Edible Shot Glasses

Imagine you're having a party and you decide to offer shots.  Sure, you could gather a hodge-podge of little glasses detailing your days on Greek row, but really, where's the charm in that?  You've probably seen ice-tray shot glasses...have you come across the candy ones?

Although I imagine they would get sticky after a while (but maybe that's better than a melting ice sculpture in your hand), these candy shot glasses from Perpetual Kid would be great for a summertime event.  Fill with a lemon-drop shot or just plain lemoncello (or a blue Hawaii, or any other colorful drink).  There's also a candy-cane version, perfect for holiday joy of the liquid persuation!  You could try to combat the sticky factor by wrapping a circle of Press-n-Seal on the bottom and lower section of each cup.

Additional ideas

Make your own Gummi Shot Glass
...or one out of a cucumber
...or purchase a Chocolate Shot Glass or one that resembles a chocolate-lined Ice Cream Cone

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From Etsy: Cute serving pieces for spring

Yesterday I went out in just a t-shirt and jeans.  Today, it was more like a wool coat and scarf.  When Mother Nature's mood swings get wild, it's clearly Springtime in the Second City. Never mind that we won't see robins and perennials for quite a while, I'm in the mood for spring!  Here are some really cute pieces that I found on Etsy:

Spring Bird Linens by Laceybabe

Ceramic Coasters - Dandelions by laurenmc18

Robins Egg Bowl by Peggitha

It doesn't scream "SPRING!!!" like the rest of these offerings, but there's something inherently spring-like about this Vase of Vietnam by soule

Decor for your Door: the Simply Bloomin' Hanging Basket by twoinspireyou

Cooking with Guinness

You know, I have a dog named Guinness and while it's amusing to imagine him as a chef (Can we eat now? Now? How about now?), this post is actually about the beer.  Or more correctly, the stout.  Namely, recipes that involve Guinness, the stout.

Mr SCS, posing in front of the Guinness brewery in Dublin, 2005

...because, oh hey!  It's St Patrick's Day!  Did you know that?

Appetizer: Guinness Cheese Fondue (Today's weather is a bit warm for this dish - at least in Chicago - but this is a good one for cold nights)

Main Course: Guinness Stew

Dessert: Guinness Cupcakes and Guinness Float (because one dessert is not enough)

Well, Happy St Patrick's day.  I did my green-tinged socializing over the weekend, so this post is about as celebratory as I'm going to get today.  Right, then...um...Erin go Bragh, green beer, shamrock shakes, etc.!

Theme Idea - French Happy Hour

Sometime last year, I was relaxing on the rooftop lounge of one of Chicago's chicer hotels, taking part in their happy hour.  Despite the lovely surroundings, it was a disappointing experience...unappetizing appetizers and (gasp!) poor service.  The only redeeming thing about the whole experience was that it introduced me to what is now my favorite cocktail, the French 77.

"Pfft" scoffed one of my friends, sipping on the champagne and elderflower concoction, and giving our incompetent server the stink eye.  "We could totally recreate this at one of our places."

"Totally," I agreed.

Thus, "Mon Dieu, it's Monday!" was born.  Click below for details on how to create a stupidly easy (but supremely chic) happy hour of your own.

Click to read more ...

Inspiration at Navy Pier

The Chicago Flower & Garden Show approacheth.  Between seminars on container gardening and the history of our "Urbs in Hortis"  motto, I'll be stopping by the Tablescapes.  Few things impress guests like a lovely table, don't you think?

From Martha Stewart

The Chicago Flower & Garden Show runs March 7-15 at Navy Pier.  Details on their web site

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