"party" news and stories

Eastern Market Photo: ngolebiewski/Flickr

Attention, residents of the nation's capital: After two long years of waiting, Washington, D.C.'s historic Eastern Market re-opened this morning.

The Capitol Hill market, which had been in continuous operation since it opened 1873, closed in 2007 after a devastating fire. Home to many farmers and a wide range of culinary delights that included everything from buckwheat blueberry pancakes (known in local parlance as "bluebucks") and cured meats to pumpkin ravioli and crab cakes, the market was the shining jewel in its neighborhood's crown.

While the fire that closed the market was a blow to a historical site, it also presented what some considered a long overdue opportunity for improvement.

Learn more about the opening party and $22 million renovation after the jump.

When I was young and thought I was cool, New Year's Eve used to mean big cover charges for overpriced open bars (the bars may have been open, but finding a space to get to a bartender wasn't) and overrated entertainment (am I supposed to be able to recognize the name of any DJ?).

Now that I'm older, wiser, and so cool it's mind blowing, let me wax poetic on New Year's Eve for a moment and provide you with my three step plan for New Year's Eve 2009.

First off, everyone wants to get as drunk as possible on New Year's Eve and that. is. fine. You've just left the previous year in your wake and it's almost as if that last day doesn't even happen: Instantaneously, it's a whole year ago and, therefore, can be disregarded. Also, New Years Day is probably the only day of the year where you can be hungover and no one will look down on you. No one. If anything, your stock will rise. So step one, booze is a must.

After the jump, read why steps two and three lead me to believe a beer swap party is the perfect event for this New Year's Eve.

George W. Bush. In the furor of elections, he's become back-page news. And, on January 20, he'll be out of our lives for good. Whether that prospect leaves you elated or crestfallen, you can celebrate it with the "Georgie Is Outta Here!" party in a box.

The set includes paper plates, cups, napkins, balloons, and a tablecloth decorated with our 43rd president's (rather caricatured) visage, as well as games and mock Bush "to do" lists. Suitable for both Republican and Democratic parties, though the latter might appreciate it a little more.

Getting together for dinner and a movie can be one of the most prosaic (Domino's and Blockbuster) of gatherings. But it can become something significantly more special if the food and the visuals connect.

When I was a broke, just-outta-high school teen, my roommates and I would host Godfather parties, for which we'd make a lot of pasta, get some jugs of cheap wine and follow the rule of shouting "Godfather!" then clinking and drinking every time someone got whacked.

There was a "cases of champagne and little black dresses" Breakfast at Tiffany's birthday party, but the master of the art was my great friend Mr. Diva, who threw annual, movie-themed award show parties, paying homage to Picnic (fried chicken) or Blue Velvet (cherry pie and PBR).

Whether it's for iced coffee or a party, here are some fun things you can do with ice cubes.