Host an Inaugural Ball to Celebrate President-elect Barack Obama�??s Historic Victory

(My Original Blog Post: http://ping.fm/ZEWdR)

2008 marked one of the most momentous races for the U.S. Presidency, one fueled by intense passion and determination. Use the suggestions below to celebrate President-Elect Barack Obama�??s historic victory by hosting an inaugural ball at your home!

Décor & Tabletop suggestions

Pave the entry to your home with remnant red carpet purchased from your local carpet store, or rent a red carpet from Red Carpet Runway.

As guests enter, have a photographer snap a photo of them next to a life-sized cut-out of President-Elect Barack Obama. This will make a fun party favor. Place photos in glossy, quality stock paper photo frame imprinted with the host�??s name and the date of the party (e.g. Debbie�??s Inaugural Ball, Jan 18, 2009).

Place vases with white roses around the home for added drama.

Suggested Invitation Copy

(Host Name) requests the pleasure of your company
at the Yes We Can Inaugural Ball in celebration of
Barack Obama
44th President of the United States of America


DATE
TIME
PLACE

RSVP
Semi-formal Attire


Cocktail Recipes

No celebration would be complete without champagne. Serve cocktails with custom imprinted napkins featuring the Presidential seal and date of the party. A few patriotic themed cocktails include:

Red (Serves 10)
Ingredients
3 cups chilled Arizona green tea
6 cups chilled pomegranate juice
10 - 20oz Gin or Vodka
5 oz amaretto
Toothpick
Garnish: Strawberry, blueberries and mini-marshmallows
*Prepare Garnish before beginning
1. Mix the green tea and pomegranate juice into a bowl
2. Line up 10 glasses filled with ice.
3. Pour 1oz (full shot glass) of Gin or Vodka and 0.5oz (half a shot glass) of amaretto in each Glass with ice. *You may also add an extra shot of liquor for a kick.
4. Pour 7oz (less then a cup) of the green tea and pomegranate mix into each cup.
5. Garnish and Serve

WHITE (Serves 1)
Ingredients
1 oz vodka
1 oz peach schnapps
fill with Sprite or 7up
Garnish: Blueberries and raspberries on Toothpick
Mix vodka, peach schnapps together and pour in glass. Fill the rest of the glass with Sprite. Garnish with Blueberries and raspberries.

BLUE (Serves 1)
Ingredients
1/2 oz. Light Rum
1.2 oz. Vodka
1/2 oz. Blue Caracao
3 oz. Pineapple Juice
1 oz. Sweet & Sour Mix (or margarita mix)
Garnish: Pineapple and Cherry

Combine all ingredients and mix well. Serve in a tall glass. Garnish with a slice of pineapple and a cherry.

Hors D�??ourves Recipes

Red & Blue Chips with White Cheese Dip

White Cheese Dip (Serves 8)
Ingredients
4 cups monterey jack cheese or asadero cheese or chihuahua cheese, shredded fine
16 ounces green chilies
1 cup half-and-half
8 tablespoons onions, chopped fine
2 tablespoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons salt
4 serrano peppers, chopped fine (optional)
4 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped fine (optional)
Tortilla Chips (Blue & Red- organic)

Directions
Put all ingredients in a double boiler and heat on medium. Cook until melted and well blended, stirring occasionally. Serve with fresh chips.