Hostess with the Mostess™

Between the unique shape, genuine coaster stock, and cool designs that are definitely modern, but with a decidedly feminine flair - Snow & Graham’s double-sided "coaster invitations" are a stand-out way to invite guests to your next soirée! A few favorites pictured here: Surprise , Bridal Shower , and Baby Shower . ($12/set of 6 at Broadway Paper )

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Umm…how ridiculously cool are these scrumptious-looking macarons from haute Beverly Hills-based bakery, Paulette ?! Fun flavors like caribbean chocolate , sicilian pistachio , and violet cassis , and many more - morphed into cool pint-sized confections that look as good as they sound! $1.50 each, or $18/gift-boxed set of 12.

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Using bottled or canned drinks with fantastic packaging is key for a great-looking drink display at any party…not to mention super easy! I recently discovered this fabulous new "Sparkling Sleek " line from Hansen’s Natural - which comes in a chic, minimalistic silvery can with a bright pop of color. Cool fruity flavors like "dragonfruit " and "valencia orange " - at only 90 calories each…love it!

Metromint bottled water also has a great, modern feel to their packaging - once again featuring a silver label with bold splashes of color:

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Asian-inspired decor has always been a personal favorite, as well as the combination of bright orange and lime green, so you can probably see why I instantly fell in love with this modern Asian Affair party theme from Social Couture ! This type of look could really be used for any type of dinner party or special occasion, but I think it would be especially great for contemporary bridal showers, engagement parties, or rehearsal dinners.

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These tempting Rolo Pretzel Turtles from Steamy Kitchen have 2 of my very favorite attributes in a recipe: 1. Sweet 2. EASY! (The presence of both caramel and chocolate doesn’t hurt either!) Click here for the delightfully simple details.

Have a case of the winter blahs? These hot-hued finds from Urban Outfitters should help to put you back in the party mood… First up: this super charming Spectrum Chandelier ($36) and fun-n-funky Rainbow Candelabra ($48) are both just begging for a cocktail party!

Clockwise from top:
Who would’ve guessed that something named “Chevron Barbeque Belt” could be so fabulous?! This colorful cotton waist apron is super cute, only $14, and sure to be the life of the party!; jewel-toned Diner Cups (5 for $10), an adorably bizarre (or bizarrely adorable) Octopus Juicer ($14); and ceramic Souper Bowls in candy-coated colors ($5 ea or $15/4).

Okay…so our “late-night” launched turned into more of an “early morning” launch (1:30am) - but the new site is finally live - hooray! Hope you like the new look of HWTM…and we’ll be adding lots more brand-new content for you today and throughout the coming weeks. Happy celebrating

Espresso-lover or not, who can resist the adorable mini cups that accompany them? Most things already look cute in pint-sized packages - and when you throw great design in the mix - as in the examples below - it’s an irresistible combo!

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Hi Everyone -
If you’ve visited hostesswiththemostess.com lately (or hwtm.com ), you’ve probably noticed that a new website is coming soon…and I’m happy to say that’s happening today!! It won’t be live until late night because we’re still working out a few kinks - and there are ALWAYS kinks, right? After months of working on this I have to say I’m about kinked out So I just want to make sure that everything is running as smoothly as possible first, and we’re about 98% there right now.

In addition to a brand-new look, here’s a sneak peek and a few other new things you’ll find on the new site:

New party themes…

New additions to The Recipe Box (featuring some yummy dishes from fabulous cooking sites like Hooked on Heat and Steamy Kitchen ) Pictured below: Scallop Salad, Lobster Mac-n-Cheese, White Chocolate Raspberry Cocoa, and Potato Parcels…

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Hi Everyone -
I’m out of town until Tuesday afternoon (in Louisville, Kentucky!), so I won’t be able to post until late Tuesday, but we have a surprise coming up on Wednesday that has been in the works for months…and I’m excited to finally be able to share it with you So please stay tuned…

Also - if you’re ever in Louisville yourself, I highly recommend the place we’re staying at - which is a hotel/modern art museum called 21C and is super cool & unique! Everywhere you turn, you’ll find interesting contemporary art sculptures (some that even talk to each other), paintings, installations, etc…and tons of gigantic red penguins. Sounds crazy but looks cool Here’s the website if you want to check it out…