Last weekend L. was away and I thought it would be lovely to have a few girlfriends over on a breezy Sunday afternoon for margaritas. I had a busy weekend and I didn't have a lot of time to spend preparing but with a little ingenuity the party turned out to be easy and charming!
I started with an invitation from Paperless Post, which set the tone for the small event. We love Paperless Post here at The Happygirl. It's green, quick and classic.
I wanted to keep it simple so I opted for margaritas, tortilla chips with guacamole and lime tart. While this event is simple and classic, there are still two menu options: the traditional (but still easy) way and the easier way.
Pretty striped paper straws (available at craft stores)
Vase for ice
decorations (traditional and easy)
Mason jars for the drinks (we found these in the baking aisle at the market. they're inexpensive and pretty)Pretty striped paper straws (available at craft stores)
Vase for ice
menu: the traditional way
the drinks
Knowing that some friends are non-drinkers or watching their calories I made three kinds of margaritas:
Knowing that some friends are non-drinkers or watching their calories I made three kinds of margaritas:
Margaritas: (with alcohol)
Homemade margaritas using this recipe.
Plus
Skinnygirl Margarita: (premade, lower calorie with alcohol)
We tried Skinnygirl Margaritas for the first time and we loved the clean taste (100 calories per serving.)
Plus
The Mocktail Margarita: (diet, no alcohol) This new product (one of three cocktail-like drinks from Crystal Light (other flavors include Appletini and Mojito) has the limey margarita taste and color. This was a great option for non-drinkers. We added the juice and pulp of 1 lime to give this mocktail a brighter taste.
tortilla chips: 1 bag of organic white tortilla chips + 1 bag of blue corn tortilla chips
guacamole: We love this recipe from Ina Garten
lime tart: We use Ina Garten's recipe for lime curd tart
menu: the easy way
the drinks
Margaritas: (with alcohol)
Easier method: Tequila blended with a magarita mix. (Margaritaville makes a good one.) For a fresher taste add squeezed lime if you use this method.
Plus
Skinnygirl Margarita: (premade, lower calorie with alcohol)
Plus
The Mocktail Margarita: (diet, no alcohol) by Crystal Light
the food
tortilla chips: 1 bag of organic white tortilla chips + 1 bag of blue corn tortilla chips
guacamole: Mash three large ripe avocados with 1 cup of prepared pico de gallo (found in the vegetable aisle). This is as good as the traditional version above. No chopping tomatoes, onions or cilantro!
lime tart: Krusteaz makes a delicious key lime bar mix (and lemon bar as well) Just add eggs + water (Try adding fresh squeezed lime juice with the pulp instead of water.)
for both traditional and easier menus
before event- Send Paperless Post invitations
- Buy mason jars and straws
- Market for groceries (and tequila) for either traditional or easier menu
- Check to see that you have 3 pitchers, large bowl (for tortilla chips), small bowl for guacamole, pie pan for tart, small plates and napkins.
day of event
- Prepare drinks. Refrigerate
- Slice 3 limes in fine slices for drinks. juice limes
- Prepare tart
- Mix guacamole and cover tightly
- Toss white and blue corn tortilla chips in bowl
- Put out mason jars, straws, plates and napkins
Relax and enjoy your friends! Do you have a great idea for an easy party? We'd love to hear it!
