Embellishmints

Today I’m going to share with you what I love most about party planning! Oddly enough I really enjoy when an unexpected problem arises because then I get to really use my creativity. It’s kind of like problem solving. Really, really fun problem solving that includes good food, and pretty flowers! I’m going to share a long time family favorite recipe too.

What are the most popular dishes at your family get togethers? Seriously, what are they? For my family that’s definitely the dips. The thirty minutes the dip is chilling in the fridge is like torture for us, it’s nearly impossible to not eat it straight out of the mixing bowl. If you think I’m kidding I welcome you to any family party we have to witness it. This dip loving gene has been passed down to my children as well and I could not be happier.

There are big changes happening around here including a new name!

Everytime I sit down and think about a party I wonder How can I possibly make this different from the last party…or the last time I used these dishes? And I do. Every single time. I think that’s what makes parties so exciting to me. Starting out with just a little idea and blowing my mind away by the time it’s all put together.

Learn how to make {cute and easy} utensil holders to embellish your tablescape!

The combination of the orange flowers, bright green apples, and turquoise make the perfect combination for a late summer party. I’m really excited to share what I love about party planning with you, how to take your fruit to the next level, and my Clam Dip Recipe!

Why I Love Party Planning:

Check back often for tips on how to embellish all aspects of your life!

1. Picking Dishes Strategically!
   • For this particular party I wanted the tablecloth to add to the theme, instead of just complimenting it, so I knew I had to use floral. I want the food to do all the talking, and not let the plates distract, so I pulled out my white dishes, and beautiful silver vase to add depth. I realized my pewter dishes complimented it well, so I added them!
2. Being Flexible!
   • I originally planned on doing two beautiful flower arrangements, but the morning I went to get the flowers they didn’t have the ones I was looking for. When something does’t go quite right don’t worry about it. Sit down, look at your half dressed table and think about what else you could do. If you can’t think of anything that works start doing something else and it will come to you.
     • I came up with at least three different ideas for the center piece but none of them really seemed right. So after a couple minutes of pondering I started to make dinner. I saw my Bormioli glass jars next to my pans and voila I had my center piece figured out.
3. Flowers
   • I love having an excuse to buy flowers. This is definitely something I indulge myself in. I love having a reason {any reason} to purchase flowers, and a party is definitely one of them!

One way you can take your fruit dish to the next level is to wrap it in prosciutto. If you’re not ready to try it with fruit serve it with cheese and crackers and your friends and family will love it! YUM!

Clam Dip Recipe

Ingredients

1 can {6-1/4oz.} minced clams, undrained
8 oz KRAFT Green Onion Dip
1 pkg {8 oz.} Cream Cheese, softened
2 tsp. lemon juice
1-1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/4 tsp. garlic salt
dash of pepper

Instructions

1. Mix all ingredients until well blended; cover.
   Refrigerate several hours or until chilled
   Serve with potato chips, crackers and cut-up vegetables