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Wine and Cheese Crafternoon Party and a Chinet® Giveaway

| Filed Under: Parties, Tutorials

So I hosted a fun get together at my house recently. I called it a “Wine and Cheese Crafternoon.” Sounds catchy, huh? I came up with the idea as I wanted a reason to get a few of my crafty friends together to chit-chat and create minus our littles as it’s pretty tough to get to do any type of crafting with kids and, since evenings are so hard to work around these days with bedtime routines and our husbands’ work schedules, a Crafternoon party was born!
The menu was all about us mommas getting to relax and enjoy one another’s company. Red and white wine, Limoncello sparkling soda, and mineral water for beverages. Chianti-infused salami and prosciutto with water crackers, crunchy breadsticks, and fresh French bread. Marinated Kalamata and green olives and, my favorite, blue cheese stuffed giant olives… yum! And of course I had some cheese to go with our wine! The four cheese varieties I offered were: a nice Sharp Cheddar, a Parmesan Reggiano, a Jalepeno Haverti, and a round of Brie along with some fresh grapes and strawberries. P.S. When hosting a party involving cheese you should always offer a variety of tastes, textures and appearances! So, offer hard and soft cheeses, mild and spicy or nutty. It’s fun to have a variety of different cheeses to try.  Since this was a Crafternoon Party and we were going to be crafting up some goodies I figured I should create all of the party decorations to give us a perfectly coordinated party theme! I went with pinks and florals as it was a “girls’ day in” kinda party and I created a simple paper doily garland using different sizes of white and pink doilies and strung it up with some twine. I also made little cheese flags out of white index cards and washi tape and hot glued them on wooden skewers. And then I cut the index cards into a smaller size and decorated them with washi tape to use as place cards for the salami and prosciutto. The cups and plates I used were a part of the Chinet® Cut Crystal® product line. I love how the crystal clear swirl pattern complements any table setting and is so stylish for disposable tableware. This line includes matching plates, cups, and cutlery to perfectly coordinate any tablescape!  Here is a shot a few of my lovely friends’ plated goodies so you can see the Chinet® Cut Crystal® cups and dishes in action… they were good sports for letting my snap a picture before digging in! If you are in need of some ideas on how to decorate your next party, click here to head on over to my Pinterest Board labeled Party Decor. It has lots of pretty and inspirational images to get the wheels turning! The Chinet® brand also has a Pinterest Page loaded with lots of great party inspiration too: click here to see it.
If you would like a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card and a Chinet® Cut Crystal® party pack just leave a comment below telling me, “How do you make your occasions perfectly coordinated?”

Good Luck!

Maggie

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This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 72 hours to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected.

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Comments

  1. Erin says

    I love when things are matchy, but not too matchy. I try to mix in new things with what I already have.

  2. Kelly D says

    I make my occasions perfectly coordinated by using a color scheme and serving foods that complement each other such as crackers & cheese as well as salads and pasta.

  5. Ashley C says

    I get ideas on pinterest, I like doing themes for parties and there are so many ideas on there!

    demureprincess7(at)gmail(dot)com

  7. Kate says

    I love making a Pinterest board and collecting ideas for parties. I also love the Rachel Ray magazine for new recipe ideas 🙂

  9. Lisa Brown says

    I actually do not strive for coordination when entertaining, when it comes to setting the table; I like mismatched napkins, bowls, plates, goblets, etc., if find it more interesting to look at. I do like coordination when trying to get the food on the table at the same time so everyone can eat at the same time at the table.

  12. Anne marie says

    I try to make everything coordinate by first choosing a theme and then choosing the colors that will coordinate. I then use this as a starting point and go from there. I love everything to match and coordinate!!

  13. Ryan K says

    Ha! My get together is perfectly coordinated if everyone shows up and we have food to meet everyone’s particular tastes!

  14. kATHY says

    I use plain white or clear dishes and lots of flowers every where. Real glass stem ware looks classy and you can rent a bunch for cheap from local rental businesses.

  15. sam m says

    I generally try to pull things together with a color theme. I love the simplicity of this setup.

  16. Liza Ahern says

    I really parse out what the occasion is and who is attending and then try to incorporate things those folks love. A good example is when I know my more daring foodie friends are attending I try for more exotic foods and decor. If it is family I try to keep it seasonal and something appealing to grandparents and kiddos.

  20. Mary Jo says

    I make mine by having good friends and fun.. it doesn’t have to be fancy , just be able to get together when possible!

  21. Beth Gallagher says

    I like to have a sort of kind of a little bit of a theme. Usually it ends up being international. 😉 My sister and her studio-mate are artists too, so we get really creative reusing things. Last time we used telephone wire spools (huge) as tables, covered by reclaimed 50’s curtains and tablecloths. We raided local gardens for a bit of spring and cheeriness! Thanks for the inspiration and for the chance at a great giveaway!

  24. Lauren E. says

    I have to use pinterest for ideas to matchy stuff as Im not the most coordinated person. I do like to use washi tape to coordinate and make things look more matching.

  27. Kate D. says

    I am always on the look out for dishes, serving platters, etc at consignment stores, antique stores, etc that I can use to coordinate with what I already own to make my special occasions interesting.

  28. jessica says

    to be truthful, I don’t! i don’t have the time or energy to plan beautiful parties so I figure if we have enough food and places to sit, we are good! 🙂

  30. Nat says

    Yum! This makes me want to host a party in my new house. I’m overdo for a crafty day with girlfriends!

    • Nat says

      Oh, and I love to use cute napkins and decorations to make the theme cohesive! If I can get my kids involved in making the decorations, I’ve given them something to do too!

  31. D Schmidt says

    I try to make them perfectly coordinated with a lot of planning, referring to Pinterest, friends suggestions and a lot of shopping! Its often challenging but I like to think I pull it off. Disposable tableware makes things much easier because I can always co ordinate to achieve the look I want!

  33. Angie Ward says

    I look around for ideas on Pinterest and google ideas. I like things to go together. I love cute disposable plates and cups. They make it fun and easy to clean up.

  35. Trisha says

    I always start with paper plates and napkins and go from there. I decide if I’m going to do a pattern, solids, or print and match everything from that. I also love to get printables of Etsy to match my stuff! 🙂

  42. Erika says

    I like to come up with some kind of theme, and find colors. etc. that go with that.

    chambanachik(at)gmail(dot)com

  44. evelyn says

    Serving food buffet style is the easiest. I pick a color scheme to suit the occasion and always provide classy cloth napkins.

  47. Tammy says

    Depending on what the occasion is, say Boy Baby Shower. I will go with blue color theme and just go from there. I’m a person who doesn’t like to do too much, but enough to be pretty.

  48. Lauren becker says

    i’m obsessed with themed parties so I tend to try and put things together based on the them from the colors to the food, etc.

  50. Krista Greene says

    Not much. I do pretty simple decorations and promise my guests my husband will cook… he’s much better at it than me.

  52. JoEllen says

    It’s all about the dishes, napkins, and centerpiece for me. I like to keep it simple but special.

  56. Melody says

    I love everything to match. Whether it’s the same color or same pattern. I love coordinating the napkins, plates, bowls, etc. It makes everything feel more “put together”. Fun giveaway!! Thanks!

  57. courtney b says

    i would choose a beautiful centerpiece with fresh flowers, nice napkin holders, and lots of pastel colors. For easter of course!

  59. amy pugmire says

    I love to use neutral colors for the table cloth and napkins and brighten up the center piece with a nice bouquet of flowers or something else that stands out.

  62. Kari M. says

    I make a party perfectly coordinated by just crossing my fingers that everyone gets there at around the same time.

  64. rachel says

    I tend to go matchy-matchy …. coordinating cups, plates, etc. I love having a theme.

  68. Katherine Donovan says

    I get a lot of my ideas on Pinterest. I can host a party using paper plate or china, it just depends on the occasion but no matter what the occasion, my main goal is for my guests to feel comfortable & have fun!

  69. Rebecca Graham says

    I like to have matching plates and cups and flowers all in matching colors.

  70. Susan Smith says

    I generally try to pull things together with a color theme, not everything perfectly coordinated.

  73. One Frugal Girl says

    I buy solid colored napkins and other party supplies so I can use them for any occasion. Birthdays, showers, easter parties. The trick is not to be too focused on a particular event. Then the leftover items can be used for another time.

  78. Jessica w says

    I use pinterest and the occasion to find a theme, and then try and fit items that are inexpensive as possible,but work with the tying everything together

  80. Jenn Mills says

    I like the Chinet Cut Crystal like you used! It goes with whatever colors we are using and looks great for both adult and kid parties. I just keep it on hand and never have to worry if my kiddos switch from Frozen to Minecraft. It matches either way!

  81. Nichole n says

    I pick a theme and 3-5 basic colors and this helps me keep everything perfectly coordinated!

  82. Wanda McHenry says

    Through the years I have accumulated the perfect decorations and accessories for the various holidays and seasons. I break them out every year and it’s enjoyed every year!

  84. Diana Smith Hill says

    I create a theme and center the decorations around the theme. If it’s a party perhaps use the desserts as the center piece and decor around that to coordinate. Keeps it simple but always changing.

  88. Jessie C. says

    Nowadays, I rely on Pinerest for information and ideas.
    tcarolinep at gmail dot com

  93. Julie Lee says

    I choose a personalized theme for the guest of honor and then look online, mainly pinterest!

  94. cw says

    I usually coordinate the food/drink around a theme, but I lack in decor….
    Wine and cheese are my two favorite things!

  95. Gina M says

    I try to go with a certain theme and color scheme to keep things cute and coordinated!

    Thanks for the chance to win!

    wildorchid985 at gmail dot com

  97. Susan Christy says

    I have a bazillion decorations I’ve collected over the years for every occasion and I use them to make my parties perfectly coordinated.

  102. Kristen says

    I love to look on Pinterest for ideas…there are so many themes I’ve never even thought of!

  106. Janice Cooper says

    I love using certain decorations and tableware depending on the holiday/occasion.

  108. Cori Westphal says

    I try to use a variety of shapes and colors in my meals to create the illusion of coordination, even though nothing matches! Somehow it works!

    coriwestphal at msn dot com

  110. Betty C says

    My occasions are rarely coordinated. They are more pot luck style with whatever suits my mood.

  116. Natalie J Vandenberghe says

    My occasions haven’t been perfectly coordinated, unfortunately. I’m not a very crafty person, but after seeing your post, I’m inspired!

  120. sharonjo says

    I’ve never heard of a “crafternoon” party–how clever and fun!

    I can’t afford to buy special dishes for every occasion so my tip is to use white plates and serveware and add colorful linens and glassware to suit the occasion/season. Thank you!

  122. Kerry says

    I usually buy everything at one time and make sure they coordinate in the store. I love the Chinet though – looks so classy and would go with everything! That would make things a lot easier!

  124. carmen says

    I love the colors aqua and green, so those are already used throughout my house so when planning events, I usually gravitate toward those colors as well, so I can make use of things I already have. I love that the Chinet options don’t clash!

  125. Denise S says

    I plan ahead and gather things way ahead of time.
    lazybones344 at gmail dot com

  127. Natalie says

    I try to stick with neutral colors so that I can mix and match for different occasions. I coordinate the plates to match the napkins and the flowers. I keep a base set of grey/silver and beige items and then will buy a few items such as glasses or flowers that are brighter colors.

  128. Ellie W says

    I get ideas from the internet for themes and then coordinate everything to that theme or color scheme.

  132. Margaret Smith says

    I try to stick to a color theme and decorate the table with a tablecloth, centerpiece and place settings in the same color theme.

  134. stephanie v says

    I let one of the kids pick the color scheme each occasion = makes it fun!
    tvollowitz at aol dot com

  135. Katharine DAvis says

    I tend to buy everything in shades of green and blue with some violet to mix, they all tend to blend nicely and pull a look together

  136. Jenna A says

    I don’t! I like things to be mismatched – I think it keeps things interesting. I might stick to similar kinds of colors – bold colors, or bright colors – but I really like having different styles and everything.

  137. K Anne says

    I like to pick out a printed plate and then I will buy the matching paper napkins in different solid colors

  138. Anastasia says

    I take the easy way out and let the Party Story lead the way. They always have coordinating decorations, plates, cups and more. Sometimes, I mix and match with similar designs, just to give it a little bit of a personal touch 🙂

  140. Cynthia C says

    I have dishes in several colors that coordinate that I can mix or match for different occasions. I use coordinating table linens and flowers for the centerpiece.

  142. Kimmy Ripley says

    I love prepping for parties… especially my daughter’s birthday parties. I get a lot of inspiration from Pinterest. It takes me a long time to gather all of the items.

  143. Joseph Stowell says

    Wow, what a great spread! However, for me, the perfect coordination is family and friends—an eclectic bunch!

  144. mickeyfan says

    I rarely do coordinate! However, I prefer neutral colored dishes so that I can add pops of color with linens and flowers.

  146. paige chandler says

    I choose a theme and use 2 colors for the flowers, decorations and serve ware..

  147. Barbara Montag says

    I’ve been running out of ideas lately.
    So I’ve been checking this out on Pinterest.
    thank you

  150. Debbi Wellenstein says

    I do not strive for coordination when entertaining. I have been known to use Halloween napkins at Easter, because the Halloween napkins were on clearance! My sister, on the other hand, made a very cute table presentation with cheap opaque glasses bought at the dollar store, and added tall decorations and flowers to make cute vases.

  151. John Stetson says

    I’m afraid my guests are forced to make do with what they get. I’m just not a very coordinated host.

  153. Cathy truman says

    I choose a theme and match the napkins, plates, and cups. I make a special centerpiece to match.
    I try to find cute items at the craft store to match the theme .

  156. Neiddy says

    I make my occasions perfectly coordinated by choosing a theme and a matching color scheme

  158. Sarah Hirsch says

    most of the kitchen items, dishware and serving pieces that i own are the same colors, so it is easy for me to coordinate.

  159. Carmen N says

    For Easter I chose a lovely lace tablecloth, white plates and then coordinated with pastel napkins to give it some color but with a spring theme

  160. Lauren Olivia Wood says

    I set my dining table with a themed matching set of linens and tableware, along with a beautiful centerpiece. I plan a themed menu and have a strategic guest list.

  161. maria cantu says

    I don’t coordinate. I don’t know why it just isn’t one of my talents.

  162. Carolyn Daley says

    I like to make special occasions and holidays coordinated with themes and/or color coordination schemes. We have holiday themed and colorful tablecloths. We select a tablecloth based on the occasion and try to coordinate with matching tableware. For Christmas, we have a poinsettia table cloth and use a combination of red and green tableware.

  165. Jacob LaFountaine says

    I don’t like to coordinate things. takes time away from sleeping

  167. Cody Anderson says

    I match the tablecloth with flowers and food that is being served.

  168. Sue Barney says

    I pick a fun theme and coordinate my decorations, centerpiece and dinnerware to it 🙂

  174. Karen Drake says

    I coordinate everything by making use of the red theme I already have, I buy red flowers and red flowered napkins, add some ribbons as napkin holders and I have a lovely table.

  176. Shauntea Crutcher says

    I haven’t had the chance to do an event in awhile, but this seems like a really good idea.

  177. Mary withrow says

    I always pick a theme and go from there. The best part of a party or event is the decorating and baking for me! I also try to add for the children something as well.

  179. Ssgirl4now says

    I coordinate my events by setting up matching, classy decorations. I like wall and hanging decorations. I serve food on plates that match the theme and try to have to food go along with it too. The final touch is music, I try and download all the music that I think will fit perfectly with the theme and bring up peoples spirits

  180. Shanna A says

    I plan ahead, keep everything organized, and lots of searching for ideas online
    =)

  181. RICHARD HICKS says

    Depending on the holiday, I have color coordinated napkins, plates, flowers, and knick knacks on the table.

  190. Beverly Metcalf says

    I love to decorate my table, especially for the holidays. I usually start with a tablecloth and napkins that fits the occasion and then add other decorations, such as flowers or candles. I love your wine and cheese party idea. Thanks!

  191. Carolsue says

    I choose a colorful theme, then get my accessories (napkins, plates, etc.) in a neutral color so I can use them again if there are any left over.
    Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net

  192. Crystal F says

    I usually go with a theme and buy all the products of that theme. Thank you!

  193. tracey byram says

    I use the good china that I inherited from my mom and add fresh flowers.

  195. linda says

    I don’t coordinate , I pull out my china sets, flatware, linens, flea market finds and check my yard for flowers and then start layering, adding and subtracting till I get a look and feel I love

    madrockclimbr at gmail dot com

  198. Christian Alejandro says

    Once we have a theme in mind, we color coordinate accordingly! 🙂

  200. Valeen N says

    I love to go to the fabric store and get fabric for a tablecloth, and napkins. I also love to coordinate with fresh flowers and of course, matching plates, napkins, etc.!

  201. Jacqueline Weiskopff says

    I never really thought about coordinating a party with a theme before, or not until I met my co-worker. She has the best planning ideas and is a true inspiration to the craft.

  205. susan smoaks says

    I make my special occasions perfectly coordinated by going with a simple clean look. I try not to over do it. it keeps things neat and orderly.

  206. Kathy Pease says

    I like to get inspiration from pinterest..Matching place setting and a pretty floral centerpiece is my favorite look.

  208. Sarah L says

    I don’t think I’ve ever had a coordinated dinner party. I like white napkins and my white dinnerware. Other than that, I’m no Martha Stewart.
    Thanks for the contest.

  209. SAnd says

    I look for things that I own or borrow things from others to keep coordinated.

  212. Jean F says

    I run to the local Party store and purchase color coordinated dishes, napkins, cutlery, tablecloths!

  215. Veronica Garrett says

    I coordinate by color. I have dishes, linens and decorations of the same color.