Skip To My Lou » party ideas

Super Bowl Party recipes

cindylouh — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:00:43 +0000

Planning a super bowl party? Check out the Friday 5 for some recipes that are sure to please the football fans at your party!

Maddy Cakes Muse has a fun idea for an edible football stadium!

Soft Pretzel Bites from Two Peas and Their Pod would be a perfect Super Bowl snack and easy to make!

OMG! Cheddar + bacon + ranch + bread = possibly the most yummy pull-apart bread ever!

X’s and O’s have never tasted so good! How amazing is this play diagram on a chocolate chalkboard?

Smitten Kitten has a great tutorial for artichoke olive crostini.

Candy Corn Cake pops {Guest Post}

cindylouh — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 12:00:30 +0000

Hi my name is Joey. I am excited to be guest posting over here at, Skip to my Lou! I started my blog Every Day Should Pop! in early February of this year, so I’ve been at it for almost nine months.

I originally got my inspiration for doing cake pops from Bakerella. But I got the idea for the blog simply because my family loves to celebrate holidays. I wanted to expand on the cake pop idea by incorporating things from each day, and so far we’re having a blast! I hope you enjoy this tutorial and stop by and see me sometime! I have lot’s more to share!

Welcome to my favorite holiday of the year,
Halloween!

In this section I will walk you through the step-by-step process of how to make
Candy Corn Cake Pops.

I will be using white cake, though, as always, you can substitute with any other cake flavor.

Get started by gathering your supplies.
You are going to need:
Lollipop Sticks, Black Food Writing Marker, Black Licorice Pinwheels, Vanilla Candy Melts, Yellow Candy Melts, Orange Candy Melts.

And it’s always a good idea to have toothpicks handy.

Step 1: Using your cake pop recipe of choice, shape the cake ball into a cone with the pointed end as the top and flatten the base.

Step 2: Dip the lollipop stick in your melted yellow candy melts about 1/2 inch.
Step 3: Place that end into the flat base of the pop.
Go about half way.

Step 4: Dip the cake pop into the yellow candy melts.

Step 5: After the pop is completely covered, gently tap the stick on the edge of the bowl to drip off the excess.

Step 6: Let harden for about 5 minutes. Then, dip the top 2/3 of the pop into the orange candy melts.

Step 7: After the top portion is completely covered, gently tap the stick on the edge of the bowl to drip off the excess.

Step 8: Let harden for about 5 minutes. Then, dip the top 1/3 into the vanilla candy melts.

Step 9: After the top portion is completely covered, gently tap the stick on the edge of the bowl to drip off the excess.

Finally, let harden completely, then the sky is the limit!

To attach the black licorice pinwheel arms, cut the licorice to your desired length. Poke a hole in each side of the pop with a toothpick deep enough so the licorice will stay on its own. Insert and form the arms any way you would like.

Grab your black food writing marker and get to work.

Create your own silly, spooky or scary faces!

There is no doubt these pops will be the life of the party!

How to make a cupcake stand

cindylouh — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 16:11:22 +0000

Here is an easy way to make a tiered serving tray that can easily be interchanged with different plastic plates and bowls.

I originally was wanting to make the one from the Giver’s Log, but I couldn’t find the thrift-ed pieces.

The supplies for this project can be found at home improvement stores (like Lowe’s). The plastic plates are from Target. I also found some cool plastic plates at a local thrift store.

Supplies for Tiered Serving Tray

2 plastic plates

one knob that fits threaded rod

1 – 1/2″ X 3′ round aluminum tube (there are cool square ones too!)

1 – #8-32 X 3′ threaded rod

1 package of #8-32 X 1 1/4 combo round w/nut (or one nut to fit end of threaded rod)

2 rubber washers 3/16″ X 1/2″ X 1/16″

11/64″ drill bit

fine sandpaper

(we did not end up using the #10 flat zinc washers)

You will have plenty of supplies left over. These would make great gifts!

How to make a tiered serving tray

Cut aluminum tube with saw, making sure cut is level. You will need a 6″ length and 3″ length (these can be adjusted to your own needs)

Cut threaded rod into a 9 1/2″ length

Lightly sand aluminum tubes to make surface even and remove imperfections

Drill hole in center of two plastic plates. It worked best to place masking tape where the hole needed to be drilled and drill from the front.

Put 9 1/2″ threaded rod through bottom plate and put a nut underneath the plate.

Next place rubber washer on top of bottom plate, place 6″ aluminum tube around threaded rod.

Place next plate, a rubber washer, 3″ aluminum piece and then screw knob tightly to top.

The pieces can be easily removed and interchanged with other plastic plates to fit any party theme or color scheme!

Happy New Year Party Printables

cindylouh — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 16:24:55 +0000

We are so lucky today to have Stefanie of Anna and Blue Paperie here sharing her free printable New Year’s Eve Party Decor! You also don’t want to miss her free CD 2011 printable calendar (the last entry in the round-up) — perfect for quick and easy party favors for your New Year’s Eve Party!

{Free Printable} New Year’s Eve Party Decor

I put together a New Year’s Eve table using party circles that I created. I wanted to create a design that would allow for fun, simple and easy ways to decorate for a New Year’s Eve party.
The colors I used are black, gray/silver, purple and white along with damask and polka dot patterns to give a chic and modern twist.

The party circles can be used for cupcake toppers, gift tags, wine tags, garland/banner, napkin rings, straws, food labels and more! So many ways to decorate for your New Year’s Eve party that can be put together quickly especially if you don’t have a lot of time to prep.

4 designs (2 inch party squares)
Cut party squares to make squares or use 1 7/8” and 2” circle and scallop circle paper punches.

Download your free New Year’s Eve printables HERE!

ENJOY!

Thanks Stefanie for such great New Year’s Eve Party ideas and free party printables!

How to host a shrimp boil

cindylouh — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 12:49:24 +0000

Here is a Friday Flashback that will get you ready for Labor Day —– with a no labor party idea! Really, so easy and so fun!

Shrimp Boil Recipe

A shrimp boil is one of my favorite parties —–no dirty dishes. This is also a completely portable party. My favorite spot is on the beach. When we have a large crowd, we borrow an extra turkey fryer or two. The following recipe uses 1 large 34 quart turkey fryer with a strainer basket that goes almost to the top of the pot. One pot serves about 10-12 people.

First cover your entire table with freezer paper, shiny side up. Let the cooking begin!

Printable Shrimp Boil Shopping List and Instructions

Fill turkey fryer about 2/3 full of water. Bring to a boil and add 2 pkgs of Zatarain’s Crawfish, Shrimp and Crab Boil in a Bag, 1/4 – 1/2 bottle Zatarain’s Shrimp and Crab oil, 1 cup of salt and garlic. Boil for 15 minutes

Add potatoes, boil for 7-8 minutes

Corn goes in next for 5 minutes (if corn is frozen you might need to turn up the heat for a minute to get your water boiling again)

Add kielbasa, cook for 8 minutes

Add onions, and squeeze lemon juice into pot and then toss the lemons into the water, boil 3- 4 minutes (oops picture is wrong – add the garlic at the beginning!)

Add shrimp and cook 5 minutes or just until shrimp turns pink.

Turn off the heat, immediately pull basket from the water and let drain. (If you want things a bit spicier, turn off the heat, put in a small bag of ice, let sit 15 minutes, then drain and serve)

Pour contents of basket onto your freezer paper covered table

Serve with sliced baguette sprinkled down the table and bottles of squeeze butter, cocktail sauce and spicy mustard. Remember NO knives, forks, spoons or plates allowed! This is all finger food and condiments are squeezed directly onto the table! When finished just roll up the paper and give everyone a finger wipe! A big thanks to our dear friends Jeff and Cathy for showing us how to have the best party ever!

Put on some Zydeco
(zi-dee-coe) music and have a great time!

….and if you really want to party, we like to serve these awesome Margaritas(for adults only) at our Shrimp Boil

Simple and Delicious Margaritas

1 12 oz. can of frozen limeade
12 oz. 7-UP or Sprite (just fill up limeade can to measure)
12 oz. Tequila (again that limeade can is handy)
1 12 oz. Corona or Tecate Beer

Mix and serve over ice! Oh my these are good!

So if you are looking ahead for a fun party idea for labor day that requires very little labor (no dishes) give a shrimp boil a try! Have a great weekend!

Red, White and Blue Cupcakes

cindylouh — Fri, 28 May 2010 12:44:19 +0000

These cupcakes are perfect for Memorial Day and the Fourth of July! I was totally inspired by Angry Julie’s Rainbow cupcakes and thought the possibilities were endless for fun colored cupcakes.

Red, White and Blue Cupcakes with Candy Star Toppers

I used LorAnn Professional Food Coloring and a basic white cake mix.

Mix the cake following directions. Divide the batter into three bowls (about 1 1/2 cups each). Add red and blue food coloring. I added about 30 drops of blue and 40 drops of red.

Fill cupcake liners with batter. I layered red, white and then blue batter. I added a touch of red batter on the top of some.

Bake according to directions on cake mix.

You will have gorgeous red, white and blue cupcakes.

Candy Coating Star Cupcake Toppers

Melt about 30 – 40 candy coating disks slowly in the microwave.

Place melted candy coating in a zip-loc bag and snip off the bottom corner of the bag.

Fill a star chocolate mold with candy coating. Tap mold firmly to remove any air bubbles.

Allow candy coating to completely harden. It can be placed in the refrigerator to speed up the process.

Frost cupcakes, add some sprinkles and a candy star topper and you are ready to celebrate!

How to make easy and inexpensive flower centerpieces

cindylouh — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 13:11:26 +0000

This is my quick and really cheap way to dress up a table!

Supplies

Wet Floral Foam – a 3 pack is about $4.00, and will make 12

Plastic plant saucers – .35 cents each

Candle – less than a dollar

Flowers – free, I used blooming branches from my yard

Cut floral foam in half lengthwise and then each piece in half.

Slightly trim off bottom corners of foam at an angle so the foam sits snugly into the plastic saucer.

Soak floral foam.

Place foam in container and add a candle (I wish the candles I had on hand had been a bit taller.)

Stick flowers into the foam. Depending on the flowers you use, if you keep the floral foam wet these flower centerpieces will last for days! These are even great to make in the winter with evergreen from your yard!

I made 7 centerpieces for less than $1.00 each!

Dinner Conversation Starters

cindylouh — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 12:07:36 +0000

Here are a few questions to get the conversation flowing at your Easter dinner!

Dinner Conversation Starters

Print them out, cut apart and start chatting!

Happy Easter!

Oscar Party Ideas

cindylouh — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 14:45:16 +0000

I would love to host an Oscar Party. It isn’t going to happen this year, but if I did have an Oscar Party I would…

send these cool invitations that can be printed for free at Twig & Thistle.

A table decorated with photo cylinders like Hostess with the Mostess would be lovely.

I would print these ballots and popcorn bags also from Twig & Thistle—- isn’t she amazing!

It would be fun to play How About Orange’s Oscar Bingo during the awards.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has an Oscar Night Essentials Party Kit including recipes, party ideas, printable ballots, bingo cards and cross word puzzles.

I am always looking for appetizer inspiration! Delish and Woman’s Day serve up some yummy ideas. Food TV shares some best supporting snacks. Food and Wine Magazine doesn’t disappoint with their 10 Oscar Appetizers. Food and Wine Magazine also has a Make Ahead Cocktail Party!

Movie themed food would be a must! Epicurious and Allrecipes have themed dinners for each of the nominated movies.

Gourmet and that’s the spirit share the perfect cocktails to pay tribute to the nominated movies and actors.

We could also dine on tuxedo strawberries.

These Oscar Award Cookies from Bakerella would make a spectacular statement.

How about these Oscar statutes that were made from white chocolate and then painted with edible gold made by My Little Cottage in the Making. Served with a slice of cheesecake and a chocolate “Hollywood.” Simply pipe melted chocolate onto parchment paper, allow to cool. Once hard, peel away from parchment paper and embellish the dessert.

My Little Cottage in the Making sent her guests home with some swag –bag full of candy, a bag of popcorn, a movie gift certificate, a Hollywood clap sign key chain and a pin in the shape of the pink stars on Hollywood Walk of Fame. I would want to do this also!

I would also borrow some of Cathy Filian‘s great ideas for Oscar party decor, food and fun!

Superbowl XLIV Panini Party

cindylouh — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 13:12:02 +0000

The girls from from You’ve Got Supper are back with a simple party idea for the Superbowl.

Susan and Michell write…

Superbowl XLIV Panini Party

If you’ve already had enough chili during the play-offs, change it up with a selection of “no fuss” paninis for your Super Bowl party. Arrange platters with the ingredients for each panini and let your guests put together their own crispy, grilled sandwiches to watch in front of the game. They may even be inspired to make their own creations. Serve them up with salt and pepper kettle chips, fruit salad, or your favorite side soup.

Beef and Horseradish Panini

Mozzarella and Proiscuitto Panini

Turkey and Brie Panini

BBQ Chicken Panini

Cuban Panini
Don’t fumble dessert! For a Halftime Sweet Fix, we recommend keeping the panini press fired up. Put out a platter of white bread, thinly sliced pound cake, and croissants. Let your guests mix and match the fillings. Here are a few of our favorite combinations:

Nutella and bananas
Apples, cinnamon, and sugar
Brie and dark chocolate
Dark chocolate and strawberries

Note from Cindy – I use an indoor grill like thiswhen making paninis.

You might also be interested in You’ve Got Supper’s Superbowl Fiesta Menu, with Saints Rajun Cajun Shrimp Quesadillas and Colts Corn Quesadillas. You can even print off the shopping list! It doesn’t get easier than that!

If you need some snacks you might try these Superbowl snacks — Spicy Buffalo Dip and Honey Mustard Glazed Pretzels.