How to Shake (or Stir!) the Perfect Cocktail

If you think you need to venture to the bar to find a unique, tasty cocktail, think again. You can easily mix up your own creative cocktails and mocktails in the comfort of your own home. The most important part of a great drink is how long the flavor lingers in your mouth. You want to intrigue your taste buds and mind after the sip goes down. These tips are sure to leave a unique, lasting flavor on your tongue.

  • Choose a good quality base liquor or flavor of your cocktail.
  • Use a generous amount of the base spirit.
  • Mix in a tart or sweet ingredient such as lime juice, simple syrup, or liqueur. Remember to keep it simple and balanced, as this will make the flavors last in your mouth.
  • Add a few drops of bitters or a hydrosol, such as rosewater, to add aromatics to your drink.
  • A cocktail that contains delicate flavors or ingredients should be stirred. Be sure to shake any cocktail containing juice or egg whites.
  • To avoid diluting your drink, use larger ice cubes that will melt at a slower pace. In your glass, the ice should be visible about the alcohol line.
  • Take some time to make your cocktail look presentable. A simple lemon twist can add a touch of elegance to your drink.

From A Genius Mixologist: The Only Ratio You Need For Perfect Cocktails [Fast Company]
How to make cocktails: follow these 10 golden rules [The Guardian]
How to Make Perfect Cocktails [Williams-Sonoma Taste]

How to Host a Great Football Party at Lincoln Green

It's football season! If you're a fan, most of your Sundays will be spent gathered around the TV, cheering on your favorite team, and relaxing before the start of another work week. If you'd like to share your passion with friends and family, why not host a football viewing party? Here are a few tips to ensure your party wins big with your guests:

1) Reposition the TV.
A football viewing party is the one type of party where the television takes center stage. Be sure that the TV is easily viewed from different areas around the room so that all of your guests can get in on the action. Similarly, you might need to rearrange your furniture to provide the best vantage points.

2) Decorate for the occasion.
Head to a discount party supply store to pick up football-themed wares for your event. Paper cups, plates, a tablecloth, and inexpensive football decor will add a festive flair to your party, and they shouldn't cost you too much money.

3) Serve food buffet-style.
The only thing better than the game itself is the excuse to indulge in finger foods! Provide your guests with handheld treats and eats so they can keep their eyes glued to the game. If you prefer, position your buffet table away from the TV area so guests can mingle during commercial breaks.

How to Host a Football Party [eHow]
Host a Super Bowl Party [BHG]
5 Foolproof Football Parties [MyRecipes]

Tips for Creating the Perfect Party Tablescape

Throwing a party means making sure all details are covered, including a fabulous tablescape. Don’t get overwhelmed trying to create an amazing centerpiece; instead, just follow these five great tips for setting a memorable table. 

1. Pick a shape and stick to it.
If you’ve got square or round plates, stay within that element so as not to clutter and overwhelm the eye. Pick up a few candles and vases full of similar shaped blooms, and you’re good to go.

2. Get a great tablecloth.
Sometimes, the right tablecloth can make a world of difference. Choose one with a gorgeous design and tone down your dishware or pick a bold color and spruce it up with interesting patterns on the plates.

3. Use what you have.
Personalize your table with old pictures, personal mementos, or local flair. This will add just the right amount of personality and creativity to your spread.

4. Plan out your seating arrangement.
Make a plan to determine who is sitting where and set the table accordingly. If not everyone drinks wine, you don’t need a wine glass at each place.

5. Get a great centerpiece.
If you dishes are much to look at, make sure your centerpiece is! Create a beautiful seasonal arrangement of flowers or plants or use candles to create a more intimate ambiance.

Creating the Perfect Tablescape [Common Floor]
How to Create a TableScape [Examiner]
How to Create Amazing Tablescapes [Lonny]
Set the Tone for Your Holiday with Tablescaping [Grand Forks Herald]

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