The Lazy Hostess: Cocktails & Hors D'Oeuvres

As a hostess, I am self-admittedly a little on the lazy side. But, do you blame me for loving the party more than the prep?

I promise you that with some savvy planning your guests will never know the difference. So, what's my secret for stylish and simple entertaining? I think the Beatles said it best - I get by with a little help from my friends...

When it comes to cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, let me make a few introductions. Only a click away, these special "friends" have always been there for me in times of event planning need.

For the most delicious hors d'oeuvres, order from The Perfect Bite Co. Their Pastry Kisses are made by hand in small batches with fresh ingredients. The signature kiss is the Blueberry Lemon Cream, an all-butter puff pastry filled with cream cheese, fresh lemon zest, vanilla bean and whole blueberries. Other favorites include the Caramelized Onion and Feta (shown, above left) as well as the Basil Pesto Gorgonzola.

The genius part of these hors d'oeuvres is that they come frozen with a disposable baking pan. All you do is pop a few trays into the oven throughout the night. Trays of 12 kisses are $11.95 and there is a 3 tray minimum. Other appetizers include cocktail pizzas, mushroom caps and crostini by the dozen. Delivery is by DHL overnight with dry ice and/or ice packs to ensure frozen food stays cool.

For dessert, Black Hound New York has incredible chocolate, cookies and cakes. Order a selection of the miniature cakes and display them on a three tiered cake stand. I love their signature mini Busy Bee Cake which consists of layers of chocolate butter cake, almond butter cake, and bittersweet chocolate mousse covered in marzipan and chocolate and decorated with adorable, edible marzipan almond bees. An order of six miniature cakes is $45 and will feed up to 12 guests. Delivery is next day air. Those of you in NYC can visit their hip little chocolate shop on Second Avenue to preview all their delectable treats.

I'm a late night shopper and there is something about buying my booze online that gives me a whole new kind of retail rush. Astor Wines and Spirits is one of the best liquor stores in New York and their web site features an extensive selection of amazing wine bargains from around the world. Orders made by noon will be delivered the next business day. Delivery is free with orders over $75.

Don't fuss over a full bar unless you have a bartender. Serving white and red wine, champagne and one spirit is more than enough. A signature cocktail such as a margarita or mojito in a pitcher is a great way to have your guests serve themselves. Crate and Barrel has some beautiful and inexpensive pitchers and glasses. The Ona is only $24.95. Use a few of these together to create a sleek service bar to hold mixers such as soda, tonic and fruit juice.

With all the time and effort you saved, you can spend it on the only thing that might still need some prep....you!

Cinco De Mayo

Everyone loves to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Yet, ask those same people about the origins of the holiday and you will be surprised how little they know.

After sending out invitations to my little fiesta, I was amused at the responses I received from my (highly educated) friends.

How do they celebrate the holiday in Spain? It's Mexican...

Would I be hanging a skeleton on the door? It's not the Day the Dead...

What day is it on? Cinco de Mayo is the 5th of May in Spanish...duh!

For those of you that care, Cinco de Mayo is a national holiday in Mexico that celebrates the victory of Mexican forces over the French occupation in the Battle of Puebla on May 5th, 1862.

For the rest of you, it's just a night to party and drink a lot of tequila. Here is what you need to know:

Tequila is made from the blue agave plant and was first produced in the early 1800's in Western Mexico. It is considered North America's first indigenous distilled spirit. There are 3 major categories:

Blanco or Silver:
Clean and transparent with strong flavor of the blue agave. Bottled right after distillation.

Resposado:
Pale color with mellow flavor. Blanco aged in white oak casks for 2 months to 1 year.

Anejo:
Amber color with woody rich flavor. Aged for more than 1 year in oak barrels.

I'm serving two types of Milagro tequila for my party. Silver for those who want to have margaritas and mojitos. Select Barrel Reserve Anejo, which is aged for three years, for connoisseurs who prefer their tequila over ice with nothing more than a squeeze of lime.

To try something new, head down to La Esquina (203 Lafayette Street, 646-613-7100), one of my favorite Mexican restaurants which has an incredible tequila menu with over 100 choices as well as some super premium selections such as Patron Gran Platinum ($48/glass) and Don Julio "1942" ($44/glass). Their waitstaff is very knowledgeable so ask them for recommendations. Order the Tequila Flights, tastings of three, which will introduce you to new flavors and combinations.

So, unless you just returned from Spring Break, please retire the shot glass. With so many premium choices of tequila these days, growing up has never been more fun!

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

It's Your Birthday - vol. 2

It's your birthday and you want to celebrate with 50 of your closest friends. Rolling up to a nightclub is out of the question, even if you are "friends with the owner."

If you feel like throwing a big birthday bash, you are better off finding a venue that can give you an exclusive area to entertain your guests. Here are two venues that are cool without the attitude and rate high on service.


Cocktails for 40-75: Merc Bar (151 Mercer Street)

I used to joke around with restauranteur John McDonald that he was the Mayor of Mercer Street. Not only were his CITY magazine offices located there but two of his establishments - Lure Fish Bar (which used to be Canteen) and, the long-standing SoHo favorite, Merc Bar.

Recently, I checked out his newly renovated event space in Merc Bar called The Red Room. It comes stocked with a premium bar and staffed with a bartender, cocktail server, busser and doorman to ensure only your guests are allowed in and out. They need your guest list (please alphabetize!) in advance. You can bring in your own DJ (as well as the equipment) or just plug in your iPod into the state of the art sound system.

Besides a killer martini selection, they offer catering from Lure Fish Bar. Menu selections include Spicy Tuna Tartare Crisps, Mini Crab Cakes, Wild Mushroom Tartlets, and Grilled Filet Mignon to name a few.

Cash Bar
Room rental fee : $300.00 per hour + tax and 20% gratuity

Open Bar
No room rental fee
$30.00 per person per hour + tax and 20% gratuity

Minimum of 2 hours and 40 guests.

Contact: Jennifer, 646 873 4999 or jennifer@kagekonsulting.com.



Cocktails for 50-100: Kelley and Ping (325 Bowery, 212-475-8600)

I've been to a few birthday parties at this gorgeous loft style event space that is located on the second floor above the restaurant. The room has large windows, exposed brick, a working fireplace, a private bar and restroom.

Staffing is provided at $35/hour per person but is deducted from your room rental fee. Hors d'oeuvres are available from the restaurant below or from an offsite caterer. You can bring in your own DJ but you need to provide the equipment. You can have cash bar or open bar as long as your meet the minimums.

Sunday - Thursday
Room Rental is $500 for 5 hours
$1500 food and beverage minimum + tax and 20% gratuity

Friday and Saturday
Room Rental is $500 for 5 hours
$2000 food and beverage minimum + tax and 20% gratuity

Contact: Miche Griffen, 212-979-7866 ext 201 or info@eatrice.com.

When booking these venues, tell them Notes On A Party sent you so they'll know you are an insider. As always, pass this along to friends, colleagues and family. And, please feel free to leave a comment about your favorite birthday spots around the city.

Interested in great restaurants to host a birthday dinner? Check out It's Your Birthday, vol. 1.