FIRST KITCHEN BLOGS

This past weekend I threw my friends a 'couple's shower' for their upcoming wedding in August.

A couple's shower is a fun alternative to a bridal shower, as it involves both the bride and groom. We still played shower games and had delicious food but it was fun to get the 'men' involved!

Whenever I throw a party, I like to have a theme in mind. I try not to get too crazy or obsessed with the theme but it is a nice way to stay focused throughout the party planning. I decided on a "retro barbque" theme for the party. My friend is having some vintage elements to her wedding,  so I thought it would be a nice tie-in to the big day. Also, since it was a couple's shower and both men and women were attending, it was fun to play with the male/female roles, especially of that time period (let's just say I wore an apron!).

When I went shopping for the party, I hit up a few consignment/thrift stores in the area and that is where the theme exploded! I was able to get all of the prizes for the games (vintage cook books, old schwin bike tire, aprons etc) as well as fun serving dishes and trinkets for decorating from that era. All together, I spent just over $75 for all of the prizes and decorations! There were almost 30 people at the shower, so that was a bargain.

The food was a classic spread from a 1960's back yard barbque. I found a recipe box  (which I later painted and refurbished as my gift to the bride) with classic recipe cards from the 1960's. Jack pot! I was able to use the recipe cards as decoration for the table as well as used some of the recipes to make.

For appetizers:

Bacon wraped waterchestnuts

Deviled eggs

Hawiian meatballs

The spread:

Beer brats and burgers on the grill

Grandma Dot's Potato salad

Colslaw with kiwi

Calico beans

Tuna with noodles

Jello salad suprise

Dessert:

Pineapple upsidedown cake

Classic coconut creme cake

Ice cream

Drinks:

Classic coke and diet coke (in retro bottles with straws)

Fruit punch (served in a punch bowl!)

Iced tea

Coffee

The shower was a success and people really enjoyed the food and their retro gifts! In my next post I will share some of the fun recipes...any in particular you'd like me to share?

Have a great weekend!

We're pretty excited-  The October issue of the Twin Cities Metro Magazine features First Kitchen as one of the experts in their “Ultimate Hostess Guide.”

Entertaining can be stressful enough if you know how to cook,but what if your only specialty is Ramen Noodles?

Not to worry! The First Kitchen DVD (and the tips on our web site) can guide you through step-by-step recipes to help you through your hosting debut. You don’t have to be a Rachel Ray prodigy to throw your guests a memorable night. Our goal with our First Kitchen DVD and website is to help cooks become confident in their own kitchens.