The Prettiest Paper Plates I've Ever Seen

Bambu All Occasion Veneerware plates and utensils are meant to be single use pieces. To you and me that means they are disposable, but the latest issue of BHG has the single use plates styled as a charger under a piece of china. It looks really cute.

And though the plates are meant to be tossed (or composted), when you are using them as a decorative charger, they can be wiped clean and stored for reuse. And at $11 for 8 plates, that's a thrifty design solution for your next dinner party.

You can also buy Bambu Veneerware in packs of 100 for larger events. Instead of using paper or plastic at your party or wedding reception, try the inexpesive and stylish Bambu.

It looks like both Crate and Barrel and Whole Foods carry the Veneerware, or you can go to http://bambuhome.com/ for details and retailers.

Shake It, Baby!

I needed a cocktail shaker for a little get together recently, and being in a hurry I grabbed the first one I saw at Target. It was $10 and I have to say I was a little uncertain because the price seemed cheap and I worried that I would really be getting what I paid for. The top seemed like it didn't fit tightly, and it just seemed overly simple for a cocktail shaker. But my fears were unfounded. That little 10 buck cocktail shaker worked like a charm. Not too many parts, and it chilled the cosmo's from room temp to icy in about 3 seconds. So if you need a cocktail shaker, go to kichen gadget section at Target and find the KitchenAid stainless steel shaker for $9.99.

And if you need something to put in it, here is my sister-in-law's delicious cosmo recipe:

1 Part Vodka (we like Ketel One or Grey Goose)

1/2 Part Triple Sec

3 Parts Cran-Raspberry Juice

Pour into shaker filled with ice. Shake till icy and strain into a Martini glass. Finish with a twist of lime (don't skip the lime, the drink isn't the same without it).

Cupcake Mania

Like most people, I love cupcakes. They are the perfect proportion of cake and frosting, plus they are just so charming. What is more adorable than a little pastel cupcake with some sprinkles? However, it seems like everytime I attempt to bake some cupcakes in my own kitchen I am out of the little paper cup thingies (liners I guess they are called) to pour the batter into. So I was happy to see an ad for silicone cupcake molds the other day. I can't remember where the ad was from, but a quick Google search turned up many many results for silicone liners. Apparently, I am late to the silicone party.

So, once again Amazon has the best selection and prices for silicone cupcake liners. This set from Wilton comes with 12 cups for $9.99 which is about the best deal I've seen. But they are a bit plain.

If you want something a bit more snazzy try these brightly colored cups from MIU in standard or mini sizes. And there are many more out there in different shapes and sizes.

Williams-Sonoma has Christmas shapes if you want to try a rum glazed holiday version.

If you need inspiration for your home baked cupcakes, try the Crazy About Cupcakes cookbook by Krystina Castella. This received great reader reviews at Amazon. And I am quite curious about the recipe for Screwdriver Cupcakes with Spiked Orange Frosting. Great for a cocktail evening dessert!

Finally, our contributor Jen P. will particularly appreciate these directions for creating your own cupcake stand. It looks simple and inexpensive to make and you crafty gals could easily decorate the stand to fit your own party theme. Cheers!

Kitchen Gadgetry Lust

I saw the most amazing thing on TV this morning. We were watching a cooking show where the host was making ice cream, and instead of using a traditional ice cream freezer, she had this awesome ice cream attachment for her KitchenAid mixer. It is basically a bowl that you freeze overnight, then attach it to your mixer as you would any other bowl, pour in your ice cream mixture, and set it to mix. A few minutes later you are eating home made ice cream.

I have been lusting after a KitchenAid mixer for several years, but now my desire is at fever pitch. My husband was watching with me, so hopefully I will be gifted with a mixer for either Mother's Day or my birthday next year. My best girlfriend received one as a wedding gift last year and I was soooo jealous. I can't wait to have my own gorgeous mixer one day. The ice cream attachment is $79.95 at Williams-Sonoma.

The other kitchen gadget that I have been dying to pick up is the Bialetti Mukka Express stovetop cappucino maker. Apparently you put the coffee in the bottom of the pot, milk in the top of the pot, set it on the stove and it brews a delicious, frothy cappucino in 5 minutes. No frothing wand, no fuss. It will be mine. Oh yes, it will be mine. The Mukka Express is available at Crate and Barrel for $89.95