WOW with Eddie Ross and Debra Phillips

One week ago today my mom and I attended the Eddie Ross event, WOW: Creating a Party Without the Work. The evening was co-hosted by Debra Phillips, owner of Scentimental Gardens and author of 5th and State. The two were the perfect compliment to one another. While Eddie covered glamour, appetizers and exciting serving ideas, Debra brought her gardening expertise to the table (literally).  It was 3 hours of laughs, non-stop inspiration and extraordinarily easy party planning tips. Here are some major points discussed by Eddie & Debra:


1} Individualizing is Actually Easier : Bring out small cups, bowls and cones and make enough for each of your guests. It might take a bit more time than dumping a bag of chex mix in a bowl, but the end result is a little more attractive. You're saving on wasted food and your guests will feel special that you put something together just for them.

2} Pretty Party Picks: Why use the toothpicks from the deli when there are tons more options out there? Look for bamboo or tiny shell topped picks. While your at it, consider swizzle sticks for drinks instead of  charms. Eddie suggests looking around your local antique store for vintage swizzle sticks to stock your bar with. At party time, only put out one of each color or brand - that way your guests can differentiate which drink is theirs.

3} Spend Time on an "Edible Landscape": You can see from the pictures above that Eddie put out one show-stopping tablescape made entirely of fruits, veggies, meats, cheeses and dips. For dip displays, cut a head of lettuce or melon in half, scoop out the center and use it for your dip or melon balls. Freeze the other half of your melon and use for margaritas the day after the party. Genius.

4} Vintage Linens:  "It's not about going to Target." While I hated hearing it, he was right. While you're scouting swizzle sticks at your local antique store, keep your eyes peeled for vintage linens to use as tablecloths and napkins.

5} Find a Spot Other than the Deck: Instead of setting our party up on the deck or patio to admire the garden from afar, Debra suggests to move into your yard. Pick an unexpected spot near the garden, set up your table and chairs and decorate with hanging lights or lanterns. On your table, consider using leaves as coasters to bring a little more nature to your place settings.

Other quick tips from Eddie:

Buy & Assemble.....Buy a pound cake from the grocery store, cut into layers, add lemon curd between each piece, reassemble, and refrigerate.
No Fail Sangria....Sauvignon Blanc and Fresca + fruit (he swears by it).
Bring Back the Bundt.....An easy way to make a beautiful cake and it's all in the pan.
Day Old Pizza.....Order a pizza (no cheese) the day before your party. Day of, use a small cookie cutter to get little pizza rounds out of the dough. Dress the rounds with chosen garnishes (ex: piece of pepperoni, mozzarella ball and olive) and keep together with party pick.

Thanks to Eddie and Debra for such a great night. If Eddie is ever in your neck of the woods I highly suggest you attend one of his events!