Wow O Wow

For those of you in or around Chicago, there's still a few spots left for our easy entertaining event on Thursday, the 17th at Dunham Woods Riding Club in Wayne, Illinois. Creating the WOW Party, we're calling it, (without work). Here's another taste of the insider tips and time-saving tricks my friend Debra and I are planning, courtesy of Pretty Pink Tulips. For a fast, easy hors d'oeuvre that's high on style, peel and slice a cucumber to about half an inch, use a fluted circle cookie cutter like this one, then scoop out the centers with a melon baller. Cucumber cups never looked so good!

If it's a wow factor you're after, a little lobster goes along way. But instead of wrestling one yourself, stop by the fish market, pick up the salad version, give it a rough chop, then fill to the brim.

Garnish with fresh chopped mango, a spring of chive and serve on butter pats with bamboo mini forks. They're a light and refreshing bite perfect for a summertime cocktail party. 

So if you're in or around Chicago on Thursday evening the 17th, come have a glass of wine (or three) with me, and learn how to throw better, more beautiful parties your guests will talk about for months! Tickets are $65 general admission ($40 for bloggers) and well worth it! For more details, click here. And to RSVP, email theshop@scentimentalgardens.com or call (630) 232-1303. See you in Chicago, everyone!

Comments

[Solgar kosher vitamins]

Awesome writing. You have greatly expressed what you really want to say.

[Name*white iphone 4]

We are a group of volunteers and starting a new initiative in a community. Your blog provided us valuable information to work on.You have done a marvellous job!

[fake rolex]

Wow!!
See you there!

[Theodore]

Wish I was in Chicago! that looks like a great event!

[debra phillips]

your room has been cleaned but the red carpet i found underneath it all is shot.
in my heart i am rolling out a red carpet of joy and sheer delight. chicago is waiting!
hugs
debra

[My Notting Hill]

Looking forward to seeing you on the 17th! The party at Pretty Pink Tulips looked like great fun. Love the idea for stretching the lobster w/the rounded out cucumber.

[alexandra rae]

Look how thrilled you look with those little appies. And you should be! I'll be stealing these pretty and looks-like-I-spent-hours hors-d'oeuvres all summer. Thanks! Wish I were in Chicago. Have fun.

[Bee Balm Gal]

When are you coming to Saratoga???
We're not very far away...

[Jay]

Eddie,

Last year we voted on Dash and Albert rugs for your home. Which one did you choose? When do we get a full photo tour of your abode, top to bottome, warts (if there are any) and all? I would LOVE to see it, and I am sure 99.9% of your other readers would love it, too. Jay

[Jan Jessup]

Ciao, Eddie and Jaithan!
Here's an alternative way to prepare the cucumber (if you don't have the proper cookie cutter): use a lemon twist zester (with a little V-shaped groove) to make V-cuts down the sides of a long English cucucumber--place a groove about every 1/4" or so. Then cut into the 1/2" rounds and scoop. You'll have snazzy stripes on the sizes of your cucumber base. Happy entertaining!

[Acanthus & Acorn]

E+J is synonymous with WOW I think!!!

[Jennifer]

I do hope you will post many of your ideas here, so those who can't make it to Chicago (if only I weren't going to be in Jamaica!) can benefit from your wonderful creativity!

xoxo, Jen

[robyn]

BTW...I'd give my left pinkie toe for that many butter pats!

[robyn]

I've never wanted to live in Chicago (no offense...I barely take the cold here in MD) but this is tempting! I'm in Bel Air, MD but I'll go a 50 mile radius, come on DOWN we'd LOVE to have you.

I ADORE THE cucumber idea...in MD it would be great with CRAB salad or SHIRMP or LOBSTER! YUM! As always...thanks for the ideas!

[Mona Thompson]

Sure wish I could come. Come to Little Rock and we will roll out the carpet.

[Julie]

Jaithan,
And another coincidence: I was just thinking, hmmm...maybe I'll drive down to that event in Chicago on Thursday if I can cancel my blah blah and blah. I'm sending this message to you here because I can't find another way to do it. Maybe we'll meet Thursday...if not, somewhere soon I hope. By the way, I adore the Hudson Valley and spent tons of time up there when I lived in New York. Best Wishes! Julie

[ProvencePost]

Hi Eddie,
I'm a new reader and I just love your blog. Let us know when you're coming to Provence! We'll roll out the tapis rouge!
Julie

[Linda in AZ *]

* Eddie, my sweet... "I DON'T COOK"! (As witnessed by the FERNS growing out of the "holes" where there WERE six "thingies" that fire comes out of... Only bought this "big silver-doo-hicky" cuz I loved the red knobs!... grins!)...

BUUUUT anyhoooo, I DOOOO lovvvve to set a beautiful table with striking foods that look fab design-wise, & taste equally good~~~ THIS is PERFECT, especially for here in the AZ desert, where it was 106 degrees yesterday (Ahhhh, but a terriffic tan comes with it!)...

THANKS! Will definitely serve this (varied with shrimp) next Sunday when we're having new neighbors over for drinks!

Appreciate it, my friend! Thanks again!!!

Linda in AZ *
bellesmom1234@comcast.net

[Sharon in Chicago]

Can't wait!

[Lydia Bryant]

Oooh, please do one in Richmond, I'd LOVE to come!!

[Tina Steele Lindsey]

I think I like your smile the best.

[Kate]

I wish I could be there, but have encouraged my friends and fmaily in Chicago to attend both of your events. Best, Kate

[kasey]

I'll be there!!
can't wait.
xo

[Patti Davis]

Cannot WAIT to see you in Atlanta - I am so excited!!!! xxoxoxox, Patti

[Kate]

Hope you make it up to Boston soon!

[Pretty Pink Tulips]

Love it! Those are Sooooo delicious --- my mouth is watering for them and I'm just on my morning coffee! xoxo Elizabeth

[pve]

I am in hopes that one of my Chicago area friends will be there. I told her all about you, all the WOW things.
pve

[Joanne Kennedy]

Can't you come do this class in CA so I can go and all the other bloggers in this area. Sounds wonderful.

Hugs,
Joanne

[beth]

See you there!

[Karena]

Eddie how beautiful and these little treasures look so refreshing!

Karena
Art by Karena