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March 04 Recession Proof PartiesOut of time, money and ideas when it comes to hosting a great party? A shrinking economy shouldn't mean an end to your social life. You can keep the party going with these great FREE ideas for entertaining at home. Learn how to save time and money with these party options. Each one lets you host a fabulously fun night without stress on you or your wallet. 
Revolutionize The Way You Entertain!Revolutionize the way you entertain with do-it-yourself party planning made easy online.  Forgo hiring a professional or catering your party at a restaurant, make your home the perfect choice for the perfect party. It's easy with our step-by-step guides. Pick the party theme that fits your needs. Each one is versatile and fits most occasions. Then download the comprehensive electronic party plan - "Eparty Plan" and start planning from your computer in the comfort of your home, right away for hundreds of dollars less than you would pay someone else! We've done all the planning and research, the rest is easy! Simply follow the step-by-step directions. Everything you need to know is in the Partybluprints Eparty Plan, so you can relax as you build the perfect party! The "U" in Partybluprints' represents you in every Partybluprints Eparty Plan. You are the special ingredient! Browse themes>  Crazy Eights Italian Dinner Party Out of time, money and ideas when it comes to hosting a great party? Italian Dinner Party Host A Party at 8 Pm for 8 people for under $8.88 per person ( including wine)! If you need to tighten the purse strings and think entertaining on a tight budget is out, think again. Here is our solution for keeping the party going. Below is a deliciously simple and inexpensive menu that won't make your guests feel like you are pinching pennies. This “make-ahead meal” is also stress free and will allow you to enjoy the party with your guests.   menu Starters Pesto and Ricotta Crostini Salad Arugula Entree Baked Rigatoni with Sausage Italian Bread Dessert Nutella Fondue with Biscotti Wine 2006 Ca' del Sarto, Barbera d'Alba, Piedmont, Italy, $11. This is a medium-light style Barbera, with bright cherry and pomegranate fruit tones and a hint of roses and spice in the nose. The wine has that classic Barberian tangy acidity, which gives it a fresh, sprightly presence on the palate and makes it a great mate to pizza and tomato-based pastas. Brian Hoffer, The Vineyard Wine Shop, Denver source Wall Street Journal February 2009 Find out how to host without your guests feeling like you're pinching pennies.For details, recipes, shopping list and more on this "Crazy Eights" Italian Dinner Party use the link below. November 17 A FREE Holiday Party Guide !
November 12 Holiday Gift Guide - "Give Green - Save Green" This year, Give "Green" and save some too with our picks for Hot Holiday Gifts. If you're looking to be eco-unique while getting a big bang for your buck, we've got the guide for you! Everyone's sensitive about the state of the economy and earth, so we've made it easy for you to shop smart. Save time and money by shopping online, plus our list includes lots of picks for under $40. Your friends and family are sure to appreciate your approach to gift giving this season. Partybluprints.com is proud to present our Special Gift Guide.America's Top 20 Simplify your shopping and save, we've got fresh & green ideas for everyone on your list! September 23 We Blogged Live At The Martha Stewart Show!  Partybluprints.com & Martha Stewart Live – Partybluprints.com is invited to blog live while Martha’s Big Blog Show is being shot live. Well, today was certainly an experience. Gather 150+ bloggers for a Martha Stewart show all about blogging and you can only imagine the energy and clicking of the keys! Between blogging for Partybluprints’ Blog “The Partyline” and Posh Mama (we’re weekly contributors on this all female online community see this post: GO) we had over 1oo comments during the airing of the show and they’re still coming in. Pretty cool. The studio is conveniently located on 26th between 7th and 8th. Instructions are to arrive by 8:30 and wait in line. It was a gorgeous day so the 1 hour wait outside wasn’t bad. We had a chance to meet and briefly chat with Laura, Audience PA - thumbs up, first experience with Martha Show is nothing but warm, welcoming and kind. Dawn, Laura and Elizabeth  We spent our time catching up with some of our fellow Posh Mama bloggers, all you ladies are fabulous, bright spirits - special shout out to Catherine – your joy and excitement was contagious, we loved meeting you. About 8:40 the line started moving slowly. In small groups you’re escorted inside to check in and receive your tickets, then asked to wait in a holding room – the whole atmosphere is very calm and orderly, just like Martha! While waiting in the holding room, we met up with Deb who blogs Jerseybites.com (we just love another Jersey girl!) knew her only virtually, so it was nice to meet in person! From the holding room, you’re called to enter the studio by the code on your ticket. Oh, that’s us, into the studio we go. Yes, when we entered the studio, there was a bit of an “aaaah” moment. Sometimes studios look so much better on television than in person – not in this case. Of course, Martha’s set is crisp, well organized and just plain spectacular. High energy, hip music is playing loud enough to get you moving, but not loud enough to give you a headache. Although Martha’s “stage” staff is large, they move calmly and methodically to get everything (including audience, guests, props, etc.) in proper position. Getting your bags/purses under your seat is a big thing – otherwise they’d be a bit unsightly…  As the clock ticks closer to 10am, Joey Kola warms up the crowd. He’s high energy, engaging and entertaining. Everyone’s cued and then the big “drum roll” as Martha emerges from the kitchen. She exudes a metered radiance as her presence fills the entire studio – always the gracious host. Have to admit, Martha looks great. Casually, but crisply dressed in perfectly pressed blue and white striped button down shirt and jeans paired with a pair of pumps – wow her legs are long! With her great haircut and signature smile, away she goes. The show begins and strikes an easy and relaxed pace as guest after guest graces the stage. Martha’s exchange with the guests seem very real, it’s more like a conversation than an interview. Nothing is hurried or frantic – completely under control and well managed every detail of the show is executed just as planned. Another wow! Ps. We loved Matt from Mattbites.com he was not only a great guest, but a nice guy (we had the chance to chat with him after the show)! Dawn, Matt and Elizabeth and Matt with Martha (picture from mattbites.com)   We were very impressed with everyone we encountered with the show, professional and courteous and friendly – what more could you ask for? Hats off to The Martha Stewart Show and the many hands responsible for its seamless production. Well done, well done. Here are some shots when we were not on air - the set is beautiful but busy.    Peace Of Cake We just love it! So simple and so much fun. This is perfect for the holidays, teen birthday parties and so much more. As if you needed another reason to want this product, Fred is donating a portion of the proceeds to organizations dedicated to peaceful resolutions of conflict, justice for all, and respect for human rights. It makes a great gift too! To find out where to buy Go To>  Make Parties A Snap Tailgate season is here and outdoor entertaining is optimal in September and October. If you are taking your party on the road, we recommend "snap-a-party" . Talk about making things special yet simple - these could not be easier to pack up and bring along plus they are fun and functional for each guest. To Learn more or Buy Go > And for more "Tailgating in Style" Tips from Partybluprints.com Go>  September 08 Remembering A HeroWe take pause this week to remember all the Real Heroes of September 11th.  Our Hero, Joseph A. Mascali, a firefighter with Rescue 5 of the New York City Fire Department, did not come home September 11th but because of his bravery many other men and women did that day.  Last known picture of the Rescue 5 Heroes on the way to the World Trade Center September 11th, 2001 Pay Tribute to Joseph A. Mascali and all the Heroes of September 11th by being a "Real Hero" to those in your community. September 03 This Sunday, AskSunday.comMaking life easier is something we strive to do at Party Bluprints Inc. , so when we come across a company that is also doing it - and doing it magnificently we want to shout it from the mountain tops! Just in case you missed the press or buzz on this gem of a site we thought we'd blog it here:  “Personal Assistants Used to Work Only for The
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Simply download our guide and become inspired to spread holiday cheer
by hosting this party that captures the true spirit of the season
without the usual stress, mess and expense! Host our Holiday Giving
Party and enjoy Entertaining, Eating, and Exchanging - our back to
basics philosophy for easy and joyful entertaining. Read more to find
out how this party attacks your Holiday To Do List - it is truly the
party that keeps on giving! To view more info and download the Partybluprints Holiday Giving Party FREE > 
July 20
It's the Hottest Party Idea For Summer!
You are invited to host
The Hottest Party of the Summer
The Hottest Party of the Summer
Starts 08.08.08
Put A Twist on the Traditional BBQ
and infuse summer with the spirit of the Olympics
Plan a Beijing BBQ Today!
There are few times that the world comes together to celebrate, cheer and honor its people - the Olympics is one of those occasions. This global event has the power to unify the world and inspire peace for a moment in time. To celebrate this extraordinary event and its athletes in your own corner of the world, host a Beijing BBQ.
Create your own Beijing Olympic Village, just like the one the world is sharing. Gather friends and family for a unique and festive BBQ. No hamburgers and hot dogs here - fire up the Chinese Spareribs and cool the Chinese inspired cocktails. Go for the gold with our tips and make winners out of you and your guests.
For Quick Tips Go To Windows Live Events
Send us pictures of your party and we will post the best!
It's All FREE just look and see... music mix, cocktails, decor, favors, menu
Full Details on how to host
Plan your party with Partybluprints.com and announce it in style with Windows Live Events.
July 18
Cruisin' with Partybluprints finale
Trying
always to be cognizant of what goes into successful entertaining - we
have become observers and students of everything around us. In June,
Elizabeth and I had the amazing experience of cruising through Alaska
on the Celebrity Infinity. As part of our journey, we made sure to
interview, tour and sniff out everything that could benefit you - our
special guest.
Above is a picture from one of our ship excursions, a hike and canoe trip in the Tongass National Forest. We traveled approximately 1 hour inland from Ketchickan to find this beautiful spot surrounding a lake that was 800 feet deep! The Tongass National Forest, is a temperate rain forest with some places receiving over 100 inches of rainfall per year. The Tongass covers much of Southeast Alaska and the area is actually a mediterranean climate. Meaning the temperature never changes much, it stays between 30 - 60 degrees all year.
Here we are Canoeing to our lunch. Spencer, our guide for the day, had lots to share about the plants and trees around us. We learned that Witches Hair grows in the trees off the nutrients in the air. It is bright green and it's elimination from the area would signal pollution. As we canoed bald eagles flew above us and I am sure more than a few Bear ( there are more Bear per square mile here than people!) spotted us from the cover of the woods.
When we arrived at our camp, lunch was served by Matt. Matt, as you can see in the picture, made us Alaskan Clam Chowder that was hands down the best we have ever tasted. He did this over a fire he made. Matt also put out some delicious smoked Alaskan Salmon. He took the time to set an inviting table by using the beautiful flowers and fauna surrounding the camp! Very impressive for being in the middle of a rain forest.
Matt served a unique condiment with the smoked salmon, a delicious local jam. The mixture of sweet and salty was extraordinary.
Both Spencer and Matt were excellent hosts and proved once again that simple can be very special especially when served with a smile and a generous spirit!
A Special Thanks to both for a great day!
Above is a picture from one of our ship excursions, a hike and canoe trip in the Tongass National Forest. We traveled approximately 1 hour inland from Ketchickan to find this beautiful spot surrounding a lake that was 800 feet deep! The Tongass National Forest, is a temperate rain forest with some places receiving over 100 inches of rainfall per year. The Tongass covers much of Southeast Alaska and the area is actually a mediterranean climate. Meaning the temperature never changes much, it stays between 30 - 60 degrees all year.
Here we are Canoeing to our lunch. Spencer, our guide for the day, had lots to share about the plants and trees around us. We learned that Witches Hair grows in the trees off the nutrients in the air. It is bright green and it's elimination from the area would signal pollution. As we canoed bald eagles flew above us and I am sure more than a few Bear ( there are more Bear per square mile here than people!) spotted us from the cover of the woods.
When we arrived at our camp, lunch was served by Matt. Matt, as you can see in the picture, made us Alaskan Clam Chowder that was hands down the best we have ever tasted. He did this over a fire he made. Matt also put out some delicious smoked Alaskan Salmon. He took the time to set an inviting table by using the beautiful flowers and fauna surrounding the camp! Very impressive for being in the middle of a rain forest.
Matt served a unique condiment with the smoked salmon, a delicious local jam. The mixture of sweet and salty was extraordinary.
Both Spencer and Matt were excellent hosts and proved once again that simple can be very special especially when served with a smile and a generous spirit!
A Special Thanks to both for a great day!
July 17
Cruisin' with Partybluprints continued...
Trying always to be
cognizant of what goes into successful entertaining - we have become
observers and students of everything around us. In June, Elizabeth and
I had the amazing experience of cruising through Alaska on the
Celebrity Infinity. As part of our journey, we made sure to interview,
tour and sniff out everything that could benefit you - our special
guest.
The Celebity Infinity pulling into the Majestic Glacier Bay...
Then the view of the Hubbard Glacier - WOW!
Guest Relations Manager Deniece Seow took some time out from her very busy schedule to sit with us and share a delicious Cafe Au Lait and some insider tips for cruising . Deniece has been working on cruise ships for 10 years and has spent the last 5 years with Celebrity Cruises. As the ship's Guest Relations Manger, she handles all guest related matters on board. This is basically a 24/7 job yet we never met up with Deniece when she did not have a smile on her face and the answer on the tip of her tongue. Cheers Deniece!
Deniece's Do's and Don'ts for Cruising:
Do fly a day early to ensure you make the ship's departure. Weather and unforeseen circumstances could keep you from arriving in time. The ship waits for no one! If you miss the ship's departure it's your responsibility to get to the next port of call. There are also merchants laws such as the "Jones Act" that may keep you from meeting up with the ship at certain ports of call, delaying your vacation even longer.
Do book a cruise while on board a cruise. You receive a "Ship Board Credit" and you can transfer the reservation over to your travel agent when you get home. If you can't, make sure to use a travel agent that specializing in cruises. Be clear about the type of vacation you want, quiet and relaxing, great night-life, etc...
Don't leave the location of your room to chance. Look at a map of rooms, if there are blank spaces under or over your room this could mean unwanted noise. Make sure the size is ample for your needs.
Do make sure to confirm you have the same room on a back to back cruise before you board. Once on board you can not arrange for this. If you are doing an Australian/New Zealand Cruise, you want to make sure you don't have to switch rooms half way through your vacation.
Don't assume 18 years of age is of the legal drinking age on a Celebrity Ship.
Here are some additional Do's and Don't from Partybluprints:
Do your homework and study up on the ports of call. Be ready to take full advantage of all each city has to offer.
Do make sure to let the chef know of any dietary restrictions you may have so you can enjoy each meal.
Don't spend all your time on the buffet line - get out, explore the ship and all it has to offer. You will be amazed at what goes on all day and night. We were surprised to find our Celebrity Cruise offered Art Auctions, Culinary Demonstrations, Lectures by the ship's Naturalist. There is a wealth of knowledge on board and you can enhance your cruise experience by participating .
Do respect and honor the crew that make your vacation a success. Your cabin steward and waiter are people that can make your stay a great one. Get to know them and ask for their help and assistance.
Here is a big thanks to three friends we made from Hondurus and will remember forever!
Gracias a nuestros amigos el tres Joses
The Celebity Infinity pulling into the Majestic Glacier Bay...
Then the view of the Hubbard Glacier - WOW!
Guest Relations Manager Deniece Seow took some time out from her very busy schedule to sit with us and share a delicious Cafe Au Lait and some insider tips for cruising . Deniece has been working on cruise ships for 10 years and has spent the last 5 years with Celebrity Cruises. As the ship's Guest Relations Manger, she handles all guest related matters on board. This is basically a 24/7 job yet we never met up with Deniece when she did not have a smile on her face and the answer on the tip of her tongue. Cheers Deniece!
Deniece's Do's and Don'ts for Cruising:
Do fly a day early to ensure you make the ship's departure. Weather and unforeseen circumstances could keep you from arriving in time. The ship waits for no one! If you miss the ship's departure it's your responsibility to get to the next port of call. There are also merchants laws such as the "Jones Act" that may keep you from meeting up with the ship at certain ports of call, delaying your vacation even longer.
Do book a cruise while on board a cruise. You receive a "Ship Board Credit" and you can transfer the reservation over to your travel agent when you get home. If you can't, make sure to use a travel agent that specializing in cruises. Be clear about the type of vacation you want, quiet and relaxing, great night-life, etc...
Don't leave the location of your room to chance. Look at a map of rooms, if there are blank spaces under or over your room this could mean unwanted noise. Make sure the size is ample for your needs.
Do make sure to confirm you have the same room on a back to back cruise before you board. Once on board you can not arrange for this. If you are doing an Australian/New Zealand Cruise, you want to make sure you don't have to switch rooms half way through your vacation.
Don't assume 18 years of age is of the legal drinking age on a Celebrity Ship.
Here are some additional Do's and Don't from Partybluprints:
Do your homework and study up on the ports of call. Be ready to take full advantage of all each city has to offer.
Do make sure to let the chef know of any dietary restrictions you may have so you can enjoy each meal.
Don't spend all your time on the buffet line - get out, explore the ship and all it has to offer. You will be amazed at what goes on all day and night. We were surprised to find our Celebrity Cruise offered Art Auctions, Culinary Demonstrations, Lectures by the ship's Naturalist. There is a wealth of knowledge on board and you can enhance your cruise experience by participating .
Do respect and honor the crew that make your vacation a success. Your cabin steward and waiter are people that can make your stay a great one. Get to know them and ask for their help and assistance.
Here is a big thanks to three friends we made from Hondurus and will remember forever!
Gracias a nuestros amigos el tres Joses
Cruisin' with Partybluprints continued...
Trying
always to be cognizant of what goes into successful entertaining - we
have become observers and students of everything around us. In June,
Elizabeth and I had the amazing experience of cruising through Alaska
on the Celebrity Infinity. As part of our journey, we made sure to
interview, tour and sniff out everything that could benefit you - our
special guest.
Alaskan Stellar Seals relaxing on a buoy.
Juneau, Alaska
(There are no roads to Juneau. The only way in or out is by plane or boat/ship as it is surrounded by mountains, water and the Juneau Ice field)
Entertaining requires a good host or hostess. While on board the Celebrity Infinity we literally met the King of hosts, Alan King. Alan King has been working on ships for 33 years and has been a Cruise Director since 1979. As the Cruise Director, Alan works on the front line and is the face that most guests recognize while on board. We found Alan to be one of the most charming people we have ever met and his sunny, positive spirit was as infectious as his Scottish accent. According to Alan he would do it all over again exactly the same way and is in love with his job and his wife Milly (who sails with him on board in a private cabin).
Dawn, Alan King and Elizabeth
Alan was born and raised in Scotland and has been all over the world. His most memorable cruise was to China. When Alan is not sailing, he spends time with his 2 daughters and 9 grandchildren in England or at home where he loves to entertain. In fact, this man who is so comfortable on stage night after night, actually has a nightclub in his home. He has a Piano and Karaoke machine and loves to host fifties and sixties themed parties.
We asked Alan what it takes to be a great host. It is something he puts into practice at work and at play. His answer did not surprise us yet sometimes it is the most overlooked aspect of being a great host. Many of us worry to much about impressing our guests not addressing them.
The King's Rule for being a great host:
Always be cordial and friendly and make a personal connection with your guests.
We love this rule and make sure to design each of our party plans with it in mind. Being present at your party is what makes for successful entertaining.
Another very special man we met on the Celebrity Infinity was Saravan. Saravan is the Head Sommelier. Saravan hails from India and was as nice as he was knowledgeable on wine. Each night, Saravan recommended great wines and encouraged us to spread our wings and try something new.
Elizabeth, Saravan and Dawn
Saravan's Tasting Cup
This special cup is worn only by Sommeliers and is used to taste the wine before it is poured for guests.
Lessons from Saravan the Sommelier:
Saravan educated us on the importance of stemware when serving wine. He had us taste wine from two different glasses. Incredibly, wine from the same bottle tasted completely different out of the two glasses. He explained that some manufacturers of wine glasses, Reidel is the best example, engineer the glass so that the wine hits select spots in your mouth and tongue. Certain wines need to hit the sides of your tongue, others the back. This impacts how you taste the wine and ultimately your enjoyment.
Saravan also warned us not to serve Chardonnay too cold. A good white wine does not need to be ice cold. In fact, this keeps the wine from opening and much of the flavor is lost.
Thanks Saravan and Cheers!
Alaskan Stellar Seals relaxing on a buoy.
Juneau, Alaska
(There are no roads to Juneau. The only way in or out is by plane or boat/ship as it is surrounded by mountains, water and the Juneau Ice field)
Entertaining requires a good host or hostess. While on board the Celebrity Infinity we literally met the King of hosts, Alan King. Alan King has been working on ships for 33 years and has been a Cruise Director since 1979. As the Cruise Director, Alan works on the front line and is the face that most guests recognize while on board. We found Alan to be one of the most charming people we have ever met and his sunny, positive spirit was as infectious as his Scottish accent. According to Alan he would do it all over again exactly the same way and is in love with his job and his wife Milly (who sails with him on board in a private cabin).
Dawn, Alan King and Elizabeth
Alan was born and raised in Scotland and has been all over the world. His most memorable cruise was to China. When Alan is not sailing, he spends time with his 2 daughters and 9 grandchildren in England or at home where he loves to entertain. In fact, this man who is so comfortable on stage night after night, actually has a nightclub in his home. He has a Piano and Karaoke machine and loves to host fifties and sixties themed parties.
We asked Alan what it takes to be a great host. It is something he puts into practice at work and at play. His answer did not surprise us yet sometimes it is the most overlooked aspect of being a great host. Many of us worry to much about impressing our guests not addressing them.
The King's Rule for being a great host:
Always be cordial and friendly and make a personal connection with your guests.
We love this rule and make sure to design each of our party plans with it in mind. Being present at your party is what makes for successful entertaining.
Another very special man we met on the Celebrity Infinity was Saravan. Saravan is the Head Sommelier. Saravan hails from India and was as nice as he was knowledgeable on wine. Each night, Saravan recommended great wines and encouraged us to spread our wings and try something new.
Elizabeth, Saravan and Dawn
Saravan's Tasting Cup
This special cup is worn only by Sommeliers and is used to taste the wine before it is poured for guests.
Lessons from Saravan the Sommelier:
Saravan educated us on the importance of stemware when serving wine. He had us taste wine from two different glasses. Incredibly, wine from the same bottle tasted completely different out of the two glasses. He explained that some manufacturers of wine glasses, Reidel is the best example, engineer the glass so that the wine hits select spots in your mouth and tongue. Certain wines need to hit the sides of your tongue, others the back. This impacts how you taste the wine and ultimately your enjoyment.
Saravan also warned us not to serve Chardonnay too cold. A good white wine does not need to be ice cold. In fact, this keeps the wine from opening and much of the flavor is lost.
Thanks Saravan and Cheers!
July 16
Cruisin' with Partybluprints coninued...
Trying always to be cognizant of what goes into
successful entertaining - we have become observers and students of
everything around us. In June, Elizabeth and I had the amazing
experience of cruising through Alaska on the Celebrity Infinity. As
part of our journey, we made sure to interview, tour and sniff out
everything that could benefit you - our special guest.
We were in awe of the magnificent Mendenhall Glacier
Take the time to think about everything that goes into feeding over 2,000 guests and some 850 crew. Now consider this must be done while floating on the ocean and you have only one opportunity per week perhaps every two weeks to stock supplies. Add in the fact that this must go on day after day, month after month without a hitch. You have to be awestruck at the magnitude of this task. Now we are sure you can understand that one of the highlights our our Alaskan Cruise was our interview with Executive Chef Pascal. It was an honor to meet the man behind this huge operation and we are still not sure how he found the time to sit with us!
According to Chef Pascal he was born to be on a ship and is equally passionate about it as cooking. Chef Pascal has been sailing for 14 years and considers it his way of life. He was born and raised in France, has worked in France, England, Asia and Australia and currently lives in the Philippines with his wife when he is not on board a Celebrity Ship. We found Chef Pascal to be interesting and delightful and were extremely impressed by his hands on approach to running every aspect of his Galley.
Dawn, Chef Pascal and Elizabeth
Chef Pascal's philosophy on cooking is based on a deep respect of various food cultures. He personally meets with many of the guests on board, especially those with Vegan and Indian diets and guests whose diets have religious and allergy restrictions. By doing this he ensures that each guest can enjoy their culinary cruise experience. This respect should be embraced by every host and hostess when considering a menu for entertaining.
Below are some of Chef's rules for his Galley operations aboard the ship. We think they are important to share and apply to every kitchen big or small:
1. Every kitchen must start out and end up clean and neat.
Partybluprints' rule: Ditto
2. Quality of ingredients is important - Chef makes relationships in the major ports and inspects the quality and freshness of the food that comes on board.
Partybluprints' rule: Each one of us can do this in the supermarket - take time to shop wisely, buy what is in season, is fresh and is local.
3. Make everything from scratch - everything you eat on board is made on board! Yes, soup, salad dressing, every cake, cookie and morsel of food you put in your mouth is made from scratch in the ship's galley. This is an important and essential rule not only of Chefs but of Celebrity Cruises in general.
Partybluprints' rule: Make what you can from scratch and if you can't, find a product that tastes like it was.
4. Consistency is essential when preparing food. The same quality must go out night after night and Chef Pascal insures this by tasting and overseeing everything in the kitchen.
Partybluprints' rule: Never put anything out for your guest that you haven't personally tasted.
Here are some great shots we got on our tour of the Galley. A remarkable place filled with a dedicated and hard working crew.
The line, quiet before first seating.
Soup for 2,000!
Salad preparation begins...
On a final note, we asked Chef Pascal what every kitchen should keep on hand. His answer was the basics: dry food like pasta or rice, onions, garlic, olives and various spices. From this he said you can add what ever you find fresh in the way of meat, poultry, fish and vegetables. You can always make a great dish if you have the basics and keeping a variety of spices on hand ensures that you can compliment it and experiment with tastes.
We were in awe of the magnificent Mendenhall Glacier
Take the time to think about everything that goes into feeding over 2,000 guests and some 850 crew. Now consider this must be done while floating on the ocean and you have only one opportunity per week perhaps every two weeks to stock supplies. Add in the fact that this must go on day after day, month after month without a hitch. You have to be awestruck at the magnitude of this task. Now we are sure you can understand that one of the highlights our our Alaskan Cruise was our interview with Executive Chef Pascal. It was an honor to meet the man behind this huge operation and we are still not sure how he found the time to sit with us!
According to Chef Pascal he was born to be on a ship and is equally passionate about it as cooking. Chef Pascal has been sailing for 14 years and considers it his way of life. He was born and raised in France, has worked in France, England, Asia and Australia and currently lives in the Philippines with his wife when he is not on board a Celebrity Ship. We found Chef Pascal to be interesting and delightful and were extremely impressed by his hands on approach to running every aspect of his Galley.
Dawn, Chef Pascal and Elizabeth
Chef Pascal's philosophy on cooking is based on a deep respect of various food cultures. He personally meets with many of the guests on board, especially those with Vegan and Indian diets and guests whose diets have religious and allergy restrictions. By doing this he ensures that each guest can enjoy their culinary cruise experience. This respect should be embraced by every host and hostess when considering a menu for entertaining.
Below are some of Chef's rules for his Galley operations aboard the ship. We think they are important to share and apply to every kitchen big or small:
1. Every kitchen must start out and end up clean and neat.
Partybluprints' rule: Ditto
2. Quality of ingredients is important - Chef makes relationships in the major ports and inspects the quality and freshness of the food that comes on board.
Partybluprints' rule: Each one of us can do this in the supermarket - take time to shop wisely, buy what is in season, is fresh and is local.
3. Make everything from scratch - everything you eat on board is made on board! Yes, soup, salad dressing, every cake, cookie and morsel of food you put in your mouth is made from scratch in the ship's galley. This is an important and essential rule not only of Chefs but of Celebrity Cruises in general.
Partybluprints' rule: Make what you can from scratch and if you can't, find a product that tastes like it was.
4. Consistency is essential when preparing food. The same quality must go out night after night and Chef Pascal insures this by tasting and overseeing everything in the kitchen.
Partybluprints' rule: Never put anything out for your guest that you haven't personally tasted.
Here are some great shots we got on our tour of the Galley. A remarkable place filled with a dedicated and hard working crew.
The line, quiet before first seating.
Soup for 2,000!
Salad preparation begins...
On a final note, we asked Chef Pascal what every kitchen should keep on hand. His answer was the basics: dry food like pasta or rice, onions, garlic, olives and various spices. From this he said you can add what ever you find fresh in the way of meat, poultry, fish and vegetables. You can always make a great dish if you have the basics and keeping a variety of spices on hand ensures that you can compliment it and experiment with tastes.
Thanks for visiting!
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JM III Muellerwrote:
The Road Less Traveledby Kit McCallumHow often we must bear the challenges of lifeThe endless roller coaster between happiness and sorrow; The constant ups and downs of daily strife. And always the question remains .... why?Life is not an easy road for most;It twists and turns with many forks in the road,Although always, and inevitably, we are given a choice ...Do we turn to the right ... or the left?Do we take the high road ... or the low road?Do we take the easy path ... or the difficult one?Decisions are not easy for those struggling for direction ...And sometimes the many choices and signs become overwhelming.While standing at a crossroads in life,The urge is to take the most comfortable path;The road with least resistance ...The shortest or most traveled route.
And yet, if we've been down that comfortable road before;Have gleaned its lessons in life, and learned from our experiences;Do we yet again follow the known?Or does our destiny lie in another direction?The fear of the road less traveled is tangible and all too real;It manifests itself in many ways,And tends to cloud the issues that might otherwise be clear.It is in these times of confusion,That we must seek peace and solitude;Time to contemplate on our life,Our experiences and our choices past;Time to look back, and reflect on what we have learnedWithout fear or confusion.For only each of us knows our own personal thoughts;Our unique past and personal history;The experiences that brought us to the crossroads we now face.We can always learn a small degree from others experiences,And yet ... no one person can walk in our shoes,Others know not, the trials and tribulations faced in private ...For each is individual ... unique ... and personal.And that is why ... while standing at a crossroads,Only "we" can formulate the decision for ourselves;The true direction that lies within;The choices we must deliberate on with clarity and wisdom.For it is only through personal reflection,That we can now choose our destiny;... Our next adventure;... And the future we will embrace.
Enjoy your week, Kind regards A. & J.
May 27
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Claudia Rosawrote:
 Hi! I liked your site and this is the first time that i come here!I love party and originaly ideas for they!Bye!
May 8
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Keswrote:
Hi Dawn
Jan. 13
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Let the Music Play .wrote:
Happy New Year And welcome in my world
Dec. 31
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Keswrote:
 
Dec. 19
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we need you 
Dawn Sandomeno
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