Derby Party - Hostess Essentials (Part 2)

Clean Sweep: I'll be the first to admit that I'm a self-diagnosed, clean and control freak. It kind of drives my BF nuts, but I have a theory that if you do things as you go, you save time by not having to cut a huge chunk of time to do whatever it is you're putting off. My biggest annoyance is when a 'chef' makes a magnificent meal, but throughout dirties every dish in the kitchen and leaves it all for cleaning after the meal. Had the 'chef' washed dishes as they went or while the meal was cooking, it would've made the whole evening that much more enjoyable because it leaves nothing to worry about afterward.

This being said, I have already pre-warned BF of my intentions. He has generously offered to share his apartment for the festivities as it's 1.) in the city and therefore easier to attend by most of the guests and 2.) allows most guests to enjoy themselves instead of worrying how to get home after a day of imbibing. This being said, BF and I don't have the same standards when it comes to organization, so I plan to 'clean sweep' his place. Contrary to his friends' belief, I will NOT be just 'throwing everything out the windows'.

I believe a clean environment naturally puts everyone (most especially your guests) at ease and thereby making your party more enjoyable. Things to keep in mind:

- Layout of the room: a hostess may need to rearrange the furniture to better effect the flow of traffic. Being aware of your expected number of guests, activities you expect your guests to participate in, and the weather are all important things to note; better safe than sorry (a good example is that BF's apartment isn't the biggest, but he has a large balcony and outdoor patio, so we're hopeful for good weather to host the 20-30 some odd guests we're expecting).

- Food & Drink: Reviewing with the layout of the room, the flow of traffic to and from your refreshments is vital (Especially when Mint Juleps & BBQ are involved). Also making sure you have enough. If you plan to serve hot/warm food, unless you have a plate warmer or a crockpot (like my crockpot BBQ) you may want to bring things out as needed so that your guests enjoy your hard work. Adversely, if you expect to serve items chilled/cold, DON'T FORGET THE ICE. BF doesn't have an ice maker, so ensuring we pick up a couple bags of ice for drinks, coolers, etc is essential!

- Emergency kit, not just for safety: As any good hostess knows, accidents happen. Sometimes it's a nick or a scratch that needs a band aid, but more often then not it's the need for a Tide Pen or carpet cleaner. Fun Fact: Spilt RED wine can be lifted using WHITE wine. Always keep safety pins (for broken straps and tears), a first aide kit, and stain removers handy for your guests (these also make a nice vanity accessory in the restroom along with your decorative 'hand towels' such as the ones I'm drooling over at PartyCity!)

Do you have any suggestions I should share with my friends? Please let me know!

Derby Party SET- now to PLAN!

Menu Ideas:

Every year I do a pulled chicken BBQ. It's super easy, especially since it's in a crock pot!
I'm including the recipe below for your use and enjoyment!

1 8-oz can tomato sauce
1 4-oz can chopped green chilies, drained
3 tbsp cider vinegar
2 tbsp honey
2 1/2 lbs boneless/skinless chicken thighs (key as it tends to be easier to 'pull' than standard chicken breast)
1 tbsp sweet or smoked paprika
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp dry mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp ground chipotle chili
1/2 tsp salt

Add all to crockpot and cook at least 5 hrs. Take each thigh and shred on cutting board between two forks. Add shredded chicken back to pot and stir until all chicken is shredded.

When i moved out of my parents place, I may or may not have 'borrowed' this Mint Julep book.

Secret.... "it's in the Sauce!" (YAY, Fried Green Tomato quote!) Seriously though, depending on how much syrup you need (I typically use double so that i have plenty depending on how many mint julep/bourbon fans I have). Last year I had to make another batch in the middle of the party. Basically, you take 1 cup water and 1 cup granulated sugar and boil, stirring constantly until sugar is dissolved. I keep mine in a pitcher in the fridge. It keeps it fresh and away from bugs. Additionally, I was surprised to learn it never solidifies again, and keeps for up to 2 weeks. If you want to add more minty ness you can boil mint leaves when stirring in sugar, just be sure to drain. It's vital that you get the mint juleps right. (followed closely by having good music, and extra food for 'late night')
Another recipe I recently fell upon that might be added to the mix is a Mint Julep Cupcake:

MINT JULEP CUPCAKES
{adapted from Cooking and Booking}
Ingredients:
Cupcakes
1 cup butter
2 cups sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon mint extract
4 eggs
2 3/4 cups flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1/2 cup bourbon (or whiskey)
1/2 cup Creme de Menthe
Icing
3 cups sifted powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon mint extract
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 stick unsalted butter, melted
milk
*****
Directions:
Cupcakes
Preheat the oven to 350º F, and grease or line 30 cupcake cups.
Combine salt, baking powder, and 1 3/4 cups of the flour. Beat butter, sugar, eggs, and extracts in a large mixing bowl until creamy. Gradually beat in the flour mixture. Add the milk and liquors to the batter, then the rest of the flour (1 cup). Mix as little as possible, just until the batter comes together. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake cups. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Let cool.
Icing
Combine the powdered sugar, salt, extracts and melted butter and beat until creamy. Gradually add milk until the texture is right for piping. When the cupcakes are completely cool, pipe or spread the icing on top. Garnish with cake sparkles or sprinkles, a straw (trimmed to size), and mint leaves.

I'll let you know how it turns out. Additionally, if you have ANY suggestions, please let me know! I love to cook and try new recipes!

PS: Lucky guests won't be subjected to yet another Alpha Xi Delta party cheese ball... it never gets completely eaten and let's face it, there's just something creepy about shaped cheese...

Are you having a Derby Party?