make a good Bloody Mary. Southerners like a Bloody Mary to be spicy, heavy on the horseradish and loaded with fresh vegetables —a garden in a glass. To set up your own Bloody Mary bar, a cleared kitchen counter works well. You’ll need to keep your veggies chilled so put them in glasses, place in a low container or bowl and fill around the glasses with ice.

Use large glasses for serving since it will be packed with veggies and mix-ins until the flavor is just right. Long teaspoons are best to mix up the goodies—a plastic stirrer just won’t cut it. Have lots of wipes or towels on hand for spills and don’t use a white tablecloth for this one.

BLOODY MARY BAR SHOPPING LIST

VODKA:  Use your favorite vodka. Sometimes I use Absolut Peppar and rim glasses with a pepper and sea salt mixture before adding liquids and mix-ins.

MIX: Get one or two types of bottled mix or good organic tomato juice for the base

Major Peter’s (recommended)

Tabasco

Tomato Juice

FLAVOR AND SPICE

Lea & Perrin Worcestershire

Celery salt

Old Bay Seasoning (look at the fish counter if you can’t find it with the seasonings)

Cocktail Sauce

Rim glasses with a mixture of Old Bay, Kosher salt, and a dash of pepperHEAT

Tabasco Original

Louisiana Hot Sauce

Tabasco Green

Fresh ground pepper

Red pepper flakes

Fresh ground horseradish

CONDIMENTS

Celery stalks

Lemon wedges

Lime slices

Olives

Pickled okra

String beans

Cocktail onions

Cherry tomatoes

Pickled asparagus

SWIMMERS

Shrimp

Raw oysters

Clam juice

Party Quick Fix: A Cheese Board--- Yum!

Still need a few ideas for your holiday get-togethers? A cheese board is fast and easy--- and who doesn't love cheese? Some cheeses are not cheap--- in fact, some are completely outrageous but sooo worth the expense. Get several large blocks of cheese for a cheese board or get 6-10 smaller blocks for a cheese tasting. For a tasting, label each cheese so guests can identify their favorite.

A a large cutting board works well for a cheese board---or a marble pastry slab, if you happen to have one. Add baskets of baguettes and different types of crackers or breadsticks and fruit that pairs well with your cheese assortment. Pears, apples, strawberries, cherries, and figs are delicious with cheese and they add color to your presentation as well. Shopping for cheese can be a bit overwhelming so here is a list of some of my favorites!

1. Manchego: Spain. This is my all-time favorite. I have noticed it in lots of stores lately so it must be increasing in popularity. Maybe that’s because I have served Manchego at every party, picnic, or tailgate I have hosted since my first trip to Spain in 1997. Get the Manchego that has been aged for twelve months. It is worth the price difference.
2. Saint Andre: France This soft, smooth triple cream cow’s milk cheese is on every single cheese board I present, also. It is almost like brie but the taste is smooth and creamy. Delicious when served with a fresh baguette and pear or apple slices, this one is really a crowd pleaser--- my friend Debbie absolutely loves it!
3. Cypress Grove Humboldt Fog: California A soft, ripened goat’s milk cheese that pairs well with honey and pears or wild mushrooms and earthy flavors.  
4. Valdeon: Spain An award winner for Spain’s best blue cheese, the distinctive sycamore leaf wrapping makes this cow and goat’s milk blue stand out in a crowd. It is a less intense blue cheese, perfect for a cheese board and paired with smoked or cured meats.
5. Quickes Farm Traditional Cheddar: England This is everything a good cheddar should be. The rich sharp flavor has a slightly spicy undertone. Everyone will ask about this one.
6. Amsterdam Reserve Gouda: Holland Gouda is a familiar favorite but this young cow’s milk variety is very creamy with a hint of honey and butterscotch.  
7. Cypress Grove Midnight Moon Goat Cheese: California Firm, dense, and smooth, this pale ivory cheese is a perfect compliment to cured meats and fruit.
8. Amadeus: Austria Buttery soft with a Havarti-like taste that is best paired with something sweet like figs or roasted meats like turkey and chicken.
9. Brillat Savarin: France Rich and buttery with a sweet but tangy taste, this triple cream brie is best served with grapes, apples, and pears.
10. Parmigiano Reggiano: Italy It is impossible to have a top ten list without this one. Most people think it is just for cooking or best grated over pasta, but it is wonderful alone or with crusty bread, dipped in good balsamic vinegar, and with olives. It has a complex nutty flavor and dense, slightly grainy texture.
11. Belle Chevre: Elkmont, Alabama This cheese should have been in my Top 10 and it's only because you can't find it everywhere that it isn't higher on the list--- but you can have it shipped almost anywhere. If you like goat cheese, this will be a favorite. Their marinated goat cheese made the Real Simple list of top gifts under $50. Try it!

Update on Tuesday, December 21, 2010 at 12:05PM by Martie Duncan

We were invited to participate in a segment yesterday on ABC 33/40's Talk of Alabama in Birmingham with Tasia from Belle Chevre on putting together a cheese board for easy holiday entertaining. A cheese board is one of those things you can just whip up fast when guests just show up. Yesterday we used Greek Kiss from Belle Chevre from Elkmont, Alabama, Piedmont from Wright Dairy, and a delicious triple cream Mt. Tam from Cowgirl Creamery. Add these to your list to try!

Perfect Summer Recipe: Pickled Citrus Shrimp

Pickled Citrus Shrimp is the easiest summer party recipe. You can make it a day ahead and it is ready to go when you are. Plus, this recipe can feed a lot of folks. If you are on a budget, get the smaller shrimp or opt to clean and devein them yourself. You can even use frozen raw shrimp for this dish if you don't live in an area where you have easy access to raw shrimp. Either way, everyone loves this dish and every guest will ask you for the recipe! It easily doubles or triples for a big crowd.

Citrus Pickled ShrimpPickled Citrus Shrimp

2 pounds fresh medium sized shrimp, peeled and deveined (16-20 count with tails on)

2 tablespoons Old Bay Seasoning

1 t. Kosher salt

1/2 t. ground black pepper

Olive oil

For the marinade:

1/2 cup lemon juice

4 large cloves garlic, grated

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1/4 white wine vinegar

2 small Spanish (yellow) onions, cut into thin rings

2 lemons, cut into very thin circles, be sure to remove the seeds

1 tablespoon Kosher salt

1/4  teaspoon white pepper

1 t. mustard seeds

1 t. coriander seeds

1 1/2 t. celery seeds

1 t. fennel seeds

6 large bay leaves or 12 small ones

3 Arbol chilies (dried red chili or you can substitute 1/2 t. red pepper flakes or a large pinch of Cayenne)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In a dry pan, lightly toast the seeds. Let cool. In a large glass heatproof bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, salt, peppers, and all of the seeds. Add the onion and the lemon slices. Toss gently to coat. Set aside.

In a small bowl, combine the Old Bay, salt, and pepper. Place the shrimp in one layer on a sheet pan. Do not overlap. You will need to do several batches. Drizzle the shrimp with olive oil. Toss well. Sprinkle with the Old Bay mixture. Roast for 7or 8 minutes for the medium 16-20 count shrimp. You may need a longer or shorter cooking time depending on the size of your shrimp but do not overcook- they will be tough. When they curl up and turn pink, they are done. Remove immediately and transfer the hot shrimp and the juice on the pan into the bowl with the marinade. Toss to coat. Add red chilies and bay leaves. Allow the mixture to cool and then refrigerate for at least 8 and up to 24 hours before serving. 

To serve: remove the chilies. Check the seasoning. You can add a dash or two of Tabasco if you like. Serve in a large chilled glass bowl...it is delicious served room temperature in colder weather but on a hot day, I prefer to serve chilled.

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The Perfect Bachelorette Party Idea: DIY Spa Party

Do you have a wedding or birthday coming up? I've gotten several questions this week about ideas for a bachelorette party that wouldn't break the bank or get anyone in trouble. Our bachelorette spa party fits the bill! We got a licensed mobile massage therapist and set up our fun right by the pool. If you don't have a pool, no worries. You can recreate this party anywhere!  Your friends can schedule a massage or other treatment and all of you can soak up the sun or just relax. It's a great mini-break or backyard getaway. And this one's not just for a bachelorette party-- it's perfect for a girls' get together or a BIG birthday, too! 

Check out the details: BACHELORETTE SPA PARTY

  

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Update on Thursday, August 13, 2009 at 10:43PM by Martie Duncan

Hey Everyone! I've had several emails asking where I got some of the items in the photos above. Beach towels were used for the tablecloths-- got them at Target and Wal-Mart for around $5 each. Since it's the end of the season, now is a good time to buy!

The inflatable palm trees are from Oriental Trading Company. We love them!! Get the inflatable palm tree with the beverage cooler in the bottom-- it helps keep the tree from tipping over when you load it with ice and drinks. They are only $12.99 each and really set the mood.

We got all of the supplies for the favors and the bags for the favors at the dollar store. Just rove around and see what you can find. Flip flops, lotion, sunblock, chapstick, etc., are all good for party favors for your friends.

The drink garnish is a candy Ring Pop. You can find these almost anywhere candy is sold.

Send us some pictures from your party!!

Pre-Fourth Parties: My Blue Breeze Cocktail, DIY Buffet Bar, Easy Entertaining!

Am I the only person working this week? Seems as if everyone is already headed out of town or has taken the week off. That leads me to believe many of you will have house guests and start the party early Friday night. Since you're probably grilling on the 4th, you may need some ideas for Friday night to ease into the holiday weekend, right? I thought so. Let's keep it easy--- we have to pace ourselves. 

Photo: Arden PhotographyDIY Buffet Bar

Nothing is easier than a make-ahead serve yourself buffet. That way, you can relax and enjoy your guests as they arrive on Friday evening. I'm opting for a Taco Bar--- this one couldn't be easier. I'll slow cook the beef on Thursday night and reheat and shred it just before serving on Friday. Chop up veggies: onion, tomatoes, lettuce, etc. and get your condiments together: cheese, sour cream, guacamole, cilantro, etc and you're good to go! Get more buffet bar ideas; they are cheap and suddenly chic too!Photo: Kathy G & Company

Something Blue

I've just added a new drink to the holiday lineup. I like Hpnotiq--- but I love that it is blue! I always forget about it until July 4th. This cool looking aqua liqueur is made from a blend of fruit juices, vodka and cognac. It is a little sweet for some people but I like it in the summer and the color makes it perfect for the 4th. These go down easy so watch out.

BLUE BREEZE

2 ounces Hpnotiq liqueur

1 ounce super premium coconut rum  

Splash of pineapple juice

Pour ingredients over ice and garnish with a cherry, strawberry, an American flag, a pineapple star (use a cookie cutter) or a red umbrella for fun.