6 Seasonal Spirits

Recently we wrote about summer parties. But, let’s face it, the best part was the signature drinks. From a summer shandy to a fruity daiquiri, summer gives us the perfect excuse to drink the sugary cocktails we truly want year-round.  If you think fun, fruity cocktails are “too girly,” get over it. Everyone can use one of these alcoholic refreshments.

1.     Blue Moon Shandy ~ One of my personal favorites, and a nice summer option for beer lovers and non-beer drinkers alike. Though Blue Moon is traditionally served with orange slices, adding lemonade (Simply Lemonade is my preference) still complements the beer’s flavor. Of course, a lemon or orange slice is a nice touch.

2.     Mike’s Hard Lemonade ~ This is the easiest beverage of all, because all you have to do is buy it! With flavors like peach lemonade, black cherry, blood orange, and margarita and at 5% ABV you can have a few, that is if you are not worried about your blood sugar.

3.     Piña Colada ~ I don’t like getting caught in the rain all too much, but I do appreciate a good Piña Colada.  Pretend you're beachside in your own backyard by adding a slice of pineapple and umbrella to your rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice blend. Here is an excellent recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cup ice
• 1/2 cup diced pineapple, frozen
• 2 ounces pineapple juice
• 2 ounces Coco Lopez coconut cream

• Blend until smooth and enjoy

4. Frozen Strawberry Daquiri ~ A daiquiri is a fruity way to beat the heat. This recipe is for 8, so invite some friends over to relax. Make smoothies for the kids so they can enjoy a summer drink, as well.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups ice 
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 4 ounces frozen strawberries
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 3/4 cup rum
• 1/4 cup lemon/lime flavored carbonated beverage

• Blend the ice, sugar, and strawberries first
• Add the remaining ingredients and blend until smooth
• 1 1/2 tablespoons superfine sugar
• Garnish your glass with a fresh strawberry

5.   Strawberry Basil Lemonade ~ Looking for a fruity cocktail on the rocks? Look no further. The basil adds fresh flavor to the sweet strawberry and lemonade. This recipe has few ingredients, but a bit more preparation. I think it’s worth it. 

  Ingredients:

• 1 large strawberry
• 3 basil leaves
• 1 ounce Bulldog gin
• 2 ounces lemonade
• club soda

• Muddle the strawberry and basil in a glass
• In a shaker, mix the gin and lemonade with ice
• Strain into your prepared glass
• Garnish with a strawberry and basil leaf

6. Watermelon Punch ~ Watermelon is a classic summer favorite, making appearances at BBQs, the beach, and now in cocktails. While garnishing with flowers may be a bit too fancy for a Saturday afternoon cocktail, this recipe is worth trying.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups seeded watermelon, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 1/2 cups white vermouth
• 1 1/2 tablespoons superfine sugar
• 3 cups crushed ice

• Blend watermelon, vermouth, and sugar until watermelon has liquefied
• Add ice and blend for about 3 more seconds
• Garnish with pansies

Cheers!

Surefire Ways to Throw a Successful Summer Soirée

Summer is known for being a season to spend time with friends and family outdoors. While DC’s heat can hinder the ability to host a comfortable outdoor party, there are ways to take advantage of the weather and have a successful, outdoor bash.

·      Spice up your outdoor décor and create a festive table

1.     Tablecloths ~ Outdoor furniture often succumbs to the elements. Keep your table looking fresh and festive with a tablecloth that complements your party’s color scheme. Even a burlap table runner can add enough to create a more organic feel.

2.     Napkins ~ If you utilize a plain tablecloth, go for a printed napkin, or vice versa. Save money with disposable napkins that will add a pop of color to your table.

3.     Lights ~ Although the sun stays out in the summer, string lights are practical and can also be a fun decoration you can leave up year round.

4.     Flowers ~ Bright, fresh flowers are an easy way to really tie together your party table. Summer is also the perfect time to bring out succulents. Use a traditional vase and tie a ribbon around it, or go for a more natural look with a metal container or mason jar.

·      Food and Drink

1.   Hors d'ouvres  ~ skewers are a great way to make aesthetically appealing, mess-free food. Tomato, mozzarella, basil, and prosciutto on a stick is not only delicious, but looks pretty! Chicken, onions, and peppers on a skewer is a more substantial horderve that would be great if you’re only hosting a cocktail party.

2.     Dinner ~ keep it easy! Fire up the BBQ and serve family style. If you’re willing to splurge, catering your dinner can relieve a lot of stress.

3.     Drinks ~ A signature cocktail is a must! Add fun, patterned straws and a fruit slice. Be sure to provide beer and wine for guests who want to avoid hard liquor. Check out these recipes below:

Watermelon Mojito

Ingredients:

• 4 large mint leaves
• ½  lime
• 1 tablespoon superfine sugar
• 4 ounces seedless watermelon, cut into ½-inch cubes (about ¾ cup), plus a small wedge for garnish
• 2 ounces white rum
• ½ cup ice cubes

In a glass, add mint, lime juice, and sugar and crush with a muddler (or the back of a spoon). Then add watermelon and continue to crush. Pour the rum over the mixture and add ice. Garnish with a small watermelon wedge and serve.

Vodka Raspberry Lemonade

Ingredients:

• 1  1/2 ounces vodka (preferably citrus flavored)
• 5 fresh raspberries
• 4 ounces lemonade (preferably fresh-squeezed)
•  1 teaspoon sugar

In a glass, add mint, lime juice, and sugar and crush with a muddler (or the back of a spoon). Then add watermelon and continue to crush. Pour the rum over the mixture and add ice. Garnish with a small watermelon wedge and serve.

Event Planning: Graduation Parties

Graduation season is upon us. Whether its high school, college, or an advanced degree, each graduation party should be filled with memories. Here are DHM's top five tips to create a perfect, stylish, and special event that will commemorate this day of achievement.

1.     Find the Perfect Venue

There are tons of options for graduation party venues. It all depends how many people you want at the party.  For a group of fewer than 12 people, you can throw an intimate graduation party at a restaurant. If the party is larger than 12 people, then you should think about hosting at your home and if the party is larger than 50 people, you may want to consider a banquet hall.

2.     Plan the Menu

If you are not holding the reception at a restaurant, you should consider a buffet fare that is easy to prepare ahead of time.  The buffet fare can include a Watermelon and Feta Cheese Salad (this will surely cool everyone down), Brie Cheese Beef sliders, and Deviled Eggs.  Be sure to include a tub of iced soda and water, as well as, a bar for the beer, wine, or champagne. A specialty cocktail and mocktail will really make the day special. If you do choose to cater, consider supplying your own alcohol; this can often end up saving you some money.

3.     Decór 

Personalize your party by adding some decorations that goes beyond generic streamers or party hats.  Personalized decor can be as simple as childhood photos in table holder stands around the table. If the party is at home, you should consider hanging candles off of trees with grosgrain ribbon and spell out congratulations on the candleholders.  This is a small touch that won’t go unnoticed.

4.    Photo booth

Make a DIY graduation photo booth.  All you will need is a basic camera that is point and shoot and a tripod that extends to eye level.  Create a backdrop for the photo booth by attaching fabric with command spring clips.  Then add props to bring an element of fun to the photos (ie. enlarged sunglasses, hats or masks).

5.     Homemade Graduation Gifts

shoot and a tripod that extends to eye level.  Create a backdrop for the photo booth by attaching fabric with command spring clips.  Then add props to bring an element of fun to the photos (ie. enlarged sunglasses, hats or masks). There are multiple gifts you can give a student graduating, some more personal than others. If you want to make a special gift, consider gluing envelopes into a blank scrapbook and having your guests write letters to put in the scrapbook envelopes. This will be a great opportunity for family and friends to leave well wishes and advice for the graduate that will contribute to memories of the celebration that will last a lifetime. 

Photo Credits:
Top Right from Ella Blue Studio via Martha Stewart Weddings-lights 
Bottom Left from Karaspartyideas.com

Event Planning: Destination Weddings

Photo by Craig Wolfrom 

Dreaming of a Destination Wedding? 

A destination wedding allows a couple to exchange vows in a stunning, extraordinary setting surrounded by their closest friends and family. Destinations weddings can be on a sandy beach or in an exotic location. Here are our top ten destination spots for a wedding.

The top ten destination wedding locations are:

 Mexico

Mexico is the top wedding destination spot for US couples for many reasons. It charms guests with its colorful culture, jaw-dropping colonial architecture, and its beautiful scenery.  Who can resist a beach wedding or  the tequila here? Weddings in Mexico are some of the best fiestas to form lasting memories.

Bahamas

With its attractive pink sandy beaches and many activities ,such as snorkeling and rejuvenating spas, the Bahamas is perfect for a wedding extravaganza.  Any guest, young or old,  will have so many activities to choose from in order to have fun. The Bahamas will definitely not disappoint.  

Bermuda

Bermuda is a tropical paradise with British characteristics. Bermuda may be one of the most convenient destination wedding spots, as it is merely a two hour flight from New York  The grottos here are bright blue and the beaches are coral pink, which makes this the ideal romantic scenery for anyone who wants a sophisticated beach wedding.

Turks and Caicos

The sparkling turquoise water in the Turks and Caicos will entice every couple to get married on one of the many beaches here. Come here to enjoy a low-key, but stylish wedding.

Italy

Italy is a country known for its romance. From Rome to Florence, there are so many cities here that would make for a beautiful wedding. But, the most popular wedding destination in Italy is Tuscany. Consider having a rustic wedding in a Tuscan farmhouse on a vineyard and relax with a glass of wine.

Morocco

Marrakesh is a city that combines French colonial charm with dazzling Berber culture.  The city has become a celebrity hotspot, host to Poppy Delevigne's wedding just last year and David Beckham's recent 40th birthday bash. It is safe to say this is a popular destination.    

Greece

From the bustling city of Athens to the Greek isles of Santorini and Mykonos, Greece is the ideal wedding location for those who want to throw a fun party. With the endless ruins and idyllic coastal cities, Greece will be the ultimate, memorable wedding location.    

British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands are home to some of the world’s most picturesque beaches with i pristine white sand and granite boulders. The resorts here are charming, island accommodations that will create a beautiful backdrop for any wedding.

Aruba

Due to its location below the hurricane belt, Aruba has the lowest amount of rainfall of any Caribbean island.   With hotels such as the exclusive Ritz-Carlton hotel and family-friendly Renaissance Aruba Resort and Casino, there are options here for a couple with any type of budget who simply hope a rain free wedding.

South Africa

Who wouldn’t want to get married on a cliff that overlooks the golden beaches in Cape Town and is also close to the award winning South African vineyards.  Considered to be one of Africa’s most fun cities and an urban jungle, guests will surely love this Cape Town destination.  Any wedding here will be a memorable one. 

Top 3 Pros to a destination wedding

 1.     Reduced cost.
A destination wedding might offer couples a way to save money due to the wedding packages many resorts offer. Destination weddings also mean fewer guests to spend money on.

2.     Quality time spent with guests.
Having a destination wedding will allow the couple to relax with their guests rather than stress over the wedding, due to the wedding package taking care of every detail.

3.     Neutral ground.
For a couple from different cities that are far from one another, it might be difficult to pick which city to get married in. Instead they can pick a destination wedding that will allow them to balance the invitation scale and avoid hurt feelings.

Top 3 Cons to a Destination Wedding

1.     Lack of communication.
If the bridal couple is unable to stay at a resort or hotel that offers a wedding package and they are in a country that does not speak English, it might be difficult for them to plan a wedding.  They would have to hire outside vendors, which may be difficult if there is a language barrier. Although wedding packages often mediate this problem, they also hinder a couple's ability to completely personalize their wedding by limiting choices. 

2.     Legalities.
The bride and groom might also have difficulty with the legal requirements in every country.  Researching these laws and bringing all necessary paperwork are a must in order to make sure the couple has a legally binding marriage.

3.     Not all guests will be able to make it.
Some guests will have travel restrictions that will prevent them from being able to attend the wedding. That means a beloved grandparent or a close family friend might be unable to come to the wedding. 

Photo credits: left photo from Amanresorts.com; right photo by Adam Alex