Weekend Update: Fun at The Cooking and Entertaining Show in Palm Beach with Paula Deen, Bobby Flay and Me!

Blogging from the Panera Bread in sunny Wellington, FL--- I am enjoying a huge, frothy cup of latte and a bagel before I head over to Palm Beach to stick a toe in the Atlantic and have lunch with friends by the pool at the Breakers Hotel, but wanted to post a few pictures from the event this weekend before the day got away. We had a blast talking to all of the lovely people who attended my seminar at the Metropolitan Cooking and Entertaining Show in West Palm Beach! So many nice, nice people stopped by to chat and ask questions! I had a ball and I think everyone learned something new. Here are a few pics-- will post more when I get back to the office tomorrow. Paula had a huge crowd of followers and fans who came over after she was done--- so we had a standing room only crowd for our last workshop. Thanks to everyone I met this weekend--- you guys made it so much fun and I learned a lot from all of you!See, I really did make the cucumber cups and gazpacho from my hotel room at the Hilton!  If you can, try to make it to the show in Atlanta. Here's a link to the Atlanta show detailsand I have a coupon code for discounted tickets if anyone wants it! Tyler Florence will be there along with Paula, The Neely's and the fantastic Guy Fieri!

Bridal Shower Ideas: Host a Honeymoon Travel Shower

There are tons of parties in the works right for summer brides-to-be! If you have to plan a bridal shower and need a unique party idea--- something a little more original than the standard get-a-gift-from-the-registry variety--- why not plan a honeymoon travel shower? Plan the party around food and beverages from the couple's honeymoon destination. If they're going anywhere in Mexico, Italy or Paris, your job is really easy. Jamaica or the Islands are also super easy  to plan around; jerk chicken,coconut shrimp, rum drinks and Red Stripe beer will take you straight to Jamaica, mon.

Party decorations for a honeymoon shower can start with the colors of the flag from the country the couple will visit. (You can find these on a CIA website!) Old suitcases and travel stickers are easy decorations for a travel shower; use them for invitations, placecards,napkins or tablecloths. Luggage tags and bags of peanuts are perfect party favors. 

Since our friends were going to the beach in Los Cabos, Mexico for their honeymoon, we had a beach theme and the Mexican theme to work with for their bridal shower. Sombreros, serapes, maracas and jalapeno peppers are easy to find---especially right now with Cinco de May a little more than a month away. Head straight to the dollar store for supplies. If you want an elegant approach, use the beach theme instead of playing up the Mexican theme. Sand, shells, fish and cool colors like aqua and white are all you need. Most destinations are very easy to build a party around but I think we should opt for a tool and gadget bridal shower for my friends who are going to Prague for their honeymoon!

Easy Easter Party Ideas: Make a Peeps Cake!

Photo: Arden PhotographyI walked through my favorite Target yesterday and the Peeps were there! No, not my "peeps"--- THE Peeps--- the little marshmallow birdies you can only find around Easter. And I could not believe all of the new Peeps items and colors available this year. With Easter just weeks away, it's time to start planning the big bunny's visit. This Peeps cake will easily be the hit of the party and it makes a great centerpiece, too.

There are several ways to do this cake. You can start with an iced cake and cover it with the Peeps. I thought it would be fun to stack the Peeps as high as I could and use skewers to keep them from toppling over. You can use icing to "glue" the Peeps together instead of skewers. This one is also fun for the kids to create. (Refrain from the "one for you, two for me" system of stacking like I used-- it's a real diet killer.) Have fun with this one and be creative. I used a ribbon to top our cake but you can use bubble gum tape, licorice whips or anything else you like.

See more Easter egg hunt decorating and party ideas in my Easter Egg Hunt slideshow. You'll find ideas for your Easter egg hunt, even if weather forces you inside. Find tips for a kid-friendly Easter egg hunt party buffet that include healthy choices that even the kids will love. A craft table is always a good idea to keep the kids occupied and busy between party activities. We had a bunny race with some of those wind-up bunnies that hop. Very fun. Hop on over to my Indoor Easter Egg Hunt article for more Easter party ideas.

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Wedding and Party Planning: Cheap is the new Chic!

Okay, we are all feeling the pinch and cutting back on everything non-essential. That doesn't mean we have to completely forego important life events and celebrations--- or completely give up everyday fun, either. My long-time friend and wedding planning pro Lori Stephenson of LOLA Event Productions in Chicago came up with a fab and frugal party idea--- a fashion swap party. She calls it a "New to You" party--- she and her friends get together over drinks and appetizers to exchange their never worn or gently used clothing, jewelry and accessories. Everyone winds up with a couple of exciting new pieces to add to their wardrobe that cost little or nothing. Very worth the price of the party.

On the wedding front, I have gotten wind of at least ten low budget bashes this year! It seems as if everyone is foregoing extravagance for simplicity and instead of begrudging going economy, they are embracing their inner skinflint and enjoying the challenge of saving money. Love that!!

We're on the lookout for every cheap, frugal, tightwad, money-saving tip and idea we can find to help all of us celebrate these days of our lives--- even when the economy (and our bank accounts) tell us we shouldn't. Send us your ideas and we will post our own--- cheap is really the new chic!

Chic Cheap Tip #1: Cupcakes!Even for weddings, cupcakes have become quite chic and are very affordable. Best of all, they make people happy! Have you ever gotten (or given) a cupcake and not immediately seen a smile? For about $12, you can make enough to serve a large crowd. Add your favorite beverage and you've got a good start on a great party. There are entire companies dedicated only to cupcakes--- so no matter if you buy them or make them, the cupcake is a cheap chic tip for any party. These elegant cupcakes are perfect for a wedding, anniversary party or bridal shower.Devil's Food cupcakes with Seven Minute Frosting Milk chocolate cupcakes with mocha buttercream icing 

The Boys Called: Add Some Style to Our Poker Night Party!

It's still too cold to play outside (a few months before golf season) so the guys asked for some new ideas for their monthly poker party. I say if it ain't broke, don't fix it. All you really need for a good poker night is a hall pass from the wife, right? Guys are so simple. (don't take that the wrong way) They don't need a lot of fluff and extra stuff for a get-together. They simply want good food, good friends, good drinks and a good hand at the card table. We can't help out with the cards but here are a few ideas to help you add some style to your next boys night in party--- complete with a stunning rack! (hey-- I'm talking about ribs, of course!) 

The Decor and Set-Up

We know you don't want to go to much trouble. But you can easily "decorate" for your party by using some of the supplies you have on hand to add a little pizzaz to your party. Dice, decks of cards, poker chips and poker accessories you can find at a party store are all easy party decorations. Use coordinating paper plates so the host home doesn't end up with a sink full of dirty dishes after the gang calls it a night. And while I usually don't like them, disposable cups are a good choice for this party. Set up your bar just like bartender does by displaying one of each type of booze and beer available. Keep the beer cold in a cooler or fridge near the action. Put out large bowls of m&m's, trail mix, peanuts, cashews, popcorn and other salty bar nibbles and provide small bowls or snack bags so the guys can mix up a bag of their favorites.  

The Food

Some of my guy friends tell me they like to cook a steak at their monthly poker shindig. They are all so Bobby Flay these days! Some of my more "serious" poker playing friends say they prefer to get something sent in so there's more time for the cards. We opted for a bit of both. We ordered ribs and BBQ pork sandwiches from a favorite rib joint. (make sure to ask for plenty of extra sauce) While waiting for those to arrive, we popped some huge potatoes in the oven to bake after rolling them in a little olive oil and kosher salt. Make a baked potato bar with all of your favorite condiments. Jalapeno peppers, shredded cheese, sliced olives, sour cream, bacon bits, etc can be put in small bowls so everyone can build their own super spud. Next, mix a tossed salad or cut a head of iceberg into wedges---men always love the iceberg wedge! Top it with bacon crumbles and bleu cheese dressing. For dessert, we ordered the world's best homemade lemon meringue pie from our rib joint. If you aren't that lucky, keep it simple. A scoop of ice cream on a warm brownie with a little hot fudge sauce is perfect. Pizza, pasta, good dogs or brats, or meatball sandwiches are all safe bets to keep the guys happy on poker night. 

The Entertainment

Have video games or your Wii system ready to go when there's a break in the action. Other than that, it's all poker--- all night!

Make sure to have a cab company's number readily available in case over-served guests need a ride home after the party is over.