Oscar Mania!

I was thinking today how much fun I could have throwing an Oscar viewing party. It's almost like the girl's version of a Super Bowl party! I can go over-the-top with decorations, games and of course, food! Here are a few of my favorite ideas I would totally include.

A signature cocktail is always appreciated... like this Sidecar from Martha Stewart. It seems like pure Hollywood glamor.

No movie or television watching experience is complete without popcorn, and what's better then flavored popcorn? Or chocolate caramel?

Although it would be a huge undertaking, serving a meal made famous from a nominated movie is such a fun idea! I like this Beef Bourguignoune from Julie and Julia.

Or you could choose to create an entire meal around a movie. What about an Avatar themed meal, based on the color blue.... bleu cheese salad, blueberry muffins? The possibilities are endless!

Bakerella had two of the cutest ideas I have ever seen! I adore the "Award Night" sugar cookies as well as the "popcorn box" brownies! So creative!!!!!!

Ask your guests to pick who they think will win and play a game. Most correct answers wins a prize!

What are your favorite Oscar party ideas?

Happy Watching! {Fingers crossed for Meryl Streep in Julie and Julia!}

xoxo,

Ali

Mason Jar Love {Part Deux}

I have developed a recent obsession with Mason Jars. Niki posted about them a few months ago and I just can't seem to get them out of my head. For my Super Bowl party I created an ice cream buffet and served the ice cream in Mason Jars. Tt was a huge hit and got me thinking about the multiple uses of these fabulous jars!

They make the most beautiful flower vases, like these ideas from Style Me Pretty.

Or as a wide-mouthed glass (I really think drinks taste better from a Mason Jar!)

Martha Stewart illustrates "lantern" Mason Jars, which would be beautiful along a walkway or lining a long table.

Bakerella creatively put all of the dry ingredients for her Cowgirl Cookies in a Mason Jar. What a perfect gift!

I love this idea of baking cupcakes inside of Mason Jars from Cake Spy! You can put a lid on them and ship them as gifts!

Can't get enough of Mason Jars either? Buy The Mason Jar Dessert Cookbook!

Happy Mason Jar Day!

xoxo,

Ali

Eye Candy

I love desserts so it's really no surprise that I'm deeply in love with many many desserts intricately stylized together on one fabulous table. In other words, I'm a huge fan of dessert bars.

Amy Atlas, dessert buffet-designer extraordinaire has seriously outdone herself again, with this pale pink and grey buffet.

I love how romantic and vintage that this table feels. I never thought that I would be describing sugar as romantic and vintage?!

And as long as I'm on a pink kick, check out this delectable DIY ice cream parlor table from Eat Drink Chic. This table truly elevates the ordinary to the extraordinary with chic and witty ideas for the sweets, tableware and graphics. I'm thinking I need a sundae asap.

What a perfect way to exhibit how food, especially confections can be so integral in the overall aesthetic of your event.

xoxo,

Niki

Delectable Dips!

My friend Jamie recently introduced me to Kors d'Oeuvres, a new line of dips and spreads handmade by Korey Provencher, and I must admit these dips are to die for! After sampling them at the Brooklyn Flea Market on a snowy Saturday, I was hooked. I purchased a variety for my Super bowl party, and everyone ranted and raved about how good they are!

They come in delicious flavors like white bean and roasted olive, roasted pumpkin, butternut squash and goat cheese, Southern blue cheese and herb, and the "world's greatest" onion dip!

You can even order a party pack containing 6 12-ounce containers with everything you might need for an instant party- including flatbreads, savory crackers, and crudite for $100!

They are available for delivery and pick-up in the Manhattan and Brooklyn area at http://www.korsdoeuvres.com!

Happy (day-after your) Birthday Niki!

xoxo,

Ali

Have a DIY Valentine's Day

Oh Valentine's Day, how quickly you are approaching.... and how lame am I for being so unprepared.

Searching the endless wealth of DIY projects on the blog, here are a few of my favorite finds.

Unravel a Valentine's Day love letter with this stunning project from Paper n stitch blog.

Twig and Thistle is really brilliant.

For a simple way to make a big statement of amor, wrap your love's toothbrush with a little note stating "I've got a sweet tooth for you...."

Or print your own adorable packaging for brownies (use a cookies cutter to make them heart shaped!).

Need a project to do with the kiddos, try Martha's custom candy wrapped craziness, or her "hand"-made cards!

Sometimes the only thing necessary for the the perfect night is wine & chocolate... and a little romantic way to wrap it all up in an adorable little kit via Design*Sponge.

Remember, in the end, all you need is love.

xoxo,

Niki

Choco-holic

Some girls love flowers, some girls love diamonds, I love chocolate. I might actually be in an illicit relationship with it (please don't tell Cole).

I'm really not a huge Valentine's Day person. I've always felt slighted by the romantic holiday, since my birthday comes very shortly after. Still, I'll indulge in some Valentines Day decadence as long as it involves chocolate.

Here are a few luscious looking recipes from some of my favorite food bloggers. I'm of the opinion that these should be made for me, and definitely not by me on February 14th.

If there's one thing I love almost as much as chocolate it is peanut butter. The combination: deadly. I'm dying for these chocolate peanut butter macaroons by Cannelle et Vanille. Or this triple chocolate mousse... three ways. Um, hello, sign me up.

I've recently become an avid reader of Tartlette's blog and almost lost my mind when I saw this recipe for a Chocolate Torte, Caramel Ice Cream and Chocolate Sorbet. And Chocolate Mudcake Ice Cream Sandwiches. Yes, please.

Bakerella had me at hello with this fourteen layer cake. Yes, fourteen layers baked individually like pancakes and then coated in a chocolate ganache followed by a buttercream frosting. That is dedication to a chocolate love.

Peanut butter and chocolate strikes again with this Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake from Smitten Kitchen.

The other night Gavi and I whipped up another Barefoot Contessa de-light (Note: there is nothing light about this recipe). While I'm a big fan of her Outrageous Brownies, sometimes you just don't have the time for a double boiler.

Have no fear, Ina's Brownie Pudding is here. This recipe takes only cocoa powder, so no need to stand over the stove slowly melting chocolate. Plus, it bakes in a casserole dish (preferably round) and is very undercooked in the center. Translation: the perfect combination of crusty brownies along the edge and brownie batter in the center. In other words, bliss.

Is your mouth watering now?

Share your favorite chocolate recipes with us today.

xoxo,

Niki