My Favorite Things Party Theme

Last night I went to a "My Favorite Things" party.  It is now one of my favorite party themes.  (see other party themes I've recommended in the past.)

The hostess was inspired by the idea posted on the adorable blog Bushel and a Peck.  Thirty guests were invited and asked to bring their favorite appetizer or dessert as well as their favorite item (under $5) wrapped for 5 people.  I went to my favorite store, SurLaTable and picked up cookie cutters in the shape of a bat, a pumpkin, a christmas tree and a heart. Just in time for the holidays! I included my Very Best Sugar Cookie Recipe Ever with it.

When we arrived, each guest wrote her name on 5 pieces of precut decorated paper and put them in the bowl.  We enjoyed Italian Cream Sodas and everybody's apps and desserts.   I learned so many new recipes I am excited to try, especially some bite-sized goodies like pigs-in-a-blanket and banana bread bites.  Everyone was handed a bag with their custom designed label (designed by me!) as we took our seats. One at a time, each lady would introduce herself and explain what her favorite item was.  Then she would pick out 5 names from the bowl and hand those 5 people her favorite thing.  At the end of the evening, everyone left with 5 different items.

The top 5 creative items I remembered were:
1. A Finch Bird Seed Kit
2. Homemade creme brulee
3. HairWraps for when you get out of the shower.
4. Trader Joes Recycle Bags
5. A month supply of Styrofoam Cups with straws.

Candles, lotions, cleaning supplies, and candy kits were the most popular items shared.

A favorite things party is a fabulous way to share time with friends and learn a little something new about them.


In the meantime, what ideas do you have for a favorite things party? What would you share?

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Raspberry Pretzel Casserole Dessert

Traditionally our bunko group has a Thanksgiving Potluck every November.  This year I made the Raspberry Pretzel Casserole Dessert to bring.  However, it didn't quite make it to the party because the jello hadn't firmly set in time.  It tasted fabulous when I got home though.  Make sure you make this the morning of your event if not the night before to be safe.  Here's how to make it:


INGREDIENTS
crust
2 1/2 cups of pretzels, crushed into crumbs
1 stick of butter, melted
3 tbsp sugar


center
8oz cream cheese
12oz of Cool Whip
1 cup sugar


topping
1 6oz box of raspberry Jello 
2 c boiling water
1 bag of frozen raspberries


HOW TO MAKE
In a food processor, blend all the crust ingredients until fine.  Firmly press into a lightly sprayed 9x13 casserole dish.  Bake at 350˚ for 10 minutes. Let Cool.


In a food processor, blend the center ingredients until creamy.  Layer on top of the cooled crust making sure to block any holes that the jello mixture might seep through.  Seal it completely. Let chill.


Add 2 cups boiling water to the Jello mix and stir until completely dissolved.  Add 1 bag of frozen raspberries.  Let sit in fridge for 1/2 hour to cool and slightly firm up.  Then pour mixture ontop of cream cheese center.


Let stand for at least 4 hours before serving.

Looking for other fabulous casseroles to make once a week or to bring to a party? See the 30daysof...casseroles photo album with links to fabulous recipes. 

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