Kara Birkenstock

You don’t need to have a movie star budget to entertain like Carrie Bradshaw and the gals!  Today marks the release of the much-anticipated Sex and the City 2, and fashionable women across the country will be gathering for the ultimate girl’s night out!  With a little work and creativity, we can all throw a Sex and the City 2 inspired party, for as little as $100! 

Décor

Hosting a great party is all about atmosphere!  Even if you have a small space to work with, adding a bit of mood lighting and other décor will change the mood from frumpy to fabulous!  First, set the scene with either the original Sex and the City: The Movie ($12.99 on Amazon) DVD or the new Sex and the City 2: The Soundtrack ($11.99 on Amazon).  Can we say Liza Minnelli singing Beyonce’s “Single Ladies”!?  What could be better party music than that?

Flowers are next – it’s amazing how impressive a room can become with the addition of fresh flowers.  Stock up on one type of flower in one color – pink or purple roses, gerbera daisies and orchids are always beautiful.   Local grocery stores like Kroger and Albertsons have great deals on fresh flowers, usually 3 bunches for about $12-$15.  This way, you can create your own assortment without spending a ton of money on a florist.  Keep arrangements simple, and if you want to jazz it up, add a colorful ribbon around a square vase to give it a modern look.  Or, go simpler with single bud vases throughout the room. 

For the buffet or cocktail area, an exotic table runner ($18.49 on Overstock) or tapestry would be perfect for a Sex and the City 2 inspired soiree.  Metallic accents will also add a Middle Eastern flair, from chargers and jewels to decorative glassware.  Stores like Pier 1 and Cost Plus always have great exotic accessories for as little as $5! 

Nothing completes a room like candles.  Small, simple clear votives are best and a great bargain when purchased in bulk ($6 at Big Lots).  Like the flowers, you can coordinate themes here by wrapping each glass candle holder with the same color ribbon. 

Drink

No Sex and the City party would be complete without the perfect Cosmo!  This recipe from Prairie Organic Vodka is the perfect combination of sweet and sassy, just like Carrie Bradshaw herself! 

Carrie Cosmo

2 oz. Prairie Organic Vodka ($18.99 on Marketview Liquor)

1 oz. St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur

1 oz.  Organic Cranberry Juice

Shake over ice and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a fresh lime. 

For another glamorous beverage option, try Nuvo Sparkling Liqueur ($19.99 on Raeder’s Wines) served over ice in an elegant champagne flute.  The bottle alone is centerpiece worthy, just gorgeous! 

It’s always a good idea to have a non-alcoholic option as well, here’s one for a delicious Virgin Cosmo:

Virgin Cosmo

1 oz. Tonic Water

1/2 oz. Citrus Juice

1/2 oz. Lime Juice

1/2 oz. Cranberry Juice

Shake over ice and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with strip of lemon, orange peel, or sprig of mint. 

Dine

When it comes to food, keep it simple and easy with appetizers.  Finger foods are best as there’s no need for plates or utensils, just festive cocktail napkins!  Get some help from your local deli by creating your own antipasto platter with assorted cheeses, meats, olives, grapes, and crackers.  Remember it’s all about presentation – place all items on a rustic cutting board or modern serving tray and garnish with fresh herbs or a single flower bud.  Serve a warm and savory appetizer as well – I love Pillsbury Savorings.  For just $4 at your local grocery store, guests will think you slaved for hours to roll these delicious pastries filled with cheese and spinach!  Round out your appetizers with a vegetable platter (create your own to save) and some sweet bites. 

Another money-saving tip, have each of your guests bring an appetizer – this way, all you have to do is supply the atmosphere and beverages! 

Dress

Other than cocktails, fashion is THE most important thing to make a fabulous Sex and the City party!  Have your guests wear their most glamorous pair of high heels, or dress up like their favorite SATC character.  To find out which SATC character you are and for some amazing looks for less, check out my Sex and the City 2 Fashion Roundup!

Read Full Post »