For certain events, you'll still want to custom order special invitations. But with a good color printer and the right paper, you can have a little fun with more casual events.

As a professional designer (and, of course, party person), the Party Imp loves to experiment with different types of papers, but linens are always wonderful. Just like setting a pretty buffet table, layering can add a little pizzazz to invitations. In the picture below, the Imp used chocolate linen card stock as a backing and then cut down ivory linen paper for the top printed piece. Printed fonts and graphics give it less of a handcrafted look (as opposed to the look that stamping provides) and that is more appropriate for special occasions.

Because extensive directions were needed for this event, business card style inserts were printed. On the back side of the back panel, small slices (the same as in some presentation folders) were added and the printed directions slipped in nicely without taking away from the front design. Even better, they could be removed and kept getting to the shower.

After much research into on-line companies, the Party Imp recommends Paper and More. This internet company seemed to be the most comprehensive in stocking matching papers and envelopes. None of the others could compete as a "complete resource." For matching Thank You notes, they also carried the smaller envelopes - all in the same beautiful ivory linen.

If you're not creating your own graphics, be sure that any art you use is high resolution. Graphics you see on most web sites are not suitable for printing, although they look fine on a monitor. Look for those that have a high-resolution download option or don't use them. Sending a high-quality invitation is your first step to a terrific event!

Your Baby Shower Centerpiece: The Cake

The baby shower cake you choose should be the centerpiece of your gathering. If you splurge on any one thing, it should be the cake. Even if you're on a strict budget, it's easy to be creative with a simple sheet cake.

Tiered cakes are wonderful ways to add extra color and flavors. These can easily turn into beautiful masterpieces that everyone will be raving about. Utilize the mother-to-be's nursery decor and bedding as a basis for the design.

Add extras, if your budget allows. These can include (as shown here) baby blocks at the base of the cake. Cookies and cupcakes with matching color and decorations are also a special touch. Think about packaging these in pretty cellophane as a party gift.

Be sure the cake table is placed with room for the cake server and for guests to pass by comfortably. It should also be large enough to accommodate plates, silverware, and napkins. This is a great spot for the punchbowl as well.

Your professional cake decorator will also have an extensive catalog of ideas.

Roll 'Em & ... Eat 'Em

Tortilla Rollups - weren't they be best when they popped on the scene a few hundred years back? Well, now you can bring them out of retirement with a bit of a new twist. These still look the same, but with even more cheesy flavor.

The classic recipe calls for:
--cream cheese
--pimentos (jar - finely diced)
--green onions (don't overload)
--jalapenos (if desired)

And a host of other things can go in them - like the kitchen sink.

For the newest way to enjoy them, all you need is:

1 Jar of Old English cheese spread

Mix it in with the cream cheese - really, really good so it is completely blended.

Now add all your other ingredients, let them chill and you have a brand new style.

Should it be called Rollups Con Queso perhaps? Or Tortilla Formaggio? By any name, they're a really classic.

Great Mashed Potatoes - Manual Labor Alert

When making mashed potatoes, put that electric mixer away! Even on low speed, they can turn chewy or develop that plasticized sheen of over-whipping. Use a hand masher and work up a few muscles while you turn out perfectly fluffy mounds.

For potato salad, a little mashing will also make it creamier. You can do this in two ways. Depending on the size of your batch, cut smaller cubes and cook them separately. Let them get a little softer than the larger batch. These will be your mashers. You can also just cook them all in one big pot and do a little - not too much - potato mashing in one large bowl.

Grilling Green

If you're going green (or have already gone green), you may want to check out these tips for grilling without taking up large carbon footprints with charcoal. It's a fact that the typical briquettes - while providing a nice char - emit more than 100 times more carbon monoxide that alternatives such as propane. Even worse, with each flareup, you're releasing those nasty VOCs (volatile organic compounds) out into the atmosphere as well.

What is a grill guy or gal to do? The Party Imp does understand that cooking outdoors is at minimum a warm-weather requirement. Indeed, it is a practice that should go all year long.

These tips will get you started down the path to green-dom.

1. Use a propane-fueled grill. If you have the luxury of an outdoor kitchen, natural gas is more environmentally friendly, too.
2. Replace standard briquettes with those made from wood or look for those that are "organic."
3. Seriously, the Party Imp also understands diehards who won't give up charcoal. If this is the case, use a chimney starter instead of lighter fluid. Every bit helps!

Make a Memorable Meal on Memorial Day

The first long weekend of summer is just around the corner. It's time to start thinking about a menu! Sure, just throw on some dogs and pick up some potato salad. Or plan a few classics and invite a crowd over for some great grilling.

The Party Imp enjoys cooking outdoors all year long and has a few favorite recipes to recommend. Also, there are some tips here for beginning grillers and seasoned pros. Stay safe and serve up summer holiday food in style.

Summer Grilling - Get it On!

Quick "Authentic" Refried Beans for Dips or Sides

When you want to whip up a dip or a side in a hurry, turn to Mexican food! Call it Tex-Mex or whatever, but this tasty recipe is a really fast way to bring authentic tastes to the table. It's thick enough to be a great dip for corn chips and tortilla chips. If you have surprise guests and want to whip up a meal, this will make a great side. Just be sure you have canned pinto beans in the pantry and you'll be all set!

- 2 cans pinto beans (drain, but reserve all liquid)
- 3 Tbs. chili powder
- 1 tsp. cumin
- 1 tsp. dried cilantro (optional)
- 1 tsp. black pepper
- salt to taste
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1-2 Tbs. cooking oil

-- Drain beans by pouring reserved liquid into a bowl.
-- In the bowl with liquid, add the chili powder, cumin, cilantro and black pepper.
-- Add a little cooking oil (1-2 Tbs.) to a skillet and heat.
-- Add the beans and stir to heat evenly.
-- Add the liquid and spice mix; continue stirring.
-- Add the milk.
-- Mash some of the beans to create a blend of partially mashed/partially whole.
-- Salt to taste and continue cooking to desired consistency.

Here's an expanded version that's still quite easy to prepare.