Host the Ultimate Girls’ Night: Gourmet Bites, Fair Trade Fashion & Unforgettable Memories

It all began with a simple idea: transforming a casual gathering into an extraordinary event. A dear friend’s request to host one of those beloved “purse parties” sparked the initial concept. You know the kind – a living room brimming with fabulous faux designer handbags, where laughter fills the air as everyone happily sifts through treasures, eager to find their perfect new accessory. But why stop there? We decided to elevate the experience, blending fashion with philanthropy, delicious food, and fine wine to create a truly memorable occasion.

To complement the style, we introduced exquisite, ethically made aprons shipped directly from Scarlet Threads, an organization with an inspiring mission. And no sophisticated ladies’ gathering is complete without a delightful wine selection, so we partnered with our beloved local wine shop, Cork & Olive, for a complimentary tasting. Gather a group of wonderful women, and you don’t just have a party; you have an experience – a blend of style, taste, and heart.

Crafting the Perfect Culinary Experience: Simple Yet Sophisticated Finger Foods

When planning a social event centered around mingling and merriment, keeping the food simple yet undeniably delicious is key. My philosophy for this party was all about effortless elegance: an array of delectable finger foods, savory dips, crunchy chips, and artisanal cheeses. These are the quintessential elements that encourage conversation, complement fine wine, and allow guests to graze happily without the fuss of a formal meal. My wonderful friend, Colleen (pictured above, far right), arrived early, her enthusiasm as infectious as her culinary skills, to help bring this vision to life. Her assistance was invaluable in setting up the spread, ensuring everything was perfectly presented and ready for our guests.

One of the star attractions, prepared fresh earlier that day, was a vibrant Lemony-Garlic Hummus. This creamy, homemade dip was served with the most incredibly addictive Blue Ginger Multi-Grain Brown Rice Chips, a fantastic find from Costco that have quickly become my absolute favorite. Fair warning: these chips are seriously dangerous in their deliciousness; once you start, it’s hard to stop!

Recipe: Fresh & Flavorful Lemony-Garlic Hummus

This homemade hummus recipe from Aggie’s Kitchen is a game-changer. It’s incredibly fresh, bursting with bright citrus and aromatic garlic, and wonderfully smooth. Perfect for any appetizer platter, it’s a healthier alternative to store-bought versions and always a crowd-pleaser.

Recipe from Aggie’s Kitchen

(printable recipe)

Ingredients:
2 16 oz cans of chickpeas (Bush’s is my canned bean of choice for consistent quality!)
1/2 cup liquid reserved from the chickpea can (aquafaba adds to the creaminess!)
Juice and zest from 3 fresh lemons (for that essential bright, zesty flavor)
3 tablespoons tahini (the key to authentic hummus richness)
4 cloves garlic, crushed (or minced, for a robust garlic kick)
A generous pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper (season to taste)
5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for richness and smooth consistency)

Instructions:

1. Begin by combining the first six ingredients – chickpeas, reserved liquid, lemon juice and zest, tahini, crushed garlic, salt, and pepper – into the bowl of a high-speed food processor.
2. Process for 2-3 minutes, allowing the mixture to blend thoroughly until it achieves a wonderfully smooth and creamy texture. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure all ingredients are incorporated.
3. With the food processor still running, slowly stream in the olive oil. Continue blending until the oil is fully combined and the hummus is impeccably smooth and emulsified.
4. Taste the hummus and adjust seasonings as desired. You might want to add a little more salt, a squeeze of lemon, or another pinch of pepper to suit your preference.
5. Serve this delightful homemade hummus immediately with an assortment of fresh-cut vegetables like cucumber slices, carrot sticks, bell pepper strips, crunchy crackers, versatile chips, classic pita chips, or elegant crostini. It truly creates a beautiful and inviting appetizer platter that guests will adore.

Note: This recipe yields a generous batch, perfect for parties or for enjoying throughout the week. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, maintaining its freshness and flavor.

Sweet-‘n’-Salty Honey Cheese Spread: An Effortless Indulgence

Another culinary delight that graced our appetizer table, and one that consistently impresses with its simplicity and exquisite taste, was the Sweet-‘n’-Salty Honey Cheese Spread. This appetizer was prepped just a short while before guests arrived and served alongside an array of crisp crackers. Oh, how incredibly good this was! It’s probably one of the most effortlessly elegant appetizers you could possibly make, yet it tastes like something from a gourmet bistro.

The beauty lies in its straightforward preparation: you literally just take a log of creamy goat cheese, roll it meticulously in a generous coating of salted and perfectly toasted sunflower seeds, creating a delightful textural contrast. Then, just before serving, you drizzle it lavishly with sweet, golden honey. If you’re a devotee of goat cheese, as I proudly am, then this harmonious blend of tangy, salty, nutty, and sweet flavors will undoubtedly become a new favorite. It’s a sophisticated bite that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum impact.

Colleen’s Hot and Spicy Artichoke Dip: The Undisputed Party Favorite

Amongst all the delightful dishes, it’s safe to declare that Colleen’s Hot Artichoke Dip was the undisputed hit of the party. This bowl, brimming with warm, cheesy, and savory goodness, cleared out with remarkable speed. I may or may not have been subtly scraping out the last remnants when I thought no one was looking – but honestly, can you blame me? Its irresistible charm is simply too potent to resist. This dip offers a comforting warmth with a delightful kick, making it perfect for any gathering, especially on a cooler evening.

Colleen’s Hot and Spicy Artichoke Dip

Recipe from Culinary Journey to the Mediterranean

(printable recipe)

Ingredients:
1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, chopped and thoroughly drained (squeezing out excess water is key for texture)
1 cup creamy mayonnaise (the binding agent for ultimate richness)
1 cup (4oz) freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for that salty, umami depth)
1 can (4oz) chopped green chilis, well drained (adds a mild, zesty heat without overwhelming)
2-3 cloves of garlic, finely minced (for a pungent, aromatic kick)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients: chopped artichoke hearts, mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, drained green chilis, and minced garlic. Stir well until all components are evenly mixed and thoroughly combined.
3. Transfer the mixture into a shallow, ovenproof dish or a 9-inch pie plate. Spread it out evenly.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbling around the edges and the top is lightly golden brown and irresistible.
5. For an extra touch of freshness and color, garnish the hot dip with 2 tablespoons each of finely chopped fresh tomatoes and sliced black olives just before serving. This adds a beautiful visual appeal and a burst of flavor.

We served this incredible dip with crisp ciabatta crisps, which were the perfect vehicle for scooping up every last bit of its gooey goodness. You could also offer pita bread, sturdy crackers, or even fresh vegetable sticks for dipping.

(The usual suspects…Allison and I partaking in one of our favorite activities – sharing stories and laughter over a glass of wine.)

Delightful Pinwheel Wraps: A Customizable Party Pleaser

These vibrant pinwheel wraps were a fantastic addition to our spread, offering a fresh and substantial bite for our guests. While they required a little practice to perfect the rolling technique, the effort was well worth it! I wish I could offer a full photo tutorial, but let me give you the essential gist for creating these impressive appetizers. The foundation is finding large, rectangular Lavash bread. I was fortunate enough to discover some excellent quality Lavash at my local Publix deli, but you might need to explore ethnic markets or specialty grocery stores to find it.

Once you have your Lavash, the creativity begins. Spread a thin, even layer of creamy Alouette cheese across the bread – this acts as a delicious base and a crucial “glue” for your fillings. Then, it’s time to layer in your chosen ingredients. I opted for two distinct and equally popular roll-up variations to cater to different tastes:

• An “Italian” inspired pinwheel, generously filled with savory ham, spicy salami, thinly sliced provolone cheese, fresh tomatoes, and crisp mixed greens. This combination delivers a robust, classic flavor profile.
• A delightful “Veggie” pinwheel, featuring creamy provolone, sun-ripened tomatoes, fragrant basil, mixed greens, and just the right amount of a wonderfully marinated portobello mushroom and red pepper mix I discovered at Costco. This option was fresh, earthy, and bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

When layering your ingredients, remember to spread them out over approximately three-quarters of the bread, leaving one edge relatively clear. This allows for a clean start to your roll. The key to firm, attractive pinwheels is to roll them very tightly from the filled end. You may find that applying a little extra cheese spread to the final edge helps “glue” the wrap securely into place before you begin slicing. Once again, I owe a huge thank you to Colleen for her hands-on help in the kitchen; she always makes cooking and entertaining so much more enjoyable and efficient!

More Delicious Bites: Rounding Out the Appetizer Selection

Beyond the featured recipes, our party spread also included a few additional crowd-pleasing items that ensured there was something for everyone. From Costco, we had a selection of frozen, perfectly flaky spanakopita and an assortment of mini quiches – both incredibly convenient and universally loved savory bites. For those with a sweet tooth, I discovered these incredibly easy and addictive Rolo Turtle Pretzels on Steamy Kitchen, offering a delightful salty-sweet crunch that disappeared just as quickly as the savory dips.

Beyond the Plate: Celebrating Fair Trade Fashion with Scarlet Threads

Alright, with our appetites satisfied and spirits lifted by delicious food and good company, let’s transition to the equally exciting, and deeply meaningful, “girlie stuff” that made this party truly special.

About a month or so ago, I had the privilege of becoming acquainted with an incredible organization through Facebook called Scarlet Threads. What this dedicated group of ladies is doing is nothing short of absolutely inspiring. Scarlet Threads was established by a collective of exceptionally talented women in China who are actively empowering themselves and supporting their families through sustainable means. They achieve this by meticulously handcrafting and selling their beautiful products through their very own virtual boutique. Each and every apron and handbag is a labor of love, handmade by a skilled seamstress residing in a rural village. These women are provided with the invaluable opportunity to work under fair trade principles, allowing them to utilize their craft to earn a dignified living and secure a brighter future for themselves and their loved ones. It’s a testament to the power of ethical sourcing and women’s empowerment.

I have fallen completely in love with Scarlet Threads’ products – their quality, their beauty, and most importantly, the incredible story behind each stitch. I am so genuinely happy and proud to be a small part of their inspiring journey. It’s an honor to share their mission with you, and what better way to do so than with a special giveaway! I have two absolutely gorgeous aprons from Scarlet Threads to give away – one today, and another next week. Today’s featured apron is the enchanting “Lucy.” Seriously, how can anyone resist this vibrant beauty? Just looking at its cheerful colors and thoughtful design brings a smile to my face and fills me with happiness. It’s more than just an apron; it’s a wearable piece of art with a story.

Win a Beautiful Scarlet Threads Apron!

(Photo courtesy of Scarlet Threads, showcasing the lovely “Lucy” apron.)

Ready to bring a piece of this inspiring story and exquisite craftsmanship into your own home? Here’s how you can enter to win the beautiful “Lucy” apron:

1. Primary Entry: Visit the Scarlet Threads Boutique online. Explore their stunning collection of aprons and handbags, then return to this post and leave a comment telling us the name of your absolute favorite apron from their shop! Each unique comment left on this blog post will count as one entry.

Earn additional entries and boost your chances of winning by completing one or more of the following actions (remember to leave a separate comment for each additional entry you complete, so we can count them!):

• Spread the Word: Share this exciting giveaway on your Facebook profile, Twitter feed, or even on your own personal blog. (You’ll earn an additional entry for each platform you share it on – just provide the link in your comment!).
• Become a Fan: Show your support by becoming a fan of Aggie’s Kitchen and/or Scarlet Threads on Facebook. (Let us know in your comment!).
• Host Your Own Party: Express your interest in hosting your very own apron party, just like ours! This is a fantastic way to share the Scarlet Threads mission with your friends. (I will gladly email you more information on how to get started!).

This fantastic giveaway will conclude promptly at 10:00 PM EST on Friday, August 27th. Don’t miss your chance to win a truly special, ethically made apron that brings beauty and purpose to your kitchen! Good luck to all our entrants!