Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Super Bowl XLVI

It’s that time of year again.

 The biggest of the biggest… the best of the best… the grand-daddy of all sporting celebrations…the super Sunday extravaganza… the Super Bowl!

 Everyone wants to be part of this great party and every business is vying for advertising space during commercials to be part of the game.  Fans know it’s not just something you watch, it’s something you experience.  Super Bowl XLVI is upon us and now is the time to plan your “fan–tastic” fiesta.

Invitations:  No little football invite is going to do.  Be creative and send a VIP sporting ticket to be redeemed for food and drink upon arrival at your gathering.  Or have your kids decorate huge footballs (the bigger the better) with all the super information your guests will need.

Décor:  Start by putting a football field table cover over your dining area. Add Super Bowl or NFL party supplies. Give each guest party beads in both team colors.  Let your guests decide which beads they will chose.  This is an easy way to know who’s rooting for whom - of course, they will probably be wearing a team jersey anyway, so it won’t be too hard, but for those guests who come for the commercials….

Ambience:  Add extra atmosphere by having colorful footballs dangle from the ceiling.  Turn on the surround sound and if possible, have a TV in all major party areas.  Have one guest dress as a referee to mediate between unfair plays.

Menu:  Chips and dip as well as buffalo wings are a staple at most Super Bowl parties.  How about putting a new spin on the two and combining them, into an amazing buffalo dip.  This recipe (below) is sure to be a crowd pleaser for your high-spirited crew.  Remember to put it close to the TV so no one misses any of the game or the commercials.  Of course beer will be flowing abundant, but remember, this is just a game, so keep the drinking responsible.

Favors:  Hand out handclappers or blow horns for fans to make some noise during great plays and flags to throw for those unworthy calls.

Remember what Joe Namath said, “Football is an honest game.  It’s true to life.  It’s a game about sharing.  Football is a team game.  So is life.”

Buffalo Chicken Dip:
Ingredients:
  • ·         8 oz cream cheese
  • ·         1 can chunky (pre-cooked) chicken
  • ·         ½ cup ranch dressing
  • ·         ¼ cup buffalo sauce
  • ·         ½ cup mozzarella cheese
  • ·         ½ cup cheddar cheese

Directions:
  1. 1.       Make sure cream cheese is softened.  Heat oven to 350.
  2. 2.       Add buffalo sauce, ranch, ¼ cup mozzarella cheese, and ¼ cup cheddar cheese.  Save the rest for later.
  3. 3.       Add the chicken.  Stir until mixed well.  Add to 8x8 baking pan and smooth out over pan.
  4. 4.       Cover with rest of cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes.  Let cool and enjoy!  Double recipe for 13x9 pan.


Friday, January 6, 2012

Wedding Colors 2012

The Color of Love
One of the first things to do before you start wedding planning, is pick the colors that will set the mood for the wedding that ensues.
Whether you want to show the world your energy with reds and oranges, express your joy with yellows and gold, or show your loyalty with blue hues, here are some great color tips for whatever type of wedding party you are planning.
The hottest new colors for 2012 are: 
Spring:  Light, airy, earthy tones are in for spring.  Hunter Green, Oregano, Peony Pink, Sage Green, White, Sweet Lilac, Bellflower Purple, Cabaret, Cockatoo, and Daisy Yellow.
Summer:  Bright and bold is the way to go for summer!  Kiwi, Strawberry, Lilac, Hot Pink, Slate Grey, Gold, Coral, Mocha, Navy, Emerald Green, Dark Cyan, Tangerine, True Blue, Driftwood, and Champagne.

Fall/Winter:  Bold, passionate hues are great for this time of year.  Dark Chocolate, Charcoal Gray, Brick Red, Myrtle Green, Pomegranate, Chestnut, Asparagus, Eggplant, Midnight Green, Royal Blue, Taupe, Agate Blue, Moccasin, khaki, Carrot Orange.

Accents: Cool earth tones are very big again this year mixed with a brighter hue. These colors will have different shades and mixtures of brown and gray, such as, charcoal, mocha, slate, and dark brown. Many of these shades will compliment an array of colors that will be very appealing to the eye.




Big Color Trend Of The Year: Tangerine Orange is the color of choice for many brides in 2012. The color is alive with a fresh and bold look that will look great on a bridesmaid’s dress or in a floral bouquet.  It’s also very versatile and compliments other color palates of every season. 

Color Combos: 
 
Whether you picked your colors to have meaning, want to follow the latest color trends, or you’ve used one color or several, follow your color passion and color your wedding perfect.