Feeling Lucky?

Throwing parties is absolutely one of my favorite things to do. I love bringing people together, creating a fun theme and giving people an opportunity to just relax and have fun. Rudy and I threw a Texas Holdem poker party which was a blast.

I created my own invitations here by using ribbon, red card stock, computer and printer. All the supplies were purchased at my local craft store and cost me a fraction of the price of buying store bought invitations and not settling on something generic. Your invitation will let your guests know that your party is something special to look forward to.

We had friends offer to bring their poker sets and the party was on its way to being a memorable one.

Playing holdem is something that most anyone can do and it is good for a large group. We had 3 tables going and someone to be the dealer and instructor at each one. I am not sure how much money exchanged hands but I do know that Rudy managed to make out with all the winnings!

As for the menu - I ran with the texas theme and had BBQ, cole slaw, potato salad, texas sheet cake and other goodies. We served beer (shiner bock of course) and wine and did get some spirits too...it was a grown up party after all.

To make this gathering exceptional, I pulled out my silver and real glassware. I wrapped forks in black and red napkins and had them in a basket ready for each guest to take. Use what you have - there is no need to buy plastic or paper anything if you can help it. Not only is it better for the environment, but it makes your guests feel special.

For the decor, I used lots of red, black and white bandanas to go with the colors of the suits of cards and also the Texas theme. Citronella candles were abundant to keep away pesky bugs.

The greatest thing about the party is that it was a chance for folks to gamble a little, drink a little and have a lot of fun.

All That Glows

Want the look of multiple tiered candles at your next party? Don't want to pay or store tons of candles? Try making these paper faux candles that create a soft glow and are much more versatile than the traditional wax candles. From pillars to luminaries, using paper is an inexpensive way to create the perfect lighting for your guests to enjoy.

Materials:

• Vellum paper (white and gold shown here). You will be able to get 2-3 "candles" from each sheet.
• Votive candles in small glass containers
• Scissors
• Glue Stick
• For variety, use a hole punch and decorative paper to create a different look.

Instructions:

• Cut your paper to the desired size. Then glue one end and press tightly for 5 seconds to the other side creating a tube.

I like these festive ones made with scrapbooking paper and a hole punch. All in all this project will cost just a few dollars for 10 luminaries, compared to several dollars per candle.

Soulful Food for 2

Whether you call it comfort food, soul food, cajun cuisine - these dishes are savory, sweet and hard to pass up. This easy menu was put together from basics in my kitchen and a little bit of my imagination. I didn't follow a recipe but I know you can follow this one to enjoy this easy to prepare plate.

The flavors of each ingredient compliment each other and do not leave you too full. Washed down with a cold glass of milk, this meal makes the everyday meal exceptional.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup frozen whole okra
• 1/4 chicken broth
• olive oil
• 4 small sliced tomatoes
• 1 small yellow onion sliced
• pinch of sea salt
• fresh oregano
• 1 cup frozen yellow corn
• 1 cup frozen shoe peg corn
• 1 cup frozen mixed bell peppers
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 box Zatarrains black eyed peas and rice
• 2 dinner rolls

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees

Arrange sliced tomatoes, and 1/4 of onion in round baking dish, sprinkle with dash of salt

Mix frozen corn, peppers, remainder of sliced onion and sugar with a little olive oil and place in separate baking dish, place in preheated oven.

Prepare rice as directed on box

When rice has 15 minutes left of cooking, place tomatoes and onions in oven

Sauté okra in a little olive oil when rice has 10 minutes left of cooking.

Toast rolls

Serve on plates with butter for your bread and big glass of cold milk.