Planning a party is never easy. And now with so many ideas floating around the web, Fall home entertaining can actually seem overwhelming. With so much information out there, that push to make your Fall season parties unique can seem very difficult.
But it doesn’t have to be.
When it comes to Fall and even Winter Holiday evening cocktail parties, brunch and homemade gifts are on everyone’s mind as we gear up for the season. Social media is taking center stage as one of the newest ways to plan and execute a home soiree. Event hashtags along with elaborate party photo shoots and creative party details appearing on Pinterest are all the rage this year.
In addition, many party experts say people are anxious for gatherings to be less expensive with a more casual cocktail party approach, rather than a sit-down dinner, because it allows guests to mingle more freely. Planners say food can be simple and decorations don’t have to be fancy.
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Another idea when hosting a holiday get-together is to make some unique and simple DIY infusions before the party begins in order to create personalized and fun cocktails. Infusions, or the process of soaking any combination of botanical ingredients in spirits, are a simple way to make all-natural flavored liqueurs not available in stores–and there’s no end to the creative possibilities. Herbs, spices and fruits are most commonly used for infusions. It’s a great way to make your party different instead of serving the same old cocktails and, you can send guests home with these infusions packaged in a cute apothecary bottle or mason jar.
You can also dress up your drinks with unique garnishes, such as fresh cranberries skewered on toothpicks or cinnamon sticks. For the table, use brown craft paper that you can write on and indicate where your guests can go for the different flavor infusions and draw a line connecting the best food pairings for each flavor.
Fall Home Entertaining
Popular Mixologist Ted Gilgore joined me recently to reveal the hottest party trends for the upcoming season. Ted shared tips on how to make your Fall home entertaining unique and personalized using the latest trends in cocktails and food pairings.
How You Can Take Home Entertaining to New Level This Season
Take a look below.
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For more tips and emerging trends to help you think outside the box when planning your special party this season, visit:Â www.makeityourown.com.
Fall Home Entertaining
Here are some Fall Holiday Infusion Recipes from Ted to try for your parties this season.Â
Chai Vodka
 Ingredients:
- 10 oz EverclearÂ
- 10 oz Filtered water
- 4 oz 1:1 Simple Syrup
- 1/4 cup or 6 Bags of ChaiÂ
 Process: Combine Everclear and water. Add Chai and steep for 1-2 hours checking strength every half hour. Steep time will vary with strength of Chai. Strain off and add simple syrup. Bottle. Makes apx. 24 oz of 80 proof Vodka. (40% alcohol )
 Fall Home Entertaining
Chai Milk Punch
- 1.5 oz Chai Vodka
- .5 oz Simple Syrup
- 3 oz Milk
Shake all with shaker and strain into highball glass. Top with Grated nutmeg.
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Fall Flavors Vodka
Ingredients:Â
- 10 oz EverclearÂ
- 10 oz Filtered water
- 4 oz 1:1 Simple Syrup
- 3/4 cup chopped Granny Smith Apple
- 3/4 Cup copped Red Delicious Apple
- 3/4 Cup chopped Cranberries
- 2 allspiceÂ
- 2 cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
 Process:
In food processor or with a knife, chop cranberries, and apples. Add all to 10 oz Everclear. Add spices.Give a good shake. Let steep for 24 hours. Strain off and add water and simple syrup. Bottle. Makes apx. 24 oz of 80 proof Vodka. (40% alcohol)
 Fall Home Entertaining
Holiday Highball
- 1.5 oz Fall Flavors Vodka
- Club soda
- Slice of Red Delicious Apple
- Slice Granny Smith Apple
 Combine Vodka  and club soda in highball. Stir briefly. Garnish with apple slices.
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Orange spice Vodka
Ingredients:
- 10 oz Everclear
- 10 oz Filtered water
- 4 oz 1:1 Simple syrup
- Zest of 2 oranges
- 4 Â clovesÂ
- 4 allspice
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 vanilla bean split
 Process:
Steep cloves, allspice, cinnamon, vanilla and orange zest to 10 oz Everclear. (Use a micro planer on oranges to get just the zest) Let steep for 24 hours. Strain off. Add 10 oz of waster and 4 oz simple syrup. Bottle. Makes apx. 24 oz of 80 proof Vodka (40% alcohol)
 Fall Home Entertaining
OtherworldlyÂ
- 1.5 oz Orange Spice Vodka
- .5 oz Creme de Cacao
- .75 Ginger Liqueur (Domain de Canton)
- .5 lemon juice
- Add all to Shaker and shake hard. Strain into cocktail glass. Garnish with candied ginger and or candy corn.Â
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Meet Our Guest:
The Last Word is anchored by the continued drive and obsession of Ted Kilgore, spirits and mixology professional. In the 12+ years that Ted has been in the business of drinks, Ted has become one of the most recognized mixologists in the Midwest.
In his thirst for knowledge, Ted has studied under such industry leaders as Paul Pacult, David Wondrich, Dale DeGroff, Steve Olson, Doug Frost, and Gary Regan. In May of 2007, he attended the B.A.R. (Beverage Alcohol Resource) in Manhattan and earned the prestigious B.A.R. Ready Certification. Attending Tales of the Cocktail, Grand Marnier Mixology Summits, and research and development travel have helped keep Ted apprised of the national and international cocktail and spirits scene.
Ted can be found mixing drinks at Planter’s House in the beautiful Lafayette Square neighborhood of St. Louis, MO.
Fall Home Entertaining
