I recently posed the question, “Why do you blog?” Not one person said, “Because I want to gain fame and fortune.” Our stories are similar . . . “Started blogging for X reason, keep blogging because of the caring community and friends I’ve made.”
Amen to that.
We’ve talked about how fun it would be to meet our virtual friends. Well folks, it is Saturday, and I’m hosting a virtual cocktail party here at my blog tonight. You are all invited.
Party at the Coyle’s! (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Here is the plan . . . I’ll host the virtual bar, but you need to tell me your favorite cocktail so I can stock up on the right libations. The liquor won’t be virtual. I’ll be making good use of it.
The cocktail party is potluck. What virtual cocktail party food are you going to bring? If you email me your favorite cocktail party recipe, I’ll publish a cookbook on my blog with all your recipes. Won’t that be handy to have with the holidays barreling down at us at 400-miles-per-hour. Your Aunt Betty Lou will have no reason to look down her pointy nose at the Vienna sausages on ruffled toothpicks you planned on serving.
Mood music playing in the background is a must when I entertain. But here is the dilemma. I don’t know what you like to listen too. What virtual music would you like me to put on our virtual cocktail party playlist?
To lend credibility to our drunkfest literary gathering, submit your favorite quote from your favorite book or author. I’ve hired Fabio David Attenborough to read the quotes aloud while we stand around looking literary, smoking a pipe, wearing tweed jackets with suede patches on the elbows, and swilling scotch a la Hemingway.
You game? I can’t wait to have you all over to my pad tonight. Hostess gifts in large denominations please. Or, anything in a blue Tiffany’s box will suffice.
As a recap, put in your comment ~
What do you like to drink? Please, no one be all high and mighty and say lemonade.
What is your favorite cocktail party nosh? Then, email me your recipe at robincoyle@gmail.com. I’ll post the recipes and link them to your blog.
What is your go-to music when hosting a cocktail party?
What is your favorite literary-ish quote?
See you tonight! Be there or be square!
Robin Coyle 
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Oh, noooooooo. More questions…………. Will the questions ever cease?……………
My favorite drink is a raspberry margarita (preferably one from On The Border).
“Cocktail party nosh”? I’ll have to Google “nosh” to see what that is.
I have never hosted a cocktail party.
Favorite literary-ish quote: “Do until others as they have already done unto you.” Hey, you said “literary-ish”!…………lol
You’ve never hosted a cocktail party? Now what surprises me.
Sorry about all the questions. I am curious that way.
My lowly blue collar working class 47% didn’t have enough money to have cocktail parties. However, I have hosted some beer and barbecue parties! Does that count?……………lol
It sure does. Heck, beer is a cocktail, right?
In my neighborhood, absolutely!…………lol
I am so sorry I missed your party but had surgery last week and everyone knows percocet and alcohol do not mix. I will definitely come to the next one! I would have brought my
Smoky Cheddar & Tapenade Torta
½ cup chopped black olives, divided
1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce chopped plus 2 T adobo sauce (comes in a small can)
1 cup green olives chopped, divided
12 Oz cream cheese softened
½ cup sliced green onions]
¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped, divided
2 garlic cloves
8 ounces finely shredded cheddar cheese
1/3 cup sour cream
Chop olives, pepper, onions, cilantro, garlic and set aside
For green onion layer: Mix ¼ cup green olives, 8 ounces cream cheese, green onions, 2 T cilantro, one garlic clove, ¼ cup black olives. Set aside.
For tapendade: combine remaining green olives, remaining cilantro, remaining garlic clove, and ¼ cup black olives in a small bowl. Mix well and set aside.
For Cheddar layer: Combine 4 ounces cream cheese, cheddar cheese, sour cream, chipotle pepper and sauce in a bowl. Set aside.
Use a small deep mixing bowl. Line it with plastic wrap. Spread evenly ½ cup of the cheddar layer,
Top with all of the green onion layer, Top with tapenade layer.
Spread remaining cheddar layer on top
Cover and chill 2 hours or longer.
Invert onto a serving plate. Carefully peel off plastic wrap.
Top with more ripe olives or additional cilantro if desired.
Serve with baguette slices, crackers, or tortilla chips. Makes 32 servings
1 T = 80 calories, 7 g fat, 0 fiber
I would have also dragged my entire collection of Beatles songs and anything else from the 60’s which I could fit into my blogcase, along with several bottles of Lake Erie wine (Pink Catawpa my favorite) Hope everyone had a great time! Cheers!
(I would have stayed for cleanup as well).
Since I am still in a narcotic-based stupor, I will refrain from sharing a literary quote at this time.
Ok . . . your yummy recipe is on today’s post.
I forgot to thank you for bringing your Beatles collection to the party. I had to laugh at “blogcase.” Brilliant.
Well that sounds delicious! I need to dash over to the post I did today with all the recipes and add this one! Sorry to hear about your surgery. You doing ok? Isn’t percocet lovely for pain.
I’d loved to hear a drug induced literary quote from you. I’m guessing it would be something from Lewis Carroll.
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Well, you have already had the party, and I wish I could have been there!
Scott
I think we will do it again in the future. We had a great time!
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Clever idea… and you’ve had such lovely guests…
As I’m late… surely you’ve gone to bed by now… for next time my current favourite literary quotation is “If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange these apples then you and I will still each have one apple. But if you have an idea and I have an idea and we exchange these ideas, then each of us will have two ideas.” ~ George Bernard Shaw.
To drink, I’ll just have a glass or 2 of nice white wine (not sav blanc) and I’ll bring Bloody Mary oyster shooters… it’s getting to be that time of year 🙂
My guests may have been lovely, but boy can they party! My house is torn up!
That is a fantastic quote and one I’ve not heard. ‘Ol Georgey boy was one smart fellow.
What the heck is a Bloody Mary oyster shooter?
Sometimes in my house during the festive season they are dinner… http://www.sydneyfishmarket.com.au/Information/Recipes/tabid/92/xmmid/559/xmid/120/Default.aspx… and great appetisers or party food, if your tastebuds are so inclined 🙂
Can I do the Bloody Mary without the oyster?
Of course 🙂
Ha ha ha, story of my life!
I get here and everyone has gone home! 😦
Xx
Oh good. You’re here. You can help me clean up the mess our blogging friends left behind.
He he he, I often find that bit is more fun 🙂
X
I feel bad about being late. Sorry!
I’m pretty low maintenance, a rum and coke works for me.
The music geek in me could miss his own party trying to assemble the right play list. I’ll go with my list of cover songs. There’s enough odd things there to give people something extra to chat about.
I think I’d bring something dessert-ish – peanut butter and chocolate topped brownies?
I’m bringing a quote not from my favorite author, but from my favorite all around guy, my son – “some things that are good aren’t good together, like Chinese food and cheese.”
Oh good . . . thanks for bringing dessert. You gotta love peanut butter and chocolate!
Well your son is a one smart cookie. I now know to not serve Chinese food with a grating of cheese on top. Thanks for the heads up.
Oh, my. By the time I get here, there are only a few stragglers sleeping it off by the pool! But if you have another party, I always enjoy the following.
Inventive flavored-vodka martinis are always fun, and I may be one of the few folks around who’s partial to a black Russian.
Savory little bite-sized tartlets and quiches are my favorites for slowing the alcohol’s effects.
And are some of us revealing too much about our ages with the ’80s music mixes? 😉
They are still sleeping it off. Too many flavored martinis! Self-proclaimed introvert Carrie Rubin is still wearing a lampshade.
I’m pouring a Black Russian for you right now. Let the party continue!
Lessee, I come dressed as James Bond (think anyone would notice the cool bloody bullet hole in my grey suit) and a martini glass. I’d bring some deviled eggs, because that’s just how I am. Hmm… I’d have to prepare some throw-away lines from “Skyfall” like, “Well, it takes a certain type of woman to wear a backless dress with a Beretta 70 strapped to her thigh.”
Hmm… maybe too cliche. But then, that’s just how I roll. Be well Robin.
Oooh . . . James Bond. How classy of you. Didn’t know Jimbo is a deviled egg fan.
Great quote. Classic Bond.
I think I’m late for the cocktail party. Oh well, here are my belated answers, even though they may not be exactly what you were looking for.
Cocktail:Sometimes I’m in the mood for a beer, sometimes a sweet red wine.
Recipe: My favorite finger food recipe for a cocktail party would be focaccia. I wrote the recipe on my blog here. I usually bring it to parties and people love it.
http://loreezlane.wordpress.com/2012/10/26/its-not-a-butt-its-a-recipe/
Quote: Well, the quote that actually changed my life is from a silly little movie about the “under dog.” The quote goes “If you’re not enough without it, you’ll never be enough with it.” Want to know what movie? It’s certainly not literary. Ready? “Cool Runnings.”
You are not too late for the party. We are still at it! Hic.
Butt bread. Perfect for this group.
I loved “Cool Runnings.” I has been years since I’ve seen it. I’m off to put it in my Netflix queue.
I know I’m late but here goes…
I’ll have a glass of white wine, some coconut shrimp (recipe on the way) and I brought my Seal’s greatest hits cd.
And my fav lit quote is:
I admire anyone who has the guts to write anything at all. -E.B. White
Not too late for this party! We are still whooping it up.
Seal. Good choice.
I agree with Mr. White.
🙂
Damn those queues at the hospitali missed it but for net time i will be with MsKatykins knocking back the pina colada’s hmm quote would probably be something by Virginia Woolf as I am reading the hours again at the minute and as for food will give it some thought never done a cocktail party as such i know stuffed onions are a great starter for dinner parties
Since the party is still going. However, given your medical condition, I would prefer you stay home. You need your rest, missy!
if I must but here is the link to the recipe for stuffed onions you really gotta try them 😀
http://www.food.com/recipe/roasted-stuffed-onions-the-naked-chef-jamie-oliver-355210
not smoking going okay healing had a little setback which meant i spent all day yesterday at hospital but thankfully it is nothing serious
Oh no! Did it have to do with when The Monster threw up on you?
Thanks for the recipe. Can’t wait to try it.
yes and no, it seems there as a fluid build up in the wound and that it is possible the sudden movement loosened up the scabbed area enough for it to start leaking out but it is actually a good thing as it is allowing the fluid to drain away and have had it checked out and there is no infection. it is a little llike sometimes when you get a splinter and the body forms a blister round it to flush it out – well my body literally formed a blister round the metal in my back but it works in my favour ensuring there is less likely to be an infection in the long run. i see my gp tomorrow for another check but all swabs and blood tests came back okay the only down side may be that physio will have to be delayed until it heals
Oh gosh . . . that sounds awful! What an ordeal for you. Glad to hear it wasn’t serious because it sure sounds serious!
you will laugh at this but I have lived with pain for so long that I had reached a point where I am quite matter of fact about the op and any setbacks or problems that might arise, so much so that I was actually shocked when my dad was so concerned by my surgery he rung me up just to see how I was! I know that seems weird but my dad is the type of guy who doesnt really show emotion and in a lot of ays i take after him in that i believe in being tough and getting on with things so the fact it really worried him was possibly to first time I really realised how hard this was on the people around me infact it is probably harder on them than it is for me
Can you tell if the surgery solved your pain problem?
it is early days but already I am on less painkillers than before the op so it certainly looks like it has done the job
Phew! Halleluja!
once it is healed it will take a few months before they decide how sucessful out has been (although as I say am feeling the benefits already) i will have to learn the limitations it places on me in terms of flexibility although that should not be much – it might put a downer on a few yoga poses lol i have a friend just started teaching belly dancing which I would love to try as a form of exercise as I definately have the hips for it 😀
Darn… Can you do this again next week!? 😉
I would have liked Pina Coladas, liberal with the rum… 🙂
I’ll bet it was a good night! 🙂 Cracking idea, Robin!
Sure . . . let’s do one every week!
I’ll make the Pina Coladas with enough rum to knock your socks off.
Now you’re talking! 😀
I missed it 😦 Curse the time difference!
As you might expect with our group of blogging friends, the cocktail party is still going! Come on over. I think a few people need help getting home.
Look at you, Mom.. you’re so creative!
It was a fun idea!
Just caught up with your party, Robin, and see that the streamers are down and the balloons burst ~ did they all leave you to clear up the mess? tut-tut 🙂
Had I been around for the party, I’d have asked for a G&T, would be happy with the mix of music the other guests have brought along and since I’m too late to offer any nosh I’ll await with interest the recipes.
Favourite quote? Hmmm … ‘It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…’ Dickens, Tale of Two Cities.
Now go on, clear up this mess! 🙂
Bloggers are a rowdy group. They trashed the place and fought over using my laptop to write a blog post about the party. They spilled guacamole all over my keyboard.
A G & T will be waiting for you the next time I host a cocktail party.
Oh … YES! xx
Tanqueray and tonic for me. I’m making a Hot Crab Spread. It’s a late-hour party for me, so I might have to listen to a little Harry Connick, Jr. I won’t fuss when anything else plays though. Literary quote is from Pooh:”I am a bear of very little brain, and long words bother me.”
Hot Crab Spread! Yummy! I see you email the recipe. Thanks for that.
Wow . . . bloggers lean toward gin and tonics. Interesting.
That Pooh quote one of my favorites. I use it quite often~!
PARTY! Yeah!
Drink: Diet Pepsi (I don’t really do alcohol too much)
Music: anything Zydeco/Cajun or salsa (guaranteed to set the party mood)
Nibbles: tangy, simple-to-fix meatballs (see your e-mail for recipe). Can’t wait to see the recipes from the others.
Quote that would be worthy of Sir David: “Always do right: this will gratify some people and astonish the rest.” (Mark Twain)
Do you know Zachery Richard? I only have one of his CDs but I love it. Toe-tapping Zydeco fun.
Thanks for sending the meatball recipe. Interesting that it calls for grape jelly.
Mr. Twain is a crack-up.
No, I don’t know Zachery but I will look him up. He sounds like fun. Thanks.
Robin, I’m so there. ; ) (A little late, I guess.) I love a Lodi zinfandel, or one of my new faves, Petit Petit (also a red).
For a cocktail party, we love to listen to John Legend, Amy Winehouse, Bob Marley, Michael Buble (when things calm down).
We just had an informal cocktail party tonight (you know, rockin’ it old school, non-virtual), and my hubby made his famous pizzas on the grill. Those are always a hit whether you’re drinking beer, wine, margaritas or water.
Quote: Hmmm. I really like Dianne Gray’s from Philip Roth!
BTW, I love your Little Black Dress. So classic.
What a minute . . . did my invitation to your party get lost in the mail? I sooooooo would have been there for pizzas on the grill.
Thanks. I stole this Little Black Dress from Carrie Rubin. Shhhhhhh . . . don’t tell her.
Favourite drink – Margaritas
Favourite nosh – in the gmail
Go to music – David Gray and James Taylor
Favorite literary-ish quote – “The road to hell is paved with works-in-progress.”—Philip Roth
I’ll be there in my best party dress! 😀
I love me a good margarita! Extra salt on the rim please.
BTW, your dress is darling. And that’s not the booze talking.
Thank you, my dear – I love the ambiance of the room and the company is charming 😉
favourite cocktail–I would opt for a glass of rose or Spanish bubbly
recipe –will send it to you
music – Led Zepplin or James Taylor
quote: Ogden Nash: candy is dandy, but liquor is quicker
be there around 9 in jeans and sequins
I don’t think I’ve ever heard Led Zepplin and James Taylor in the same sentence.
Jeans and sequins is such a good look on you!
that is because they have never been in an ecletic sentence before
I think they would like each other’s company.
me too — they were at your party–in the front room by the fireplace
Were they the ones who spilled the red wine on my white carpet? Geez.
I told them to treat it with club soda but they would not listen to me
“Read, every day, something no one else is reading. Think, every day, something no one else is thinking. Do, every day, something no one else would be silly enough to do. It is bad for the mind to continually be part of unanimity.” –(Christopher Morley)
I don’t think I’ll be up late for the party….I am too vanilla.
That is a great quote. Never heard it before.
You vanilla? I think not!
it is a favorite..
well I don’t cook much and I don’t drink..so what do you call me.. lazy? and boring haa
I love this party idea!! Do you mind if I borrow something similar one day on my blog?
You are just so clever!
Of course you can use the idea! Be sure to send me an invitation.
The response has been fun. Bloggers are so creative!
Frozen margaritas and pina coladas for me. I’ll bring my cheese straws and if you could have some smooth jazz on tap, maybe Euge Groove himself, that would be amazing. As to quotes: “Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” courtesy of Dumbledor
I love cheese straws! You need to email me the recipe. Really. I NEED the recipe! Really.
Great quote.
Ok, to answer your first thing, I’d be happy with either a mojito or two, or a vodka martini or three, or some fun frozen margaritas would be fine with me.
Now, on to the other things you asked…hic…were there other things? I just can’t remember…hic…but this is a great party Robin!
I’ll call you a cab. You’ve had too much virtual vodka. Can I have my lampshade back?
Love the idea, but we are getting ready to go out! Keep my Pink Panties (thats a ruby grapefruit martini), on ice!
I want a Pink Panty! And, pink panties! Sorry you can’t make the party.
Unfortunately, I don’t drink and I’m usually too busy working these days to party!
But I’ll be there in spirit!
Darn! You will be missed! Send your wife.
Will there be vampires present?
I’ll make it happen.
Count her in!
I love gin & tonic but it sounds like a party where I’d want to stick around for awhile so how about a tall Dewars and soda with a twist. Favorite app – baked brie with fig preserves. Music – smooth jazz, but I could go for a good 80s mix, too. Quote: “Editors and readers don’t know what they want to read until they read it.” William Zinsser from “On Writing Well.”
If there is baked brie at a party, you will find me hogging it. Bring two wheels.
Great quote.
One for you and one for me.
Exactly. I may hog yours too.
Back off, Robin. But while I’m bringing two, what kind of preserves would you like on yours?
We are going to be fast friends.
I’ll go with the fig preserves please.
You got it!
I sent you a link for my recipe 🙂 I don’t drink any more so a nice diet coke would be great 🙂 Go to music? Well blues will work for me. Favorite quote from a book…well it’s a great opening line that was used by my blog buddy Maddie Cochere. I think you know her 🙂 This is from “Big Apple Hunter” which i just started. Opening line …”Susan, Mrs. Colter peed on the floor again.” That got my attention lol
Yup! I got your recipe. Yum-o!
Since I am a diet coke fiend, I’ll have plenty on hand.
I love Maddie! I’ve seen you over at her place so how do you do!
I do pretty well thanks 🙂 I’m starting to love blogging me and more, and trying to get a short book done too. Thats a challenge but pecking away at it lol
This is hilarious — you’re having cocktail parties, I’m having tea parties! http://fearnoweebles.wordpress.com/2012/10/25/madame-weebles-invites-you-to-tea/
I like a good gin & tonic. And pigs in blankets. As for music, I like a good 80s mix, personally. But I’ll listen to anything except country music. As for literary-ish quotes, Dorothy Parker lines are always a classic but they can be pretentious if it isn’t the right crowd. So usually I stick to quotes from Seinfeld.
I’m with you…ABC music! Anything but country 🙂
Right on, Mike!
Me too, Weebs I love gin & tonic. Came across this amazing pink gin called Rogue and an all-natural tonic made with real quinine called “Q.” Check it out sometime.
I love gin, but gin doesn’t love me.
Want to use your Mark Twain quote? What food are you bringing tonight? Music?
I’m throwing a beer bash and you are serving tea and crumpets. What does that say about me? You are so refined, missy.