CHOCOLATE DESIGN SHAPES DIY

You may have started to catch on that I like entertaining…particularly entertaining with ways that add pizzazz and are easy to do!  I’m not sure if it’s just me but I tend to put in so much effort into the appetizers and main dish that I prefer to have a quick easy dessert to serve – usually a pie my husband picks up from our local bakery or some yummy ice cream. Although it totally works and is delicious, I always feel like I want to add on my personal touch (while still keeping it simple – entertaining can be a lot of work!).

Introducing……CHOCOLATE DESIGN SHAPES!  They are so simple to do, can be made ahead of time (my favourite phrase I think) and add that extra touch to a simple dessert. You can personalize the desserts with everyone’s initials (how fun!) or theme it (hearts for Valentine’s Day, shamrocks for St. Patrick’s Day etc) – the possibilities are endless!

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ROASTED GARLIC GUACAMOLE DIP

Our household obsession for avocados has officially reached new heights and I’m definitely not mad about it! My husband and I were grocery shopping the other day and I picked up an avocado to purchase, looked at it for 2 seconds and placed it in our cart. I wish I had a picture of this avocado but it was essentially the size of half my head. Not my hand…not my fist…my head! We are officially those people that buy the largest possible avocado know to man and thoroughly enjoy it!

Now what is the best thing to make with your lovely new avocado? Guacamole obviously! I’ve created a dip with my other obsession – roasted garlic. I promise the two play nicely together! This dip is extremely easy to make and extremely easy to finish in one sitting – I suggest doubling or tripling the recipe if you have a few people over!

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5 IDEAS FOR UNIQUE PLACE CARDS/FAVOURS

When planning a tablescape there are many items to think about including place cards/name cards around the table. Instead of the typical paper place cards that normally show up at table settings, I have rounded up a few different ideas for your next gathering. Bonus points – they all double as cute favours for your guests to take home with them! Just personalize them slightly and they are ready to go for your next party!

1. Mini Candle

My first suggestion is a mini sized candle that you can theme to your party! Having a summer luau theme – pineapple breeze scent is the way to go! Bundled up around a cozy fire at Christmas time – twisted peppermint is my jam. I think you get the point – there are SO many different flavours that you can customize them for your specific gathering. Also you do not necessarily have to have the same scents for each guest – there are so many fun options out there that work well together. I’m assuming you are not pairing together tobacco smell with lavender lilacs and hot chocolate rum cake scent ha! Stick to one grouping and you will do great! Once you have your selected candles, the final step is to customize them with a first initial (or first and last depending on the group) of the people attending the party. I got these gold monogram letters as a gift for Christmas but they originally came from Michaels and can also be purchased at other craft stores.

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BUILD YOUR OWN CAESAR COCKTAIL BAR

One of my favorite tips when hosting a party is to have an area where guests can entertain themselves. This could be a photo booth backdrop area or “make your own” activity which allows some entertainment for guests while you put together the last minute touches on your food items.

With a fun suggestion from my sister Patrycja, we decided to spice up our last get together and create a “build your own” Caesar cocktail bar! I always have so much fun putting these types of things together because the possibilities are endless and your imagination can run wild.

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VALENTINE’S DAY (QUICK & EASY) TABLESCAPE

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and I have assembled a super easy tablescape that is just over $10 dollars and can be put together in minutes! I understand that just thinking about planning a party can be very daunting – especially all the clean up that goes along with it. This is the reason I created the tablescape below to show you how fun disposable party items can be which makes for such an easy cleanup afterwards!

Valentine’s Day screams pinks, reds and purples and this tablescape has all of the colours!

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