Saturday, August 31, 2013

Hipster Housewarming Redux

My co-host/partner in crime, Nosh, hipping it up
Happy Labor Day weekend friends! I am struck every so often by time and how quickly and seemingly unnoticed it passes. This weekend is definitely one of those moments as I think back over how much has changed in the last twelve months. A year ago today, my old roommate/amigo Nosh and I threw a Hipster Housewarming bash at our house in Portobello along the Grand Canal. I sit writing this post from another new apartment across an ocean in New York. My oh my.

Reward your guests for theme excellence
With memories swirling around, I thought I'd share some key tips from this successful party so that you, dear readers, may be able to host your own memorable party! To start off, a good party needs a good mix of invitees. Luckily, Nosh and I are very social creatures and we have friends from different areas of our lives: he has a close group from Galway, a university crowd, his traveling buddies and work; myself I have groups from my State Street days, Ranelagh roomies and the extended gals, and a shared work group with Nosh. We ended up having a guest list of over 60 people and I'd say we ended up with close to 35 showing up! A mezcla of peeps from various backgrounds equals great conversations and antics!

The next step for a swinging soiree is controversial: a theme. I've heard adamant protests against the usage of a theme, but I've thrown a number of parties in my day and found that it's really only a vocal minority that doth protest. We chose to have a "Hipster Housewarming" with prizes for Best Hipster Chick & Best Hipster Hunk. The competition was fierce, and I have to say the ensembles were stellar!

Another key ingredient is the food! You should definitely have soakage, especially if your party is boozey.  I've included my tried & true guacamole and sangria recipes below!

Guacamole (for approx 30 people)

12 ripe avocados
2 garlic gloves, minced
2 limes
1 tbsp olive oil
salt & pepper to taste
*fistful cilantro(coriander), finely chopped

Peel and de-pit 6 of the avocados, saving the pits. Mash together with the garlic and add lime once in a chunky and almost smooth mixture. If you do not have a mortar & pestle, a potato masher works just as well! Add the olive oil and some salt/pepper. Chunk the remaining avocados and mix in. Add the chopped cilantro if desired. To store, put the pits in with the avocado to keep the guac green. Serve to your delighted guests!

Homemade Sangria: Nectar of the gods
Sangria (for approx 30 people)

3 litres boxed red wine (a Cabernet or blend usually works)
1/2 cup white rum or brandy
1 tbsp sugar
1 naval orange, sliced
2 apples, sliced
1 lemon, sliced

Mix the sugar with the rum and add the fruit, bruising slightly. Empty the boxed wine into a large jug or pitcher and add fruit mixture to it. Stir all together and store in a fridge for up to 12 hours prior to party kick-off. I've used these proportions several times with great success. You can use any combination of fruit, some people like strawberries or pineapple in their sangria - go for it! Experiment til you find the elixir mixture you like!

Making my hip guests comfortable whilst schooling them in flipcup
Lastly, and possibly the most important aspect to throwing a successful party, is to relax. Once you've done all the shopping, decorating, cleaning and prep you are good to go! You may be anxious or nervous for how the event may unfold, but don't let it show. Take a deep breath and smile when your first guests arrive. You want your  guests to have a great time and they will certainly if the host is relaxed and happy!

Cheers y'all, and thanks for indulging in my little trip down memory lane! Enjoy the recipes and let me know how they turn out!

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