Holiday Party Ideas

Cherry Gin-gria

 

 

Ingredients

• Ice cubes
• 2 ounces cherry syrup (recommended:Giammona)
• 2 ounces gin
• 5 to 6 ounces club soda
• 1 ounce red wine
• Maraschino cherries
• Fresh or frozen raspberries

Directions
Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Pour in the cherry syrup and the gin; stir to mix together. Lighten the drink with a generous splash of soda. Float a layer of red wine on top by pouring it over the back of a wide, flat spoon. (Don't worry if it doesn't float; it tastes great either way.) Drop a few maraschino cherries and raspberries into the glass. Drink.

Serves: 1 drink
From:  Food Network Kitchens

 

Poinsettia Cocktail

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup vodka
• 1/4 cup Champagne
• 1/2 cup cranberry juice
• Crushed ice
• 2 strips orange zest, each about 1/4-inch wide and 2 inches long

Directions

Combine the vodka, champagne and juice in a large-stemmed red wine glass. Add crushed ice and stir until the mixture is well chilled. Twist the orange strips over the glass, drop them in, and serve.

Serves: 1 cocktail

Recipe adapted from Emeril's Creole Christmas Cookbook, by Emeril Lagasse with Marcelle Bienvenu, published by William Morrow, 1997



Candles

Using candles to decorate during the holidays is an easy way to add holiday spirit, use as a beautiful centerpiece, illuminate a corner of a room or just ignite seasonal romance.

Glitter Candles

These candles light up the room even without a flame, thanks to a dusting of superfine metallic glitter. To make: Place a few in a large box and coat with spray adhesive (sold at crafts stores). Spoon glitter over the candles to coat; let dry overnight.

 

Glitter Candle Sticks 

Make plain candlesticks sparkle with a coat of shimmery glitter. Buy inexpensive wooden candlesticks, or use a weathered pair you already own. Working in sections, brush craft glue onto the candlesticks, and dust with fine glitter (shake off excess). Let glue dry overnight. With a paintbrush, apply a thin layer of clear shellac over glitter, and let dry.

ehow.com

Banana Eggnog (non-alcoholic)

 Ingredients

• 1 Ripe banana, sliced thin
• 1 Egg
• 1 tablespoon Sugar
• 1 cup Cold milk
• 2 tablespoons Maple syrup

Beat together banana, egg and sugar until well blended and smooth. Add milk and maple syrup and beat until combined. Pour in chilled glasses. Garnish whipcream (optional)

 

Cranberry Floral Centerpieces

Rinse the cranberries to remove dirt and rocks, and get them their brightest.
Fill your vase with cranberries about 3/4 full. Then fill the vase with water, also about 3/4 full. Trim your flowers to the size that will fit in your vase. Add one flower at a time to the vase, using the cranberries to hold them up in the positions you would like.
ehow.com

Pomegranate Cocktail

Ingredients

2 cups pomegranate juice                                              

1 1/2 cups vodka

1 cup grenadine

1 cup fresh blood orange juice (about 2 oranges)

1/2 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes) Garnish with a lime twist if desired

Preparation

Combine all ingredients in a pitcher. Serve over ice

Cooking Light
DECEMBER 2003

 

 

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