Monday, February 27, 2012

Latest Trends In Cocktail Dresses 2012


Everybody loves party and would like to dress well for the event, specifically females. They would love to wear fancy dresses in party to get attention of all invitees. Since decades, wearing latest outfits in parties has been a trend amongst women. Women dressed well in Party dresses fill the colors of joy and increase the party charm and if it is the cocktail party, dancing with well dressed girls doubles the joy for men. This fancy party dresses for girls are referred as cocktail dresses.

Girls and women are fond of wearing cocktail dresses from the time, these dresses were brought in the market. Cocktail dresses are very comfortable for body movements and designed specially keeping of all feminine attitudes and requirements in mind. It gives pleasure and fancy feelings to wearer which attracts many people to be with her in party. Cocktail dress is a fancy party dress very much used at fancy parties, dinner parties, events, wedding parties, prom, formal evening, socials and award functions.
An evening date with your friend at a ritzy bar suggesting some more spunky and modern cocktail dress. Due to fanciness of the cloth material need to wear and put off the dress carefully as it may be well fitted dress for female body. Size of cocktail fashion dresses may vary depending on the ongoing fashion in the regions. Customization in such dresses may add beauty to the wearer. The length ranges from knee to ankle level dresses, basically slightly shorter than a full length gown and longer than a mini-skirt can be considered as a cocktail dress.

Christian Dior termed this party dress as "cocktail dress". This western female outing become so much popular around the world that many girls and females use it even as a day wearing paired with fit jackets or cardigans giving formal outlook suitable even for office environment. Cocktail dresses enhance the beauty of female. It gives fancy, attractive, fashionable and modern look to females. A unique freeness and feelings in cocktail dress enhances the party mood with joy. Movie Stars and Top Models look totally different and elegant when they are dressed in gorgeous cocktail dresses.

Cocktail dresses are available in various range like thigh high cocktail dresses, short and spicy Skirt cocktail dresses, jeweled cocktail dresses, chiffon cocktail dresses, strapless cocktail dresses, halter cocktail dresses, wool blended dresses etc. These dresses are staple of many well dressed womens' wardrobes.

Sequin Cocktail Dress  This year do not be shy of shine and shimmer. Shimmery cocktail dresses in gold and bronze sequins are scorching the ramp. If you are bold, you can go for a full sequin dress in materials like silk and organza. But if you are unsure about wearing sequins all over your dress, then go for a more subtle effect by opting for a dress that has sequins placed sporadically over it. You also have the choice of wearing cocktail dresses that comes in a more muted shimmer like dull gold and dusty bronze. These colors are very flattering and does not make you look like a disco ball. Sequin details done in the bust area and just across the shoulder are great styles in cocktail dresses 2012.  Sequin Cocktail Dress 1

The Printed Cocktail DressThe latest fashion trends in designer cocktail dresses is of printed cocktail dress. Prints were considered a strict no-no last year. But this year they have made a big comeback. Animal prints are all the rage this season and they look elegant and gorgeous when worn the right way. Instead of choosing a cocktail dress with an all over animal print, opt for a dress that mixes print with solid colors. Short cocktail dresses in a flattering animal print is all you need for rocking the party. You can also choose painterly prints in soft pastel colors. These prints are reminiscent of old world glamor and makes you look instantly polished and classy. A knee length painterly print dress with waterfall sleeves is a great choice this party season.  Printed Cocktail Dress 1

The Lace DressA must have cocktail party dress this season is a lace dress. Cocktail dresses 2012 is all about lady like glamor and nothing looks more chic and sophisticated than a lace dress. A shift dress with a lace bodice or a long sleeved cocktail dress with lace detailing in the bust and hemline are great ways to introduce lace in your wardrobe. There are many designs and styles you can choose in lace cocktail dresses. Choose one that flatters your body shape and which looks the best on you. If you are unable to find the perfect lace dress in boutiques, then you can try rummaging through vintage cloth stores where you can find great designs.  Lace Dress 1

The Red DressIf you want to stand out from the crowd this party season, then opt for a foxy red dress. Although the little black dress is still a good bet for any cocktail party, a bit of color can make you look stylish and chic. A red dress is stunning, sexy and a little different. A good option is to choose a mid-thigh length red dress with an unusual neckline. A red dress is best paired with pink peep toe shoes and a pendant necklace.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Cocktail Party To Enjoy Life


The first step in cocktail party provision is to create your guest list. You do not want to target one personality type. Variety is the spice of life. Include guests that are interesting, cheerful, forthcoming and friendly. If you ar hosting a business cocktail party, don’t be afraid to exclude friends. If your business is aerospace engineering, your neighbor would probably not have much in common with the other guests. So carefully select the right guests for the proper party typeOnce your guest list is created, you need to create a budget and a checklist. Be sure to consider everything when creating a budget. You will need to allow for: food; invitations; cocktails; bar supplies; ice; drinking glasses; decorations; a bartender; a caterer. A bartender and a caterer ar optional, of course. A checklist will keep you on track with your cocktail company provision and keep you from forgetting something.

The third step is to send out the invitations. You want to send these out at least two weeks in advance of the cocktail party. Invitations can be professionally printed, or easily made by you using some of the pop software products available. Be sure to ask your guests to RSVP.

The next step in cocktail party provision is to create your menu. Cocktail party menu provision allows you to get originative with the food. Cocktail party food usually consists of “finger food,” such as hors d’oeuvres and appetizers, creating great flexibility. Decide how you plan to serve the food: on trays or buffet style. Plan to place small bowls of snacks and nuts about the room so guests can nibble. Include foods that can be prepared a day or two in advance. This will save you time and stress on the day of the party.
Now for the fun part: the cocktails! You can serve wine and beer only, or you can prefer for a stocked bar. For a fancier style party, you may wish to consider champagne. An important consideration in Cocktail Party Planning is whether or not to hire a bartender. One option is to set up a bar area, and allow guests to serve themselves. If you ar hosting a large party, a bartender is a wise choice. You will be busy with other host or stewardess duties. A bartender can be useful in monitoring the guests to be sure none of them ar drinking too much to drive.

It is not a bad idea to have a designated driver on hand if you can swing it. It is not uncommon astatine really large parties to have a “taxi” service so to speak, which consists of a van and a teetotaler. It is always better to be safe than sorry. If a designated driver is non an option, have the phone number handy of a reputable local cab company just in case.

There are some other things to remember when cocktail party planning. Make sure you have enough serving dishes and glasses. Depending on the cocktails you serve, you may need the following: wine glasses; highballs; tumblers; martini glasses; beer mugs; margarita glasses. You will need plenty of ice. Allow non only ice for serving, but for icing down beverages as well.

Basic stock bar beverages include vodka, red and white wines, beer, and whiskey. A more advanced bar would admit gin, tequila, vermouth, triple sec, bourbon, and rum.

Beer kegs are a great option for a party. They can be chilled in advance and your guests get beer on tap. Don’t forget mixers! The most common include: orange juice; tonic water; cola; ginger ale; oranges; lemons; limes; margarita mix. The mixers will depend mostly on what cocktails you offer. Include soft drinks and bottled water for those that ar not drinking alcohol. Prepare to offer coffee as well. You will need coffee, sugar, cream, mugs, coffee maker, etc.

Select the euphony you plan to play, and have CD’s on hand anterior to the party day. Do your shopping a few years in advance. Try to get as much as potential done before the day of the party. The day before the party, do your decorating, set up serving tables, and set up the bar area. You will be busy on party day with other activities, such as table setting, icing down party beverages, creating your flower arrangements, and preparing any food items that need to be fresh, such as fruits and salads.

Be sure to allow yourself sufficient time to review your checklist. You will need time to get dressed for the party. Be a little selfish if you can; take a nice restful soak in the tub and unwind before the party. You want to be totally refreshed when your guests arrive. You successfully completed your cocktail company planning, so now you deserve to enjoy the event. Relax and have fun. Your guests will enjoy themselves much more if they see that their host or stewardess is enjoying the party as well.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Recipes For Two Great Cassis Cocktails


Today you get two great cocktail recipes, similar but different, for the price of one. On Father’s Day I received a bottle of Cartron Crème de Cassis and mentioned it on Twitter. I soon received a tweet from kingvonelk (Kelvin Kong) with an interesting recipe to try: 1/3 each of Gin, Dry Vermouth, and Crème de Cassis.

It sounded like something definitely worth trying, so I gave it a go. It was delicious (a trifle on the sweet side) with the Cassis dominating the flavors. After requesting the name of this delectable cocktail from Kelvin via Twitter, I started doing some research on the web and discovered a cocktail with similar ingredients: the Magique. Kelvin soon messaged me with the name of his cocktail: the Paris. The Paris cocktail has been around a while: it shows up in the Savoy Cocktail Book (1930) under the name “Parisian Cocktail”.

In the Magique, the flavor of the Vermouth comes out more as that ingredient predominates, resulting in a dryer cocktailthat still delivers that great Cassis flavor. So if you’re looking for a good Cassis-based cocktail, these two should be high on your list. Try the Magique if you want something on the dry side; the Paris if you want something a little sweeter.

The two dominant ingredients in these cocktails are the Crème de Cassis and the Dry Vermouth. When buying Crème de Cassis, you should avoid the really cheap stuff that my wife says tastes like cough syrup, and stay in the $20 or higher price range. Having a bottle of Crème de Cassis around the house is also your gateway to great apertifs like Kir and Kir Royale.

As for the Vermouth, Noilly Prat is a good, dry French Vermouth that will improve your Martinis as well provide a nice boost to these cocktails, so pick some up if you don’t already stock it.

Paris Cocktail
1 oz Bombay Sapphire® Gin
1 oz Cartron Crème de Cassis
1 oz Noilly Prat® Vermouth

Combine ingredients in a shaker half full of ice. Shake enthusiastically while remembering your last romantic night in Paris (use your imagination if necessary). Strain into a chilled cocktail glass, and garnish with a twist of lemon. Salut!

Magique

1 oz Bombay Sapphire® Gin
½ oz Cartron Crème de Cassis
1 ½ oz Noilly Prat® Vermouth
Combine ingredients in a shaker half full of ice. Shake enthusiastically while imaging a magique night in Paris. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass, and garnish with a twist of lemon.