3 ways to make party punch more interesting and fun

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Most adults will agree that the school dance without punch just wasn't a dance at all. And thanks to Angie Sanders, the coolest senior in High School, I learned that punch was way more interesting and fun with booze! But between you, me, and the fencepost, I'll never admit that to my mother because according to my bent truth, I didn't start drinking the magic juice until my early twenties. ( but I swear that woman has eyes in the back of her head and she knows more then she's saying!) 

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 Fast forward to now and most adults still like punch but eventually the day comes when punch just isn't enjoyable and we forget to make it. In this A.D.D generation of the 'grass is always greener elsewhere' we crave variety. I personally crave all things easy and find my thoughts wandering to an easier time of school dances, endearing crushes on boys like David Thompson and fruity punch.  As we approach this fall season amidst record breaking highs, punch not only seems appropriate, but refreshing and fun!

AB HOME'S Adult Party Punch

1 C Sugar

1 C Water

4 C Orange Juice

1C Lemon juice

1 C strong tea

6 Sprite zeros

As much vodka as you need 

(I recommend generous amounts)

1) Tip number one- Roll lemons or limes on a hard surface with the heel of your hand before cutting. This softens the fruit from the protective wall, and makes squeezing fresh juice much easier.


2) Tip two-For this holiday season, make punch more fun by hollowing out a pumpkin and using it as a punch bowl for Halloween. Serve up in mason jars filled with a few slices of fruit for extra flavor

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3) Tip 3-Soak apricots,  fresh or frozen in Vodka for three to four weeks and store in the fridge in a sealed mason jar. The day of the party put flavored fruit into the pumpkin with punch and let sit for an hour before you serve. Use remainder of vodka (as much as you need) to flavor punch.

Boil sugar and water together for approximately ten minutes. Add tea and chill. When you are ready to serve punch mix everything together and pour into the pumpkin with ice. For extra amusement, you can also float strawberries, cherries, lemon and orange slices on top for decoration;  in my opinion this makes the punch a nutritious and a well balanced meal!


Gulp  Drink up!

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Interior Designer, Amanda Gates on her favorite BAR CARTS

Bar carts have always been a chic and stylish way to store booze. In the 50's, 60's and 70's everyone had cocktail parties in their home, unlike the recent past where it became more popular to meet at a restaurant or bar. In recent months however, I have noticed an increasing trend and rising popularity in the request for bar carts. With the economy kicking the bucket and more people spending time at home, parties with friends and neighbors is once again in vogue. Here are some tips from Tara Guerard, one of the South's leading event designers, on stocking the perfect five-o'clock bar.

1) Always have liquor on hand and stock the classics;Vodka, gin, scotch and bourbon, rum is optional.

2) Have a basic red and white wine.

3) Having tequila and a bottle of Champagne as well as a cabinet of tonic, club soda, Coke and ginger ale prepares you for any occasion and provides your guests a drink of their preference, making you a successful host.

4) Keep the season in consideration. Refreshing drinks like gin and tonic for summer, and dark liquors are popular in winter months.

5) Most importantly always have something available thats fresh and enjoyable for non-drinkers.

Additional tips for a successful party.

1) Always use glass instead of plastic for drinks.

2) Have some appetizers.

3) Be clear to your guests what you are serving and have stocked

4) Make no apologies for what you don't have. When people are in your home they expect a common drink that is always served.

Pics courtesy of domino magazine, restoration hardware, and southern accents. Updated tips on a well stocked bar..