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.

Throw an Oscar Night Party This Sunday!

It's the "Biggest Movie Event of the Year" proclaims the official Oscar website--- so if you're all about the movies, it's not too late to throw together a last minute Academy Awards party. The show airs on ABC this Sunday, February 22nd at 8pm EST. Send out an email to your friends and get busy planning--- it's another one of those easy, affordable parties to host at the last minute. Here's the quick 411:

THEME: Movie Night Casual or Red Carpet Glamour  Guests can come dressed as a character from their favorite nominated movie, as their favorite actor, as a typical moviegoer, or they can up the glam factor by dressing in red carpet attire. This can be tough on guests at the last minute, but most girls have a cute cocktail dress and the guys can Brad Pitt it by wearing his signature dark suit and solid color tie.

 DECORATIONS: Party and craft stores all have movie night decorations so they are easy to find. For a casual movie night theme, popcorn boxes, boxed candy and director's clapboards are perfect. For red carpet style, take a tip from the big event itself and go all gold. Raid your holiday decorations to see what you may be able to use. Anything with stars or gold will work. You can find those large or small golden statues to use--- they are also fun to give as party favors. Use lots of them on your table or buffet. Popcorn box red is also an easy decorating theme. Serve red signature cocktails. Accent with stars in silver, gold, black or white. 

MENU: Who knows Oscar better than Wolfgang Puck? That's where I started when I thought about an Oscar party menu. If you like to cook, he's got last year's Oscar menu and other recipes right online. Since it is last minute, you may not have a lot of time to prep and cook. Just head to Whole Foods and grab some of Wolfgang's frozen pizzas. Doctor those up with freshly grated Parmsean, a splash of olive oil and toss on some fresh basil to make it look like you did the work. For casual grazing, serve easy to manage food. Always serve hot appetizers in stages and select plenty of items that can sit out without worry so you can enjoy the party. Fondue is always easy and fun. Wolfgang has a recipes for Gouda Cheese Fondue and more Oscar-worthy recipes you can download. If you want a super casual menu, go with the celebs favorite---hot dogs! Pink's Hot Dogs are the "hot dogs to the stars" but if you can't get them where you live, here's their menu.

THE FUN: Check out the catty comments and Monday morning's watercooler gossip during the legendary Oscar"pre-game" shows--- guests can bet on who will make the best and worst dressed lists and vote on winners with an official Oscar ballot. Set up a snack bar with big bowls of popcorn, candies, cookies and other treats for guests to snack on as they watch the show. Give out prizes like movie tickets and DVD's for best costume and best dressed. Make a red carpet photo booth so every guest gets a photo with their own trophy to take home.

PRINT OUT AN OFFICIAL OSCAR BALLOT    

Check out the Official Academy Awards site or MSN's Guide to the Academy Awards for all of the nominees, Oscar buzz and more.

It's Mardi Gras! Or as I prefer to call it---- Martie Gras

 The final days and parades of Mardi Gras are happening in Mobile and New Orleans right now so what are you doing this weekend? Road trip!!! Just kidding. If you're like me and didn't see even one of the nominated movies this year, why not skip the annual Oscar party and invite a few friends over for a Mardi Gras party instead? It's one of the fastest parties to pull together. All you need is gumbo, lots of gold, green and purple decorations and tons of beads. Almost every dollar store or party supply store has Mardi Gras decorations or drag the green and gold tinsel or garland down from the attic, add a little purple, a few beads, some Louis Armstrong on the iPod and you're half way there.

To host your own Mardi Gras party, check out the pics and how-to from our MSN article. 

Want up to the moment coverage and pictures? NOLA.com has photos, videos, schedules, articles plus all the FAQ's you'll need to become an expert on the subject.   

Fab and Frugal for Valentine's Day: Plan a Romantic Dinner for 2 at Home!

Trying to cut back on expenses right now? Me too! But that doesn't mean I want to skip important celebrations. You can plan a totally fab and frugal party at home this V-day by creating your own romantic restaurant right at home. One soooo easy theme is old-school Italian---and what's more romantic than a cheesy Italian restaurant?

Set the Mood: It's very simple to create with items you may already have. Start by hanging white holiday lights around the room. Next, drape the table with a red and white checked tablecloth; add a cheap red jar candle. Make a playlist of crooners like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Tony Bennett. Push back the furniture to create a dance floor and your romantic restaurant scene is set.

The Menu: The menu is even easier--- it’s not gourmet by any measure but this always gets rave reviews and it is super easy and super fast, too. For a quick salad, slice a tomato and a nice, fresh piece of mozzarella. Stack---alternating the slices. Red, white, red, white.... drizzle with olive oil and a little balsamic vinegar. If you have fresh basil, you can tuck a leaf in between each slice--- all the colors of the Italian flag! 

Okay, I am going to confess a little secret. My best go-to Italian dish starts with frozen butternut squash ravioli from an organic grocery store like Whole Foods. Topped with burnt butter sauce, this dish will rival any restaurant favorite! Burnt butter sauce is d-i-v-i-n-e and not hard to make but you have to watch it like a hawk because it burns easily. It is not meant to be burned, just browned to a lovely caramel color. To-do: Place a stick of room temp butter into a saucepan over a low heat. It will quickly start to bubble and turn brown around the sides of the pan. Let it cook to a caramel color and add a tiny dash of olive oil--- take care not to burn! Remove from the heat and immediately pour over your cooked pasta. Finish with a dash of nutmeg and freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano.See picture--- don't you want to eat this right now? Need a wine suggestion? Try Ruffino's Chianti Classico Aziano--- about $12.99. Very smooth and drinkable.

For dessert, I love-love-love (triple love) profiteroles but I don't really want to spend the day baking on Valentine's Day so a plate of mini cream puffs (from the bakery or frozen food section) with a little warm chocolate sauce is the perfect ending to your fast, fabulous and frugal romantic dinner. Now it's time to take a spin around your faux dance floor or settle in with a movie like Cher and Nick Cage in the Italian romantic comedy classic, Moonstruck. Pour up some after dinner drinks like Frangelico, Amaretto or Limoncello to get the real party started--- now that's amore.