Entertaining Tip of the Week: Take Time to Relax

graphic by kate

Hi readers! Now that summer is coming to a close, I think it's time for me to take a little break from the blog. I know I have only been blogging for 4 months now (and loving every minute of it!) but I also have a 2 month old baby girl that I am obsessed with! So, I am going to take a few weeks to soak up every little second with the precious bundle of joy before the fall holiday season picks up! Have no fear though! I will return and hopefully with some shiny new designs for Kate Marie Paperie AND maybe even an online shop:) I will still be on Facebook as well so stop on by and say hello!

photo by kate

Here's to enjoying cooler temperatures, pumpkin spice lattes, and the return of fall boots!!

Tapas Time Party Menu: FREE Shopping List & Recipe Card Download

I can't believe the weekend is finally here! I'm not sure about where you live but the weather here has been AMAZING! 80 and sunny...sure beats Irene last weekend! Anywho...it's perfect weather to celebrate the end of summer with the Tapas Party. As promised, I have put together an amazing menu along with a FREE downloadable shopping list and recipe cards. So, throw on your tapas party outfit and get cookin! It's going to be a blast!

Tapas Time Menu:

Basic Red Sangria

Gambas al Ajillo (Garlic Shrimp)

Smoky Chorizo and Fava Bean Skewers

Pa Amb Tomaquet (Grilled Bread with Tomato & Serrano ham)

Patatas Bravas

Download the Shopping List Here

Download the Recipe Cards Here

Don't forget the FREE invite that I posted last week! Get it here.

 Enjoy!

Oh My Jars!

I've been doing some inspiration research for the party we are having after my punkin's baptism and mason jars are popping up everywhere! They are so perfect for creating a casual fun feel for fall. And for as little as $1 a piece you can afford to go crazy with them! Just look at all these gorgeous pics...

And just what do you do with all these jars when the party is over? Use them of course! They are great for storing and organizing or you can create any number of jar treats with them. Cupcakes in a jar? Of course!  Here are some of the clever ways people use mason jars.

• Pantry Organization
• Cupcakes in a Jar
• Oatmeal in a Jar
• Snack on the Go

You can pick up mason jars almost anywhere or you can find some great deals online!

Have you used mason jars recently? I'd love to see your pictures!!

Photos via style me pretty, the kitchn, and apartment therapy

Chocolate Tasting Party Anyone??

I sure hope the experts are right when they say that dark chocolate has several health benefits because it is one of my FAVORITE little indulgences! I could go through an entire bar of the stuff in a day...no joke! So needless to say, I was intrigued when I found out that Lindt had just launched a Chocolate Tasting home party program. It's alot like Pampered Chef but with fine chocolates! Mmmmm! A chocolate consultant will come to your house and bring all kinds of yummy goodies for you and your guests. She will also teach you about all kinds of different chocolates and how best to enjoy them. Yes, they will try to sell you some stuff but it's chocolate! Who wouldn't want chocolate! You can even become a consultant and throw parties yourself. How would you like that as your job title? Chocolate consultant:) Has a nice ring to it..hehe. The Lindt Chocolate RSVP site has all the information along with some amazing recipes including this one for an iced mocha. Perfect for a coffee addict like me:)

Iced Mocha

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups (600ml) milk
• 1 bar (3.5oz/100g each) Lindt Excellence 70% Cocoa Dark Chocolate, chopped
• 1 cup (240ml) strong coffee
• 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup (60ml) crème de cacao or other chocolate liqueur (optional)

Method:

• In a small saucepan, heat 1 cup of the milk.
• Add the chopped chocolate, stirring until completely melted.
• Stir in the coffee and cinnamon, remove from heat.
• Cool to room temperature.
• Add remaining milk and crème de cacao, and chill until ready to serve.
• Shake and strain into a tall glass with ice, or, for a more elegant presentation, use a martini glass.

Yield:

Makes 4–5 Servings

Recipe by Master Chocolatier Ann Czaja

All photos via LindtChocolateRSVP.com

Outift for a Party: Going Tapas!

One of my favorite colors for fall is a rich, dark shade of plum. It still feels like fall without being predictable. So, for the tapas party I blogged about last week, I put together a fun and flirty outfit that is just plum amazing! And when the temps finally start to dip, ditch the pink sash for a chunky belt and throw on some great leggings and fabulous fall boots. Perfection!

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Entertaining Tip of the Week: Uninvited Guest!

Irene is knocking at my door and she is definitely NOT welcome! She seems like she is in a pretty bad mood so I there's a chance the blog will not be updated early next week. Have no fear! She will eventually leave and things will return to normal. In the mean time, I have stocked up on the following food to help me survive her visit:

• canned chicken
• dried fruit
• crackers
• protein bars
• nuts
• peanut butter
• bread
• canned soup
• canned beans
• single serve applesauce
• veggie juice
• and TONS of water!

I suggest you load up on this stuff too if Irene plans on visiting your house!

Safe Weekending!!

End of Summer Tapas Party: FREE Printable Invite!

I for one wish Summer would last forever! BUT, with September one short week away, there is no denying that Fall is right around the corner. Why not end the fabulous Summer season with a little global flare by throwing a Spanish style tapas party! Tapas, or small plates, are little bite sized versions of a full sized entree packed full of flavor!  It is almost like getting to have several main courses but without having to stuff yourself and it's such a great way to introduce new flavors to your friends.

Download the festive invite for FREE and stay tuned next week for a full menu with a printable shopping list and recipe cards! A little preparation goes a long way for this party and it's totally worth it! Just make sure your friends understand it's a TAPAS party NOT a topless party...these two words are easily confused over the phone..hehe!

Download Invitation Here