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!

Feeling the like you’re strapped for cash but want to really show mom you care?  Well, like so many of you I am feeling the economic pinch also.  My dreams of a lavish bouquet of flowers and a designer tennis bracelet perfectly gift wrapped with a pink bow are quickly getting a reality check.  With my bank account and only 1 week away, there’s no way I can save up for that kind of a gift!

There is one thing that I know I can do- cook.  And even if you don’t know how to cook, it’s a lot easier than you think…just keep it simple!  Here’s the deal:  invite your mom over to your house/apartment for a special mother’s day brunch- just you, her and whoever else you can accommodate.  I am going to make the French toast from our FK DVD which has been a favorite with friends/family and so easy to make.  Serve it with some seasonal fresh berries.  To really make her day, have a hot cup of coffee ready when she arrives.

Although it seems like money makes the world go round, don’t forget that it’s the thought that counts.  Whatever you do make sure your mom knows how much you love her!