Engagement Party

It's been a very busy week at work, so I'm a little behind on my posting, but I'm back now!  The engagement party was so wonderful - everything I was hoping for and then some.  The week before I got all the cleaning & cooking done so that Saturday morning could be spend decorating and setting up.  First we transformed the backyard with paper lanterns, a few tents, some balloons, and lots of chairs.  Then we got everything else ready!  Mr. & Mrs. Andersen, my parents, and my surprise visitor, Aunt Sheryl, were so helpful and made everything come together.  We had around 50 people show up - a great mix of the Andersen & McGowan families, Bentley grads, Sudbury high school friends, Maine bffs, Cornell classmates, Deloitters, and Ropes co-workers.  Thank you to everyone who came!!

Menu

Hamburgers

Hotdogs

BBQ Chicken

Pasta Salad

Chips & French Onion Dip

Fruit Salad

Veggies & Ranch Dip

Cookies

Brownies

Pound Cake

For those of you who wanted the Lemonade cocktail recipe here it is:

3 parts Frozen Lemonade (I mixed both pink & plain) made with half plain water, half seltzer water.

1 part Vodka.  For the vodka I mixed plain vodka with a splash of X-Rated Fusion Liqueur.  Probably about 3 parts plain to 1 part X-Rated. 

Most of the recipes I read called for a 1 to 1 Lemonade - Vodka ratio, so I'd play around with the ratios based on your preferences.  Given the almost 90 degree weather and afternoon setting I went more with a spiked lemonade ratio, rather than hardcore cocktails.  Personally I'm a fan of the X-rated liqueur, so I go a bit heavier on that when making ones for me :) 

These were one of my favorite details of the party.  I just couldn't resist! 

Can't wait for June 4, 2011.

It was also the first time all the bridesmaids got to meet each other.  I was so happy they could all make it.  I really can't think of a better wedding party.  And such stylish ladies too!

As I said before - it was perfect.  Laid back afternoon BBQ with perfect weather, surrounded by lots of our favorite people.  Can't wait to plan the next party!