Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Enough With Tea and Etiquette!

Whew! Enough about all the prissy etiquette stuff from last month!

I'm ready to relax and curl up on the sofa...It's American Idol time y'all! American Idol is my favorite reality television show and y'all should know that I'm still not over Clay Aiken loosing to Ruben Studdard! Paula, Simon, and Randy...and that new girl--who needs to let us get to know her a little better before she acts like she's been on the show forever--are baaaaack! Season 8 is off to Hollywood this week and it's about time, because I don't like the auditions...just show me the real talented singers, please!

Here's a few photos from a party I hosted last year for my American Idol Party Group of Friends. I hung a banner with photos of all the top 20 contestants. Each week as a contestant was eliminated, their photo came down! On the mantel, I displayed my picks to make it the Final Two--David Archuleta and Syesha Mercado (almost got it right, David made it and Syesha was third)!

American Idol Season 7 --Top 20 Contestants

I served Suddenly Salsa with chips--this salsa is made by Taste of Gourmet (Southern food products that I promote and sell). I also served Paula Deen's Marinated Shrimp Salad--y'all everybody loves this--along with some French bread.

Paula Deen's Marinated Shrimp Salad

"Don't forget your party favors y'all"! Normally at my American Idol parties I give each guest an American Idol-related party favor. Since Hollywood week always falls during the Girl Scout Cookie drive, for this event, I decided to support the Girl Scouts and served Girl Scout cookies for dessert, along with Irish Coffee. I was a Brownie and a Girl Scout and now as an adult, I have had the privilege of teaching etiquette to Girl Scouts. It's an excellent program for young girls and needed now more than ever! Each guest was sent home with Girl Scout cookies in an American Idol gift bag.

Very Casual Girl Scout Cookie Dessert and Coffee Buffet

Girl Scout Cookies for Dessert!

American Idol Party Favor Gift Bags

You will probably hear more from me about American Idol during this season--'cuz I just love that show! Thanks for stopping in--I'm off to browse some of y'all's blogs now!

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36 comments:

  1. QueenBeeSwainFebruary 3, 2009 at 1:20 PM

    My goodness, this looks so fab! Can you adopt me?! :)

    kHm

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  2. Pug1February 3, 2009 at 1:22 PM

    What a great idea! That shrimp salad looks YUMMO!!!!! CHEERS! Michele

    I just luv your posts!!!!

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  3. A Hint of HomeFebruary 3, 2009 at 1:48 PM

    Thanks for all your time in teaching us about tea and etiquette.
    Can't wait for more posts about Idol.
    The recipes look yummy. Thanks for sharing them.

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  4. UnknownFebruary 3, 2009 at 1:50 PM

    Oh my god your killing me. lol. American idol favors? Fantastic. I wish i was a neighbor, I would be over watching AI with u and eating away... You'd invite me right? I did vote for David Cook last year though. But I am a major Clay fan and was absolutley beside myself that he did not win. may this year be even better... mishelle

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  5. Melissa MillerFebruary 3, 2009 at 2:03 PM

    Oh Miss Janice you are my kind of lady!
    I LOVE American Idol!!!!

    I've watched every single season and loved Clay as well. Still do. :)

    I must tell you though... I ADORE David Cook!!!!
    I was sooo happy he won! What a wonderful man with a great story and he's super talented.

    I have no favorite jumping out at me yet this year.
    We shall see!
    ~Melissa :)

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  6. Dawn-Hydrangea HomeFebruary 3, 2009 at 2:06 PM

    I wish I could come to your American Idol parties. Everything looks great! I love the show too, and just called my dh to have him bring home his laptop so I can attend my weekly marketing chat in front of the TV! Enjoy the show.

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  7. Confessions of a Plate AddictFebruary 3, 2009 at 2:36 PM

    Oh Miss Janice...I LOVE American idol...only when the silliness is over, though, and it's the real thing! Your party looks like fun!! Enjoy the new season...Debbie

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  8. ShanaFebruary 3, 2009 at 3:05 PM

    My goodness. That mantel display is too fun. You really do LOVE American Idol! And that shrimp salad looked fabulous. Now I'm starving despite the fact that I just ate an hour ago. :)

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  9. PATFebruary 3, 2009 at 3:38 PM

    Sounds wonderful, Miss Janice!

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  10. MeghanFebruary 3, 2009 at 4:16 PM

    How do I get on the guest list???

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  11. KDFebruary 3, 2009 at 4:39 PM

    Miss Janice that shrimp salsa dish makes me wish I wasn't allergic to shrimp. I know, I know a true sin if there ever was one down here in the South! American Idol is my 10 year old DD's show. Here and I watch it each week. Not too long ago I had the pleasure of meeting Clay Aiken's mama here in town. I too think they had the wrong winner that year. DD is still mourning David Atchelettas loss. You have given me some fantastic ideas for hosting an AI party. DD has been wanting to have one and now that I have seen this I think it might just be a fantastic idea! Thanks for sharing.

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  12. DixieFebruary 3, 2009 at 5:18 PM

    Miss Janice... great post... loved seeing your "lighter" side. I'm not really a hugh AI fan, but I do adore Simon, so I have to watch once it gets to the final 10 or so. (I'm more of a Survivor girl myself). I love your party idea. That shrimp salad looks great.. do you happen to have the recipe available... I could see that working into Survivor!

    thanks for giving me a big smile this afternoon.
    blessings. Dixie

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  13. BoFebruary 3, 2009 at 5:23 PM

    Surprise, surprise...you are one "with-it gal" Miss Janice! Your blog is always a fun sight for the eyes! ;-) Bo

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  14. Teresa JaneFebruary 3, 2009 at 5:36 PM

    BFF you know I am right there with you when it comes to Idol. Come on Simon...get us to Hollywood and we'll mind our P's & Q's for Miss Janice.
    Teresa Jane

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  15. Blondie's JournalFebruary 3, 2009 at 5:54 PM

    Miss Janice,

    You could have knocked me over with a feather when I saw the title of your post!! Even if I were invited to your Idol party, I would be afraid I would slosh my drink or forget to use my napkin! (just kidding, you are a sweetie!!)

    I adore Idol as well & like you, can't wait for the serious business to start.

    Give me a ring when you have the next party & I'll ship over some Chicago style pizza!!

    Oh, I love the ribbon platter your cookies were served on! :-)

    xoxo
    Jane

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  16. AnonymousFebruary 3, 2009 at 5:54 PM

    Hi Miss Janice! I agree, the tryouts are not why I watch American Idol! I agree Clay should have won and I think Little David A should have too!!! Your little Idol parties sure beat my sitting on the couch with the plain ole chips!lol There is so little that is entertaining on tv now! Have fun tonight watching, I'll be watching too! (if I can stay awake once I hit the couch!) Jeannette

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  17. GlendaFebruary 3, 2009 at 6:31 PM

    Not sure if I've ever seen too much of American Idol, though I do see sound bites now and again. I think DH may watch it but if I see any of it, it is mostly by accident. I'm not really into reality TV. I find LIFE reality enough for me.

    Your dessert and coffee buffet looked absolutely wonderful. DH and I both are into Girl Scout cookies. As you probably know. Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of the Girl Scouts was born in Savannah.

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  18. Larie Carlice Proverbs 27:19February 3, 2009 at 6:49 PM

    Ms. Janice this is great! I am not an American Idol fan but your post makes me want to be so I can maybe get invited to the party!

    smooches,
    Larie

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  19. Belle (from Life of a...)February 3, 2009 at 7:11 PM

    How wonderful! By the way, I'm still feeling a little bitter about Clay Aiken's 2nd place finish as well. I voted and voted and voted!!

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  20. Susan @ A Southern DaydreamerFebruary 3, 2009 at 7:23 PM

    Me tooo!! The kids, husband and I watch every week!

    I have already got the top 36 in a spreadsheet (Excel)

    http://mjsbigblog.com/top-36/
    (site with top 36)

    Susan

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  21. Beaufort BelleFebruary 3, 2009 at 8:58 PM

    Miss Janice, you always have the best party ideas. Please keep them coming!!

    (And I agree with you about the Clay Aiken-Reuben Studdard final!)

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  22. ~CC CatherineFebruary 4, 2009 at 12:49 AM

    Miss Janice, AI is my favorite show as well! My Beloved & I look forward to it every January... This year is yet another year of GREAT SINGERS...I don't know how they will pick from all these top 100 and narrow them down to the few they select for the top 12... My favorite winner of all times is Carrie Underwood...and it will be interesting to see who will win again this year! The shrimp salad you prepared sounds SO GOOD! ;) I'll be back to continue our AI chat often, I'm sure! ;) ~CC Catherine

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  23. Designs on 47th StreetFebruary 4, 2009 at 9:21 AM

    Miss Janice, it is a hoot that you are so into AI! I really got in to it last year. I started with the top 20. That seemed to be a good starting point. Where are they now?

    Love your party ideas, and man does that shrimp salad look GOOD!

    Donna

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  24. KaraFebruary 4, 2009 at 11:37 AM

    Oh My! Withdrawal, withdrawal...I am missing the parties and the GREAT food.
    Why oh why did you move.....?

    I am watching the show and pretending I am watching with You...

    Kara

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  25. Nancy RosalinaFebruary 4, 2009 at 12:04 PM

    Oh I love it too! Those favors are too cute! Blessings, Nancy

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  26. SandraFebruary 4, 2009 at 2:02 PM

    We would def be BFF if we lived in the same town! But don't hold it against me that I drank my homemade friendship tea from a mug today...shame on me I know, but those single digit temps. just made me want a huge mug of it ;-) You understand and forgive. Right??

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  27. An iMperfect wIfeFebruary 4, 2009 at 2:28 PM

    What a fun party idea!

    Thank you for sharing all of those great ideas!

    Jenny

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  28. Jennifer @ Her Southern CharmFebruary 4, 2009 at 3:12 PM

    That is so cute, I don't even know what to do with it!!!!! LOVE your buffet table!

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  29. playsdollsFebruary 5, 2009 at 1:52 AM

    Oh Miss Janice my daughter would love this party ,her and her husband never miss American Idol.She would so love your party idea.And that shrimp salad looks so good.

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  30. HollyFebruary 5, 2009 at 3:52 AM

    Haha I love the gift bags! They look like a lot of fun!

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  31. NanetteFebruary 5, 2009 at 4:36 AM

    Although I have never really gotten into American Idol, the party sounds great! I was in Brownies and Girl Scouts and love that you support them! My girls were also in Girl Scouts in Northern Virginia (while my husband was stationed in D.C. in the Coast Guard) and were able to take part in some really one of a kind experiences because of it.
    Valerie

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  32. TardevilFebruary 5, 2009 at 10:00 AM

    That looked like a fun party! :O)

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  33. JustabeachkatFebruary 5, 2009 at 4:37 PM

    What a fun idea for a party! The shrimp salad looks absolutely delish. May I please have the recipe?

    Hugs!
    Kat

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  34. Bargain Decorating with LaurieFebruary 6, 2009 at 12:47 AM

    What a cute idea! I'm ashamed to say that I also love American Idol. It's the one show I'm sorry about missing when we had our ice storm last week. The pictures hung from the mantel are such a cute idea. I may have to think about an Am. Idol party this year! laurie

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  35. Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net)February 6, 2009 at 10:58 PM

    I only watch about an hour of t.v. a week, if that much, so I've never seen American Idol. But my co-workers love it...that and Dancing with the Stars. Your party looks like so much fun! Susan

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  36. AnonymousFebruary 7, 2009 at 1:29 PM

    First of all,I LOVE that plate with the checked bow.I have never seen anything like it.Awesome.
    I love your idea,and like all you do it is fabulous.
    We,my dh and I were into American Idol for yrs.Never------------missed a show.But after 3,4,or 5 yrs.We burnt ourselves out.But...I'm so glad you enjoy it so much...Ann

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