"cocktail party" news and stories

Scandinavians know how to throw a party. And Swedish meatballs have been an essential at cocktail parties and smorgasbords seemingly as long as Nordic winter nights have been lengthy and cold. It's a tender appetizer that, if you've favored modern architectural finger food for a while, may bring classic comfort to your New Year's do.

This version, from KitchenDaily contributor Alexis Touchet combines ground chuck and ground pork with a full quarter-cup of fresh dill, some ground cloves, and other spices. The rich sauce is made from meat drippings, along with cream and butter. It's just one of 10 hors d'oeuvres and drinks that Alexis has developed for her KitchenDaily cocktail-party menu. See the links below.

Recipe: Swedish Meatballs in Dill Sauce.

Full Menu for A New Year's Eve Cocktail Party

While Christmas is only one day, there's no doubt that the celebration will continue all weekend long. Be prepared with our favorite holiday cocktail recipes and classic drinks, along with these show-stopping cake recipes.

If you're too tired to make Christmas cookies but have to bring something to a party, check out these tips for dressing up store-bought cookie dough with candy bars, spices and even bacon.

Need something to get the conversation started? Our Hated Holiday Foods gallery always stirs up the crowd. See whether you agree with our picks or suggest some new ones in the comment section.

For more holiday recipes, visit Christmas Central on AOL Food.

Congressmen voting along party lines? That's nothing new. What caught my eye in the New York Times' coverage of the passing of the stimulus bill was the line, "Mr. Obama followed the House vote with a cocktail party at the White House for the Congressional leaders of both parties, from the House and the Senate." Not a reception, not a gathering--nothing so staid as that. A cocktail party! What better way to signal a change from the teetotaling former administration? We know Obama was all about The Wire--sounds like he might be a Mad Men fan as well.

I wasn't the only one to take particular note of this event. Over at Slate, John Dickerson appraises the value of alcohol in Washington politics and then puts Obama's soirée into a historical context, starting things off with a splash of the founding fathers, adding a shot of FDR and Truman, and finishing things off with an unfortunate twist of the too-besotted Nixon. Think of it as presidential history through a new lens: beer goggles.

FINGERFOOD Party Plates are sure to be a smash this holiday season - a tiny, little smash.

The Party Plates are actually small platters affixed to rings which, as you can see, you can wear while you hold your drink.

These are perfect for hors d'oeuvres (and hand-feeding your cats, and dinner parties thrown by Barbie). My only concern is that they look a little unwieldy, like you might have to master the art of the FINGERFOOD Party Plate, certainly before attempting it while drinking.

Ten reusable plates are just $9.95 from The Spoon Sisters, and they actually recommend bringing your own to a party as a "conversation starter." That would require a level of bravery I don't have, but I would think it fun to pass these out to guests at a party of my own!

Just not over the carpet, naturally.

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When I saw this cocktail, my first thought was how well it would go with Nicole's Red Velvet Roll Cake. Ok who am I kidding, what wouldn't go well with that, really? Wanting to stick to the Acadamy Award-party theme though, I'm sure this would make a great addition to your cocktail party.

The drink, available at L.A.'s Four Season's hotel, sells for $18 a glass. Red carpet worthy, indeed. Since many of us don't have that kind of budget for a single beverage, the recipe fortunately includes some modifications that may make it easier for you to enjoy this at home. Also, the infused tequila they mention requires five days to sit. Since Oscar night is only two days away, I would recommend simply muddling the fruit together first, then add the tequila, shake vigorously and let sit in the fridge until you are ready to serve. Strain before using.

The original recipe can be found after the jump.

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