Monday, April 18, 2011

COCKTAILS, MOCKTAILS, AND DIPS

Last night I hosted Book Club at my house...the book was "False Victim", by Kathie Truitt. WOW! Y'all must read Kathie's book. It's based on a true story...her encounter with a female neighbor. When Kathie and her family move to this neighborhood outside of Washington, DC, the lady starts copying everything Kathie does...she buys a Mercedes just like Kathie's, dresses like Kathie, et cetera. Things get out of hand and the girl becomes a crazed stalker of Kathie. Good book y'all! You can read more about Kathie on her blog Hillbilly Debutante. Kathie and I have been blogging buddies for over a year and I believe she once wrote a comment encouraging me to photo myself in my "Outfits of the Day," instead of just showing a photo of the outfit hanging a mannequin. So there you go. It's Miss Kathie's fault that y'all have to look at all the photos of moi!!!
I decided to serve some of the dips that I offer on my Taste of Gourmet site. {Please excuse the photos...I was in a hurry to serve my guests and wasn't paying much attention to my camera} I set up the kitchen counter with Garlic Herb Dip, Spinach & Artichoke Dip, Peach Pecan Pepper Preserves over cream cheeese, and Cinn-ful Fruit Dip. "HERE'S WHAT I WORE" Thanks to fellow book club friend Stacey...her Mama made me a cute Flamingo Apron.
Along with Chardonnay and Merlot, I served a "Signature Beverage" of Pomegranate Limeade...a refreshing non-alcoholic drink. {Recipe--Trader Joes!}
I spruced up the water bottles with cute party printable flamingo labels. Party printables are all the rage! They are an expensive way to bring your party theme together. I found these on Etsy at Pluff Mudd Studio.
My OCD-self had to use a flamingo dish towel to coordinate with my theme:)
The little flamingos grace the counterscape...
Jezebel Sauce over cream cheese and crackers...
Toffee Crunch Cheesecake Ball with crackers...
Cranberry Chutney with crackers...
Sweet Potato Muffins...
Get your party favors y'all! I always give my guests a little something to take home. This was not my first choice however! Lord have mercy, I bought a cute little flamingo cookie cutter and all the icing to decorate them with. Baked them. They turned out looking like dogs instead of flamingos. BOO HISS! Anywho, fast-thinking Miss Janice just sent the ladies home with a muffin for breakfast today. {Wrapped 'em up in cello and attached a little party printable tag with a pink ribbon--voila...baking issues solved.}


Now, as we enter Holy Week, I pray that y'all will remember it's not all about partying and days at the beach. I am going to remind myself that it's about prayer, devotions, and penance.

Thank you for visiting with me today!
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14 comments:

  1. Simply SaraApril 18, 2011 at 12:46 PM

    Your events look like so much fun, if I lived closer, I would start inviting myself, hehe.... Just kidding. What kind of etiquette would that show!!

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  2. I Do DeclareApril 18, 2011 at 1:35 PM

    That books looks SO intriguing, I am going to have to read it!

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  3. AngelaVApril 18, 2011 at 4:22 PM

    Just too darned cute. I love that your book club has a theme. And I may just have to read that book.

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  4. Kathie TruittApril 18, 2011 at 4:32 PM

    Oh Miss Janice - I should have told you earlier - I would have done a phone conference with your book club if you'd have asked. Oh well - I should have offered.
    Thank you SO much to your book club!! It's people like you who are changing my life - AND helping me get it back to 'normal'. Thank you so very much.
    And YES - It is my fault that everyone gets to see your wonderful outfits. I love to see what you're wearing when you host your gatherings or are going shopping.
    Kathie

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  5. MonaApril 18, 2011 at 4:53 PM

    Kathie's book is an excellent read. The fact that it's true is frightening!

    Love the pink flamingo theme. :)

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  6. AnonymousApril 18, 2011 at 8:05 PM

    Hi Miss Janice! I do believe it would be wonderful to come to one of your parties! You are simply the perfect hostess!! You always look so cute and your little apron is darling!
    Now you must pop over to see me and see what I ordered from your giveaway from CSN! :)
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  7. Mrs. Kindergarten...aka...Madame SpoiledApril 19, 2011 at 4:36 AM

    This book sounds like quite a fright. The party looks fab as usual. Love the use of all the flamingos, sorry the cookies didn't turn out! My alligator cookie cutter looks perfect, but the cookies always end up a bit odd lookin'! I think the dough needs to be cooler when I bake it. Happy Tuesday.

    Love,
    Mrs. Kindergarten

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  8. RoseApril 19, 2011 at 7:56 AM

    Just ordered this book from Amazon after seeing a number of recommendations. Can't wait to start it. Your entertaining is truly inspiring, thanks for posting the great photos. (I also LOVE seeing your outfits!)

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  9. AnonymousApril 19, 2011 at 10:58 AM

    Oooh, I HAVE to get that book!

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  10. Simply SaraApril 19, 2011 at 4:10 PM

    Oh, and I wanted to mention:
    You probably have got this before, but I nominated you for the stylish blogger award on my blog!!

    Simply Sara

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  11. UnknownApril 19, 2011 at 5:56 PM

    Hi!
    The flamingo printables were precious! Loved the apron too!
    Christina

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  12. Suburban PrincessApril 19, 2011 at 6:42 PM

    Everything is so cute! I LOVE printables...I use them for just about everything...wait til you see my easter favours!

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  13. ...just another preppy shopaholicApril 19, 2011 at 9:33 PM

    Looks fabulous, including those apps! YUM!

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  14. KaraApril 20, 2011 at 6:08 PM

    Miss Janice, you DeLiGhT me soo much!!
    I love all the 'Good Housekeeping 'Hostess Reminders' and the reminder for the Reason for the Seson of Easter...He has risen!

    Miss Kara

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